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The fundamental purpose of the American Meishan Breeders Association is to document a Meishan Pig pedigree history. Those pigs which have been verified to be progeny and descendants of the original importation from China and have at least a two generation pedigree are eligible to be added.
Genetic management
An informed membership with access to an accurate pedigree herd book can prevent detrimental long term impacts on the Meishan breed due to inbreeding depression.
If you are currently breeding Meishans, if you own even just one Meishan, if you are a Zoo, if you are a University research facility or know of the location of any pigs you believe to be pure Meishan (including other Zoos or University research facilities) we encourage you to contact the A.M.B.A.
If you are aware of the locations of any pure U.S. Meishan genetics we would ask that you pass that information on to the A.M.B.A. or complete a National Herd Submission Form.
The A.M.B.A. strongly believes that every pure Meishan Pig has a critical contribution to the genetic pool of U.S. Meishans. The A.M.B.A. also realizes that due to the small numbers and regional pockets of Meishan genetics it is likely that there may be a higher level of inbreeding in some Meishan stock than is advisable for the long term genetic health of the breed. However, because of the nature of the breed in the U.S. (three genetically differentiated bloodlines: USDA, University of Illinois and Iowa State) there are unique opportunities, over time, to potentially offset high levels of inbreeding that may have resulted in “inbreeding depression.” This can be accomplished by the exchange of genetics between current and prospective member breeders.
All submitters will receive a coupon code for a free 90 day trial membership to the A.M.B.A. Submitters whose hogs earn entry as Foundation Pure or Pure On Appearance/Grade into the A.M.B.A. Herd Book will receive a coupon for a free AMBA Annual Associates Membership.
The decisions of the American Meishan Breeders Association are final and not subject to appeal. By submitting a candidate you are accepting these terms.
chain of custody
Without a DNA test or a reliable method to visually prove breed purity, it is essential to establish a chain of custody.
The AMBA intends to establish a chain of custody of pure Meishan genetics back to one of the original research herds (USDA, University of Illinois or Iowa State).
Hogs that meet this criteria will be entered into the herd book and granted “Foundation Line” status.
In cases where a clear chain of custody cannot be determined but the candidate hog still indicates an extremely high confidence of purity, they will be entered into the herd book with a “Grade” status with a note of “Pure on Appearance” (P.O.A.).
All future generations will be tracked for their percentage of Foundation Stock lineage. Please make every effort to provide as much information as possible. Obtaining Foundation Stock status for your pigs may significantly increase their value… and the value of their offspring.
Owners may need to contact their original source for their candidate hogs (unless it was documented to come from one of the three research facilities) and solicit their cooperation in this effort.
REQUIRED INFORMATION
Minimum standards of information required for inclusion in the online pedigree database and herd book.
PIGS ACQUIRED AT AUCTION:
PIGS ACQUIRED VIA A SERIES OF PRIVATE TRANSFERS OR AUCTIONS:
Since Iowa State was the first to disperse (2008-2010) there may be multiple transactions of original or progeny hogs leading up to the current candidate. The A.M.B.A. is willing to trace these transactions if needed. Be advised, this may require the cooperation of multiple breeders, brokers and auction or sale barns. In addition, this process depends on the accuracy and honesty of the participating parties. Information supplied which is later found to be inaccurate (intentionally or otherwise) will significantly negatively impact any submission.
TWO-GENERATION PEDIGREE:
Because the integrity of the pedigree data base is fundamental to the value of membership, the A.M.B.A. seeks to have a minimum of a two generation pedigree (Sire/Damn, Maternal Grand Sire/Grand Damn, Paternal Grand Sire/Grand Damn) on submitted pigs. Individual pigs will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
When breeding herds are located, we reserve the right to request submission of the entire herd or the source herd, rather than just individual pigs.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The American Meishan Breeders Association may require that the location of the breeding animals be submitted. We reserve the right to inquire as to how pigs are marked (ear tag, notching, etc). The A.M.B.A. may inquire as to how breeding stock is segregated. This is to assure that pedigree data submitted has a very high degree of confidence. In addition, a description of facilities including photographic evidence to confirm that there are sufficient lots or pastures to segregate intact animals of the same sex may be required.
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PRESERVING THE MEISHAN
The American Meishan Breeders Association is the official registry for Meishans, offering the only on-line pedigree database of verified pure Meishan pigs.
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