1. Optimize the preservation of breeding pigs

Improve the quality of frozen semen

Adding 1% propolis to the pig cryoprotectant significantly improved the survival rate of pig sperm (47.9±9.8% vs 25.6±5.3%) and head cap integrity (76.6±3.9% vs 52.1±3.8%) after thawing (P<0.05). Adding propolis has a positive effect on the quality of pig semen after freezing and thawing, so as to improve the reproductive performance of sows artificially inseminated with frozen semen and help preserve superior breeding genetics.

2. Genotyping of black pork meat quality in Liudui

Analyze single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of black pork meat quality-related genes in Liudui, Pingtung, including collagen type III alpha 1 (COL3A1), glypican 6 (GPC6), leptin receptor (LEPR), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1). After analyzing 68 pigs from three different Liudui black pig farms, preliminary results showed that no SNPs were found in exons 2, 18, 19, and 49 of COL3A1, and the known SNP (rs81431516) in GPC6 was CC type in all the current Liudui black pig samples; the known SNP in LEPR (NM_001024587: c.1987C>T) was CC type; and the known SNP in PCK1 (rs343196765) had a gene frequency of 0.316 for A and 0.684 for C. These findings suggest that the PCK1 gene can be used to select high-quality Liudui black pigs with high intramuscular fat and low back fat.

1. Research on the application of local by-products in feed additives

The impact of fermented soybean dregs replacing fermented soybean powder on pig growth and intestinal health

Taiwan imports a large quantities of soybeans annually, and the by-product soybean dregs are often discarded due to the difficulty in preservation, which has the potential for resource reuse. This study cooperated with Jingguan Biotechnology to evaluate the feasibility of fermented soybean dregs replacing commercially available fermented soybean powder. The results showed that fermented soybean dregs significantly improved pig growth efficiency, reduced feed costs, and improved protein absorption and amino acid metabolism. Further analysis of intestinal physiology and microbial phases found that the length of the duodenum of piglets in the soybean dregs group was longer, and the concentration of acetic acid in their feces was higher, which was speculated to be related to the regulation of short-chain fatty acid metabolism, affecting intestinal health and nutrient absorption. The richness of Clostridium in the intestinal flora was also positively correlated with the production of caproic acid, indicating that it has a positive contribution to growth. In addition, the economic benefit analysis pointed out that the body weight of the fermented soybean dregs group was 5.8% higher than that of the soybean powder group, which has commercialization potential.

2. Application of compound probiotics as feed additives

In response to the policy of reducing antibiotics, this study cooperated with Shenghe Biotech to conduct compound probiotics (LeanAD, Prime50) trials for different growth stages (4-22 weeks of age). The results showed that the LeanAD group had the highest body weight in the early nursery period (6 weeks), and its overall growth and daily weight gain were better than the control group. The Prime50 group also performed better in the overall cycle. Although the difference in feed efficiency was not significant, the LeanAD and Prime50 groups showed a better trend.

In terms of carcass quality, the LeanAD group showed a high lean meat rate, a large loin area, and low back fat thickness, and the overall carcass traits were better than the control group. Comprehensive evaluation shows that compound probiotics have a positive effect on growth and carcass quality, but its benefits are affected by the growth stage and strain ratio. Optimizing dosage and long-term application is recommended for sustainable industry development.

In response to the decreasing number of pig farms and labor shortages in Taiwan, enhancing automation and intelligent systems has become critical for upgrading the swine industry. This subproject aims to develop smart control systems for pig farms to reduce labor costs, improve production efficiency, and simultaneously ensure animal welfare and environmental sustainability. The main research directions are as follows:

1. Integrated development of intelligent pig farm environment control and automatic hoist system

This study aims to solve the problems of low energy efficiency and high labor burden faced by pig house environment control, integrates the sensing and control technologies of key factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and light, and develops an automated environment control system. The system includes a regional automatic temperature control device, combined with humidity sensing and spraying system, air quality sensing and exhaust fan, which can be dynamically adjusted according to real-time environmental data to effectively improve comfort and energy efficiency. At the same time, an automatic hoist control system driven by sensor data is introduced and integrated into the central control platform to automatically adjust the opening and closing of the roller shutter according to the indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity and gas concentration, and strengthen the ventilation and shading management of the pig house. The system is also equipped with a light management module, which can adjust the lighting cycle and spectrum to further optimize the physiological performance and behavior of pigs. The platform can reduce human intervention, improve pig health and production efficiency, and achieve an efficient and intelligent breeding environment.

2. IoT-Based Monitoring and Early Warning System

An Internet of Things (IoT) framework was implemented to integrate environmental sensing and control devices within pig houses. A real-time remote monitoring platform was developed, enabling instant alerts and remote regulation in response to abnormal environmental conditions.

By collecting and analyzing data, the system allows for real-time environmental assessment and risk warnings, improving management efficiency and decision-making accuracy. In the future, this platform can be further enhanced with artificial intelligence for automated optimization and predictive maintenance.

The implementation of this subproject is expected to significantly promote automation and modernization for small- to medium-sized pig farms in Taiwan, reducing reliance on manual labor, and fostering industrial upgrading and sustainable operation.

Rapid Diagnostic Chip Technology for African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV)

Using an EGFET-based semiconductor biosensor, this project developed a highly sensitive nucleic acid detection platform characterized by rapid detection, portability, cost-effective, and high specificity. Building on prior success with PEDV validation in the first year, the technology was extended to ASFV detection in the second year. The ASFV probe was designed based on the WOAH qPCR standard targeting sequences, achieving a sensitivity of 10 copies/mL—surpassing conventional qPCR methods.

Animal trials demonstrated that the biosensor could detect ASFV positive signals as early as 3.3–4.4 days post-infection, compared to 8.5–9.6 days for qPCR, indicating strong potential for clinical application. The technology has been patented and successfully transferred, showing strong clinical potential.