October 22, 2013

Danbred North America renamed DNA Genetics

While remaining under the same independent US ownership, Danbred North America is now known as DNA Genetics, a leading swine genetics company which is committed to meeting the genetic needs of US and Canadian pork producers.

"DNA Genetics will use our Danish genetics as its foundation, but we are now independent of Denmark's genetic programme," says Brett Bonwell, CEO of DNA Genetics. "Operating independently of Denmark gives us the ability to focus on the traits and economic value that are most important to the profitability of our North American customers. The result will be providing customers with the best genetic value for greater gains and improved performance."

The separation from the Danish genetic system is an amicable one. "It came down to the fact that our business approach and how we deliver economic value for our customers no longer matched theirs," he states.

The company is ready to operate independently. "We have always been set up to run separately in the case of a trade barrier or disease outbreak, so while the circumstances are different, we are ready to provide a seamless transition for our customers," he says.

Trait selection will now be based solely on a North American economic model instead of a European model of production. The company is investing US$5 million to move the current genetics to a new level for the North American market. This includes investments in database development, people, and the new, state-of-the-art InSight™ Performance Centre. InSight, set to be fully operational by 2014, will be fully equipped to measure feed intake, with more than 2,000 boars on-test at any given time, surpassing the capability of the Danish system.

Selection for maternal lines will focus on productivity, feed efficiency, lean gain, structural soundness and durability. Terminal lines will focus on lean gain and feed efficiency while maintaining and improving the company's lead in producing full-value pigs.

The company will test for feed efficiency on more than 8,000 boars annually. "Our DNA Genetics Line 600 Duroc is a high-performing, terminal line that is designed to excel in North American production settings and produces exceptionally efficient average daily carcass gain," explains Bonwell. "This line excels in producing robust offspring, which results in more total pounds of full-value carcass per sow."

DNA Genetics is investing in people and recently added geneticist Caitlyn Abell to its team. "In addition, we will collaborate with external advisory teams to gain input and insight from some of the sharpest minds in the business. We view our customers as partners and will work to make sure they have the best genetics in the world."