Public Funding for J.S.R. Genetics Limited

Tail biting in growing pigs is affected by many risk factors, but an outbreak can start without warning or obvious cause. This unpredictable tail biting results in pain and sickness for bitten pigs and severe economic losses for farmers: infection through tail wounds results in abattoir condemnation of meat. Tail docking of piglets is partly effective at reducing tail biting in later life, but is seen as an undesirable mutilation and its routine use is banned in the EU. Our innovative new solution to this long-standing problem begins with the observation that pigs hold their tails down before a damaging tail biting outbreak starts. In an earlier project, we used 3D cameras and developed machine vision software that automatically detects these changes in tail posture. In this project we will build on our promising early feasibility results to develop a prototype decision support system to give farmers early warning of tail biting. Testing it on diverse pig farm types in the UK with both tail docked and undocked pigs, we will assess its welfare and economic benefits for pig producers and breeders. There is considerable domestic demand and export potential for TailTech for use in pig production systems globally. Tackling tail biting and reducing tail docking involves a multi-disciplinary farm to fork approach which is reflected in our project team of Agri-tech engineers, animal scientists, veterinarians and pork supply chain partners.

Working alongside Professor Alan Archibald, Head of Genetics and Genomics at The Roslin Institute, JSR will be seeking to identify the ‘feed efficiency’ gene in pigs. “We have the real advantage of being able to provide blood tests from thousands of JSR pigs for the Roslin laboratories to genome sequence, creating an individual DNA map of each one,” explains Stephen Waite, JSR Genetics’ Head of Science. “We are also recording the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of each animal using Feed Intake Recording Equipment (FIRE) feeders. These are located at our Newbottle Farm and, will show which are the most feed efficient pigs. By examining their corresponding DNA profiles, we hope to identify those genes responsible for feed efficiency.” The ultimate aim of the team is to be able to use SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) chip technology – glass slides onto which DNA is bonded to represent genetic variants - to identify the most feed efficient pigs at the earliest opportunity. “At the moment,” explains Stephen,” we have to wait until pigs reach around 91kilos before we can select for genetics. This innovation should accelerate the whole process: eventually we would like to be able to select for genetics at birth. In this case, as we are selecting for feed efficiency, a vital trait for all pig producers, the results will benefit the entire JSR range.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”

Pig IVF and genetics: a route to global sustainability”, will be undertaken in conjunction with Kent University’s School of Biosciences and The Bridge Centre, a leading IVF clinic. Involving the transport of IVF embryos, the project will be of particular interest to international customers. “Currently, sending genetics in the form of live animals to international customers can be complex and costly,” explains Stephen. “Each animal has to be individually tested at around £250 per animal, vaccinated, and travels in more spacious accommodation than most humans.” By comparison, the transport of IVF embryos would involve a fraction of this cost and the environmental impact would be far less. Embryos suspended in a flask require just one test, can be ‘disease washed’ as required for their destination and can travel as luggage on a normal commuter flight. “Working with the Bridge Fertility Centre and Dr Kate Fowler of the University of Kent, who we also sponsored as a PhD student, is an excellent example of the synergy these relationships create,” says Stephen. “At present, different people have managed to do different parts of the process but no one yet has managed to pull the whole process together. We think that there will be gains all round for both human and animal fertility. For JSR customers, it will provide worldwide access to the full range of JSR genetics in a more convenient and cost-effective way with substantial savings being passed down the supply chain.”