The goal of research being conducted through the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Swine Welfare is to develop an automated swine welfare assessment system.

A swine nutritionist with the University of Saskatchewan says, if flow issues can be resolved, pea starch can provide an excellent source of energy in swine rations. Research conducted by the University of Saskatchewan in partnership with the Prairie Swine Center and the Canadian Feed Research Centre in North Battleford showed pigs fed pelleted rations containing 40 percent pea starch grew really well with great feed efficiency.

An international research effort, with ties to Saskatchewan, is looking at the potential of measuring hormone levels in the hair of pigs to identify genetic lines that will be less affected by stress. Researchers with Iowa State University, the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Alberta and CDPQ are collaborating on a project under which the levels of three stress hormones in the hair of pigs are being measured to evaluate the effect of stress on performance and on disease resilience.

A multi-institutional team of scientists is conducting research aimed at replacing antibiotics with probiotic bacteria to combat diarrhea in nursery pigs. In response to public concerns over antibiotic use in livestock production and the potential for antibiotic resistance, scientists with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the University of Saskatchewan, University of Manitoba, and the University of Guelph, with funding from Swine Innovation Porc, are working to develop viable alternatives to antibiotics in nursery pigs.

When managing deadstock, pork producers are encouraged to consider their own location, management and biosecurity situations when deciding on the best option. "Alternative Methods for Deadstock Management" was a featured topic at the Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium in Saskatoon this year.

Research into the microbiome of piglets taking place in Saskatchewan conducted on behalf of Swine Innovation Porc is assisting in creating new tools to increase the productivity of the swine herd.

Research conducted by the University of Saskatchewan and the Prairie Swine Centre suggests rye can be used as a replacement in swine rations for corn, wheat or barley.