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Better Pork Featured Articles

Better Pork magazine is published bimonthly. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Study uses pigs as models for humans

Sunday, April 5, 2015

In a new study aimed at determining which foods help prevent obesity, scientists will be using pigs as models for humans, ThePigSite reports.

With support from Innovation Fund Denmark, an international group of scientists is planning to study how protein- and fibre-rich foods can help prevent obesity-related disorders. According to ThePigSite, fat- and sugar-rich diets contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure and insulin resistance. These – along with other conditions – contribute to metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The leading scientist for the study, Prof. Knud Erik Bach Knudsen from the Department of Animal Science at Aarhus University, told ThePigSite that "in the western world, 20 to 25 per cent of the adult population suffers metabolic syndrome."

While the scientists will use human subjects for part of the study, they will also be using pigs. Knudsen told ThePigSite, "We will develop a pig model that allows us to use invasive methods to study the impact of obesity at the molecular level. These are studies that can't be performed on humans. But we'll be able to transfer the results to humans, since the physiology of pigs and humans is very similar." BP

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Western Dairy Challenge 2026 Highlights

Monday, March 23, 2026

The 2026 Western Regional Dairy Challenge, hosted at the University of Alberta, concluded on March 7 in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. The event brought together 77 students from 15 schools, along with coaches and volunteers, creating a valuable hands-on learning experience in dairy... Read this article online

FCC Expands Support Amid Fertilizer Cost Surges

Monday, March 23, 2026

Rising global tensions in the Middle East are creating concern among farmers and agribusinesses about increasing input costs. In response, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has expanded its Trade Disruption Customer Support Program to provide financial relief and stability to those affected by higher... Read this article online

Fears of Stagflation and Recession on the Rise

Monday, March 23, 2026

This week’s with experts Farms.com Risk Management Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino and Commodity Strategist Abhinesh Gopal, Was titled “Higher Crude Oil Futures for Longer = Stagflation?”. The two experts explored major shifts across the commodity sector including rising crude oil... Read this article online

CSBP pushing for domestic production policy

Monday, March 23, 2026

The Canadian Sugar Beet Producers (CSBP) wants to see more of its namesake crop grown and processed in Canada. At one point, sugar beets accounted for more than 20 per cent of the Canadian sugar market share. But that’s no longer the case, says Gwen Young, an Alberta sugar beet farmer... Read this article online

New Canadian Swine Research Targets Piglet Disease

Monday, March 23, 2026

Swine InnovationPorc(SIP) is investing in new research to address Streptococcus suis, a harmful bacterial disease affecting post-weaned piglets led byDongyanXu Niu at the University of Calgary. This disease can cause serious health problems such as respiratory illness, meningitis, and sudden... Read this article online

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