New Cyprian Boar Stud a Sell-Out Success

Two open evenings at a new 90 place Cyprian boar stud have proved an outstanding success.

Response from producers to the initial invitation to view the new EU standard stud, developed by pig production company LA Top Genetics, was so enthusiastic that an extra date had to be arranged and, within days of the events, production of the new JSR Geneconverter 700 semen was totally sold out with orders placed by both existing and new customers.

“We have worked closely with JSR Genetics for the past 3 years,” says Loucas Andreou, Managing Director of LA Top Genetics, “building our own nucleus and multiplication herd. Our new boar stud is the next logical step and allows us to double boar numbers. The response by the island’s producers has been fantastic: 45 came along in total, keen to see our new facilities and the JSR lines that we will now be able to offer.”

Paul Anderson, European Sales Director of JSR Genetics, who co-hosted the evening with Mr Andreou, commented, “LA Top Genetics has been making tremendous progress, carefully selecting quality genetics to suit the discerning Cyprian market, where the tenderness and taste of the pork is of utmost importance- and its demanding climate. Now, with further investments in equipment and genetics, they are set to raise the island’s standards still higher.”

Following a welcome drink and introduction, producers were taken on a tour of the facilities including the new AI laboratory where they were impressed by the sophisticated equipment in use. In particular the NucleoCounter SP-100 which delivers effective measurement of total cell concentration and cell viability in a sperm sample from sperm ejaculates or doses. The measurement range of the SP-100 is virtually unlimited and provides a reading in less than 30 seconds, giving customers instant confidence in the semen quality.

Even with so many visitors, bio-security was maintained by the strict measures in place throughout both the boar stud and its laboratory. Producers were able to observe boars from a purpose built bio-secure viewing room.

A selection of dam line boars were on display including 12x, 16x, Large White and Landrace stock. Of sire line boars the Titan, Duroc and new Geneconverter 700 lines were represented. The Cyprian producers were particularly impressed by the outstanding efficiency figures of the recently introduced GC700. With the continuing pressure of higher feed costs, its 13.4% reduction in FCR represents a significant saving per pig produced and a valuable opportunity for them to improve profitability.

“The event has been a real confidence booster, if one was needed”, confirms Loucas Andreou. “Production of GC 700 semen has been totally accounted for by new orders, a new customer has ordered a regular supply of Duroc semen and several other producers will be returning to discuss their requirements in detail. I’m now putting together the specification for my next shipment of breeding stock from the UK to include the GC700 – soon to be launched in Cyprus – and Genepacker 90 Parent gilts.”