If your genetics company isn’t out front when it comes to artificial intelligence, you’re liable to be left behind. That was the message in a recent talk at the world-renowned Banff Pork Seminar in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Fortunately for Hypor clients, the company is positioned on the cutting edge of this breakthrough technology.
“At Hendrix Genetics, we collect millions of data points per day on phenotypes, genotypes, ultrasound images, videos and sensor signals,” said Bram Visser, geneticist with Hendrix Genetics. “In doing so, we are always looking for new, innovative ways to use the data we gather in enhancing our breeding programs. We actively seek experts in other fields for partnership opportunities that will benefit our clients.”
A perfect example is the artificial intelligence (AI) project partnership between Hendrix Genetics and BrainCreators, a team of AI experts based in Amsterdam with decades of experience. The project is aimed at using AI to predict individual slaughterhouse traits for swine prior to processing. It would allow geneticists to link genes with traits of interest to industry such as toughness, intramuscular fat, net carcass weight and taste.
As Visser explained in his talk, genetics is a powerful tool, which is why Hendrix Genetics invests considerable time and money to make those key connections between genes and traits. By identifying which genes produce the desired results, scientists can guide breeding programs in the best way to achieve their goals. The challenge with swine is that it’s hard to track and study them throughout the value chain once they go to slaughter and are processed.