Animal genetics company Genus announces year-end financial results

Global animal genetics company Genus PLC has announced an operating profit of £45.8 million (US$72.9 million) for the 2012 financial year ending June 30, up from 2011's £42.2 million (US$65 million) according to the company's latest report.
The company saw strong performance in Asia, North America and Latin America and announced its first porcine joint venture in China. "Once again, the group achieved record results, with operating profits up 7 percent and pre-tax profits up 19 percent," said Karim Bitar, CEO. "In addition, we have developed a new vision and strategy. With the investments we are making in R&D, the BRIC countries and core competencies, we believe this strategy will enable Genus to continue to make progress in the year ahead and will see an improving rate of growth from 2014 onwards."
Market conditions remained generally favorable for Genus and its customers in the 2012 financial year, said the company. However, towards the end of the period, markets became more challenging due to increased feed costs in North America caused by drought conditions and by weakening global commodity dairy prices. These conditions are likely to impact a number of customers in 2013. Although this may lead to some slowing in demand, Genus said it believes the strength of its business model will enable the group to continue to make progress during the year.

Topigs, Monterey sign pig genetics deal

Topigs Philippines and Monterey Foods Corporation have formed an InGene partnership. Under the deal, Monterey, a large Philippines pig operation, will use Topigs genetics in its South Mindanao Live Operations.
Monterey, a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation, will produce its own sows using the genetics, knowledge and support of Topigs. The deal will also link Monterey’s breeding herd to Pigbase, a large pig-breeding database containing genetic information from over 800 breeding farms.

EU opens to public comment genetic selection in chickens

The European Food Safety Authority’s Panel on Animal Health and Welfare is launching an online public consultation, or comment period, on its draft scientific report on the welfare aspects of genetic selection in broilers.
The consultation will be open on EFSA’s Web site until April 12, 2010. The EFSA panel will consider the comments in finalizing its report, which provides scientific advice to EU decision makers. It will also consider comments received during a technical meeting with stakeholders held in September 2009. This work will form the basis for two scientific opinions planned to be adopted in June 2010.
The European Commission has requested that EFSA gather and assess all data available on the subject of genetic selection in broilers and produce two scientific opinions: one on the influence of genetic selection on the welfare and resistance to stress of commercial broilers; and a second on the welfare of broiler breeders. Based on these opinions, the commission will submit a report concerning the influence of genetic parameters on the welfare of chickens to the European Parliament and to the European Council.

FDA approves drug from genetically-altered animals

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug made with materials from genetically-engineered animals.
According to the New York Times, the drug is produced by livestock that have been given a human gene. GTC Biotherapeutics said regulators cleared its drug, ATryn, which is manufactured using milk from goats that have been scientifically-altered to produce extra antithrombin, a protein that acts as a natural blood thinner.
The FDA said it cleared the drug to treat patients with a rare hereditary disorder that causes a deficiency of the protein, putting them at higher risk of deadly blood clots. Genetically engineered, or GE, animals are not clones but rather animals that have had their DNA changed.