New technology assessment targets improved efficiency

Sunday, October 25th, 2020
Close up of a dairy cow's face, looking directly at the camera

By Otaiba Ahsan

A complete genetic and economic assessment of the current breeding structure in Canadian dairy cattle is in the process of being completed by a team of U of G researchers from the Department of Animal Biosciences.

The team’s mission is to identify new technologies for improving efficiency in the dairy sector, while keeping costs in check for consumers and farmers.

This five-year research program is led by Prof. Christine Baes, Prof. Flavio Schenkel and Dr. Gerson Oliveira, along with Ph.D. candidates Lucas Alcantara and Kerry...

Read more: New technology assessment targets improved efficiency

U of G research helping to ensure frothy lattes

Monday, September 28th, 2020
Overhead view of a latte

By Mya Kidson

Remember the saying "Don't bruise the wine" by pouring it improperly? Some experts question the validity of this advice, but it turns out that milk too gains certain unfavourable traits if it's channeled too turbulently out of a farmer's bulk tank — among them, it doesn't froth very well when it's used in a cafe latte. SPARK writer Mya Kidson discovered the situation when she was coordinating a special dairy research communications project with the Ontario Veterinary College, and...

Read more: U of G research helping to ensure frothy lattes

Preventing problems caused by low blood calcium in dairy cows

Thursday, September 10th, 2020
Cows in stalls beside a passageway with hay on it, leading toward an open door with grass and trees in the background

Proactive approach improves herd health, say researchers

By Karli Longthorne

Low blood calcium levels after calving are an issue in dairy herds, especially in older cows, from their third lactation on.

Some producers take a reactive approach by giving cows calcium supplements after calving. But a study by University of Guelph researchers points to the benefits of a more proactive, preventative approach.

University of Guelph Prof. Stephen LeBlanc and DVSc student Rita Couto Serrenho, Department of Population...

Read more: Preventing problems caused by low blood calcium in dairy cows

Feeding your pet a safe and nutritious alternative diet

Friday, August 21st, 2020
A brown dog wearing a red collar eats out of dog dish on the ground

 

By Karli Longthorne

The uptick in alternative diet trends such as high-protein, low-fat or plant-based in humans has the food industry buzzing. Now, new research is pointing to similar trends in companion animals, such as dogs and cats.

According to a survey by Dr. Sarah Dodd, veterinarian, ECVCN resident and PhD candidate at the University of Guelph, seven per cent of dogs and four per cent of cats in the US, Canada and Australia are exclusively fed home prepared diets. However, over half may be fed home-prepared foods as a component of...

Read more: Feeding your pet a safe and nutritious alternative diet

U of G researchers awarded funding for humanities, social science projects

Wednesday, August 19th, 2020
Photo of U of G sign on wall

Eleven University of Guelph research projects in the humanities and social sciences will receive nearly $600,000 in federal funding.

The funding comes from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Development Insight Grants program aimed at supporting long-term research initiatives that address complex issues involving people and societies.  

...

Read more: U of G researchers awarded funding for humanities, social science projects

U of G receives $2.35 million from Province for agri-food research to enhance livestock health, well-being and productivity

Tuesday, August 4th, 2020
A row of cows in stall in a barn

The Government of Ontario has announced a $2.35-million investment in University of Guelph advanced animal research related to livestock health, well-being and productivity.

The investment, designed to do enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the Ontario livestock sector, will be delivered through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the University of Guelph.

"The University of Guelph is delighted to build on our powerful partnership with...

Read more: U of G receives $2.35 million from Province for agri-food research to enhance livestock health, well-being and productivity

University of Guelph appoints inaugural Assistant Vice-President to oversee research innovation and knowledge mobilization

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020
Headshot of Jessica Bowes

 

Innovation sector leader Jessica Bowes will be University of Guelph’s inaugural Assistant Vice-President, Research Innovation and Knowledge Mobilization. Currently Vice-President, Commercialization at Bioenterprise Corporation Canada, Ms. Bowes will take charge of University of Guelph’s Research Innovation Office. In that leadership role she will devise and implement strategy to advance research innovation at one of Canada’s most innovative universities. This will involve providing leadership for the university’s efforts around knowledge mobilization and...

Read more: University of Guelph appoints inaugural Assistant Vice-President to oversee research innovation and knowledge mobilization

Short-term solutions and quick action helped supply chain in pandemic’s early days

Monday, July 20th, 2020
Cows standing side by side eating hay

 

By Mya Kidson

Short-term solutions and quick action helped Canada’s dairy and poultry sector weather the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, say U of G researchers.

U of G Profs. Mike von Massow and Alfons Weersink, and MSc student Brendan McDougall from the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, say that poultry and dairy supply chains adapted quickly to the demand shifts from hospitality to retail sectors.

These approaches include diverting the food supply from food services to the retail sector. A single-desk...

Read more: Short-term solutions and quick action helped supply chain in pandemic’s early days

Household food security still uncertain months after pandemic

Monday, July 13th, 2020
Ontario produce on a counter - tomatoes in green plastic baskets, cabbage, cucumbers parsnips and beets in a bowl

 

By Alicia Bowland

 

Months after the start of Canada’s emergency quarantine orders, some Canadian households are still left wondering if they will continue to have access to food at affordable prices in the case of a second wave of COVID-19 cases.

Should another outbreak occur, it will be crucial to monitor a few major factors that are influenced by the pandemic and that are essential to maintaining a stable food supply at affordable prices, says Prof. Brady Deaton, Department of Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics.

“While...

Read more: Household food security still uncertain months after pandemic

What we’ve learned about consumer choice from the COVID-19 pandemic

Monday, July 6th, 2020
Fresh vegetables on shelves at a grocery store

A rise in the demand for storable and shelf-stable items was clear during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. So what happens to our consumption of vital perishable goods, such as vegetables and fruit?

 

By Maleeka Singh

Experts say it's not a question of if we get a second wave of the COVID-19 virus it's a matter of when. So, what lessons have we learned about consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic that can help Canadians and the food industry be more prepared for the next one?

The first thing we've learned, says University of Guelph's Prof. John Cranfield, Associate Dean- External Relations in OAC, and Professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural & Resource Economics, is that consumer purchasing behaviors have changed...

Read more: What we’ve learned about consumer choice from the COVID-19 pandemic