Swine Research and Education Center

AUBURN, Ala. (Apr. 23, 2022)- The Swine Research and Education Center (SREC) at Auburn University is jointly responsible for education and research, as well as maintaining relationships with other organizations within the state. The swine unit is one of the leading locations for research within Alabama.

History

When the facility was established in April of 2006 they received 60 Yorkshire gilts and one Yorkshire boar.

“These pigs were the first shipment of animals the facility received and were as close to disease-free as the University could afford at the time,” said Brian Anderson, the Natural Resource Advisor II at Auburn University.

Biosecurity

The SREC has a strict biosecurity plan designed to prevent the spread of disease among animals and from contaminants found in the environment.

The biosecurity plan includes strictly regulating both people and animals that enter the facility. Guests visiting the SREC are required to shower before entering, and the only live animals that have been brought into the facility since its establishment were a group of Mangalitsa pigs imported from Hungary in 2010.

As a result of this biosecurity plan, the facility has maintained a disease-free status since 2006.

Teaching

The SREC works with Auburn to provide hands-on experiences for students in animal sciences programs.

Multiple courses visit the facility to learn more about the animals and the facility itself. These courses range from low-level courses to higher-level more in-depth classes and students of all levels have the opportunity to learn from the unit.

The SREC also works with nearby Tuskegee University to provide a swine production course.

Research

The SREC has several different research programs occurring simultaneously. These programs are conducted by the Auburn University Vet School, the College of Science and Mathematics, and the animal sciences program.

Currently, the unit is doing research into infectious diseases, digestion, and reproduction.

Outreach

In addition to teaching and research, the facility is also used to host several different outreach programs for the community.

These programs include hosting Auburn University clubs, such as block and bridle, and the production animal medicine club. The College of Agriculture also hosts events at the facility.

Outside of Auburn local 4H and FFA programs visit the facility to conduct livestock judging. The SREC also maintains working relationships with the University of South Alabama, the University of Alabama Birmingham, Keesler Air Force Base, and Fort Benning.

Student Employment

The SREC also employs several students in various programs at Auburn as a way for them to get hands-on experience with research and working with animals.

If you are interested in learning more about the Swine Research and Education Center visit the Auburn University Website or contact Brian Anderson.