Taipei, Taiwan — In a bold move to strengthen Taiwan’s competitiveness in the global meat market, the Taiwan Livestock Research Institute (TLRI) announced on Friday that it has successfully developed new cattle and pig breeds aimed at enhancing the quality of Taiwanese beef and pork. This initiative, in collaboration with Taiwan’s GGP Biotechnology and Pin-Pu Farm Corp., will offer high-end meat products that are expected to boost both local consumption and international demand.
Revolutionizing Taiwan’s Meat Industry with Advanced Breeding Techniques
During a press conference, the Taiwan Livestock Research Institute revealed its role in breeding “Yuanxing” cattle and “Pinpu” black pigs, which will serve as the foundation for Taiwan’s premium beef and pork products. These high-end meat varieties are expected to elevate Taiwan’s standing in the global meat industry and serve as unique domestic food offerings.
Huang Chen-fang, the Director of the Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough in the country’s agricultural sector. He noted that the development of these new breeds took years of effort and research. “It is a difficult process, but successful breeding will enhance Taiwan’s farming and ranching industries,” Huang said.
The introduction of the Yuanxing beef and Pinpu black pork will not only elevate Taiwan’s beef and pork standards but also ensure that the country can compete more effectively in the international market.
Yuanxing Cattle: Taiwan’s Answer to Premium Beef
The Yuanxing cattle breed is a groundbreaking project that traces its origins back to 2016. A herd of 19 cattle was discovered roaming the Qingtiangang Grassland in Yangmingshan National Park, where they were adopted by then-President Lee Teng-hui. These cattle are genetically close to the Tajima black beef cattle breed, which is known for producing the famous Ishigaki Wagyu beef on Japan’s Ishigaki Island.
After moving the cattle to a ranch in Hualien County, the Taiwan Livestock Research Institute and GGP Biotechnology worked together for seven years and invested over NT$300 million (US$9.3 million) to breed and grow the herd. As of now, the herd has expanded to over 200 cattle, and plans are in place to scale up to 1,000 cattle within the next three years. The ultimate goal is to bring 10,000 Yuanxing cattle to market.
GGP Chairperson Liu Tai-ying shared that Yuanxing beef is already attracting interest from companies in Japan and Vietnam, with Yuanxing beef already being described as “sweet-tasting” and of exceptional quality.
Pinpu Black Pigs: Taiwan’s New Premium Pork Brand
The development of the Pinpu black pig, raised on Pin-Pu Farm Corp., is another notable achievement. The farm has worked closely with the Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, along with other experts such as Wang Pei-hwa from National Taiwan University, to breed this unique variety. The pork from these pigs is branded as Odiva Pork, which stands out in the market for its sweetness and superior collagen content.
Lee Jung-chune, General Manager of Pin-Pu Farm, explained that they began the breeding program in 2008, acquiring different black pig strains from across Taiwan. The resulting Odiva Pork is noted for its four times sweeter taste and 1.5 times more collagen than pork from traditional white or Iberian pigs.
Pinpu Farm aims to develop this breed into a larger industry, with plans to scale production to 50,000 pigs per year. The farm’s Odiva Pork products are already being sold domestically, and the brand is poised for future growth in the international market.
Table: Overview of Taiwan’s Premium Beef and Pork Breeds
| Breed | Origin/Development | Key Features | Target Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yuanxing Cattle | Bred from herd found in Yangmingshan National Park | Descendants of Tajima black beef cattle; Sweet taste | Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan |
| Pinpu Black Pigs | Developed by Pin-Pu Farm Corp. in collaboration with Taiwan Livestock Research Institute | Sweet taste, high collagen content, 4x sweeter than typical pork | Taiwan, Potential Export Markets |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Yuanxing beef, and why is it unique?
Yuanxing beef comes from a breed of cattle that are genetically linked to the Tajima black beef cattle in Japan. These cattle produce premium beef with a sweet, distinctive flavor and are part of Taiwan’s effort to enhance the quality of domestic beef products.
2. How was the Yuanxing cattle breed developed?
The breed originated from a herd of 19 cattle discovered in Yangmingshan National Park in 2016. These cattle were adopted by President Lee Teng-hui, and after extensive breeding efforts by GGP Biotechnology and Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, the herd has grown to over 200 animals.
3. What is Odiva Pork, and how does it differ from other pork products?
Odiva Pork comes from the Pinpu black pig, a unique breed raised by Pin-Pu Farm Corp. This pork is four times sweeter and contains 1.5 times more collagen than typical white or Iberian pigs, making it a premium product in the Taiwanese market.
4. What are the future plans for these new livestock breeds?
The Taiwan Livestock Research Institute plans to expand the Yuanxing cattle herd to 1,000 animals within three years, with an ultimate goal of 10,000. Similarly, Pin-Pu Farm plans to produce 50,000 pigs annually to meet growing demand for Odiva Pork.
5. Can these new meat products be exported internationally?
Yes, both Yuanxing beef and Odiva Pork are expected to attract attention from international markets, particularly in Japan and Vietnam, where interest in Taiwan’s premium meat products has already been noted.
