A four-year research project at the University of Nottingham, designed to deliver improved pig farm feed efficiency, has secured funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
The project, which builds on an ongoing partnership between the university and the animal health company, Zoetis, will focus on studies to help maximize muscle growth and improve the health of pig herds on farms. Total funding will be in excess of £800,000, including a contribution from Zoetis.
“Improving feed efficiency in pigs is becoming increasingly important in order to ensure their healthy growth and development,” said the university’s associate professor in nutritional biochemistry, John Brameld.
The project will bring together the muscle growth and metabolism expertise of Dr Tim Parr and Dr Brameld, both from the university’s school of biosciences; the pig muscle cell culture specialism of Dr Paul Loughna, from the school of veterinary medicine and science, and the whole body physiology skills of Professor Fran Ebling, from the school of life sciences.
“We’re excited about the scientific advances that could arise from the exchange of talent between our organisations and the contributions we can collectively make towards improving global food security,” said Zoetis’ senior scientist in global therapeutics, Douglas Harris.