Characterisation of novel technology for boar taint detection to assist with the production of taint-free pork18 Research Partner: Centre for Research in Biosciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, Kelly Westmacott Sponsor: AHDB Pork, UWE, and JSR Genetics Duration: Aug 2015 – 2018 Aims and objectives: To characterise a device that can measure the level of boar taint in the fat tissue of pigs, detect boar taint compounds, and give user-friendly read-outs simultaneously. The final device could be used to prevent tainted meat reaching the consumer by rapidly sorting carcases before they reach the end of the abattoir line. Findings to date:
• A validation method has been developed using
the technique gas chromatography (GC) and complementary sample preparation method for two main compounds responsible for boar taint
• Over 40 samples provided by JSR Genetics Ltd. have
been analysed via the novel technology and validation methods. Preliminary correlation data is currently being published
• The preliminary studies demonstrate that
• •
simultaneous direct analysis for boar taint in an abattoir is achievable with the novel technology. The rapid novel technology is also portable and suitable for direct measurement, making this technology suitable for the abattoir processing line The novel technology is advantageous compared with traditional methods in its rapidity, portability, and costeffectiveness The novel technology could improve the competitiveness of the UK pig industry by assisting ongoing strategies to reduce boar taint such as weight trials and genetic selection. Planning for the development of a commercially produced test is underway
Findings to date:
• The study explored the hypothesis that the intestine
is the primary site of viral replication, the effect of vaccination on the viral kinetics in the first two weeks post-infection
• Even with extensive study, the initial site of
viral replication in PCV2 infection is not known. Ascertaining the site of viral replication could aid in future disease prevention planning
• Expertise developed during this work fed into an infield diagnostic trial which has been published and which can support investigation of a range of farm level disease outbreaks
Development of novel technology (biosensors) for the analysis of fatty acid composition in meat from pigs and cattle20 Research Partner: University of the West of England (UWE), Amy Smart
Sponsors: AHDB Pork and AHDB Beef & Lamb, UWE, JSR Genetics, Stabiliser Cattle Company Aims and objectives: To develop novel biosensor technology for the measurement of concentrations of individual saturated, mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. To link technology to a user-friendly display of the data once inserted into a carcase or cuts of meat Expected benefits:
• The novel technology will be rapid, user-friendly,
reliable, cost-effective and could be integrated into existing abattoir systems
• The utilisation will contribute towards reducing
complaints in relation to meat texture and flavour
• Once validated, the technology could be adapted for application in other types of meat
Production animal pathology with porcine specialisation (Residency)19 Research Partner: Royal Veterinary College, Thomas Eley
Sponsor: AHDB Pork, Boerhingher Ingelheim Duration: Jan 2015 - Dec 2017 Aims and objectives: To undertake a research project to develop research expertise in an aspect of porcine pathology (Exploring the Pathogenesis of Early Stage PCV2 Infection). To develop expertise in anatomic pathology with special focus on production animal in order to gain specialist qualifications
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Check out the links 18 Boar taint detection 19 Production animal pathology 20 Biosensors