Collaborative partners from UK; AbacusBio and University of Edinburgh together with Vetline Services and Makerere University in Uganda held an inception workshop for the PigBoost Project, which ran from 20^th to 22^nd January 2020 at Ridar Hotel, Seeta Mukono District.

The workshop was coupled with visits to pig farmers in Mukono District on 22^nd January 2020 for a pig tagging initiative. The pig tagging initiative is one of PigBoost’s data driven activity which will influence pig farmers’ decisions to improve Uganda’s pig production, health, and welfare. It will also inspire proper management of smallholder pig farms through accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data.

Under its organization by the Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health (BEP), Makerere University, the workshop was based on the theme; Sustainable data driven pig production for Uganda.

The PigBoost project focuses on digital transformation of the Vetline pig Artificial Insemination (AI) business and the pig production supply chain, which is digitized for accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data. It is funded by the Government of UK through Innovate UK.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks from the Commissioner Animal Health- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Dr. Anna Rose Ademun, who was represented by Dr. Robert Mwebe, a Senior Veterinary Officer at MAAIF.

In her remarks, she appreciated the PigBoost project, mentioning that it will address a number of issues in the pig production industry. She added that MAAIF is committed to improve animal production, health, and extension services.

The Commissioner affirmed the need for private partnerships to achieve this improvement in the animal industry. She honored the PigBoost project’s focus, assuring that the improvement of data shows that this project is timely, since farmers need to know the different breeds of pigs.

She also informed delegates that the Ministry is committed to improve the nutrition of animals. Pig farmers will also be informed about the best feeds for pigs and also get to know about the genetic improvements through Artificial Insemination.

While she officially opened the meeting, Dr. Ademun concluded her remarks by thanking all the development partners in the PigBoost Project. On behalf of the Ministry, she committed herself to work hand in hand with the project’s development partners for a positive achievement in the assessment of pig products. She also guaranteed that this partnership will ensure that the use of drugs is controlled in the animal industry to address concerns of Anti-Microbial Resistance.

The Executive Director of Vetline Services, Dr. Leonard Kawule recognized the Government of Uganda for their support in developing his career as a Veterinarian at National Animal Genetic Resource and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB). He assured delegates that pig farmers need a system that easily blends with them which the PigBoost Project will avail.

He petitioned the Government of Uganda to ensure that technical expertise is enhanced in every district.

Vetline Services is an agricultural consultancy firm, with preference towards the pig industry. It uses innovative technologies and services that include pig artificial insemination, no-smell, no-cleaning method of pig rearing.

The Managing Director of AbacusBio International, Dr. Timothy Byrne together with a Consultant from AbacusBio, Dr. Bruno Santos introduced the PigBoost project and its tool, DTREO, which will help to monitor pig production performance in Uganda.

Dr. Byrne informed delegates that AI technicians and pig farmers will be trained on how to use this tool, which will also serve as an early warning system regarding issues on pig farms in the country.

The three day workshop brought together pig production supply chain actors such as scientists, farmers, technicians, veterinarians, and business managers from Uganda, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to share ideas on how to boost data recording for farm performance benchmarking, genetic and animal health  improvement, as well as disease management in Uganda.

The PigBoost tool was developed from the existing Dtreo data platform, developed by AbacusBio, which is an agri-business firm. Breeding records and delivery of artificial insemination services by Vetline Services will be digitized allowing accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data. Data will then be used to benchmark individual farm performance and provide feedback to farmers.

Dr. Bruno Santos (in cape) spearheading a pig tagging initiative at one of the pig farms in Mukono District on 22nd January 2020.

Collaborative partners from UK; AbacusBio and University of Edinburgh together with Vetline Services and Makerere University in Uganda held an inception workshop for the PigBoost Project, which ran from 20^th to 22^nd January 2020 at Ridar Hotel, Seeta Mukono District.

The workshop was coupled with visits to pig farmers in Mukono District on 22^nd January 2020 for a pig tagging initiative. The pig tagging initiative is one of PigBoost’s data driven activity which will influence pig farmers’ decisions to improve Uganda’s pig production, health, and welfare. It will also inspire proper management of smallholder pig farms through accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data.

Under its organization by the Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health (BEP), Makerere University, the workshop was based on the theme; Sustainable data driven pig production for Uganda.

The PigBoost project focuses on digital transformation of the Vetline pig Artificial Insemination (AI) business and the pig production supply chain, which is digitized for accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data. It is funded by the Government of UK through Innovate UK.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks from the Commissioner Animal Health- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Dr. Anna Rose Ademun, who was represented by Dr. Robert Mwebe, a Senior Veterinary Officer at MAAIF.

In her remarks, she appreciated the PigBoost project, mentioning that it will address a number of issues in the pig production industry. She added that MAAIF is committed to improve animal production, health, and extension services.

The Commissioner affirmed the need for private partnerships to achieve this improvement in the animal industry. She honored the PigBoost project’s focus, assuring that the improvement of data shows that this project is timely, since farmers need to know the different breeds of pigs.

She also informed delegates that the Ministry is committed to improve the nutrition of animals. Pig farmers will also be informed about the best feeds for pigs and also get to know about the genetic improvements through Artificial Insemination.

While she officially opened the meeting, Dr. Ademun concluded her remarks by thanking all the development partners in the PigBoost Project. On behalf of the Ministry, she committed herself to work hand in hand with the project’s development partners for a positive achievement in the assessment of pig products. She also guaranteed that this partnership will ensure that the use of drugs is controlled in the animal industry to address concerns of Anti-Microbial Resistance.

The Executive Director of Vetline Services, Dr. Leonard Kawule recognized the Government of Uganda for their support in developing his career as a Veterinarian at National Animal Genetic Resource and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB). He assured delegates that pig farmers need a system that easily blends with them which the PigBoost Project will avail.

He petitioned the Government of Uganda to ensure that technical expertise is enhanced in every district.

Vetline Services is an agricultural consultancy firm, with preference towards the pig industry. It uses innovative technologies and services that include pig artificial insemination, no-smell, no-cleaning method of pig rearing.

Dr. Robert Mwebe reading out the Animal Health Commissioner's remarks to delegates during the PigBoost Inception Meeting on 20th January 2020 at Ridar Hotel Mukono District.

The Managing Director of AbacusBio International, Dr. Timothy Byrne together with a Consultant from AbacusBio, Dr. Bruno Santos introduced the PigBoost project and its tool, DTREO, which will help to monitor pig production performance in Uganda.

Dr. Byrne informed delegates that AI technicians and pig farmers will be trained on how to use this tool, which will also serve as an early warning system regarding issues on pig farms in the country.

The three day workshop brought together pig production supply chain actors such as scientists, farmers, technicians, veterinarians, and business managers from Uganda, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to share ideas on how to boost data recording for farm performance benchmarking, genetic and animal health  improvement, as well as disease management in Uganda.

The PigBoost tool was developed from the existing Dtreo data platform, developed by AbacusBio, which is an agri-business firm. Breeding records and delivery of artificial insemination services by Vetline Services will be digitized allowing accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data. Data will then be used to benchmark individual farm performance and provide feedback to farmers.

Collaborative partners from UK; AbacusBio and University of Edinburgh together with Vetline Services and Makerere University in Uganda held an inception workshop for the PigBoost Project, which ran from 20^th to 22^nd January 2020 at Ridar Hotel, Seeta Mukono District.

The workshop was coupled with visits to pig farmers in Mukono District on 22^nd January 2020 for a pig tagging initiative. The pig tagging initiative is one of PigBoost’s data driven activity which will influence pig farmers’ decisions to improve Uganda’s pig production, health, and welfare. It will also inspire proper management of smallholder pig farms through accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data.

Under its organization by the Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health (BEP), Makerere University, the workshop was based on the theme; Sustainable data driven pig production for Uganda.

The PigBoost project focuses on digital transformation of the Vetline pig Artificial Insemination (AI) business and the pig production supply chain, which is digitized for accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data. It is funded by the Government of UK through Innovate UK.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks from the Commissioner Animal Health- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Dr. Anna Rose Ademun, who was represented by Dr. Robert Mwebe, a Senior Veterinary Officer at MAAIF.

In her remarks, she appreciated the PigBoost project, mentioning that it will address a number of issues in the pig production industry. She added that MAAIF is committed to improve animal production, health, and extension services.

The Commissioner affirmed the need for private partnerships to achieve this improvement in the animal industry. She honored the PigBoost project’s focus, assuring that the improvement of data shows that this project is timely, since farmers need to know the different breeds of pigs.

She also informed delegates that the Ministry is committed to improve the nutrition of animals. Pig farmers will also be informed about the best feeds for pigs and also get to know about the genetic improvements through Artificial Insemination.

While she officially opened the meeting, Dr. Ademun concluded her remarks by thanking all the development partners in the PigBoost Project. On behalf of the Ministry, she committed herself to work hand in hand with the project’s development partners for a positive achievement in the assessment of pig products. She also guaranteed that this partnership will ensure that the use of drugs is controlled in the animal industry to address concerns of Anti-Microbial Resistance.

The Executive Director of Vetline Services, Dr. Leonard Kawule recognized the Government of Uganda for their support in developing his career as a Veterinarian at National Animal Genetic Resource and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB). He assured delegates that pig farmers need a system that easily blends with them which the PigBoost Project will avail.

He petitioned the Government of Uganda to ensure that technical expertise is enhanced in every district.

Vetline Services is an agricultural consultancy firm, with preference towards the pig industry. It uses innovative technologies and services that include pig artificial insemination, no-smell, no-cleaning method of pig rearing.

The Managing Director of AbacusBio International, Dr. Timothy Byrne together with a Consultant from AbacusBio, Dr. Bruno Santos introduced the PigBoost project and its tool, DTREO, which will help to monitor pig production performance in Uganda.

Dr. Byrne informed delegates that AI technicians and pig farmers will be trained on how to use this tool, which will also serve as an early warning system regarding issues on pig farms in the country.

The three day workshop brought together pig production supply chain actors such as scientists, farmers, technicians, veterinarians, and business managers from Uganda, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to share ideas on how to boost data recording for farm performance benchmarking, genetic and animal health  improvement, as well as disease management in Uganda.

The PigBoost tool was developed from the existing Dtreo data platform, developed by AbacusBio, which is an agri-business firm. Breeding records and delivery of artificial insemination services by Vetline Services will be digitized allowing accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data. Data will then be used to benchmark individual farm performance and provide feedback to farmers.vvv

Collaborative partners from UK; AbacusBio and University of Edinburgh together with Vetline Services and Makerere University in Uganda held an inception workshop for the PigBoost Project, which ran from 20^th to 22^nd January 2020 at Ridar Hotel, Seeta Mukono District.

The workshop was coupled with visits to pig farmers in Mukono District on 22^nd January 2020 for a pig tagging initiative. The pig tagging initiative is one of PigBoost’s data driven activity which will influence pig farmers’ decisions to improve Uganda’s pig production, health, and welfare. It will also inspire proper management of smallholder pig farms through accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data.

Under its organization by the Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health (BEP), Makerere University, the workshop was based on the theme; Sustainable data driven pig production for Uganda.

The PigBoost project focuses on digital transformation of the Vetline pig Artificial Insemination (AI) business and the pig production supply chain, which is digitized for accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data. It is funded by the Government of UK through Innovate UK.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks from the Commissioner Animal Health- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Dr. Anna Rose Ademun, who was represented by Dr. Robert Mwebe, a Senior Veterinary Officer at MAAIF.

In her remarks, she appreciated the PigBoost project, mentioning that it will address a number of issues in the pig production industry. She added that MAAIF is committed to improve animal production, health, and extension services.

The Commissioner affirmed the need for private partnerships to achieve this improvement in the animal industry. She honored the PigBoost project’s focus, assuring that the improvement of data shows that this project is timely, since farmers need to know the different breeds of pigs.

She also informed delegates that the Ministry is committed to improve the nutrition of animals. Pig farmers will also be informed about the best feeds for pigs and also get to know about the genetic improvements through Artificial Insemination.

While she officially opened the meeting, Dr. Ademun concluded her remarks by thanking all the development partners in the PigBoost Project. On behalf of the Ministry, she committed herself to work hand in hand with the project’s development partners for a positive achievement in the assessment of pig products. She also guaranteed that this partnership will ensure that the use of drugs is controlled in the animal industry to address concerns of Anti-Microbial Resistance.

The Executive Director of Vetline Services, Dr. Leonard Kawule recognized the Government of Uganda for their support in developing his career as a Veterinarian at National Animal Genetic Resource and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB). He assured delegates that pig farmers need a system that easily blends with them which the PigBoost Project will avail.

He petitioned the Government of Uganda to ensure that technical expertise is enhanced in every district.

Vetline Services is an agricultural consultancy firm, with preference towards the pig industry. It uses innovative technologies and services that include pig artificial insemination, no-smell, no-cleaning method of pig rearing.

The Managing Director of AbacusBio International, Dr. Timothy Byrne together with a Consultant from AbacusBio, Dr. Bruno Santos introduced the PigBoost project and its tool, DTREO, which will help to monitor pig production performance in Uganda.

Dr. Byrne informed delegates that AI technicians and pig farmers will be trained on how to use this tool, which will also serve as an early warning system regarding issues on pig farms in the country.

The three day workshop brought together pig production supply chain actors such as scientists, farmers, technicians, veterinarians, and business managers from Uganda, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to share ideas on how to boost data recording for farm performance benchmarking, genetic and animal health  improvement, as well as disease management in Uganda.

The PigBoost tool was developed from the existing Dtreo data platform, developed by AbacusBio, which is an agri-business firm. Breeding records and delivery of artificial insemination services by Vetline Services will be digitized allowing accurate recording of breeding, production and disease data. Data will then be used to benchmark individual farm performance and provide feedback to farmers.