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Through a small blood sample, stronger pigs may be selected for their innate disease resistance traits, thereby expecting to improve the overall health of swine herds and to increasing their productivity.

The test is considered of a great interest by animal geneticists in order to develop new lineages of more disease resistant pigs. Another potential benefit is the possible reduction in the need for antibiotics, which would be welcomed by the medical community and consumers alike.

The project was aided by a financial contribution from the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).

The original participants, and others associated with the Industry, are currently planning further development for commercialization purposes. Participants and terms for this phase will be announced upon agreement finalization.

The swine industry in North America spends annually about US $1.5 B in health care. Such a test is believed to help in reducing these costs and increase productivity in all segments of the industry.

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall - 13th May 2003