JSR Genetics, UK-based international pig breeding company, has signed a £1-million contract with Chinese state-owned import/export company, the China Animal Husbandry Group (CAHG), further accelerating its growth in Asia.

The sale of nearly 800 pigs, together with a tailor-made support and training package, was formalised during the UK visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in June, and comes at a time when he is strongly encouraging his government to support pork production.

Paul Anderson, JSR's International Sales Director, commented: "We are delighted to have finalised such a valuable contract at this time. With an increasingly large and prosperous middle class of pork consumers, and the world's second biggest economy, China has always been very important to us. Now Premier Wen is advocating immediate measures to support pork production to prevent a surge in the price of meat and curb inflation.

"According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the market price of pork increased by 57.1 per cent year-on-year in June and, in accounting for 1.37 per cent of China's annual inflation to 6.4 per cent, is a key factor that he aims to control," he said.

JSR will be exporting 756 JSR grandparent stock to CAHG of Beijing which after quarantine in China will be supplied to three of its clients to improve their own breeding stock, herd productivity and the quality and quantity of lean meat in the slaughter pig. The consignment will include Genepacker GP Damline and Geneconverter 500 GP gilts and boars.

Mr Zhang, who was assisted throughout his visit by Yolanda Hou, JSR's Chinese International Sales Assistant, commented: "The Chinese pig industry offers huge potential for us now and to capitalise on it we need robust, highly productive stock. We researched the market thoroughly and chose to visit JSR in the UK. We have not been disappointed. JSR's scientific approach can provide the world class genetics, and the support services, that we need when investing at this level."

A vital part in ensuring CAHG achieves profitable pork production is the comprehensive package of support and training included in the contract.

Mr Anderson explained: "Our international pig specialist will provide training for both CAHG and their clients. Covering farm management and production techniques, it will include feeding and nutrition, and will ensure that they optimise the genetic potential of their investment and produce pigs that not only perform to the optimum, but suit the local Chinese market."

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