Genus says trading to date ahead of view

(Reuters) - Cattle genetics company Genus (GENS.L) said on Thursday its trading to date had been ahead of its expectations, helped by a strong euro and U.S. dollar, and its prospects were in line with estimates for the remainder of the year.

In its AGM statement, the company said the Americas region had a strong first quarter, including a very good porcine performance in Latin America.

However, market conditions had been difficult in Western Europe as most pig producers remained loss-making during the first quarter, and the bovine business slowed slightly as customers delayed expanding herds, it said.

The company said macro economic market conditions across the business continued to be variable, but it was delivering operational performance close to plan.

Genus shares closed at 660.0 pence on Wednesday on the London Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Balachander Surianarayanan in Bangalore; Editing by Tresa Sherin)