PigCHAMP EDI exchange with Topigs Norsvin

Feb 03, 2017

Partnership to benefit a multitude of users

By John Eggert and Toon Weerts

Topigs Norsvin is pleased to announce that its customers may now exchange data via PigCHAMP.

“In the past, Topigs Norsvin multipliers, InGene (internal multiplication) customers and CCPS (Combined Crossbred and Purebred Selection) customers were limited in their choice of sow management systems for data exchange,” says Toon Weerts, breeding program manager for Topigs Norsvin International. “But now our customers can realize EDI exchange, including data on tattooed piglets, using the PigCHAMP module.”

These exchanges are the results of a collaborative, multi-year project conducted by PigCHAMP and Topigs Norsvin. “Currently, we have multiple units running on PigCHAMP exchange in the USA and Spain,” says Toon. “And new requests to get more farms started are coming from several countries, including Brazil, Argentina and Russia.”

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.