It’s believed transition cows have suppressed immune systems, but Dr. Stephen LeBlanc of the University of Guelph says it’s not as simple as just blaming compromised immune systems for all transition dairy cattle problems. “Metabolically, yes cows have reduced aspects of immune function through the transition period and part of some of the reasons for […] Read more
Tag Archives University of Guelph — page 9
Neutrophil system plays big role in dry cow immunity
Extra bunk space is good buffer to reduce health risks and improve immune activity
Study looks at COVID-19 and food system
The hope is that the results will help strengthen food system emergency planning
Two of Canada’s leading think tanks in agriculture and food policy are working together to try to understand the implications of and lessons from COVID-19’s effects on the Canadian food system. Why it matters: The COVID-19 crisis has shown some weaknesses in the Canadian agri-food system, although food has remained widely available. The Arrell Food […] Read more
Mobile genetic testing technology wins Guelph pitch competition
Harvest Genomics aims to provide on-location genetic testing of food
A Guelph-based start-up with plans to bring mobile genetic testing to agriculture was the winner of the second annual University of Guelph Gryphon’s LAAIR pitch competition, held online May 27. Harvest Genomics will use its $10,000 prize to develop and bring to market a portable DNA system that will make testing capabilities currently only available […] Read more
OPINION: In a COVID-19 world, is local better?
While there might be value in bolstering Canadian food production, there’s resiliency in global trade
Our food system has weathered an unprecedented demand shift and shock over the past month. Overall, we have come out of it reasonably well. We have seen short-term shortages on grocery store shelves (flour and other products) and some rationing when product was there (milk, eggs). At the same time, we have heard stories of […] Read more
Field-level research continues, but with COVID-19 distancing
Private and public research continues in the field, but some lab work is shut down
Universities and private companies continue the develop and research crops, but they are dealing with the imperative to conduct the research apart to assure farmer and co-operator safety. Why it matters: Plant research is an essential service. Trying to continue the research for the agriculture sector while maintaining safety of those involved is important. What’s changed? […] Read more
Livestock research evolves under COVID-19
University of Guelph research in livestock is an essential service
Livestock research is moving quickly to adjust to the COVID-19 reality. The disease also means new research opportunities at the University of Guelph. Most active livestock research at the university falls into three categories: shut down, scale back, or continuing/new, said Ontario Agriculture College Dean Dr. Rene Van Acker. “We aren’t closed as we fall […] Read more
How to get more accurate DON toxin readings
Elevator operators are advised to grind the entire sample before testing to get more consistent results
An industry committee has recommended changes to elevator testing procedures for deoxynivalenol (DON) after probing into the inconsistent results farmers found so frustrating during the fusarium-plagued 2018 corn harvest. While many have blamed the sampling probe used to collect samples as trucks pull into the elevator, subsequent testing has shown the inconsistent results arose from […] Read more
Veterinarians more likely to have suicidal thoughts: study
Canadian veterinarians, particularly women practitioners, think about suicide more often than the general population and suffer poorer mental health overall, a study by University of Guelph researchers has found. As an occupation, veterinarians have higher levels of stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, anxiety and depression, and reported more suicidal ideation and lower resilience than Canadians generally, […] Read more
Guelph students ‘hack the farm’ for innovative solutions
Students tackled agricultural issues ranging from improved food packaging to better crop yield predictions
An idea for better waste water management at a local brewery won top honours in the third annual Improve Life Challenge Hackathon at the University of Guelph on March 6. The theme for this year’s day-long event was Hack the Farm in a Climate of Change where teams of students worked with community partners to […] Read more
Plant growth boosted with water-based carbon dioxide
The Canadian system allows hoop-structure growers to use carbon dioxide as a growth enhancer
An Ontario company has patented technology to dissolve carbon dioxide into water and apply it to plants to make them grow faster while also reducing disease problems. Toronto-based CO2 GRO launched early in 2018 and has sold systems to growers of crops like lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, cannabis and microgreens. Although many greenhouse growers are already […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
