Featured Research Projects

Sask Pork is committed to funding research and innovation to continually improve the profitability and production of sustainably-raised, safe, high-quality pork. Sask Pork’s primary research partnerships are with Prairie Swine Centre (PSC) and Swine Innovation Porc (SIP).

Improving Feed Sustainability to Meet the Demands of a Growing World

Researchers at Prairie Swine Centre, in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, are comparing nutrients in locally-sourced peas, lentils, chickpeas, and faba beans with traditional swine feed. The focus on alternative sources of feed ingredients for livestock is critical for sustainability in meeting the nutrient demands of a growing world population.

Helping Small Scale Swine Producer Prevent Disease

Small scale producers will be able to lean on the research from a Prairie Swine Centre and Swine Innovation Porc survey study of small scale swine production biosecurity practices to prevent disease. Plus a new website is providing much-needed health and animal care information.

Creating Better Transport Trailers for Improved Pig Welfare

Three new transport trailer designs are being studied to address knowledge gaps about hog transport welfare and the effects on meat quality, as well as to introduce new transportation technology for improved biosecurity. Short distance trial results indicate that advanced flat-deck trailer design provided a better microclimate for pigs, but the design improvements only slightly reduced stress in pigs during summer transit. Meanwhile, the trailer models can be used interchangeably in winter conditions.

Exploring Environmentally Safe Swine Disposal Methods

In Saskatchewan, it is estimated that about 85% of the province has geology suitable for burial of deadstock without impacting groundwater. Above ground burial may be a suitable means of disposal on the remaining geologically sensitive sites, such as sandy sites with a shallow groundwater table. The intent of this project is to determine if above ground burial is a viable option for disposal of deadstock in the province, and to monitor decomposition and assess the movement of nutrients, if any, from the shallow disposal sites. The project is set to be completed in 2023.

Improving Biosecurity in Antibiotic-free Production Systems

Maintaining high herd health status while minimizing antibiotic use is challenging. Prairie Swine Centre researchers have found alternative sanitization and disinfection measures like peracetic acid (PAA) and lightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) are viable options. This offers extra tools to boost existing biosecurity protocols, particularly in antibiotic-free production systems.

Using Technology to Tell the Story of the Pork Industry

The infrastructure for a "virtual pork interpretive gallery" has been installed at Prairie Swine Centre. The direct video access provides an innovative way to overcome the logistical and biosecurity considerations that limited public access in the past. The technology was also used to virtually highlight a hog barn to teachers across the province for an Agriculture In The Classroom Teacher Expedition.

Reducing Feed Costs in the Post-Weaning Period

With feed costs eating away at the bottom line for farmers, there is growing demand for knowledge on stretching feed dollars. Swine Innovation Porc is developing innovative strategies to reduce feed costs in post-weaning, while maintaining optimal performance and health.