Registration is an important component of producing and distributing high-quality purebred genetics. In Canada, the Animal Pedigree Act provides the framework for the registration and identification of purebred animals, with the stated objectives of supporting breed improvement and protecting people who breed and purchase animals. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada recognizes multiple swine breeds under the Act, including Duroc, Landrace, Yorkshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, and several other established breeds.
For producers purchasing breeding stock, accurate pedigree information is essential. A breeding animal represents an investment in genetics that can influence herd performance for many generations. Registration provides documented information about an animal’s breed, identity, and ancestry. The value extends beyond the individual pig: the pedigree becomes part of the information used to understand and manage the genetics of the population into which that animal is introduced.
The scale of True North Genetics’ registered purebred populations demonstrates the importance of this process. For the last 10 years, the Genesus pig accounted for the majority of registered Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire animals represented in the data. In 2025, True North Genetics accounted for 100% of Landrace registrations, 99.8% of Yorkshire registrations, and almost 72% of the Duroc registrations.
Registration is particularly important for a genetics company operating internationally. True North Genetics supplies purebred breeding stock to customers beyond the Canadian market, making accurate identification and traceability essential as genetics move between breeding populations, farms, and countries. A registered pedigree provides a recognized record of the animal and its genetic origin, supporting confidence in the genetics being purchased and introduced into new populations.
For customers, registration assures that the breeding stock they purchase has a documented genetic history and a verifiable place within its breed. For True North Genetics, it provides the foundation for maintaining the identity and integrity of the purebred populations from which our genetics are selected and distributed globally.
Combined with performance data and genomic information, registered pedigrees support informed selection, genetic evaluation, and the continued improvement of the genetics supplied to producers around the world.
Written by: Dr. Kerry Houlahan, PhD
August 11, 2026
