Written by Alistair Driver
PIC, one of the world’s biggest pig breeding companies, has entered into a strategic partnership with Russia’s largest independent pig genetics distribution company, Otrada.
PIC, a subsidiary of Genus, will run the genetic programme for Otrada, integrating the genetics from the Russian company with relevant PIC genetics. PIC said it would apply the latest technology to accelerate the rate of genetic gain and will focus on traits that are important to the Russian market. It continues to distribute products including the PIC Camborough and the PIC337 through its subsidiary company Genetika PIC, in Russia.
Otrada has been operating in Russia for over 15 years and today has 4.500 nucleus sows in the southwest of Russia and supplies 13 of the top 20 Russian producers. It has played a key role in the expansion of the Russian pig industry, which has now reached self-sufficiency and is looking to grow to become a leading exporter.
Otrada intends to invest in its breeding stock supply infrastructure to help Russian producers improve production efficiency and capture the opportunity. The investment plans include collecting phenotype and genotype data, adding of state-of-the-art testing and data acquisition equipment to accelerate genetic gain and introducing of semen distribution capabilities.
PIC said the relationship combines its leading genetic programme with Otrada’s ‘operational excellence in elite genetic production, distribution and customer service’. It means Russian producers will have direct access to the highest quality genetics and the relevant local support, PIC said.
Otrada will become the exclusive partner in Russia, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Armenia for PIC’s lines PICX54 (F1 female), PICL04 (Landrace), PICL05 (Yorkshire) and the PIC800 (Duroc). The relationship will become effective in the first quarter of 2020.
Patrick Hoffmann, Otrada’s CEO and main shareholder, said this was a ‘pivotal moment’ for the company. “PIC’s genetic and technological leadership as well as its global scale is a complementary fit for Otrada’s deep understanding of the Russian market and experience,” he said.
“Together, we can offer our customers access to these new PIC lines with a world class genetic potential and supporting them locally in turning this potential into actual performances.”
Jürgen Kramer, general manager for PIC Europe added: “We look forward to the relationship with Otrada. Otrada’s distribution network, expertise in animal production and understanding of the Russian market makes the collaboration compelling.
“Through PIC’s existing operations in Russia and the new strategic relationship with Otrada, PIC can offer Russian producers the options that best fit for their systems to make them successful.”
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