Celebrating 25 years of impact, the Center combines research, education, and animal care to support the evolving needs of the livestock industry.
Penn Vet’s Swine Teaching and Research Center at New Bolton Center is marking 25 years of leadership in animal agriculture, education, and swine research. Located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the facility has become an important resource for students, researchers, and livestock producers while helping advance animal welfare practices throughout the industry.
According to Rita Giordano of Penn Vet, the Center has played a major role in shaping future veterinary and agricultural professionals.
Since its establishment, the facility has focused on combining hands-on learning with innovative research, providing students with real-world experience in modern swine production.
The Center was founded by Thomas Parsons, who joined Penn Vet after conducting research in Germany. His vision was to create a progressive swine facility that emphasized animal welfare and management practices not widely adopted in the United States at the time. Backed by then-Dean Alan M. Kelly, the Center was developed as a working farm where education, research, and practical livestock management could be integrated.
Over the past two decades, the Center has gained recognition for encouraging the use of open-pen housing systems and advanced feeding technologies for gestating sows.
Its research efforts have also contributed to improvements in reproduction, disease prevention, and herd health through the work of Gary Althouse, professor of reproduction and swine health.
The facility continues to evolve. In 2026, New Bolton Center launched DAT-AI-LAB, a program that uses artificial intelligence to monitor animal behavior and provide farmers with valuable management insights.
While research and innovation remain central to its mission, education continues to be the Center’s foundation. Students benefit from a supportive, hands-on environment that prepares them for careers in veterinary medicine, animal science, and agriculture.
After 25 years, the Swine Teaching and Research Center remains a leader in advancing livestock production, animal welfare, and agricultural education while helping develop the next generation of industry professionals.
Photo Credit: penn-vet