This is the fourth full plane load shipped into the country by PIC since 2012, keeping customer herds connected to the increasing rate of progress from the application of new genetic improvement technologies.

Located in Quezon province, the project is a partnership with local agribusiness 3J Corporation. The two companies have worked successfully together for 17 years and had no hesitation in jointly taking this next significant step to support the development of the Philippines swine industry.

A peek at one of the imported batches of next generation breeders.

According to Vincent Borromeo, PIC Philippines General Manager: "This is a critical investment which will support development of the industry. The implementation of our proprietary Relationship Based Genomic Evaluation platform is delivering 35 per cent faster genetic improvement in our products, creating extra value for our customers at an accelerated pace. We have more shipments lined up in the coming months to drive this through our entire supply chain."

In addition to the main breeding facility the project features a large AI stud – or Gene Transfer Centre (GTC) in PIC's terminology. Fitted with state-of-the-art semen processing equipment, the GTC will produce semen of high and reliable quality for sale to customers. The import included fully tested terminal sires that will go into service immediately.

"This importation", Vincent added, "underpins PIC’s long term expansion plan which includes breeding and distribution of the next generation PIC Profit and Profit Plus boars and Liquid Genes (fresh semen). Their superior genetic merit, as evidenced by their high index, will provide maximum profit potential for PIC customers".