February 10, 2010

Hermitage Genetics launches new pig AI stud

Irish pig breeding company, Hermitage Genetics, has opened its new pig artificial insemination (AI) stud at Callan in the county of Kilkenny, Ireland.

The new stud is a 110-metre facility, with individual stainless steel pens for 240 boars. The company's AI director Ronan Murphy said that collection of semen is automated so that up to 35 boars can be collected per hour through six collection stations.

Hermitage Genetics holds a 75% market share in Ireland, and has also expanded rapidly overseas, with 60% of turnover generated internationally. The company has exported pig genetics to 35 countries.

As well as semen, the company exports approximately 20,000 breeding stock per year. Russia has been one of the most important destinations recently; Spain and Italy also being important markets.