2025-09-25 –, Nebula
How do you turn a CT scan of a pig into usable data for large-scale genetic research? At Topigs Norsvin, we scan 10,000 male pigs each year using high-resolution CT imaging. This allows us to look inside the animals and assess carcass quality, muscle composition, and indicators of health. We use this data to inform selection decisions and improve the accuracy of our breeding program. In this talk, I'll walk you through the journey of CT data: from scan acquisition and processing to how we extract traits and integrate them into the breeding program. A key part of this process is POSIT, a lightweight project structure that helps us manage complexity, ensure reproducibility and scale our pipelines effectively. While the biological context is specific, the data challenges are familiar to any data professional.
Topigs Norsvin is a global leader in genetics research for pig populations, applying data science to drive sustainable and responsible breeding practices. The company is farmer-owned, with roots in the Netherlands and Norway, and operates in over 50 countries worldwide. We are fully committed to contributing to responsible and sustainable pig production for future generations. Sustainability is a main driver for our breeding goals, research, and support. The research team also plays a vital role in developing innovative solutions for producers, processors, and retailers. Sustainability, better animal welfare, and efficient production are core elements in these solutions. We believe that with these elements, we can contribute to the future of pork production and continue to help our customers maximize the potential of our products.
Lisette van der Zande is a researcher at Topigs Norsvin. She holds a Master’s degree in Animal Breeding and Genetics and a PhD in Animal Physiology, both from Wageningen University. Her doctoral research focused on developing computer vision models to assess the health status of pigs. At Topigs Norsvin, she continues this work by applying computer vision techniques to develop traits related to animal welfare.