Competitive Production Systems Projects

Heat storage and improved thermal management to reduce energy use and improve growing conditions in Ontario commercial-scale greenhouses

Lead Applicant: Syeda Tasnim

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2020/2021

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Understanding the energy and moisture conditions in Ontario greenhouses to improve costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and to extend production season.

 

Improved operational efficiency and enhanced farm management decision making for fruit tree and ornamental nurseries using automation and precision agriculture tools.

Lead Applicant: Medhat Moussa

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2020/2021

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Developing an automated system to collect tree growth information and creating a digital library system for Ontario's nursery industry.

 

Evaluation and potential augmentation of bovine fertility using small non-coding RNAs

Lead Applicant: Jonathan LaMarre

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2020/2021

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Determining the reliability of genetic and epigenetic markers in semen for improving dairy and beef cattle reproductive potential.

 

Development of evidence-based feeding strategies for lactating sows using novel and evolving feeding technologies.

Lead Applicant: Lee-Anne Huber

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2020/2021

Research Centre: Arkell Swine Research Facility

A fundamentally new approach to determining soil N mineralization potential through pyrolysis-based thermal cracking.

Lead Applicant: Adam Gillespie

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2020/2021

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: A fundamentally new approach to determining soil N mineralization potential through pyrolysis-based thermal cracking.

 

Hybridization of artificial intelligence and mechanistic models to create 'intelligent' precision nutrition models for next generation dairy production

Lead Applicant: Jennifer Ellis

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2020/2021

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Combining two scientific methodologies—artificial intelligence and mechanistic modelling—to optimize precision nutrition systems for dairy.

 

Optimization of pellet quality at the mill level using machine learning

Lead Applicant: Jennifer Ellis

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2020/2021

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Examining "big data" from local manufacturers to identify critical factors that influence feed pellet quality.

 

Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids as a nutraceutical strategy to control postpartum inflammation and enhance production efficiency and fertility in dairy cows

Lead Applicant: Eduardo De Souza Ribeiro

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2020/2021

Research Centre: Ontario Dairy Research Centre- Elora

Research Summary: Examining omega-3 supplementation for improved fertility and reduced postpartum inflammation in dairy cows.

 

Improving outcomes for Ontario apple producers though precision agriculture and labour efficiency strategies

Lead Applicant: John Cline

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2020/2021

Research Centre: Ontario Crops Research Centre - Simcoe

Research Summary: Investigating the advancement of precision crop load management strategies and mechanical pruning in Ontario apple orchards.

 

Evaluating the impact of pollination on cannabinoid production in industrial hemp

Lead Applicant: Rene Van Acker

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2020/2021

Research Centre: Ontario Crops Research Centre - Simcoe

Research Summary: Assessing cannabinoid composition and levels in pollinated and unpollinated hemp flowers.