Pork belly is one of the industry's most valuable cuts, yet until recently it received far less research attention than other primal cuts. What does better belly quality mean for producers, processors and consumers?

In this episode of Research in Action, host Cole Christensen and SIP Research Manager Alison Lee are joined by Dr. Manuel Juarez of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to discuss groundbreaking research focused on improving pork belly quality through genetics, new ultrasound technologies and collaboration across the value chain.

The discussion explores how researchers are identifying the genetic traits behind belly quality, developing new ways to measure those traits in live animals, and creating tools that could improve breeding decisions across the pork industry. Dr. Juarez also explains how collaboration between researchers, producers, processors and genetic companies is helping generate practical solutions that improve product quality while maintaining production efficiency.

From the farm to the consumer's plate, this episode demonstrates how research into pork quality is creating value throughout the entire Canadian pork value chain.

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Research in Action is a podcast from Swine Innovation Porc, bringing Canadian pork research to life through conversations with the researchers driving innovation across the industry. Each episode explores practical research that supports a more sustainable, competitive and resilient Canadian pork sector.

Subscribe to Research in Action for conversations with Canada's leading pork researchers on animal health, nutrition, sustainability, genetics, welfare and production innovation.

Visit the Pork Research Hub to watch companion videos, read related articles, explore webinars, and discover more Canadian pork research.

https://porkresearchhub.ca/

Feed is the single largest cost on most pig farms—but what if nutrition could be tailored to each pig to reduce costs, improve performance and lower greenhouse gas emissions?

In the premiere episode of Research in Action, host Cole Christensen and SIP Research Manager Alison Lee sit down with Dr. Aline Remus of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to discuss how precision feeding is transforming pork production. Together, they explore how smarter feeding strategies can reduce feed costs, improve nutrient utilization, decrease labour requirements and support more sustainable production without compromising animal health or performance.

The conversation covers the evolution of precision feeding technology, the role of forage-based diets, how data is helping producers make better management decisions, and what the future holds for group precision feeding systems. Dr. Remus also shares how coordinated research across Canada and international collaborators is helping move these innovations from the lab to commercial farms.

Whether you're a producer, researcher or simply interested in the future of Canadian agriculture, this episode highlights how practical research is delivering measurable benefits for both producers and the environment.

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Research in Action is a podcast from Swine Innovation Porc, bringing Canadian pork research to life through conversations with the researchers driving innovation across the industry. Each episode explores practical research that supports a more sustainable, competitive and resilient Canadian pork sector.

Subscribe to Research in Action for conversations with Canada's leading pork researchers on animal health, nutrition, sustainability, genetics, welfare and production innovation.

Visit the Pork Research Hub to watch companion videos, read related articles, explore webinars, and discover more Canadian pork research.

https://porkresearchhub.ca/