Bryony Tucker

Bryony Tucker

School of Animal and Veterinary Science

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.

I am Dr. Bryony Tucker, a Research Scientist specializing in pig reproduction at the South Australian Research and Development Institute. My focus is on studying pigs and finding ways to improve their reproduction and overall well-being. Specifically, I'm interested in understanding how sows reproduce and lactate, as well as how to ensure the survival and proper management of piglets. For example creating and optimising ways to increase the avaiability and access of colostrum (first milk) and milk to piglets born impaired.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with researchers from different backgrounds and countries. Some of the notable groups I've collaborated with include Northeastern University in China, the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Rivalea Australia, and the Centre for Dairy Intelligence International. These collaborations have given me valuable insights and a global perspective on pig and other animal research.

Using my experience in various types of pig production systems, I aim to conduct research that can be applied to real-world farming practices, particularly in the birthing unit known as the farrowing house. My ultimate goal is to improve pig production for farmers of all sizes. I strongly believe that a deep understanding of the system and the needs of sows is crucial in achieving efficient and high-performance outcomes in the farrowing house.

I'm always open to collaborating with others and exploring opportunities that can further my work. I have developed a wide range of skills in both pig production and research throughout my career, and I'm eager to put them to use. My expertise and dedication make me a valuable asset in advancing the field and achieving tangible outcomes for the pig farming industry.

If you're interested in collaborating with me or supporting my research, I would be delighted to connect with you. I'm eager to leverage my skills and knowledge in pig production and research to make a positive impact in the field.

my research revolves around pig reproduction. I'm particularly interested in a few key areas: lactation (the production of milk), mammary development (how the mammary glands grow and function), piglet viability (ensuring the survival of piglets), and their overall well-being.

One aspect of my work that I find fascinating is the development and application of on-farm technologies. I'm always on the lookout for innovative ways to improve pig reproduction practices and make them more efficient.

Back when I was a student, I focused on studying how hormones can help sows maintain their pregnancies. I wanted to understand the factors that contribute to a successful pregnancy in pigs. Additionally, during my PhD, I looked into identifying and managing piglets that may have some health challenges.

Currently, my research is primarily centered around enhancing the lactation performance of gilts (young female pigs) and sows. I'm particularly interested in developing technologies that can optimize the lactation process and improve milk production. This is crucial because it ensures that piglets receive the proper nourishment they need to grow and thrive. I'm also actively involved in investigating methods for collecting colostrum (the first milk produced by the mother after giving birth) and ensuring piglets receive adequate nourishment during this critical period.

I'm passionate about my work and dedicated to finding practical solutions that benefit both the pig industry and animal welfare. If you have any questions or if you're interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out!

  • Journals
    Year Citation
    2024 Homer, B., Barekatain, R., Petrovski, K. R., Plush, K. J., Dwan, C., D’Souza, D. N., . . . Tucker, B. S. (2024). Preweaning Purified Fucoidan Drench: Effects on Growth, Immune Response, and Intestinal Morphology in Weaned Piglets. Animals, 14(10), 14 pages.
    DOI Scopus1
    2023 Tucker, B. S., Jorquera-Chavez, M., Petrovski, K. R., Craig, J. R., Morrison, R. S., Smits, R. J., & Kirkwood, R. N. (2023). Comparing surface temperature locations with rectal temperature in neonatal piglets under production conditions. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 51(1), 212-219.
    DOI Scopus1
    2023 Tucker, B. S., Petrovski, K. R., Craig, J. R., Morrison, R. S., Smits, R. J., & Kirkwood, R. N. (2023). Associations between Surface and Rectal Temperature Profiles of Low-Birth-Weight Piglets. Animals, 13(20), 1-8.
    DOI Scopus1 Europe PMC1
    2022 Tucker, B. S., Petrovski, K. R., Craig, J. R., Morrison, R. S., Smits, R. J., & Kirkwood, R. N. (2022). Piglet Morphology: Indicators of Neonatal Viability?. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 12(5), 1-13.
    DOI Scopus2 WoS1 Europe PMC2
    2022 Tucker, B. S., Petrovski, K. R., & Kirkwood, R. N. (2022). Neonatal Piglet Temperature Changes: Effect of Intraperitoneal Warm Saline Injection. Animals, 12(10), 1-11.
    DOI Scopus6 WoS3 Europe PMC4
    2022 Tucker, B. S., Petrovski, K. R., Craig, J. R., Morrison, R. S., Smits, R. J., & Kirkwood, R. N. (2022). Increased feeding frequency prior to farrowing: effects on sow performance. Translational Animal Science, 6(1), 1-7.
    DOI Scopus2
    2021 Tucker, B. S., Craig, J. R., Morrison, R. S., Smits, R. J., & Kirkwood, R. N. (2021). Piglet viability: A review of identification and pre‐weaning management strategies. Animals, 11(10), 2902.
    DOI Scopus26 WoS8 Europe PMC14

Throughout my career so far, I have actively pursued various grants within the Australian pig industry, as well as from external industries and institutes. These grants have supported both my research and commercialization efforts, enabling me to make meaningful contributions to the field.

During my time as a student, I was fortunate to receive the Ronald J Leinert Scholarship from PorkSA. This scholarship provided valuable support for my honors project and recognized the potential of my research in the pig industry. As I continued my studies, I also received support from Australian Pork Limited for my PhD research. Their investment in my work demonstrated their confidence in the importance of my research and its potential impact.

More recently, I have applied for an Australian Economic Accelerator grant in collaboration with an international commercial innovations and technology company. This grant opportunity reflects my dedication to fostering advancements in pig research and promoting impactful innovation in the field. It's an exciting endeavor that could lead to significant advancements in pig reproduction practices and benefit the industry as a whole.

I have recently been awarded  two CRC grants through different cooporatives as the lead and co lead investigator in areas of piglet gut health with a focus of reducing the impact of being weaned off milk onto solids on the gut.

I am grateful for the support and recognition I have received throughout my career. These grants have not only provided financial assistance but also affirmed the value of my research and its potential to drive positive change in the pig industry.

I have had the pleasure of serving as a guest lecturer at the University of Adelaide during the academic year of 2022/23. It was an exciting opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise with students, and I delivered lectures on Animal Biotechnology and Professional Skills.

Currently, I am actively supervising two honors students who are engaged in SARDI projects. One of the students is working on research related to porcine embryo preservation, while the other is investigating gut health in weaner piglets. It's wonderful to see these young researchers exploring important topics in pig reproduction and contributing to the advancement of the field.

In addition to my current supervision roles, I am scheduled to co-supervise two Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students starting in July 2023. The focus of their research project will be to compare and validate a pen-side porcine semen CASA machine. This research is essential for improving pig breeding techniques and ensuring better reproductive outcomes.

Being involved in these supervisory roles is incredibly fulfilling for me, as it allows me to play a part in nurturing the next generation of researchers in the field of pig production and science. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and guiding young minds in their research endeavors, and I look forward to witnessing their growth and contributions to the industry.

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