For first phase of grant, blood samples will be collected from young pigs under variety of healthy, infected conditions that mimic conditions found on farms.
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University scientists are leading a new study to mine the intricate content of pigs’ blood cells to improve selection for disease resilience. “We’re looking for new, more effective ways to measure and predict different traits in pigs, especially disease resilience,” said Christopher Tuggle, professor of animal science and the lead investigator on a new grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
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Selecting pigs for disease resilience can help reduce incidence, impact of infectious diseases.
Jack Dekkers, Jian Cheng, Fred Fortin, Mike Dyck, John Harding, PigGen Canada, Graham Plastow, Iowa State University, Centre de développement du porc du Québec inc., University of Alberta, University of Saskatchewan | Mar 02, 2021
Infectious disease represents one of the largest cost components to the swine industry, incurring veterinary costs, loss of pigs, reduced performance, and animal welfare. Strategies to reduce the incidence and impact of infectious disease include biosecurity, vaccination and routine use of medications. However, biosecurity protocols are not always effective, especially in hog-dense regions, and effective vaccines are not available for all pathogens. In addition, there is pressure from society to reduce the use of antibiotics in pork production.