More veterinary medicine seats at USask

Sep 30, 2022

The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan will have an extra ten student seats next year.

The action is being taken to address the growing need for veterinarians across the province, particularly for large animal and mixed animal veterinarians in rural Saskatchewan.

In 2023-24, the number of subsidized student seats will increase from 20 to 25 at WCVM.

The provincial government will provide $11.9 million to the WCVM. The new commitment to add seats will mean an investment of $539,000 in 2023-24, increasing each year to $2.2 million by 2026-27 when fully implemented over the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said there have been concerns expressed about the livestock sector.

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Video: Genetics Behind Swine Resilience - Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, explains how genetics can improve disease resilience in pigs. She explores how resilience differs from resistance, the role of genetic variation, and how breeding strategies can enhance health and performance under disease pressure. Dr. Dunkelberger also covers practical applications and future implications for swine production. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Controlled experimental trials confirm that differences in mortality and performance under disease pressure are linked to genetic background, even when environmental conditions remain consistent."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger / jenelle-dunkelberger-9200ab86 is a geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, where she leads the Global Health and Behavior Research Platform. She earned her PhD from Iowa State University, focusing on host genetics and disease response in pigs. Her work centers on improving swine health and performance through genetic selection for resilience and behavior traits.