January 30, 2007

New composite boar from Monsanto Choice Genetics

Monsanto Choice Genetics (MCG) has announced a new terminal sire line, the GX boar to provide hog producers with "excellent" growth and meat quality.

The company considers the GX line and the technology behind it as a way to satisfy the growing urge for improved pork quality, pointed out Kelly Fleming, MCG's director of business development.

Unlike simple hybrid lines, the GX is a composite boar created through five generations of selection using the company's proprietary swine genome map, Fleming explained.

MCG uses genomics and marker-assisted selection to breed pigs that have traits that provide value to both producers and packers. It offers both maternal and terminal sire line products for the swine industry, including Genepacker and the EBX, EBX Ultra, EB 5 and now GX terminal sires.

MCG is a division of Monsanto Co, a global provider of technology-based products that improve agricultural productivity and food quality.