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Pig semen is to be exported from Britain to China after a £45million deal was agreed by the countries.

David Cameron secured an agreement for the UK to supply exports of the semen to Chinese breeders during his three day trade visit to China.

It follows industry lobbying in the Far Eastern country after a deal for the export of live pigs between the countries was signed last year.

In the new year, four artificial insemination centres in England and Northern Ireland, which are operated by some of the world's biggest pig breeding companies will begin exporting frozen and fresh semen.

Half the world's pigs are in China, and improving pig genetics is key to China as pig meat is one of their main sources of protein. China wants to increase the efficiency of its production, whilst minimising the environmental impact.

It is hoped that the UK industry can play an important role in helping China achieve greater efficiency through the provision of high quality genetic stock.

Britain is lobbying Beijing to also be allowed to export pig trotters, which are a waste product in the UK pork industry but are widely eaten by Chinese diners.

Exports of trotters could be worth as much as £7.5 million a year to industry in Britain.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "We're doing all we can to ensure that businesses up and down the country reap the rewards from our relationship with China. And that includes our pig farmers.

"This new deal to export pig semen will be worth £45 million to UK firms and means Britain's best pigs will help sustain the largest pig population in the world.

"And we're not stopping there - we're talking to the Chinese about serving up pigs trotters on Beijing's finest dining tables. That would be a real win-win - a multi-million pound boost for Britain and a gastronomic treat for Chinese diners."