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Atlantic Swine Research Partnership Inc.
In the fall of 2002, representatives of the swine producer associations in the three Maritime Provinces incorporated the Atlantic Swine Research Partnership Inc. (ASRP) as a non-profit research corporation, to conduct strategic research activities for the development of Atlantic Canada’s pork industry. The farmers provided seed money to the company to fund key strategic activities.
 As a private-sector research corporation, ASRP has the capacity to leverage other funding sources and issue research tax credits for eligible contributing partners.
The mission of ASRP is to empower Maritime swine producers to participate in the research and innovation needed to face present and future challenges.
Corporate Governance
The following is the corporate structure of the Atlantic Swine Research Partnership Inc.:
- Administrative and research staff
- Shareholders
- Porc NB Pork
- Pork Nova Scotia
- PEI Pork
- Board of Directors
- Porc NB Pork - Research Committee (2)
- Pork Nova Scotia - Research Committee (2)
- PEI Pork - Research Committee (2)
- Advisory Committee
- Board of Directors plus
- Representatives of: NB, NS, PEI Departments of Agriculture
- Atlantic Veterinary College
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Nova Scotia Agricultural College
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Activities
In 2002, a producer’s survey of research priorities was carried out to identify the key areas identified by Maritime swine producers. The categories were consistent across all regions and thus sent a clear message for research direction.
 The top research priorities were:
- reducing cost of production
- nutrition, with a key emphasis on reducing feed cost
- herd health
- environmental management
Several projects have been initiated to address these and associated priorities, including:
- research into the feeding value of rye, barley, hulless oats, and whole soybeans
- the value of enhanced key antioxidants on pig health and pork quality
- the value of enzymes and probiotics on growth, feed efficiency, manure odour and greenhouse gas emissions
- factors involved in the development of PMWS (Post-weaning Multi-systemic Wasting Syndrome) in commercial pigs
- the feasibility of selecting for enhanced immune capacity during genetic selection of purebred pigs
- alternatives to antimicrobial growth promotants in Atlantic Canada
- cost of production associated with commercial feed sources available in Atlantic Canada
- carcass demerits and shrink associated with increased transportation distance of pigs from farm to slaughter
- establishment of a manure and environmental management research chair at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College
- traceability options for the Canadian pork industry
When the projects require expertise that is beyond the skill of an individual researcher, the ASRP co-ordinates with other professionals to complete the projects.
Communications
The ASRP uses a wide range of communication vehicles to deliver relevant research findings to the pork industry and broader agricultural community, including a daily electronic newsletter, a quarterly research newsletter, research seminars, and peer-reviewed articles. To date, the response to completed projects has been very positive, ensuring that funds continue to flow into the partnership even through times of severe economic pressure in the industry.
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