BANGKOK, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Veterinary Science have developed synthetic boar scent mimicking natural pheromones, providing a safer way to stimulate reproduction while reducing the risk of disease transmission associated with direct contact between breeding animals.
Preparing young female pigs (gilts) for breeding is a critical step in pig production. Gilts that fail to enter estrus within the appropriate age range are typically removed from the breeding herd and diverted to meat production, resulting in economic losses for farmers.
The standard method used worldwide to stimulate estrus is boar contact, in which a mature boar is introduced to gilts. While effective, the practice requires handling large animals and carries the risk of spreading diseases such as African swine fever (ASF), for which no vaccine or treatment currently exists.
Seeking a safer alternative, the Chulalongkorn research team investigated the chemical signals responsible for stimulating estrus. Led by Prof. Dr. Padet Tummaruk, D.V.M., with Dr. Isaya Thaveesangsakulthai, Ph.D., an expert in chemical communication, the team analyzed scent samples collected from mature boars using gas chromatography (GC). They identified 23 key odor compounds and used them to formulate the synthetic boar scent.
In comparative trials, exposure to a live boar induced estrus behavior in approximately 75% of gilts, while the synthetic scent achieved a response rate of about 50%, compared with only 18% in the unstimulated control group. Although live boars remain more effective, the synthetic scent offers important advantages in safety, ease of use, and reducing disease risks.
The plant-based formulation is non-irritating, safe for people to handle, and designed for practical farm use. Farmers simply spray the scent onto a pad attached to a rod and present it to the gilt to sniff. Several large pig farms have already expressed interest in testing the prototype.
The research, published in a Tier 1 international scientific journal in early 2026, has also led to a petty patent application. Looking ahead, the team plans to study the scent of gilts in hopes of developing scent-based diagnostic tools that could further improve reproductive management in pig farming.
"Our goal is to develop a product made in Thailand, affordable for Thai farmers, and free from reliance on imported products," Prof. Dr. Padet concluded.
Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/418665/
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Chula Researchers Develop Synthetic Boar Scent Mimicking Natural Pheromones to Reduce Disease Outbreak Risks in Pig Farms
SINGAPORE, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- To address the growing need for competitive talent retention among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Rewardz, a leading digital rewards and loyalty solutions provider, today announced the launch of VYBE. This new employee perks subscription is designed specifically to empower Singapore's SMEs with enterprise-grade benefits, eliminating the complexity of traditional HR programmes.
Smaller businesses frequently face the challenge of competing for top talent without the dedicated benefits teams or extensive budgets available to larger organizations. VYBE bridges this gap, offering a turnkey HR tech solution that balances premium rewards with operational efficiency.
Rewardz currently serves more than 3 million users and 300 clients across more than 30 countries. VYBE represents an extension of that extensive operational infrastructure into the SME market, allowing smaller companies to deploy a comprehensive benefits ecosystem that can typically be launched within two weeks.
"For more than a decade, Rewardz has helped large organisations recognise, engage and reward their people. But the need to attract and retain great employees is not unique to large companies," said Sudhanshu Tewari, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rewardz.
"Singapore's SMEs face the same talent challenges, often with much smaller HR teams and budgets. We created VYBE to make the infrastructure, partnerships and experience we have built at enterprise scale accessible to SMEs. We want smaller companies to be able to offer employees perks they genuinely value, without creating another programme for HR to manage."
Meaningful Perks Without the Administrative Burden
For S$8 per employee per month, VYBE provides a curated perks programme requiring no setup fees and minimal employer administration. Employees access VYBE through a mobile-responsive web platform, with no app download required. Every employee on VYBE receives a choice between two core benefits:
- 2,000 Asia Miles[1]: Awarded once a year, this is redeemable towards flights with Cathay Pacific and over 20 partner airlines, travel experiences, and lifestyle products on Cathay Shop.
- Monthly Surprise Treats: Premium offerings from participating café, bakery, and lifestyle brands.
All employees also receive access to:
- Friday Freebies: Limited-quantity e-vouchers from brands including Grab, Giant, Klook, and Swensen's, released on the last Friday of every month.
- GOAT Monthly Jackpot: One employee across participating Rewardz clients wins 10,000 Asia Miles each month.
- Exclusive Marketplace: Access to more than 100 discounts and offers across dining, travel, shopping, wellness, lifestyle, and e-commerce.
Bringing Travel and Everyday Rewards Together
VYBE has been designed around benefits that employees can easily understand and use, ensuring a perfect balance between long-term aspirational travel goals and immediate daily value.
"We are pleased to collaborate with Rewardz to offer an attractive and recognisable benefit for SME employees in Singapore. As a premium travel lifestyle brand, Cathay offers a myriad of meaningful travel and lifestyle experiences that members can enjoy. This partnership gives employees the opportunity to experience the value of Asia Miles and discover the everyday benefits it can unlock," said Nicholas Tay, Cathay Regional Head of Customer Travel & Lifestyle, Southeast Asia & Oceania.
As an introductory launch offer, Rewardz will waive one month of subscription fees for eligible new customers signing up by 31 December 2026.
To discover how VYBE can elevate your organization's employee engagement strategy, visit rewardz.sg/vybe.
| [1] Asia Miles is the lifestyle reward currency of premium travel lifestyle brand Cathay |
[1] Asia Miles is the lifestyle reward currency of premium travel lifestyle brand Cathay
About Rewardz
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Rewardz is a digital rewards, recognition and engagement provider helping organisations recognise, engage and incentivise their employees, customers and channel partners.
Today, Rewardz serves more than 3 million users and 300 clients across more than 30 countries, supported by a rewards marketplace spanning thousands of reward partners and a wide range of digital vouchers, discounts, products, experiences and travel rewards.
Rewardz is part of Benefit One, a global employee benefits and incentive solutions provider and a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings.
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Rewardz Launches VYBE to Bring Enterprise-Grade Employee Perks to Singapore SMEs
