A new three member research partnership is expected to improve the ability of scientists to help the pork sector advance in a number of research areas.
The Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement, the Prairie Swine Centre and the Centre de développement du porc du Québec have joined forces to create a new swine research partnership.
Brian Sullivan, the CEO of the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement, says there are many areas of research that are important for the pork sector and one of the advantages of this partnership is it will help improve the effectiveness of research in more of these areas.
Some stand out more than others, such as health and biosecurity because of the threat of African Swine Fever. Another is welfare and economics surrounding group housing of sows. Sow mortality and piglet vitality has also been an area of increased interest from industry.
These are some areas that are a reaction to issues of the day and it’s important for us to be able to address these quickly and efficiently. At the same time we need to be sure to stay on the leading edge of research for our industry and not just be following or trying to catch up with the competition.
New technologies are therefore very important and include such things as automation, artificial intelligence and big data. Genomics and new genetic technologies are advancing rapidly so understanding and applying these appropriately is critical. Precision feeding in another area, with feed being such an important cost of production. Environmental impact, welfare, the role of pork in human nutrition and consumer studies are also important.
~ Brian Sullivan, Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement
Sullivan says the three organizations are actually quite well positioned to help the pork industry advance in all of these areas and this partnership improves that position.
