Major boost for Kilkeel pig firm

DAERA’s veterinary service confirmed the decision of the Chinese authorities earlier this week.

The development follows-on from the company’s £150,000 investment in a new, state-of-the-art laboratory at its AI station.

“This week’s news represents the culmination of a five year development programme,” confirmed Glenmarshal managing director Trevor Shields.

“And the timing couldn’t be better. China accounts for 40% of the world’s pork output. The country is actively investing in its pig farming sector, following the disastrous impact of African Swine Fever. Large numbers of new, modern pig units are being built across the country. As a result, demand for proven quality pig semen will be high.”

Glenmarshal Sires is home to a selection of the world’s elite Landrace, Duroc and Large White blood lines. The company has very close business ties with the Canadian based breeding company Genesis and Danish Genetics.

“Both companies are already on the ground in China,” Trevor Shields explained.

“They have been very helpful in allowing Glenmarshal Sires source the freezing technology required to allow us do business in China.

“DAERA has also played a key role in making all of this happen, as have DEFRA and the British Pig Association.”

Trevor is confirming that orders for thousands of semen straws are already in the pipeline from new customers in China.

“And this demand is likely to grow over the coming months. China is very keen to do business in Northern Ireland for a number of reasons. First off, our animal health regulations are exemplary. In addition, being part of a small island off the west coast of Europe means that we can put highly effective biosecurity arrangements in place.”

Glenmarshal Sires already supplies customers in a range of countries across South East Asia with fresh semen.

“These are straws that must be used within ten days of production,” Trevor explained.

“China, however, will only accept frozen semen. It was for this reason that we invested in the new laboratory and the bespoke freezing technology.”

Commenting on the current state of the pig industry in Northern Ireland, the Glenmarshal director confirmed that demand for pork remains high, adding: “Covid-19 has impacted on a number of processing operations across the UK over recent weeks, leading to a backlog of pigs on some farms.

“The world’s population continues to increase. This will help to boost pork consumption levels into the future. But for pig farmers, it remains a case of striving to improve production efficiency levels.

“Feed efficiency means everything. At current feed prices, every 0.1 improvement in feed conversion ratio that can be achieved will deliver an extra £2.50 to £3.00 per head on a finished pig.”