Primegro IGF-1: Innovative technology for genetically improving feed efficiency in pigs

摘要

Primegro Technologies is a leading Genetics and Biotechnology business located in Corowa, Australia.Primegro is working towards improving feed efficiency and lean meat percentage by using juvenile Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) in its own breeding programs, and also with innovative breeders through the use of their patented and proven testing procedure known as Primegro IGF-I.Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a naturally occurring polypeptide produced in the liver, muscle and fat tissues. IGF-I has several roles in growth and development during the post-natal period, specifically; IGF-I mediates the effects of growth hormone (GH); has localised effects on the tissues of production and acts as an insulin-like metabolic regulator.The measurement of IGF-I in juvenile piglets has been shown to be consistently heritable and is associated with a number of performance characteristics.