March 21, 2007

UK's ACMC purchases 300 genetically-improved pigs from Russia
 

British pig-breeding company ACMC Ltd. has bought 300 genetically-improved pigs from the Russian Republic of Tatarstan.

The initial delivery of over 1 million euro worth of great-grandparent stocks will be followed by shipments later this year to complete its 640 nucleus animals on ACMC's isolation farm in North Yorkshire.

The animals will be used to stock a new nucleus breeding herd being set up by Agrofirma SABA, an integrated farming operation, in the Sabinski region of Tatarstan under a franchise agreement.

This will supply breeding animals to multiplying farms in the area, which will then produce improved stock for domestic commercial production.

An order for 1,500 high-health hybrid parent gilts has also been placed.

Tatarstan's national economy hinges on agriculture which employs 13 percent of the population and receives significant support from the state.

Its meat industry relies 20 percent from its exports to other Russian regions.

As part of the deal SABA's new manager, Pere Rovira Verges, a veterinary surgeon from Spain, has received six weeks intensive training at ACMC's Upton Farm.

ACMC chairman Stephen Curtis said the nucleus foundation stock will support 60,000 commercial sows which, in turn, will produce over 3 million slaughter pigs annually for Tatarstan and adjoining regions.