A test being used to help cattlemen breed healthier animals naturally could have a similar use in pigs.
University of Guelph professor Bonnie Mallard developed and patented the test called High Immune Response Technology.
The Semex Alliance is using it on cattle.
Mallard is a principal investigator in a new national research project to enhance Canada's pork industry.
She says her focus will be on using her HIR technology on pigs.
It works by using genomics to identify animals as high, average or low immune responders to various pathogens.
The 9 point 8 million dollar project is being led by Professor Michael Dyck of the University of Alberta, Professor Jon Harding of the University of Saskatchewan and Bob Kemp of PigGen Canada in Guelph.
