NSR Member Handbook | NSR Fee Structure | Online Registration
Online AI Certificates | Pedigree Search | Membership Application
Breeding Certificate | Transfer Form | DNA Testing Form
Blotter Card Instructions | Registration Application & Sow Productivity Data Form | FAQs
For Members Only FAQ
REGISTRATION FAQs:
How do I register a litter of pigs?
You can either use the online registration feature or call the National Swine Registry office to request a registration form. Be sure to have a credit card number handy for the charges. To register online, you must obtain a username and password from NSR.
How do I obtain a username and password to use the online registration feature?
To register online, you must call Robin Lucas at the National Swine Registry at 765.463.3594 to register for a username and password. You must also already be a NSR member and be in good standing.
What information do I need to register?
To register, you need to know your breeder number (client id), herdmark and whether you’re recording as a member or non-member. You also need to know the sire and dam’s registered name, ear notch, sire and dam's registration numbers, sex of each individual pig and the litter’s farrowing date. If the litter is A.I.’d, you must contact the boar stud and order an A.I. certificate.
How do I get an A.I. certificate from a boar stud?
If you purchased semen, be sure to call the boar stud to order your A.I. certificate. You must know the boar’s name and either the farrowing date of the litter, or the date the semen was ordered. Make sure to ask for the ear notch and registration number of the boar so you can complete your registration application.
How do I obtain a herdmark?
You must come up with a new herdmark when you apply for membership to the National Swine Registry. A herdmark is a combination of two to four letters that are included as a part of the registered name of each animal that you register. All of this can be done on the membership application. You can obtain an application by calling Robin Lucas at the NSR at 765.463.3594.
I am an NJSA member. Should I also join NSR and obtain a herdmark?
NJSA members are also encouraged to join National Swine Registry and obtain a herdmark. (Note: Herdmarks ARE NOT assigned when you join the NJSA. They are assigned when you join the NSR.)
What does it cost to register a litter?
If you ARE an NSR member, it is $12 for litters that are 90 days of age and under, and $24 for litters that are over 90 days of age. If you ARE NOT an NSR member, it is $24 for litters that are 90 days of age and under, and $48 for litters that are over 90 days of age.
What do I need to register pigs out of a sire I own?
If you are registering a litter out of a sire you own, be sure to have a blotter card on file in the National Swine Registry office and make sure the sire has been stress tested. (For more information regarding blotter cards and stress testing, call Robin Lucas or Mike Paul at NSR at 765.463.3594.)
Do I have to register a litter with the sow productivity program?
No, you do not have to be on the sow productivity program to register a litter. However, if you would like to be on sow productivity program, there is a one-time fee of $25 per breed.
REGISTRATION TERMINOLOGY FAQs:
(Note: If you have trouble understanding the terminology on the registration application, be sure to read the back side of the application for explanations.)
What is the total born?
The total born is the number of pigs the sow had that were dead and alive.
What is the number born alive?
The number born alive is the number of pigs the sow had that were actually born alive.
What is the number after transfer?
The number after transfer is the number of pigs the sow has the opportunity to raise, whether you took some off of the sow (to be raised by another sow) or you added another sow’s pigs to her.
What is the date litter weighed?
The date litter weighed is the actual calendar day that you weighed the pigs, which is approximately 21 days after birth.
What is the parity?
The parity is the number of litters the sow has had.
ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION REMINDERS:
1. Be sure to check your sow’s registration paper to make sure the breeder number is the same as the breeder number you are using to record the litter.*The ear notch of the dam and sire can only be put in as it reads on your registration paper. The computer will not accept any other symbol than a dash. (For example: 24-1)
2. Because you have already listed the litter number above, type in the individual pig ear notch as a one- or two-digit number.
TRANSFER FAQs:
Where can I find the form to transfer a pedigree to a new owner?
There are two ways to transfer a pedigree. You can either fill out the back of the pedigree OR print and fill out this transfer form.
When I finish filling out the transfer form, how do I turn it into the NSR office? Can I do it online?
Please mail your form to: National Swine Registry. P.O. Box 2417, West Lafayette, IN 47996-2417. Yes, you can process an online transfer. Please remember that you must be the owner of the animal to do an online transfer. If you are the purchaser, the transfer must be mailed to us.
What information do I need to transfer a pedigree?
To transfer a pedigree, you need to know the ear notch, registration number, breed, buyer’s complete name and address, and sale date.
What information do I need if I have sold a bred gilt?
If you have sold a bred gilt, you need to know the date bred, ear notch and registration number of the service sire. (This is only for natural breeding or A.I. litters.) Note that you are responsible for obtaining the A.I. certificate.
How much does it cost to transfer a pedigree?
Effective on Jan. 1, 2009, it will cost $2 for transfers under 60 days from the date of sale. The $5 fee for transfers over 60 days remains the same. This change was made to cover NSR's cost of pedigrees, envelopes and postage.
OTHER FAQs:
Where can I order NJSA or NSR apparel?
A: You may obtain an order form on the NSR Web site and mail it to the NSR office or purchase these supplies at the supply booth found at any NSR or NJSA show.
Where can I find information on how to ear notch a pig?
A: There are resources available from the NSR office that have charts that show what each notch should look like. Or you can check out online tutorials featured in the NJSA Links Section.
