Jan 1, 2006 12:00 PM

A NEW proprietary sperm-sexing technology could help make pork and beef producers more efficient at producing the type of animals the market demands. The new technology allows semen to be sorted according to sex prior to artificial insemination. Because the technology does not involve genetic modification and is noninvasive, the company believes it will not require regulatory approval.

The University of Guelph developed and patented the sex-selection process. Sequent Biotechnologies was the exclusive licensee of the technology until Microbix Biosystems acquired the company and the license. Microbix recently announced plans to license the technology to artificial insemination breeding companies in return for royalties. The University of Guelph will receive a royalty on sales once the product enters the marketplace. The process has already been patented in the U.S. and Europe.

Microbix will fund further development of the sperm-sexing technology and expects to complete development and field trials in three years. It plans to launch the product in 2008.

To learn more, visit www.microbix.com or call 416/234-1624, ext. 230.

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