Swine Innovation Porc unveils 4 Advancing Swine Research projects

Jan 12, 2026

Swine Innovation Porc is pleased to announce four research projects under its Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals, a national initiative designed to strengthen the resiliency, sustainability and competitiveness of Canada’s pork sector.

Supported by the Pork Promotion and Research Agency, the projects announced represent the first set of approved investments under a highly competitive, industry-guided research call. Additional approved projects will be announced as partner co-funding decisions are finalized.

For the four projects announced, SIP will invest up to $488,347, mobilizing up to $1.18 million in total project funding to advance innovation across priority areas including housing systems, animal health, energy efficiency and product quality.

“SIP is proud to lead this national research effort that channels research investments into meaningful, targeted impact for producers and processors,” said Mark Ferguson, chair of SIP. “This call delivered exceptional proposals from across Canada, and the projects we are advancing will help producers meet today’s challenges while positioning the sector for long-term success.”

Projects were selected through a rigorous review process informed by industry input and scientific expertise, ensuring research outcomes are relevant, impactful and positioned to deliver value back to producers and processors.

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Video: Season 7, Episode 6: Using Competitive Exclusion to Reduce E. coli in Weaned Pigs

Newly weaned pigs are especially vulnerable to pathogenic E. coli, which can cause diarrhea and other health challenges. Research is exploring how introducing beneficial bacteria before exposure to harmful bacteria could help reduce the severity of post-weaning disease, with timing playing an important role.

Dr. Marcelo Almeida, assistant professor in Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Rodrigo Paiva, graduate student and pathology resident at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, discuss their research on competitive exclusion in weaned pigs. They explain how this approach works, why introducing beneficial microorganisms before E. coli exposure may improve outcomes and what they learned about diarrhea, E. coli shedding and pig performance. The conversation also explores the potential to address antimicrobial resistance and the considerations for applying these findings in commercial pork production.