Largest air delivery of Hypor Genetics to The Philippines
The largest air delivery of Hypor swine genetics to The Philippines landed at Cebu city airport December 17. Three hundred and twenty-eight high health GGPs and GPs from Hypor Canada’s genetic nucleus units were delivered to Marcela Farms on the island of Bohol via air, ferry and transport truck. Logistical planning by both Hypor and Marcela Farms ensured that 328 animals arrived in exceptional condition at the conclusion of their six day trip.
Marcella Farm Manager Florentino Balboa was extremely pleased with the condition of the animals upon arrival. “Given the distance, the number of transfers required, and the time in transit, I was impressed to see the animals arriving in such great condition. The investment to import breeding stock is significant and when they arrive in such good shape we can significantly reduce introduction problems.'
This delivery is the initial step to implementation of the “Bio-Hypor Program” agreement signed by Hypor and Marcela Farms earlier this year. Marcela Farms, the pork production arm of the Alturas group of companies, is planning an aggressive expansion. They required genetically superior breeding stock and a breeding program that guaranteed high performance for their integrated, closed herd operation. Hypor provided both. The program puts the resources and power of a genetics company into the hands of Hypor customers.
'This is another milestone for our company.” said owner Marlito Uy. “Sourcing high performance, high health genetics was crucial to the success of our expansion plans. The arrival of Hypor genetics and the introduction of the BioHypor program is our commitment to the people of Bohol Island that we can supply them with safe and high quality pork meat.'
“Pork is the meat of choice for most Filipinos,” said Geert Rutten, Manager Hypor International, “and with Hypor’s tailor made approach we can meet the demands of the Philippine market.” Marcela Farms is taking a proactive approach to increasing domestic production. By utilizing our Bio-Hypor program, they will maximize herd performance and maintain their high health status. This program ensures that most superior genes are available throughout their production pyramid.”
Currently more that 75% of the country’s pork is produced in “backyard operations” but ongoing sporadic disease outbreaks and an increased awareness of food safety is driving reforms in the retail industry. The launch of the Philippine Department of Agriculture’s “Pork-in-a-Box” in 2005 is placing an emphasis on sustainable production, minimizing disease transmission and maximizing post-production efficiencies.
“The success of the program is dependent upon developing production and processing facilities in the outlaying islands and transporting chilled products to the large market centers,” said Dr. Evaristo U. Macalino Jr. DVM, Hypor’s Area Manager for Asia. “Marcela Farms has always pursued a higher standard of pork production. With the Bio-Hypor Program, they will be able to efficiently and consistently produce quality pork that meets the demands of their market.”
Marcela Farms, established in April 1996 is the pork production operations of the Alturas group of companies with its head office in Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines. The Group owns several supermarkets on the Island of Bohol as well as in Cebu City. Other business operations include: prawn and fish farming for export, layer operations, feed milling and post harvest facilities for grain handling and is into wholesale and retail trading.
Hypor is one of the world's leading suppliers of swine genetics. Hypor is committed to providing superior genetics, which support profitability in the pork meat value chain. With its head office located in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada, the company has strategically located breeding centers in North America, Europe and Asia.
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For more information or photos, contact:
Marc Broadbent
(306) 791-9478
Marc.Broadbent@hypor.com
