In response to rapid social change, the Animal Technology Institute Taiwan has dedicated itself to promoting swine breeding, reproduction, and genetic engineering, while actively seeking value-added technological applications.
The Institute continues exploring, disseminating and transfer technologies in line with its organiza¬tional philosophy, namely, serving related industries with "professionalism and integrity, innovative tech¬nologies, and service." Thus, efforts are made to address issues associated with production efficiency, and those related to product safety, animal welfare, global warming, and eutrophication. The Division of Applied Biology is currently focused on developing an animal production system that meets product criteria of high quality, safety, and environmental sustainability. The full-scale biogas bio-desulfurization system developed under the environmental biotechnology research program has proven effective in removing hydrogen sulfide from biogas. Given its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock husbandry, the program will proceed with its greenhouse gas offset project in the near future.
      The Division of Animal Medicine conducts research in the following areas: animal vaccine devel¬opment; meat-inspection and safety management; development of diagnostic techniques for animal dis¬eases; and, an animal model for human diseases. This year, a target-specific Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome subunit vaccine was developed using a recombinant scheme to fuse viral antigens with Pseudomonas exotoxin. Moreover, the Division has completed several important meat-inspection and safety projects, including inspection of meat processing plants, inspector training, and meat prod¬uct microbe and residue monitoring. Several molecular diagnostic techniques have been developed for animal diseases. Ongoing projects include developing monoclonal antibodies against swine influ¬enza. This year, the Division completed 32 risk assessments for imported animals and animal products. Furthermore, a group of animal disease specialists was organized and has contributed to amendments to the Terrestrial Animal Health Code for 16 economically important animal diseases.
      The Division of Biotechnology is currently focused on developing recombinant human Factor IX from transgenic sows, including transgenic pigs, molecular farming, protein purification, quality control and characterization, and conducting a pre-clinical study using monkeys. In 2010, related techniques were transferred to a local pharmaceutical company for commercial application. The Biosafety Testing Laboratory has met the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations and has been accredited by the Taiwan Accreditation Foundation. The Division is also involved in developing embryonic stem cells for production of relative reprogram¬ming factors, and establishing an intestinal epithelial cell and intramural coronary artery disease using a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) pig model.
      The Division of Animal Resources is mainly involved in providing experimental pigs and fresh boar semen and improving pig performance via genetic approaches. The Division plays an important role in producing SPF pigs, which are indispensable in swine vaccine development, vaccine testing, and the bio-pharmaceutical industry.
      The Division of Technology Extension disseminates knowledge via training courses, symposia, stra¬tegic meetings, library services, and publications. In 2010, 3,333 participants benefited from 41 exten¬sion programs. To date, 21 enterprises have been incubated by the Institute, which provides the Taiwan Innovation Alliance platform, expertise in technology assessment, and market analysis assistance by offering grants to start-up companies. The Institute obtained four patents and filed four patent applica-tions this year.
      When established in 1970, the Institute had only five livestock science specialists and five veteri¬nary medicine specialists. Today, the Institute has expanded to over 200 staff, 30 of which have Ph.D. degrees and 45 have master's degrees. While celebrating the 40th anniversary of this extraordinary orga¬nization, we should remind ourselves of its enduring values and mission. Thank you for your support and contributions, all of which have made a significant difference. For the welfare and benefit of society, the Animal Technology Institute Taiwan will continue its research and extension services in accordance with governmental policies by pursuing technological innovation and its application.

1970 The United Nations sponsored the Republic of China (ROC) in establishing Pig Research Institute Taiwan (PRIT) on July 15th, 1970.

1972 After withdrawal from the United Nations, PRIT was funded by the Council of Agriculture,Taiwan Provincial Government, and Taiwan Sugar Corporation.

1974 The Pig Performance Testing Station was established. 

1980 The North Division of National Swine Nucleus Herd was established. 1987 The Diagnostic Reagents Development Center was set up.

1988 The Laboratory of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Pigs was established.

1994 Pig Research Institute Taiwan was reorganized as a non-profit private organization.

1995 The Center for Cardiovascular Research & Comparative Medicine was operational. 

1998 The Bio-artificial Organ Center was set up. 

2001 PRIT was renamed as "Animal Technology Institute Taiwan" and conducting reorganization.

2003 Moved into Research and Administration Building.

2004 The Innovation Incubation Center was set up.

2010 Celebrate 40th Anniversary of the institute.