University of Leeds opens new pig centre in UK

The University of Leeds, UK, has opened the new National Pig Centre which will allow scientists to research potential improvements for the pig industry.

Built with an investment of more than £11m, the facility will be used by scientists based at the university and will focus on improving the sustainability and efficiency of pig production. The university launched the facility in collaboration with the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL). CIEL has invested £4.5m in the project, using funding provided by Innovation Agency Innovate UK.

University of Leeds vice-chancellor Sir Alan Langlands said: “Leeds is proud to be working in a number of ways at home and internationally to improve food security and the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

“The National Pig Centre will provide a key national resource for industry to work in partnership with the University to develop innovative and practical solutions that make a positive contribution to the economy, environment and society.

“We are hugely grateful for the strong support we have received from CIEL and Nigel Bertram, and the leading edge work of Helen Miller, our Professor of Animal Bioscience, in developing this facility.”

Scientists at the National Pig Centre will have a particular focus on pig nutrition, behaviour, health and fertility.

CIEL chief executive Lyndsay Chapman said: “We’re very proud to work with Leeds and develop this first for the pig and pork industry.

“It provides unique research capability on a commercially relevant scale and complements the investments we’ve made across the CIEL network. Through our nationwide collaborative alliance, we’re working to ensure the industry has access to the very best expertise in this field of research.”

The National Pig Centre will promote engagement, discussion and collaboration between researchers and industry. It will also help to deliver the goals of the Global Food and Environment Institute (GFEI).