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Research

Investing in Research

Alberta Pork is proud to invest in research that supports a stronger, more sustainable pork industry. By partnering with leading research institutions and organizations, we help turn innovation into real-world results for producers across Alberta. This research focuses on practical, results-driven projects that address on-farm challenges — improving animal health and welfare, feed efficiency, environmental sustainability, and disease prevention.

Our Research Partners

Swine Innovation Porc (SIP)

SIP supports the Canadian pork industry by facilitating innovative research and knowledge transfer for the benefit of the value chain.

swineinnovationporc.ca

University of Alberta

Alberta Pork collaborates with the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences (ALES) on projects exploring nutrition, production efficiency, and animal welfare. These studies connect scientific innovation with everyday farm practices to keep Alberta producers competitive and sustainable.

ualberta.ca

Canadian West Swine Health Intelligence Network (CWSHIN)

CWSHIN plays a vital role in monitoring and protecting swine health across Western Canada. Alberta Pork supports CWSHIN’s disease surveillance and intelligence work, helping ensure early detection, rapid response, and effective management of emerging health threats.

cwshin.ca

Prairie Swine Centre

As a leader in applied pork research, the Prairie Swine Centre focuses on animal welfare, environmental impact, and production economics. Alberta Pork supports projects that give producers practical, research-based solutions to improve efficiency while maintaining strong animal care standards.

prairieswine.com

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR)

RDAR is the leading research funding organization in Alberta and as such funds innovation that drives measurable improvements on Alberta farms. RDAR projects deliver real-world results that strengthen the long-term resilience and profitability of the pork sector.

rdar.ca

Recent and Ongoing Research

Alberta Pork currently supports a range of innovative projects, including:
  • Non-antimicrobial alternatives to control Brachyspira-associated diarrhea (swine dysentery) in pigs. Faculty of Veterinary medicine University of Saskatchewan
  • Effects of improved design trailers on the welfare of pigs transported under Canadian transport and climate conditions. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, Québec
  • Effects of producing heavier market weight pigs on their easiness of handling and space requirements during transport to slaughter. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, Québec
  • Selecting for disease resilient pigs. University of Alberta
  • Low birth weight-induced increased fat absorption and preferential muscle marbling in swine. University of Alberta, Swine Research and Training Centre (SRTC)
  • Comparative genetic characterization of  coli O157:H7 from pigs and cattle, feces and carcasses. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lacombe Research and Development Centre

Turning Research Into Results

Every project Alberta Pork supports is selected for its potential to make a measurable difference. By working with scientists, veterinarians, and industry partners, we ensure research outcomes are not just academic — but actionable.

Economic Research

In addition to technical and on-farm projects, Alberta Pork also supports research that analyzes the broader economic and policy environment impacting the pork sector. These studies provide critical insights to help guide advocacy, policy discussions, and long-term planning for Alberta’s producers.

    Recent Projects

    Market and Trade Analysis

    Ongoing work that tracks global pork demand, trade barriers, and competitiveness of Canadian pork in export markets.