$9.8 million awarded to an Alberta – Saskatchewan-led research team
Canadian pork is exported to more than 100 countries and it is consumed throughout the world more than any other source of animal protein. It is big business and managing disease in pork populations is one of the most costly and difficult challenges for pork producersDr. Michael Dyck of the University of Alberta, Dr. John Harding of the University of Saskatchewan, and Dr. Bob Kemp of PigGen Canada Inc. are leading a team that has received almost $10 million in funding to develop genomics tools to help producers manage disease, reduce costs, and increase product quality. These genomics tools can be used to select pigs that are more genetically resilient due to increased tolerance of and or resistance to multiple diseases as opposed to resistance to one particular disease. The tools will also permit producers to manage the nutritional content of pig feed to ensure that pigs stay healthier, grow more efficiently, have more successful litters, and reduce the need for antibiotic use in pig production.
