Research project An infrastructure for experimental research for sustainable pig production

General introduction

From 2021 to 2026, the European PIGWEB project brought together 16 specialized research centers from various European countries to act as a European swine research community, with the aim of facilitating improved access to European research infrastructures, strengthening the culture of collaboration, and optimizing the quality of research and services. ILVO was also part of this group of 16. PIGWEB was aligned with the broader European ambition to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, in line with the Green Deal and the European Commission’s goals.  

Research approach

The project was built on three key pillars: "Transnational access activities" enabled the scientific community in their access to experimental pig facilities with associated laboratories and experimental feed mills. "Networking activities" promoted a culture of co-operation between research infrastructures and all relevant stakeholders. "Joint research activities" led to the improvement of the quality and/or quantity of the integrated services provided by these infrastructures. ILVO was heavily involved in coordinating the 27 projects under transnational access, developing SOPs for general management and experimental procedures, and writing guidelines on the experimental design of animal trials.

Relevance/Valorization

PIGWEB supported European swine researchers and provides added value to the industry and society. It helped identify levers for sustainable swine production with minimal environmental impact and a focus on animal welfare, thereby promoting the production of safe, nutritious, and high-quality food in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal. 

Financing

EU Horizon2020