In a cooperative program with The University of Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station , several research projects have been conducted. More recently, the Research Unit participated as a core site for a national evaluation of gilt development programs in cooperation with the National Pork Producers Council, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Nebraska. Presently, we are studying the effects of various genetic and environmental influences prior and subsequent to slaughter on pork tenderness and overall quality. We recently completed feeding studies in conjunction with several other state experiment stations to evaluate the effects of varying levels of Vitamin A given sows at weaning and breeding. The Swine Research Unit is involved with the Ames Plantation Forestry Department in an interdisciplinary effort to evaluate use of various fertilizer sources to enhance growth of woody plants for electric energy production.
Educational activities are varied and diverse.