An economic appraisal of pig improvement in Great Britain 2. Factors affecting estimated benefits

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Abstract
In a previous paper, pig improvement in Great Britain was assessed for the value of genetic improvements in growth-carcass traits. The benefits are substantial, estimated at €100 × 10 per year. Here, several factors that possibly affect these estimated benefits are examined. These include: 1. comparisons in production systems optimal to improved and to unimproved stocks; 2. interaction of station and farm performance; 3. changes in correlated traits, especially sow weight; and 4. uncertainty about future husbandry and marketing needs. The conclusion is that, despite appreciable documentation and evaluation, and although the overall benefits are certainly large, there is room for uncertainty about the actual value of past pig improvement work in Great Britain.