Farmers across the UK have been rocked in recent months by a huge rise in the cost of feed, which often accounts for up to 65 per cent of the cost of production.

JSR's achievement is seen as a major breakthrough because the new boar is consistently achieving a record breaking reduction in feed conversion rates (FCR) - 13.4 per cent less than the UK average.

That is the lowest achieved by any pig, anywhere in the world.

Dubbed 'the world's most efficient pig', the new JSR Geneconverter 700 will be launched at this year's British Pig and Poultry Fair in May, bringing to fruition years of research and development by JSR geneticists.

Dr Grant Walling, JSR's director of research and genetics, said: "Compared to the national average, the Geneconverter 700's 13.4 per cent reduction in FCR equates to a £5 feed bill saving per pig produced.

"Commercial trials taking place throughout the UK have returned consistently outstanding figures.

"In the current economic climate, with feed prices having risen so steeply, feed conversion is now key to maintaining profitability, and the JSR Geneconverter 700 is better than any other pig for delivering value.

So, with feed accounting for approximately 65 per cent of production costs, using a JSR Geneconverter 700 is going to make a significant difference to producers' profitability."

Carlos Peralta, JSR's commercial director added: "Results such as these are always gratifying, but of course, not unexpected,"

"The Geneconverter 700 combines the very best of the JSR and Newsham genetic lines.

"Its remarkable FCR is just one excellent quality; apart from its outstanding growth performance, the JSR Geneconverter 700 is robustly healthy with strong legs and an extremely high libido."
With continued feed price instability, the JSR Geneconverter 700 will have an important part to play in the future profitability of pig production units not only in the UK but throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
Expected to attract thousands of visitors from every of link of the pork supply chain, the British Pig and Poultry Fair has been chosen to launch the new breed to the industry and JSR will be providing visitors to Stand 105, in Hall 2, with trial data, a breed brochure plus the opportunity to enter a free prize draw to win - as first prize - 25 free doses of Geneconverter semen per week for six months.

Dr Walling added: "The JSR Geneconverter 700 really does offer some good news for pig producers at a time when there's not too much of it about.

"We're extremely proud to add such a notable and purposeful new line to the JSR stable and think it's well worth celebrating, so we're hoping that visitors come along to the stand, ask for all the information they need - and enjoy some JSR hospitality too".