News

University of Guelph graduate students heard first-hand what it takes to be successful in livestock careers during the University of Guelph Animal Biosciences Symposium, supported by the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.

About 200 attendees heard from 28 graduate students who presented research results on diverse, industry-focused topics like the health and welfare of layer chickens, preventing boar taint, dairy cow feed efficiency and emissions, and lamb immune development. Most projects received funding through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.

The advent of sexed dairy semen has brought new options for Canadian dairy farmers. The best cows and heifers can be bred to ensure production of female calves, and older or lower-quality cows can be bred with beef semen to deliver a new revenue stream of crossbred calves. These “beef on dairy” calves are born on the dairy farm and raised as a beef animal for market.

 Dr. Michael Steele believes there is much we need to learn about this new market segment. 

We are better prepared than ever to meet another pandemic threat, according to Dr. Rozita Dara, researcher in the School of Computer Science in U of G's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Not just because we have vaccines or treatments, although those are critical. But because we have something that can change the game entirely: artificial intelligence (AI).

Every year, Canadian dairy farmers turn over about one-third of the cows in their milking herd. Dr. Todd Duffield’s interest in cull cows – or “market” cows as he calls them – was sparked several years ago while working as a provincial veterinary inspector and visiting local auction marts in Ontario.

The University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Isabelle Aicklen as the new Ontario Bean Growers (OBG) Professor in Weed Management. She adds to OAC's world-class expertise in agriculture and weed science and will take an active role in driving innovation at the Ridgetown Campus.

The award recognizes her outstanding contributions to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV). This prestigious award highlights individuals who have provided exceptional service to the AASV and the swine veterinary profession.

Read the story: Dr. Terri O'Sullivan Honored with 2025 Meritorious Service Award | Ontario Veterinary College

The University of Guelph placed 201-300 worldwide in the rankings and tied for ninth among Canadian institutions. This is the first time U of G has been included in THE World Reputation Rankings.

Dr. Rene Van Acker, interim president and vice-chancellor, says inclusion in the ranking speaks to U of G’s rising reputation within the academic community. 

Two U of G researchers contributed data to the Diverse Rotations Improve Valuable Ecosystem Services (D.R.I.V.E.S.) Project, an initiative conducted by 30 scientists from across Canada, the United States and Mexico, in which different crop rotations and individual component crops within rotations were analyzed along with multiple metrics, soil types and cropping systems.

A world-leading scientist at the University of Guelph whose discoveries have revolutionized our understanding of food has been awarded one of the province’s highest honours.

Dr. Alejandro Marangoni, professor in the Department of Food Science, Ontario Agricultural College and Tier I Canada Research Chair in Food, Health and Aging has been named to the Order of Ontario.

Dr. Carlton Gyles was named an Officer of the Order in recognition of “his profound contributions to veterinary microbiology,” whose seminal studies “have led to new vaccines, improved infection control and a safer food supply.”  

Read the story: OVC Professor Emeritus Appointed to Order of Canada - U of G News