Pfizer Animal Health will acquire two market-leading livestock genomics companies, Catapult Genetics, Pty., Ltd and  Bovigen, LLC, for an undisclosed sum.

The two companies will continue to market products and services to their own customers as well as Pfizer Animal Health customers.

The two acquisitions are expected to close by the end of this month.

Catapult Genetics, Pty, Ltd., is focused on developing and commercialising innovative livestock DNA tests and gene markers to assist global food producers, processors and retailers in improving profitability and quality in the global food chain.

Catapult Genetics, Pty., Ltd., was formed in December 2006 with the merger of Catapult Systems, based in New Zealand, and Genetic Solutions, based in Australia. Catapult is a global innovator and leader in sheep and cattle DNA testing technologies for meat and carcass quality and production efficiency under the GeneSTAR quality grade, feed efficiency, the SureTRAK system, and the SireTRACETM product brands.

In addition to co-founders Gerard Davis and Jay Hetzel, its shareholders include AgResearch, CSIRO, Kestrel Capital's Nanyang Innovation Fund, and Meat & Wool New Zealand.

Bovigen, LLC,  markets DNA technology, including Catapult's products in the US and throughout Canada, Central America and South America. Bovigen, LLC, based in Harahan, Louisiana, is a global genetic technology company founded by Vic Castellon in 2003.

Bovigen will continue to market and service Catapult's products throughout the Americas.

''This is a strategic initiative that places Pfizer at the forefront of livestock gene marker R&D and enhances Pfizer's ability to offer more complete solutions to global livestock producers,'' said Juan Ramon Alaix, president, Pfizer Animal Health.

Current genetic tests are focused on productivity and carcass quality, while future genetic tests may one day allow producers to better predict disease in individual animals, thus helping veterinarians and producers target medicines to livestock that need it most, Alaix said.

''Catapult's ongoing product R&D is based on core technology platforms developed in collaboration with research groups in Australia and New Zealand,'' said Gerard Davis, chief executive officer, Catapult Genetics. ''Now with Pfizer's added resources and capabilities, we expect livestock producers will begin to see an enhanced range of genetic tools. For sheep and beef cattle producers in Australia and New Zealand there will be benefits from a continued focus on their needs as well as access to new and improved products,'' Davis said.

As novel marker panels are discovered and developed, Pfizer plans to introduce new products and services to livestock producers.

Pfizer will continue to access and draw on the best R&D from Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Europe.

''In the US, Pfizer also will be able to enhance the development and uptake of new genetic markers identified through Bovigen's participation in The Carcass Merit Project with Texas A&M University and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. This project, partially funded by the Beef Checkoff Program, is designed to generate new and important markers for U.S. cattle producers,'' said Victor Castellon, chief executive officer, Bovigen.

''DNA markers allow beef producers to make better management decisions, to improve the quality of their herd by selecting animals with certain high-valued genetic traits, and to create a long-term, positive economic impact for their business,'' said Nigel Evans, senior director of business innovation for Pfizer Animal Health, who will lead the Catapult and Bovigen businesses for Pfizer.

Genetic information also can help guarantee food quality – beef tenderness or well-marbled beef. Gene markers help beef producers to identify better breeding stock.

''Our move today expands Pfizer's already strong commitment to promoting livestock health and safe, high-quality food around the world,'' Evans said.

Pfizer Inc, the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical company, is a world leader in discovering and developing innovative animal vaccines and prescription medicines. Pfizer Animal Health is dedicated to improving the safety, quality and productivity of the world's food supply by enhancing the health of livestock and poultry; and in helping companion animals live longer and healthier lives.