Genus to develop PRRS-resistant pigs in China
17th May 2019 / By Alistair Driver
Global genetics company, Genus, has announced its intention to help develop and market PRRS-free pigs in China.
The US company has announced a new strategic collaboration with Beijing Capital Agribusiness Co Ltd (BCA), a leading Chinese genetics business, to research, develop, register and market elite pigs in China that are resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSv).
Genus said the announcement marks an 'exciting step forward in the development of PRRS resistant pigs for pork producers in China'. “The combination of Genus’ PRRSv resistance technology, elite genetics and breeding know-how along with BCA’s deep understanding of the porcine sector in China and its distribution channels plays to the strengths of each party,” said Bill Christianson, PIC COO.
“We are looking forward to rapidly progressing the PRRSv resistance program in collaboration with BCA and launching this important new product in China.”
The initial phase of the collaboration is expected to take several years and focuses on the research, development and regulatory approval in China of PRRSv resistant pigs. Following regulatory approval and the launch of PRRSv resistant pigs in China, Genus and BCA have agreed to work together in a joint venture which will include Genus's porcine operations in China, under the name 'PIC China'.
Genus acknowledged that, as China seeks to modernise its pork production, these efforts are being significantly hindered by disease outbreaks. While all the intention is currently on African swine fever, Genus said the potential to reduce PRRSv would bring significant benefits to China by improving the reliability of the pork supply chain and continuing to provide high-quality pork to Chinese consumers.
PRRSv affects the majority of pigs in China and causes animal suffering, reproductive failure, increased mortality and reduced growth. BCA and Genus also intend to cooperate to research solutions to other major diseases, including ASF.
“We are excited to collaborate with Genus PIC, the world’s leading porcine genetics company, for the registration and launch of PRRSv resistant pigs in China as an important step of a broader partnership,” said Liu Jiantong, General Manager and Vice Chairman of BCA.