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< Back Nutrition, Animal Health E. coli Study Just What the Doctor Ordered Keeping Pigs in the Pink of Health Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) caused by E. coli infection is not pretty for pigs or their owners. Finding ways to combat this illness could save producers a bundle in treatment costs and lost production, while improving the well-being of animals and strengthening food safety. Led by Dr. Vahab Farzan, Research Scientist with the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, scientists sought a probiotic solution to PWD. E. coli bacteria that reside in the intestines of humans and some animals are usually harmless, and support a healthy digestive tract. Some strains, however, can produce toxins that cause a number of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and damage to the lining of the intestine. Additionally, infection in post weaning pigs often leads to mortality, making E. coli a major focus of research for the pork sector. Not only does it severely impact the industry in Canada to the tune of $100 – 150 million per year, but it is of great concern around the globe. Given that it causes dehydration, diarrhea and often death, E. coli is an animal welfare problem as well. Even pigs that recover from the infection may fail to keep pace with others in terms of development, remaining stuck at a lower performance level during the growing stage. Going all in to keep it out In light of E. coli ’s impact, producers try a range of approaches to keep it at bay. Prevention starts with thorough cleaning and disinfection of all pens from one batch of pigs to another; however, infection sometimes sneaks through in spite of a farm’s best efforts. Another strategy for guarding against E. coli is the inclusion of antimicrobials in the nursery diet. A popular choice is zinc oxide, which is usually administered in high doses of 2500 – 3000 ppm (parts per million). Because this substance is a heavy metal, too much of it can be toxic for pigs. To guard against this, the animal’s physiology ensures that excessive zinc intake is excreted. That can be a problem, as it means that zinc accumulates in manure and winds up contaminating soil and groundwater. Keeping Resistance in Check There is also evidence from previous studies that the gene in bacteria responsible for resistance to zinc oxide is carried on a “mobile genetic element”. This element is a type of genetic material that can move around within the genome of the bacterial population of a pig. The genome is akin to a recipe book for the animal, containing all the instructions for making and maintaining it. While “mobile genetic element” may sound harmless, it cannot be taken lightly, since it also carries the genes for resistance to other antimicrobials. Left unchecked, it will lead to more resistant bacteria in the pig’s gut, which could eventually inhibit the treatment of future infections in the herd. Taking your best shot A critical tool for preventing infection is vaccines. Though they are often effective, they can be of limited value to piglets, whose immune systems are still immature and unable to reap the benefits of vaccination. This led researchers to explore the most promising option, probiotics, which are live bacteria (the good kind) and yeasts that promote gut health and guard against disease. Pondering Probiotics Before a control measure such as probiotics can be used at the farm level, researchers need to evaluate the product’s effectiveness thoroughly through experimental challenge trials. This required that they develop an infection model to determine at what age, and with how much bacteria, pigs should be infected by E. coli to show the clinical signs of post-weaning diarrhea. For the benefit of other scientists, the model can now be used as part of future projects. Additionally, in order for E. coli to infect a pig, the animal must possess a special receptor in the gut where the bacteria can attach and begin to wreak havoc. Absent that receptor, the pig possesses a natural resistance to E. coli , as harmful bacteria are unable to “land” and release their toxins. Discovery of the receptor’s role in resistance, and refinement of the disease models, are key outcomes which unlock new avenues for future studies. This foundational knowledge should go a long way to protecting pigs from E. coli down the road. Collaboration Drives Discovery Science is a team sport, and this project found financial backing from Swine Innovation Porc (SIP), Ontario Pork, and the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The project was co-led by Dr. Vahab Farzan from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. Progress was powered by the knowledge of his collaborators, who are also members of the Ontario Veterinary College: Dr. Robert Friendship, professor, and Dr. Brandon Lillie, department chair and associate professor. Dr Joshua Gong, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), also played a large part in the study. From here, the team will continue running disease challenge trials to evaluate products such as probiotics and vaccines. In addition to reducing mortality and hindering performance among pig herds, fighting against a devasting enemy like E. coli would address public health concerns around contaminated soil and antimicrobial resistance. Though it can be hard to find a win-win these days, anything that promises healthier pigs and happier consumers is a good start. Background Project Title: Development of Novel Feed Additives to Replace Antibiotics and Promote Pig Gut Health Lead(s)/Co-Lead(s): Dr. Vahab Farzan (University of Guelph) Budget: $212 755 Research Methods To assess the role of genetics, researchers ran several disease challenge trials to compare the response of genetically resistant and susceptible pigs to E. coli infection. As part of the challenges, scientists tried to determine the optimal age for exposing pigs to E. coli and the ideal dose of bacteria that would render the animals sick without leading to mortality.

< Community Wire Next Article> Microbiome Research in Piglets Applicable to Other Species and Crops Bruce Cochrane 17 Apr 2023 Updates on research outcomes with Dr. Etienne Yergeau - University of Quebec 00:00 / 02:39 Research conducted on behalf of Swine Innovation Porc that has shown the use of alternative feed supplements to modulate the microbiota in the gut of the piglet can stimulate weight gain and improve health has implications for other species and crops. As part of research conducted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in partnership with several Canadian universities with funding from Swine Innovation Porc, scientists have been evaluating the response of the piglet microbiome to alternative feeding supplements. Dr. Etienne Yergeau, an Associate Professor with the University of Quebec, says some changes were observed in the microbiota and there were also changes in piglet weight gain they were not as large as the control that used antibiotic supplements. Clip-Dr. Etienne Yergeau-University of Quebec: This project was very exciting in the sense that we were able to modulate a little bit the microbiota. It shows that this is something that could be done to replace the use of antibiotics as a growth supplement. How can we apply that? I think it's more conceptually, how we can try to modify the microbiota for the benefit of the host. Of course, most people are interested in a human host but it's also something that would be done in farm animals and also in my laboratory, we're very interested in crops. That's something also, how can we change the microbiota? I think the results we have in this study are showing that it can be done and it's not something impossible. Now we need to dig more to find if we can apply that to other animals and eventually to humans also. The question is, is there some food supplement that would act directly on the microbiota and have a more beneficial microbiota? Dr. Yergeau says this work shows there are other ways to get the result of the antibiotics without having the side effect of antibiotic resistance. < Community Wire Next Article >

FARMSCAPE INTERVIEWS Swine Innovation Porc has partnered with Farmscape Online to bring you up-to-date reports on our supported R&D projects and activities. ​ Check out the most recent interviews below as well as an archive of older interviews. African Swine Fever Animal Welfare Pork Quality & Technology Animal Health Buildings & Environment Animal Nutrition On-Farm Demonstration

FARMSCAPE INTERVIEWS PORK QUALITY & TECHNOLOGY The interviews presented below have been done with researchers and experts involved in projects and activities supported by Swine Innovation Porc that are related to pork quality and technology. 2022 News Tools Expected to Help Abattoirs Target Premium Pork Markets December 8, 2022 Continue 2019 New Technology Promises to Help Better Match Pork Quality to Customers Needs August 23, 2019 Continue Emerging Technologies Help Improve Swine Productivity and Welfare March 4, 2019 Continue New Tools Under Development to Improve Quality Classification of Pork June 25, 2019 Continue Wide Adoption of New Technology Brings Down Costs ​ March 12, 2019 Continue 2017 U.S. Quality Based Pork Grading Announcement Accelerates Need for Canadian Quality Based Grading December 1, 2017 Continue U.S. Pork Industry Announcement Accelerates Need for New Canadian Programming November 2, 2017 Continue Wider Adoption of Technology Reduces Costs, Improves Value June 1, 2017 Continue Quality Based Pork Grading Moving Toward Realization November 24, 2017 Continue Scientists Successfully Process Straw as Feed Supplement October 18, 2017 Continue Adoption of Technology Key to Maintaining Competitive Positioning May 10, 2017 Continue Quality Based Grading Expected to Set New Pork Quality Standard November 10, 2017 Continue Adoption of Technology Helps Improve Productivity September 13, 2017 Continue Novel Technologies Offer Opportunity to Improve Competitiveness May 9, 2017 Continue 2016 Quality Based Pork Grading System Offers Potential to Move the Right Pork Product into the Right Market July 21, 2016 Continue 2014 Novel Technologies Being Adapted to Improve Competitiveness of Canadian Pork Industry December 1, 2014 Continue 2013 Research Shows Temperament Influences Sow Productivity and Meat Quality October 28, 2013 Continue Research Shows Water Sprinklers in Trucks Reduce Heat stress and Improve Meat Quality March 5, 2013 Continue

ANIMAL CARE Prioritizing animal welfare fosters a positive public image, market competitiveness, and a brighter future for both pigs and the pork industry. By enhancing animal well-being, we ensure ethical practices, consumer trust, and sustainable production. ​ View animal care projects supported by Swine Innovation Porc since 2010 in the factsheets below. Sows & Gilts SOWS AND GILTS Optimizing sow productivity and management: Impact of grouping practices on sow reproductive performance and piglet development and risk factors for sow mortality Jennifer Brown, Prairie Swine Centre Status: Ongoing. Results expected in 2023. FACT SHEET National sow housing conversion project Jennifer Brown, Prairie Swine Centre Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET Optimizing flooring and social management of group housed gestating sows Laurie Connor, University of Manitoba Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET Sow Housing: risk factors and assessment techniques for lameness, productivity and longevity in group and individually housed gestating sows Laurie Connor, University of Manitoba and Nicolas Devillers, AAFC Sherbrooke Status: Completed in 2013. FACT SHEET Transport TRANSPORT Effects of long distance transport on the health and welfare of early weaned pigs Jennifer Brown, Prairie Swine Centre Status: Ongoing. Results expected in 2023. FACT SHEET Monitoring the effects of transport on the behaviour, physiology, carcass and meat quality of pigs through the study of truck micro-climate, vibrations and cooling systems Luigi Faucitano, AAFC Sherbrooke Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET A study on the efficiency of water sprinkling in the truck after loading and prior to unloading at two different environmental temperatures on core body temperature and carcass and meat quality in pigs Luigi Faucitano, AAFC Sherbrooke Status: Completed in 2013. FACT SHEET Euthanasia EUTHANASIA TECHNIQUES Use of non-penetrating captive bolt for euthanasia of neonate, suckling and weaned piglets up to 9 kg Tina Widowski, University of Guelph and Suzanne Millman, Iowa State University Status: Completed in 2013. FACT SHEET Piglets PIGLETS Determining the optimum space allowance for nursery pigs Jennifer Brown, Prairie Swine Centre Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET OTHER A pilot study to establish a gene panel for the identification of low-stress pigs Ray Lu, University of Guelph Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET A comparison of three animal welfare assessment programs on Canadian swine farms Tina Widowski, University of Guelph and Penny Lawliss, OMAFRA Status: Completed in 2013. FACT SHEET Evaluation and development of standards for swine production systems Lee Whittington and Bernardo Predicala, Prairie Swine Centre Status: Completed in 2013. FACT SHEET Welfare Assessment Sows & Gilts Welfare Assessment Transport Euthanasia Piglets

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FARMSCAPE INTERVIEWS BUILDINGS & ENVIRONMENT The interviews presented below have been done with researchers and experts involved in projects and activities supported by Swine Innovation Porc that are related to buildings and environment . ​ 2021 National Survey Expected to Help Pork Producers Reduce Environmental Footprint April 23, 2021 Continue Pork Producers Urged to Join Canadian Pig Production Practices Survey for Improved Economic and Environmental Viability April 15, 2021 Continue 2020 Canadian Pig Production Practices Survey Ready for Launch June 22, 2020 Continue Pork Producers Invited to Participate in Economic and Environmental Viability Survey February 20, 2020 Continue Survey Expected to Identify Areas for Environmental Improvement June 1, 2020 Continue Canadian Pig Production Practices Survey for Improved Economic and Environmental Viability Ready for Launch January 27, 2020 Continue Canadian Pig Production Practices Survey Set for Launch May 28, 2020 Continue 2019 Researchers Seek Options to Reduce Resource Use in Producing Pork February 22, 2019 Continue 2018 Improved Productivity Reduces Pork's Environmental Footprint December 24, 2018 Continue 2012 Improved Swine Barn Construction Standards Expected to Reduce Pork Production Costs December 6, 2012 Continue Pork Producers Encouraged to Provide Input for Improved Building Codes and Standards November 23, 2012 Continue

OUR REPORTS ANNUAL REPORTS 2022-2023 2018-2019 2014-2015 2011 2021-2022 2017-2018 2013-2014 2020-2021 2016-2017 2010-2013 2019-2020 2015-2016 2012 REPORTS ON SPECIFIC INITIATIVES Cluster 1-2 Impact Assessment Study 2017: Moving Towards Swine Cluster 3 2012-2013 Lead User Program

< Back Nutrition, Sustainability Save On Feed and Plump Up the Profit Research Has Finger on the Pulses With the high price of pig feed these days, anything that lowers your cost is easy to swallow. Science is constantly seeking new ways to do that, and a recent study found that pulses, especially faba bean, could help trim the expense. Pulse power In a bid to diversify energy and protein for pig diets, University of Alberta researchers have been looking at increasing the inclusion of locally grown pulses in feed. Apart from reducing feed cost, there are a number of agronomic and sustainability benefits to growing pulses. In addition to fixing atmospheric nitrogen (N) in symbiosis with root bacteria, pulses aid in diversifying soil microbial populations and nutrient uptake. If that’s not enough, they also break pest and disease cycles in yearly crop rotation with cereal grains and oilseeds. This study looked at the potential for faba beans, which offer greater yield compared to field peas, fewer inputs in relation to other crops, and a lower carbon footprint than sourcing animal forms of protein. However, the inclusion of faba beans in swine diets has been limited by its content of antinutritional factors like tannins and vicine and covicine. Antinutritional factors are components in food that can reduce nutrient use or feed intake. In response, researchers have found solutions through this study by identifying more suitable faba bean cultivars for producers. Faba takes flight When faba beans were first introduced to Western Canada about 20 years ago, their high tannin content served as a double-edged sword. The tannins helped guard the crop from early frost damage in the fall, but they gave the beans a bitter taste, rendering them of limited value for inclusion in pig diets. To improve their feed potential, a new white-flowered cultivar named Snowbird was introduced. While its lower tannin level improved feed potential, that came at the expense of reduced protection against early frost. In a nutshell (or bean pod), the dilemma was this: How could science achieve the best of both worlds for producers, rendering the beans effective as a crop and a feed source? For a solution, crop researchers have reduced the level of tannin to retain frost protection while enhancing digestibility of the bean. Though producers also receive low tannin levels with Snowbird, they lose frost protection in the process . In the course of this study, University of Alberta researchers found that faba bean cultivars with moderate amounts of tannin could still be included in pig diets, provided that the cultivar was also low in vicine and covicine – the anti-nutritional factors. This was a notable breakthrough for producers, as it meant they could reduce their risk of frost damage while growing faba bean for both food and feed without harmful effects. It pays to be picky To maximize the benefit of adding faba beans to a rotation, it’s important to do your homework before choosing the best variety for your farm. Among faba bean cultivars with moderate tannin content, researchers found Fabelle to be a top choice for feed intake and weight gain. Across cultivars, variations in dietary fiber and starch content contribute to differences in dry matter, energy digestibility and growth performance of pigs – which can all impact the bottom line. On the other hand, while ensuring that a cultivar will benefit your pigs is obviously paramount, this also needs to be weighed against yield impacts from reduced frost protection. Having established the viability of faba beans in reducing feed cost, scientists on this study feel that getting that message to the end user is critical. For the findings to be adopted, pig producers must be convinced that pulse grains like faba bean are cost effective. By replacing expensive soybean meal with the less costly faba bean as a protein source, while maintaining growth performance, producers can reduce feed cost per unit of growth. Digesting the results Though researchers found that the antinutritional factors in faba beans may slightly reduce a pig’s ability to digest nutrients, this should not hamper growth if producers consider that fact when formulating diets. For feeding pigs, medium levels of tannins in faba bean are acceptable, provided that vicine and covicine levels are limited. This study was led by Dr. Eduardo Beltranena, pork research scientist at the University of Alberta. In the barn and lab, graduate student Protus Nyende did the legwork, ensuring that all trials were completed accurately. The project was supported with funding from Swine Innovation Porc and Alberta Pork, which was provided to Dr. Ruurd Zijlstra. As its next order of business, the team plans to delve deeper into characterizing faba bean cultivars and gaining a better picture of what is happening with this ingredient in western Canada. Wherever that may take them, they know their work to date should take a bite out of producer costs. Now THAT’S food for though t. Background Project Title: Reducing feed cost and the environmental footprint and enhancing global competitiveness of Canadian pork production by increased nutrient utilization of feedstuffs fed to growing-finishing pigs. Lead(s)/Co-Lead(s): Dr. Ruurd Zijlstra (University of Alberta) Budget: $353 844 Research Methods Novel faba bean cultivars vary in nutrient content, digestibility and antinutritional factors that must be characterized to realize predictable growth performance in growing pigs. As part of the study, four diets were fed to eight barrows -weighing 37.5 kg each - for four 9-day periods to establish energy and nutrient digestibility. Those diets were comprised of 950 g faba bean/kg. The diets included two with zero-tannin cultivars (both with moderate levels of vicine and covicine) and two with mid-tannin cultivars (one low in vicine and covicine and one high in those factors).

PORK QUALITY By understanding and improving factors that influence taste, tenderness, nutritional value and safety, we ensure consumer satisfaction and loyalty. Investing in meat quality research paves the way for premium products, stronger market presence, and continued success in the pork industry. ​ View pork quality projects supported by Swine Innovation Porc since 2010 in the factsheets below. ​ Classifying Canadian pork based on quality attributes Manuel Juarez, AAFC Lacombe Status: Ongoing. Results are expected in 2023. FACT SHEET Objective methods for the evaluation of marbling and other meat quality traits Laurence Maignel, Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET Objective methods for the evaluation of marbling and other meat quality traits Brian Sullivan, Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET Increasing Canadian pork consumption, market share and competitiveness through enhanced nutritional values and overall quality with a functional molecule in pork meat Claude Gariepy, AAFC St-Hyacinthe Status: Completed in 2018. FACT SHEET Development of new genomic tools to improve meat quality traits and production efficiency in pigs Brian Sullivan and Mohsen Jafarikia, Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement Status: Completed in 2013. FACT SHEET Capturing genetic merit in differentiated pork production systems through genomics George Foxcroft, University of Alberta Status: Completed in 2013. FACT SHEET

< Back Animal Welfare Driven to Succeed: Transport Study Keeps Industry Rolling Ensuring Safe Travel for Pig Passengers All puns aside, the impact of transport on pig health is no laughing matter. The toll on animals from trucking can impact animal welfare and performance, sometimes leading to death losses that are also deadly to the bottom line. Though the “why” of moving pigs is obvious, how and when it’s done could be the difference between a smooth trip and a rocky ride for pigs and producers. While there has been considerable research on transporting finisher pigs, less is known about weaners. Although the pandemic made studying the latter a challenge, scientists pressed on, obtaining data for thousands of weaner loads from across the country. By analyzing the information, they addressed a key goal of their study: identifying factors that influence mortality during transport, in both eastern and western Canada. Potbellies and pigs Just as potbellies can be hazardous to human health, the study found that trips using potbelly trailers had greater average mortality than runs employing other trailer types. Weather was also a factor, with pigs in Western Canada experiencing the worst mortality during winter, while summer was the worst season in Eastern Canada. Certainly, the higher losses during extreme weather were not a shock to researchers. At the same time, they did take note of weaner pigs being more susceptible to the cold versus finishers, who struggle more in the heat than in cold weather during transport. This last point underlines the differing needs of pigs at various stages of life while in transit. The common thread throughout the project was finding areas where strategies could be developed to reduce the risk of weaners perishing during weaner transport. For example, in a study comparing long and short duration transport, pigs that were shipped longer distances were pre-weaned and had greater familiarity with feeders, making for a smoother transition when they arrived at the nursery barn. By contrast, short transport pigs were weaned just before loading, leading to mixing aggression and more acute stress response when they reached their destination. This suggests that weaning on farm prior to transport may reduce death losses, though more study is needed given the logistical challenges for producers in making this change. Putting problems to bed Often in research, finding answers begins with asking the right questions, and this project prompted a few queries: With higher mortality for weaners in the winter in western Canada, are we bedding them properly? Do we need to look at other bedding options? How exactly do various trailer types, and different compartments within the same trailer, affect pigs? In eastern Canada, how does the combination of humidity and high temperatures interact with space allowance, and how critical is forced ventilation under these conditions? As part of this study, scientists have begun monitoring more loads in Canada with technology that pinpoints aspects like temperature and humidity within the truck, hoping it will lead to answers. Uplifting research Using hydraulic 4-deck trailers, which are commonly deployed to transport large numbers of weaner pigs, researchers are starting to dig more deeply into temperature and space allowance for individual compartments. Armed with this knowledge, they plan to work with trailer manufacturers on developing control systems that can help to maintain ideal temperatures throughout the truck. The research team also stresses the importance of proper training for pig transport drivers. Though most drivers are very knowledgeable, turnover in the industry means others may lack awareness of key practices. Absent the cutting edge technology, drivers should be gauging temperature by stopping periodically to stick their hand into compartments. Since temperatures can build up quickly when a trailer is stationary with a full load of pigs, thereby reducing air flow, loading should be done as quickly as possible. As well, drivers should depart immediately once their truck is loaded, especially in hot conditions. Oh Canada! A pan-Canadian initiative can be a daunting task, so the alliance of academia and industry was critical for success. Central to the project were Dr. Yolande Seddon, assistant professor, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and Drs. Terry O’Sullivan and Renee Bergeron, both associate professors at the University of Guelph. They were assisted by PhD student Hannah Golightly, who presented a poster on the project at the Porc Show in 2022. For its part, industry was represented by Marie-Josée Turgeon, quality and animal welfare coordinator – pork production at Olymel L.P., and Dr. Egan Brockhoff, president and a practicing veterinarian with Prairie Swine Health Services. Regardless of their background, all parties shared a common vision: If we can better understand the processes of weaning and weaner transport, and the conditions that piglets require during transport, we will reduce death losses and improve the performance of these animals when they arrive at the nursery. Background Project Title: Effects of long distance transport on the health and welfare of early weaned pigs Lead(s)/Co-Lead(s): Dr. Jennifer Brown (Prairie Swine Center) Budget: $747 331 Research Methods Initially, researchers compared the effects of long and short transports. Following weaner pigs shipped from Saskatchewan to Ontario and loads within Ontario, they examined behaviour, physiology, injury scores and mortality. They also analyzed over 6,000 transport records provided by five Canadian swine production companies, representing approximately 6.9 million piglets transported between 2014 and 2018. The average weight of piglets was 5.7 kg. Transport events originated mostly in Ontario (61%), followed by Saskatchewan (33%) and Alberta (6%).

NEWS New Report Highlights Swine Cluster Research Impacts News Release - December 19, 2022 Download the Executive Summary Quebec, QC – Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) has published a new report highlighting the impact of Swine Cluster research as a driver for growth in the Canadian pork sector and the broader economy. "As a science-based industry, the role of research and innovation is at the heart of Canada's global leadership position in pork production," said Daniel Ramage, General Manager of SIP. "The significant impacts of past Swine Cluster research clearly show that investments in pork innovation are an engine for growth and economic development across the country." The report finds that investments by industry and government in Swine Cluster research valued at $30 million between 2010 and 2018, are leading to a 3.5% productivity increase for Canadian pork producers. "This significant productivity boost has a direct impact on the bottom line of producers and processors across the value chain by helping to sustain the sector's efficiency and competitiveness." The economic benefits of Swine Cluster research extend far beyond pork producers and processors, with sizeable impacts across the entire Canadian economy. Businesses, households and governments are all better off, as a more productive swine sector supports higher incomes, jobs and investment. Ultimately, for each dollar spent on Swine Cluster research, an additional new dollar is added to Canadian GDP, reflecting strong contributions to economic growth. "It's a win-win for government and industry when we work together to enhance research investments that benefit pork producers, processors and all Canadians. By enhancing support for innovation in the pork sector through the upcoming Swine Cluster and other programs, Canada can ensure that the pork sector remains a key driver of economic growth and development in the years to come." The Swine Cluster is a collaborative research program, managed by SIP in partnership with the Canadian pork industry and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. This partnership enables innovation that unlocks progress around core pork sector priorities like production efficiency, animal health and welfare, food safety, product quality and sustainability. -30- Founded in 2010, SIP is the national organization responsible for providing leadership in research, development and knowledge transfer to enhance the growth and competitiveness of the Canadian pork sector. Executive Summary