Sustainable Livestock Production (SLP) LINK Programme
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The Sustainable Livestock Production (SLP) LINK Programme is a framework for collaborative research, funded jointly by Government and industry. It supports high quality, pre competitive research, which aims to improve the biological, economic and environmental sustainability of livestock production. LINK projects require at least one academic partner (eg university, research organisation or institute) and one industry partner. A standard LINK is based on 50% industrial funding (cash and/or in kind), matching 50% Government sponsorship. Research consortia should be formulated to provide the balance of expertise, industry funding and potential ‘route to market’, to maximise uptake by industry of the research output (product, knowledge or improved process) at the end of the project.
Under LINK, research projects are funded across the main farmed species, including deer and fish. BPEX is often a key industry partner in consortia conducting research into pig production. Other potential industry partners include feed manufacturers, pig breeding companies, animal health companies, technology companies, meat processors.
Previous projects under Sustainable Livestock Production LINK have addressed topics on pig nutrition, reproduction, health, genetics, and environmental impact. Currently, there are three pig projects being conducted under the programme, all of which include BPEX as an industry partner:
- LK0680: Development of an acute phase protein index in pigs
- LK0682: Consequences of using legumes as a protein source in pig diets
- LK0689: Low protein diets for pigs
Further information on the Sustainable Livestock LINK programme, including guidance on the application process, can be obtained by visiting: http://defrafarmingandfoodscience.csl.gov.uk/linkprogrammeoverview.cfm, or contacting the Programme Co-ordinator: Ray.Keatinge@defra.gsi.gov.uk.