Dr. Mark Knauer, Excellence in Innovation

The Edison Phonograph, the Marconi Wireless, the Bell Telephone and the Wright Flyer.

And of course the Knauer Sow Body Condition Caliper.

Many significant and impactful inventions carry the name of their visionary creators. And while the latter doesn’t quite roll off the tongue as fluidly as its predecessors, it is nonetheless a major breakthrough in the efficient operation of swine production, not only in North Carolina but across the world.

For his remarkable efforts and contributions to the pork industry, Dr. Mark Knauer, Associate Professor and Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, has been named the 2023 recipient of the NC Pork Council’s Award for Excellence in Innovation.

Knauer grew up on a pure-line pig and cattle operation in Southern Wisconsin. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Iowa State University and his doctorate in animal breeding and genetics from NC State. Prior to returning to his present position at the university, he served as the Director of Animal Science with the National Pork Board. It was in this position in 2011 that he developed his signature caliper, not in a laboratory or on a computer, but with a simple sketch on his kitchen table.
“Our caliper is a five-second process,” says Knauer. “It doesn’t exactly measure width or girth of a sow, it more accurately measures the angle of a sow’s ribs in relation to the backbone. This information helps determine whether a sow is being properly nourished. With an underfed sow we have concerns about the health and well-being of the animal and will take corrective actions. With an overfed sow we know we are expending too much money on feed costs.”