Tuesday 21st March 2023, 10:00am
PIC, Vetline Services and AbacusBio are working together to improve Uganda’s pig production, health, and welfare in a sustainable way.
The aim of the venture is to provide economic stability for pig farmers and health and welfare for farming families in Uganda, while ultimately addressing broader food production and food safety issues in the supply chain to deliver nutritious, healthy, and safe food.
This will be done through an integrated combination of PIC (Pig Improvement Company) genetics and expertise, artificial insemination and veterinary services provided by Vetline Services, and underpinned by the database and information platform (Dtreo), delivered by AbacusBio.
By focusing on areas surrounding urban development and exploring sustainable modern pig production techniques and facilities of pig production, the venture has the potential to have a positive impact on wider Ugandan society. Pig farming is one of the fastest growing livestock activities in Uganda and is a means of increasing food, income, and employment. Uganda is among the largest per capita consumers of pork in sub-Saharan Africa, yet productivity is low and demand outstrips supply.
“We are excited to be engaged in this venture with Vetline Services and AbacusBio, as we believe that the use of PIC genetics in Uganda will greatly benefit local developing farmers in producing pigs more efficiently and sustainably. Through this project we aim to be providing more affordable quality nutrition for the benefit of the local developing farmers and their communities which fully aligns to the core goals of PIC and Genus.”
Craig Lewis, EU Genetic Services Manager, PICThis exciting new venture builds on the success of the PigBoost project. PigBoost started in 2020 thanks to a collaboration of leading international and local organisations.
It was led by genetics specialists AbacusBio and the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, along with Ugandan-based organisations, Vetline Services, the leading company in artificial insemination and pig veterinary services in Uganda, and Makerere University, with support from the Kampala City Council (animal production division), Ministry of Agriculture, and the National Animal Genetic Resource.
“This venture offers a fantastic opportunity to have a positive impact on the Vetline Services business and on Vetline Services' farmer clients. We’re really looking forward to working with PIC and Vetline Services, to turn this into something great.”
Tim Byrne, Managing Director, AbacusBio UKSource: PIC
Roslin Innovation Centre
The University of Edinburgh
Easter Bush Campus
Midlothian EH25 9RG
