Résultats de recherche

RESEARCH PRIORITIES One of Swine Innovation Porc’s primary roles is to keep on top of emerging science and understand the industry’s short and long term needs in order to stay competitive and profitable. ​ To do this, Swine Innovation Porc regularly consults with a number of stakeholders in both academia and the industry to help set national swine research priorities. See below for the most recently identified research priorities for the Canadian swine sector. Year of Publication: 2020 African Swine Fever Research Priorities Year of Publication: 2017 Canadian Swine Research Priorities: 2018-2023

< Community Wire Next Article> SIP Research Assembles Best Minds to Address Pork Sector Challenges Bruce Cochrane 6 Nov 2023 SIP General Manager Daniel Ramage discusses Swine Cluster 3 Research 00:00 / 02:45 Farmscape for November 6, 2023 The General Manager of Swine Innovation Porc says it's through investments in research that the pork sector is able to put some of the best minds to work addressing challenges and building opportunities for the sector. Swine innovation Porc's just released 2022-23 annual report can be accessed at swininnovationporc.ca . Daniel Ramage, the General Manager of Swine Innovation Porc says investments in research contribute to the industry's long-term profitability, competitiveness and sustainability. Quote-Daniel Ramage-Swine innovation Porc: We've actually just wrapped up our latest swine cluster, the swine cluster 3 program, and we're working on the development of the next five-year cluster. Those are some of the things we talk about in the annual report and we're highlighting how these funding investments are really driving long term growth. This is one of the things that we really try to emphasize in the annual report, that our research priorities do encompass key areas, things like the environment, animal nutrition, animal health, animal welfare and quality. These are priorities that have been set collaboratively through consultation across the pork industry. These are priorities that are really driving by the industry's need for sustainability, the need for efficiency and quality and to address evolving consumer and regulatory demands. Its really through the investments that make in research that we can put some of the best minds to work on solving challenges and building up opportunities for our sector across all of these different areas and priorities. In our annual report this year we really emphasis celebrating and featuring some of the impacts and outcomes of those efforts. Ramage notes an economic impact assessment study that looked at the return on investment in past clusters, shows these research investments have resulted in a three and a half percent increase in productivity across Canada. He says, more broadly, the benefits of research can be quantified through improved efficiency, animal welfare, product quality and even environmental impact. For more visit Farmscape.Ca . Bruce Cochrane. *Farmscape is produced on behalf of North America’s pork producers < Community Wire Next Article >

EVENT AND WEBINAR VIDEOS EVENT held on January 10, 2023 Gene Editing in the Pork Industry Could gene editing be a solution to the wild boar problem, African swine fever and other infectious diseases? Dr. Ray Lu, University of Guelph Gene Editing: Successes and Opportunities How has gene editing been used to advance solutions in other industries, and what have the outcomes been? Dr. Vilceu Bordignon, McGill University Ethics, Regulators and the Public What does the future hold for the adoption of gene editing, and how should we navigate the landscape? Dr. Stuart Smyth, University of Saskatchewan WEBINAR held on January 6, 2021 African swine fever: How is Canada getting prepared? Webinar Program & Speakers WEBINAR held on December 8, 2020 Carnosine: What is it and what are the benefits? Webinar Program & Speakers EVENT held on January 7, 2020 The Gut Microbiome, and Why You Should Care About It Event Program & Speakers EVENT held on January 7, 2020 The Future of Pig Gut Health: Research to Come Event Program & Speakers

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARNO SCHOBER Chair Ontario Pork DARCY FITZGERALD Director Alberta Pork ANDREW VAN KESSEL Director Science Advisory Body Chair RENÉ ROY Vice-Chair, Les Éleveurs de porcs du Québec MARK FERGUSON Director Sask Pork JORGE CORREA Director, Pork Value Chain Representative MAAIKE CAMPBELL Treasurer Ontario Pork Sector GRANT MELNYCHUK Director Manitoba Pork RAPHAËL BERTINOTTI Director Quebec Pork Sector DENISE CASSIDY Director PEI Pork & NB Pork

< Community Wire Next Article> Development of Antiviral Tools to Control African Swine Fever Needed Before Outbreak Occurs Bruce Cochrane 21 Dec 2023 Dr. Suresh Tikoo discusses work being conducted by VIDO to develop new antiviral drugs to combat African Swine Fever 00:00 / 02:42 Farmscape for December 21, 2023 A scientist with the University of Saskatchewan suggests the tools to address an outbreak of African Swine Fever need to be in place before the infection makes its way to North America. The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan, with funding from Swine innovation Porc, is evaluating commercially available panels of antiviral compounds, for use in developing antiviral drugs to deal with African Swine Fever. Dr. Suresh Tikoo, a Professor and the Director of the Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics Graduate Program, in the School of Public Health and a senior scientist with VIDO, says with African Swine Fever outbreaks already reported in countries in eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, Germany, Belgium and Latin America (Haiti and Dominican republic) it's not a question of if but rather when the infection will enter North America. Quote-Dr. Suresh Tikoo-University of Saskatchewan School of Public Health and VIDO: Pork shipments generate about 30 million dollars in Canada and, once this disease comes into Canada, international market access is lost. In Canada alone, ASF may cause direct economic loss estimated at 24 billion dollars U.S. The virus is not here in North America but, because of the economic considerations, there's a big concern about the virus coming in and if it comes how to control the spread. With that in mind our long-term objective is to develop tactics which can control ASF infection as an alternative approach to vaccination because no vaccine is available. Although attempts are being made to make vaccine, no fruitful success has been achieved yet. We want to develop those antivirals so that at least we can reduce the susceptibility of the pigs and limit the transmission of the virus. Dr. Tikoo says researchers are doing high throughput screening of these antiviral compounds in vitro, in tissue culture cells in the CFIA approved level 3 lab at VIDO's International Vaccine Center, VIDO in hopes of identifying a few anti ASFV compounds that merit testing in vivo, in live animals. He expects to have results of the in vitro testing within four or five months. For more visit Farmscape.Ca . Bruce Cochrane. *Farmscape is produced on behalf of North America’s pork producers < Community Wire Next Article >

< Community Wire Next Article> Scientists Strive to Use Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae Secreted Molecules to Fight PRRS Bruce Cochrane 25 Aug 2023 Dr. Carl Gagnon discusses the potential use of compounds secreted by bacteria to combat viruses 00:00 / 02:45 Farmscape for August 25, 2023 Researchers with the University of Montreal in partnership with Swine Innovation Porc are working to apply molecules secreted by one infection that inhibit the replication of another to the development of new antiviral drugs to treat Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome. Research conducted by the University of Montreal looking at the interactions between the virus responsible for PRRS and other disease-causing pathogens found that molecules secreted by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae inhibit the replication of the PRRS virus. Dr. Carl Gagnon, a professor with the University of Montreal and a member of the swine and poultry infectious disease research center, says, with funding provided by Swine Innovation Porc, scientists are characterising the mechanisms of action of these compounds, which are know as nucleosides. Quote-Dr. Carl Gagnon-University of Montreal: Nucleoside analogs are already known in humans to be part of some antiviral drugs. We confirmed that the molecule secreted by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae possesses an antiviral effect against PRRS virus and, based on that result, we looked at already know antiviral drugs that are used for human viruses and we are testing some already known drugs to see if they can have an effect against PRRS virus. But we also have to look at the bigger picture because sometimes human antiviral drugs are quite expensive and unfortunately, for those kinds of drugs, I don't know how they can be applied in real situations at the barn level because of the costs which would be very high. However, we are also trying to figure out what is the mechanism of action of the Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae secreted molecules and we hope that by identifying and characterising the mechanism of action then we can find other molecules that could block those mechanisms to be able to have an antiviral drug and hopefully to develop a drug that will be more accessible to the industry in terms of cost. Dr. Gagnon says the hope is, within a few years, to have a good way to control PRRS. For more visit Farmscape.Ca . Bruce Cochrane. *Farmscape is produced on behalf of North America’s pork producers < Community Wire Next Article >

< Back Nutrition, Sustainability, Animal Health Science Feeds a Need to Lower Costs Diversity Makes the Difference When it comes to feeding your animals, forget about nice linens and gourmet meals. To support their growth and well-being, pigs need good, nutritious food on a regular basis. The challenge for producers is to offer those meals without breaking the bank. Given ever rising feed costs and the volume required on farm, especially for growing-finishing pigs, scientists investigated new options to diversify the ingredient supply and methods for getting the most from nutrients in pig diets. Today, a burgeoning global population and rapidly evolving climate change have altered the food producing environment. More than ever, alternative ingredients, especially proteins and fats, are required to sustain the pork sector, the food chain and the planet. To give producers the greatest return on their feed investment, those ingredients must be of high quality and able to maximize pig performance. A healthy pulse With those ends in mind, researchers focused on a few key areas in these studies. First, they looked to characterize the nutrient content of Canadian grown pulses, which have gained attention as alternatives for inclusion in current swine diets. These pulses included two varieties of field peas, as well as lentils, chickpeas and faba beans. They also aimed to understand how pelleting and extrusion under different conditions affect the nutrient content of the ingredients. Pelleting is the process of converting finely ground mash feed into dense, free flowing pellets. Pelleting a diet makes it easier to handle feed and helps reduce feed waste, while supporting optimal performance. Research has demonstrated that pelleted feed supports roughly a 7% increase in feed efficiency. Extrusion, which involves applying heat, moisture, and pressure to an ingredient, can improve energy and protein digestibility for pigs, and the heat treatment increases the storage life of pulses by reducing water content. Amino acids to the rescue The project also measured the digestibility of amino acids in faba beans, lentils and yellow field peas. Since pigs are unable to synthesize all of the amino acids required to function normally, they must obtain many of them from feed ingredients. Based on their work, researchers now have sufficient nutrient data on Canadian grown field peas, lentils, chickpeas and faba beans for these ingredients to be considered for inclusion in swine diets. Dare to be different While pulses are rich in macro and micronutrients, the study noted that various cultivars differ in what they can provide and how they react to processing treatments. Overall, however, there were no extreme detrimental effects of processing on nutrient content of the pulses, specifically in relation to protein and amino acid content. For swine nutritionists, the results also warned against making assumptions on how the nutrients of one pulse ingredient might change due to processing, simply by comparing it to another pulse ingredient. As for pork producers, they will now have more quality, low-cost feed options. Additionally, they can consider different processes, such as extrusion, to improve the digestibility and availability of nutrients. Teams work Three people led the way on this project: Dr. Kate Shoveller, professor, Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph (U of G); Dr. Dan Columbus, research scientist – nutrition at the Prairie Swine Centre (PSC) in Saskatoon and adjunct professor in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S); and Cara Cargo-Froom, a PhD student at the time and currently a postdoctoral research fellow at the U of G. Other key experts involved were Dr. Rex Newkirk, associate professor in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science at the U of S; Dr. Yongfeng Ai, associate professor, Food and Bioproduct Sciences, U of S; Dr. Olufemi Babatunde, postdoctoral researcher- Nutritional Physiology at the PSC; and Dr. Chris Marinangeli, former Director of Nutrition, Science & Regulatory Affairs with Pulse Canada and currently Senior Director, Research and Regulatory Affairs at Pulse Canada Although scientists can now draw broad generalizations about changes in nutrients across pulses or within a pulse category (e.g., changes in beans), there is more to be done. Understanding how processing can affect each category of pulse, and the varieties within the category, can provide much needed insight on the specific varieties of interest. As part of her ongoing program, Dr. Shoveller will continue to seek quality protein sources for pigs, dogs, cats and horses. Links to Publications: Babatunde, O.O., Cargo-Froom, C.L., Ai, Y., Newkirk, R.W., Marinangeli, C.P., Shoveller, A.K. and Columbus, D.A., 2023. Extrusion effects on the starch and fibre composition of Canadian pulses. Canadian Journal of Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjas-2022-0127 Babatunde, O.O., Cargo-Froom, C.L., Ai, Y., Newkirk, R.W., Marinangeli, C.P., Shoveller, A.K. and Columbus, D.A., 2022. Processing effects on the starch and fibre composition of Canadian pulses. Canadian Journal of Animal Science, (ja). https://doi.org/10.1139/cjas-2022-0108 Cargo-Froom, C.L., Newkirk, R.W., Marinangeli, C.P., Shoveller, A.K., Ai, Y. and Columbus, D.A., 2022. The effects of extrusion on nutrient content of Canadian pulses with a focus on protein and amino acids. Canadian Journal of Animal Science. doi.org/10.1139/CJAS-2022-0088 Cargo-Froom, C.L., Newkirk, R.W., Marinangeli, C.P., Shoveller, A.K., Ai, Y., Kiarie, E.G. and Columbus, D.A., 2022. The effects of grinding and pelleting on nutrient composition of Canadian pulses. Canadian Journal of Animal Science, (ja). doi.org/10.1139/cjas-2021-0111 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. Kate Shoveller (University of Guelph) Budget: $281 128 Research Methods To evaluate the overall quality of protein-dense feed elements, scientists used a digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS). The DIAAS is determined using amino acid digestibilities measured at the end of the small intestine, which provides a more accurate measure of the amounts of amino acids absorbed by the body, with DIAAS ultimately presenting a score to inform on protein quality of an ingredient. Though it was not part of the official study, researchers observed the pigs’ eating behaviors. They noted that while every pig consumed all of the diets provided, there was a clear preference, based on the “gusto” with which they ate, for the pea and faba bean diets over the lentil option.

< Back Animal Health, Animal Welfare Group Sow Management: Can’t We All Just Get Along? Reducing Stress for Pigs and Producers If herding cats is the ultimate challenge, managing sows is a close second. This is especially true with the advent of group housing and its unique dynamics. In such systems, proper management is key to minimizing stress for sows, thereby boosting sow reproductive performance and piglet development. Given the stakes for producers, scientists are working hard to find the best approach. In exploring the pros and cons of different group management systems, Canadian researchers focused on dynamic versus static grouping and compared early and late mixing of sows. With the dynamic mixing approach, multiple breeding groups are housed together in each pen. As small groups of sows are moved out to be farrowed, new groups of recently mated sows join the pen. In static groups, each pen houses only one breeding group of sows. The animals are only mixed at the start of gestation, and no sows can be brought in for replacement if a sow is removed. The choice to implement dynamic or static housing can have big impacts for barn design. Mix and mingle Dynamic mixing is a popular choice for producers, allowing use of new technology and providing individual feeding for sows. But researchers are concerned that there is potential for more conflict, aggression and stress as groups of sows move in and out of the pen. When it comes to sows, there is “mixing aggression” and “ongoing aggression”. Researchers were concerned that ongoing aggression in dynamic groups would be a problem. What they found was that mixing aggression, which happens only once at the beginning of gestation, was reduced in dynamic groups because there were fewer new group members. At the same time, they found that ongoing aggression resulted in more lesions in dynamic groups throughout gestation, but it was not enough to impact their production. This suggests that mixing aggression is more important than ongoing aggression in terms of the impact on reproduction. Late mixing (after 28 days of gestation) is also largely favoured over early mixing, but this may not be sustainable given the concern shown by consumers. As pressure grows from the public to abolish month-long stays in gestation stalls, researchers are examining early mixing more closely as a viable option. Interestingly, this study found less aggression in dynamic systems over static ones (both mixed early). In the former, aggression levels were low when each small group was added, compared to one large mixing event for the static housed sows, which occurred in early pregnancy. The production results were also surprising: Dynamic sows had the highest farrowing rate over static sows, and even over a control group of late mixed sows. There is not a clear winner between static and dynamic; both systems are popular and will continue to be so. They require very different approaches, so industry must be more aware of those differences to fine tune management strategies. Social status is important, because if a system is not running well, it is always the subordinate sows who get the short end of the stick, and it is usually the younger/smaller animals that are subordinate. With genetics, the swine industry needs to shift the genetic focus away from producing more piglets and onto finding less aggressive sows that are well built and robust to function well in group housing. Climbing the Social Ladder Another important factor influencing a sow’s reproductive performance was social status within the pen. Researchers determined each sow’s rank within the group as dominant, intermediate or subordinate based on a feed competition test. A sow’s rank played a large role in setting their stress level, which in turn affected piglet behavior and physiology. The exact connection is not yet clear, but scientists hope to learn more as they review the data. As part of the project, researchers also examined sow mortality in the wake of growing death losses on farm. Using a survey and follow up visits that covered 104 herds, they found higher mortality in large herds (3,000 or more) versus small, and in group gestation versus stalls. Scientists were especially concerned that the majority of death losses in group gestation involved younger sows. Apart from the animal welfare implications, early culling is an economic blow for the business. Most producers can attest that sows who manage fewer than three parities don’t even cover their replacement cost. Finding genes that fit These mortality findings are critical for industry going forward. The increase in lameness should spawn a greater focus on all aspects of gilt development, and genetics companies could prioritize conformation (functional legs and feet) and a calmer temperament that is less prone to aggression. Greater robustness traits would be beneficial as well, making sows more durable in group systems as they navigate concrete floors and interact with their pen mates. Addressing the mortality issue will take a combined effort from researchers and producers. It is vital that worker training and compliance on farm be more consistent, and that staff use the same definitions between farms and within the same operation. What constitutes “culled”, “euthanized” and “died on farm”? For their part, the project team plans to have recommendations for workers soon on what to record. Aiding in this study was Dr. Yolande Seddon, assistant professor, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. At the same time, Dr. Nicolas Devillers, research scientist in pig behaviour and welfare at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), advised the team on dynamic mixing. Also of note, Dr. Brian Sullivan, CEO at the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI), worked closely with the group on sow mortality. For the pork sector, the only constant is change, and the move to group sow housing is a prime example. The more producers can learn today about managing group gestation and limiting sow mortality, the better equipped they’ll be to face the future. Background Project Title: Optimizing sow productivity and management: Impact of grouping practices on sow reproductive performance and piglet development and identification of risk factors for sow mortality Lead(s)/Co-Lead(s): Dr. Jennifer Brown (Prairie Swine Center) Budget: $698 760 Research Methods To assess options for group management of sows, researchers used a variety of mixing times and grouping strategies in the barn. They also followed two of the groups to farrowing and examined the piglets to gauge the impact of pre-natal stress. To assess the piglets, researchers looked at vitality scores, cortisol (stress hormone) levels, behavior at tail docking, growth rate and length of time for piglets to approach the udder.

< Community Wire Next Article> Survey Shows Improved Pork Production Efficiency and Reduced Environmental Footprint Over 30 Years Bruce Cochrane 6 Jun 2023 Dr. Mario Tenuta with the University of Manitoba discusses results of a survey of the "Canadian Pig Production Practices Survey for Improved Economic and Environmental Viability." 00:00 / 02:42 Farmscape for June 6, 2023 A survey of Canadian pork producers shows an across-the-board improvement in the efficiency of pork production and a reduction of the sector's environmental foot print over the past 30 years. Scientists with the University of Manitoba, on behalf of Swine Innovation Porc, coordinated the "Canadian Pig Production Practices Survey for Improved Economic and Environmental Viability." Dr. Mario Tenuta, the Senior Industrial Research Chair in 4R Nutrient Stewardship and a Professor of Soil Ecology with the University of Manitoba, explains the survey was open to pork producers across Canada and was conducted to quantify improvements in production efficiency and paint a clearer picture of the pork sector's environmental footprint. Clip-Dr. Mario Tenuta-University of Manitoba: Efficiencies of production have improved from 1990 to 2020 and the efficiency of production in terms of throughput of live carcass weight for the same amount of feed and time and so forth have improved by a good eight to 10 percent. Then related with all indicators of production efficiency and also environmental indicators have improved, showing we're using resources better to produce more pig products. You name it, it's improved, in terms of water, electricity or fuel and feed all improved. There is a number of reasons for this. One of them is the genetics of our animals are better than 30 years ago. Another is that there's advances that we've had technology wise, barn design, how we heat and cool, move manure, store manure have improved and then also the utilization of available feedstuffs for mixing rations, in particular the use of coproducts. Dr. Tenuta says it's positive to see the pork sector on this trajectory and we can identify areas of improved trajectory for the near future. For more visit Farmscape.Ca . Bruce Cochrane. *Farmscape is produced on behalf of North America’s pork producers < Community Wire Next Article >

< Community Wire Next Article> Swine Innovation Porc Annual Report Highlights Swine Cluster 3 Accomplishments Bruce Cochrane 24 Oct 2023 SIP General Manager Daniel Ramage discusses the release of the 2022-23 Annual Report. 00:00 / 02:48 Farmscape for October 24, 2023 Swine Innovation Porc's just released 2022-23 annual report highlights accomplishments achieved through the swine cluster research program. Swine Innovation Porc, the national organization focused on advancing the Canadian pork sector through innovative research and knowledge transfer, has released its 2022-23 annual report. SIP General Manager Daniel Ramage says one of the most notable achievements this year has been the conclusion of Swine Cluster 3. Quote-Daniel Ramage-Swine Innovation Porc: Funding for SIP primarily comes from a combination of government grants and industry contributions and research partnerships. One of the major research programs that we've been leading since 2010 is the swine cluster program. That's an initiative that's funded under the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada AgriScience Cluster Program. That is a program that represents a true partnership between industry and government and academics, institutions. It's where we come together to advance priority work and large-scale multi-partner research initiatives. SIP's research program is led by institutions and research centers from across Canada and in some cases even with global partners. Under cluster 3, for example, which we're really featuring and showcasing in our annual report, we worked with 24 different research institutions. These are leading universities and academic institutions and across those institutions we worked with over 80 different researchers throughout this program and they're projects that are enabling us to tap in to some of the best minds in pork research and applying it to the priorities of our industry. What we strive to do is to build that collaboration between industry and academia and government so that we can drive innovation. The 2022-2023 Swine Innovation Porc Annual Report can be accessed through SIP's web site at swineinnovationporc.ca . For more visit Farmscape.Ca . Bruce Cochrane. *Farmscape is produced on behalf of North America’s pork producers < Community Wire Next Article >

< Community Wire Next Article> Validation Tools Under Development for Post-Weaning E. coli Diarrhea Interventions Bruce Cochrane 20 Feb 2023 Dr. Vahab Farzan discusses efforts to develop interventions to prevent swine disease, such as post-weaning E. coli diarrhea 00:00 / 02:39 Farmscape for February 20, 2023 Researchers with the University of Guelph are developing the tools needed to validate interventions being developed to prevent swine disease, such as post-weaning E. coli diarrhea. As part of research being conducted with funding provided by Swine Innovation Porc, Ontario Pork, and the Ontario Agr-Food Innovation Alliance, scientists with the University of Guelph have been investigating the response in pigs challenged by E. coli in order to optimize the infection model used to assess interventions being developed to control post-weaning E. coli diarrhea. Dr. Vahab Farzan, a Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Population Medicine and the Department of Pathobiology at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph says the objectives are to develop and optimize an infection model for assessing the effectiveness of interventions such as vaccination or probiotics and to use the infection model. Clip-Dr. Vahab Farzan-University of Guelph: It is very important to evaluate the effectiveness of those methods, like vaccine or probiotics and this should be done first under an experimental challenge study, which needs to challenge the pigs with the bacteria and then see how they respond to infection in pigs vaccinated as opposed to those not vaccinated as opposed to those not received it and it's very important to have an infection model. When I'm talking about the infection model that means that there are different parameters that will have impact on pig response to the infection. One of them is, for example, the age of the pig. The genetics of the pig is another parameter, how much bacteria we should give to the pigs to induce diseases in them. These are main parameters that we need to optimise an infection model first and then use that infection model to evaluate intervention. Dr. Farzan says it's important that the infection model deliver enough of the infectious agent to trigger a disease response but not enough to kill the pig. For more visit Farmscape.Ca . Bruce Cochrane. *Farmscape is produced on behalf of North America’s pork producers < Community Wire Next Article >