Selected research proposals delve into topics related to PRRS and animal welfare 

Recipients of the 2024 Growing Research and New Technology for Swine (GRANTS) program cycle have been selected. The Swine Research and Technology Review Board has selected three, covering topics including PRRSV spread and recombination, as well as use of innovative artificial intelligence to improve sow and piglet welfare. Each recipient will receive $35,000 in funding.  

Boehringer Ingelheim, sponsor of the GRANTS program, congratulates the following recipients:  

• Daniel Linhares, DVM, MBA, Ph.D., Iowa State University 
  • “Exploring the impact of cross-fostering on PRRSV transmission among piglets under field conditions” 
• Jianqiang Zhang, MD, MS, Ph.D., Iowa State University 
  • “Molecular approaches to identify and distinguish PRRSV recombination and PRRSV mixed infection (≥2 PRRSV strains) in diagnostic samples”  
• Suzanne Leonard, Ph.D., North Carolina State University  
  • “Smart sensing for automated farrowing monitoring : An artificial intelligence solution to improve sow and piglet production and welfare” 
     

“Since the beginning of the GRANTS program, we’ve been able to support invaluable research that improves how we approach disease control and management, addresses common industry challenges, and improves overall production practices,” said Reid Philips, DVM, Senior Technical Manager for PRRS at Boehringer Ingelheim. “This year’s selected proposals reflect challenges facing our industry today and will undoubtedly shed insights into helping increase our understanding of PRRSV transmission and biosecurity protocols, as well as innovative approaches to improve health and welfare in farrowing operations.”  

The GRANTS program funds field-applicable research into swine health and production, from respiratory, reproductive and enteric diseases to new technologies, diagnostics and overall approaches to supporting pig health and performance. Since the program’s inception in 2003, Boehringer Ingelheim has provided more than $1.5 million in support of research driving the swine industry forward. 

“Supporting new research is critical to uncovering new learnings or approaches that could drive our industry forward,” said Emily McDowell, DVM, Pipestone Veterinary Services and Swine Research and Technology Review board member. “We reviewed many proposals, and we’re excited by the potential the chosen proposals have to make positive change in our approaches to holistic herd health.”    

Applications for the next GRANTS program cycle will be open for submission in late 2024. For more information on the GRANTS program, past research funded and overall mission in advancing the swine industry’s knowledge of diseases and new technology, visit www.swineresearchawards.com. 

About the Swine Research and Technology Review Board 

The Swine Research and Technology Review Board, an independent group of swine veterinarians and researchers, selects GRANTS recipients annually. Board members for the 2024 award selection process include: 

• Montse Torremorell, DVM, Ph.D., University of Minnesota  
• Darin Madson, DVM, Ph.D., Diplomate ACVP, Iowa State University, Veterinary Diagnostic Lab  
• William Hollis, DVM, Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd.  
• Emily McDowell, DVM, Pipestone Veterinary Services  
• Dylan Lape, DVM, Pork Veterinarian Solutions  
• Locke Karriker, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVPM, Iowa State University, 2025 AASV President-elect 

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About Boehringer Ingelheim 

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at www.bi-animalhealth.com 

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