Xu Bai earned her B.Sc. in Animal Breeding & Genetics at China Agricultural University (2004) and recently graduated from University of Manitoba with a M. Sc. in Animal Science (2007). Her major research focus has been in molecular genetics of cross breeding theory, microbio classification and animal nutrition, specifically feed additives. She also brings to the position over two years of work experience with a pig breeding company based in China.

As Research Assistant, Xu will report to Dr. Patrick Charagu, Hypor's Geneticist for North America and China, and her responsibilities will include overseeing some regular routines in the breeding program, assisting nucleus personnel in various aspects of the breeding program including implementation and coordination of R & D trials and the processing and analyses of R & D data.

'We are very pleased to welcome Ms. Xu Bai to the position of Research Assistant,' says Dr. Charagu. 'Her background and knowledge will definitely be an asset for the Canadian program and will contribute to the successful implementation of Hypor's programs in China.'

Abe Huisman earned his M.Sc in Animal Breeding at Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands, (1998); in 2002 he successfully defended his PhD.thesis entitled 'Genetic analysis of growth and feed intake patterns in pigs' at Wageningen University. He spent the last three years at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit in Armidale, Australia. In this position, Abe was involved in the start-up of Sheep Genetics Australia, the world largest sheep genetics database. His major research focus has been in the quantitative genetics area, mainly in the area of model comparisons and parameter estimation, but also in developing new methods to assess connections between flocks and to define and validate genetic group structures.

As Program Geneticist, Abe will report to Benny van Haandel, Director R&D and Breeding, and he will work on fundamental and applied research in quantitative genetics and biotechnology. 'This new position really assures our ability to strengthen the Hypor Genetic program by adding new traits and advanced methods to our current program', says van Haandel, 'This will maintain our leading position in pig breeding and continue our genetic progress, which is already one of the highest in the industry.'

Hypor is one of the world's leading suppliers of swine genetics. Hypor is committed to providing superior genetics, which support profitability in the pork meat value chain. With its head office located in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada, the company has strategically located breeding centers in North America, Europe and Asia.