The 10th International Symposium on Ultrasonic Characterization of Bone (ISUCB) 2024

Shanghai, China: September 18-21, 2024

Focus on Stronger Pig Bones
The Swiss breeding company Suisag, FBN Dummerstorf, and POROUS have launched the “PigBoneS” project to breed pigs with improved phosphorus utilization and stronger bones.

POROUS uses a non-invasive 3D ultrasound method to measure bone density and stability in slaughtered animals, primarily Swiss Large White pigs. The forefoot (metacarpus) serves as an indicator of bone health, complemented by blood analyses for phosphorus utilization markers. The aim is to identify genetic markers for these traits.

The project promotes bone health while reducing phosphorus excretion. It is supported by the Eureka Eurostars program, Innosuisse, and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).