AFBI & Pig Research Consortium congratulate Professor Fred Gordon’s contribution to Northern Ireland pig sector

Professor Fred Gordon retires from the Pig Research Consortium between AFBI, Devenish Nutrition, John Thompson and Sons and PCM. Prof. Gordon was a member of the Consortium since its constitution over 25 years ago.

Professor Fred Gordon has been a leading figure in animal science research in Northern Ireland throughout his career. In 1996, Prof. Gordon was instrumental in bringing together key players in the industry to form a Pig Research Consortium. The Consortium aimed to bring together industry expertise and research capacity to address current and future challenges of the Northern Ireland pig sector.

The work of the Pig Research Consortium has been supported over the years with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Devenish Nutrition and John Thompson and Sons. After over 25 years of being a leading member and Chair, Prof. Gordon retired from the consortium in April.

To mark the occasion and celebrate his leading role in the Pig Research Consortium and wider contribution to the Northern Ireland pig sector, Prof. Gordon was presented with a commemorative certificate in the presence of current and past members of the Consortium.

Pictured below are current and past members of the Pig Research Consortium (from L-R): Prof. E. Magowan (AFBI), G. Donaldson. (John Thompson and Sons), R. Bradford (PCM), V. Wylie (Violet Wylie Consultancy), Dr. R. Muns (AFBI), S. Smyth (John Thompson and Sons), Dr. George McIlroy (former AFBI), (front row) Dr. E. Ball (AFBI), Prof. F. Gordon, Dr. K. McKracken (former AFBI) and Dr. C. Mulvenna (AFBI).

Over the years, the work conducted by the Pig Research Consortium has driven down phosphorus levels in diets, reducing phosphorus content of pig slurry; has investigated the cost-benefit of non-soya protein sources, currently of key interest to reach a net zero carbon economy; and has driven down nitrogen excretion of fattening pigs through crude protein and amino acid manipulation. A seminar on ‘Nutritional Solutions to Environmental Challenges’ was organized by the Consortium on October 2020.

Currently, the Consortium is focusing on the optimization of sow gestation diets composition and feeding management to reduce overall crude protein/nitrogen intake while maintaining a high reproductive performance. Prof. Gordon highlighted the unique role that the Pig Research Consortium performs in driving research to deliver for the local industry and wished the Consortium well as they continue in that role.

Notes to editors: 

AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.

AFBI’s Vision is “Advancing the Local and Global Agri-Food Sectors Through Scientific Excellence”.

AFBI’s core areas:

• Leading improvements in the agri-food industry;
• Protecting animal, plant and human health;
• Enhancing the natural and marine environment.

All enquires to AFBI Press Office afbi.press-office@afbini.gov.uk

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