Health, Technology, Consumer Perceptions, Influencing Swine Sector Research Priorities

The CEO of the Prairie Swine Centre observes an increased focus on animal and human health, the adoption of new technology and consumer perceptions of agriculture are having a much greater influence on the research priorities of Canada’s swine sector

by Bruce Cochrane – FarmScape Online

The mandate of the Prairie Swine Centre, a non profit swine research institution which has been operating since 1992, is to perform near market practical research on behalf of western Canada’s swine sector in terms of sustainability and profitability.

Dr. Murray Pettitt, who recently moved into the position of Prairie Swine Centre CEO, says the key areas of research include nutrition, engineering, animal behavior and contract research.

“Perceptions of the swine industry and agriculture in general are also driving some of the research needs”

“The feed costs represent the majority of the production costs.

“There’s always going to be a need for nutrition research but I think these days there’s been a shift to also looking at the health of the animals, the health of the herd, and quite frankly, the health of the people as well as biosecurity with the question; Do we need to be looking at changing our biosecurity practices?

“Then the other thing that seems to be changing quite rapidly is the use of technology on farms, whether it’s automation or computer technology or various APs for smart phones.

“There is a lot out there now and that seems to be a change in what’s available to the industry.

“Perceptions of the swine industry and agriculture in general are also driving some of the research needs and how do we ensure that. We can provide consumers with the highest quality product, protein, but in a manner that is acceptable and appropriate for everyone.”

Dr. Pettitt says Canadian pork producers as well as world wide producers make use of the work conducted by the Prairie Swine Centre.

Source: FarmScape Online