The goal of this paper is to analyse one
century of pig breeding with societal needs in the background. It was found that during this time genetic changes have resulted. The main features are the progress in daily
gain (+100%) and in backfat thickness (-75%). During the last decade, genetic progress was accelerated
enormously by further specialisation and improved statistical methods (and computers), especially in
reproduction traits. At present, most European pig breeding programmes realise annual genetic progress for
daily gain of +20 g/day, lean meat % of +0.5% and litter size of +0.2 piglet/litter. In commercial pig breeding
programmes selection limits have not been reached yet. Nevertheless, there are experimental results that
indicate unintended side effects of the present breeding goals. In general, more genetic progress for a single
trait increases the potential risk for the biological balance of the pig. Clearly, the success of any pig breeding
programme next century will be judged by the consumer. Where a newly bred, or genetically modified,
variety of animals fails to provide something people are prepared to buy, the breeding programme will be
judged a failure. Next to quality of the product, animal integrity and welfare will also be judged. Only
improved production levels without affect on of health or metabolic balance of the animal seem to be
accepted by society.