Research News
Preventing problems caused by low blood calcium in dairy cows
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 Medicine, are the first to...
Feeding your pet a safe and nutritious alternative diet
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...
U of G researchers awarded funding for humanities, social science projects
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.
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U of G receives $2.35 million from Province for agri-food research to enhance livestock health, well-being and productivity
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...
University of Guelph appoints inaugural Assistant Vice-President to oversee research innovation and knowledge mobilization
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...
Short-term solutions and quick action helped supply chain in pandemic’s early days
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...
Household food security still uncertain months after pandemic
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...
What we’ve learned about consumer choice from the COVID-19 pandemic
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...
Agriculture in Canada will remain resilient amid COVID-19 pandemic
By Alicia Bowland
Will current Canadian agricultural government programming be sufficient in the case of a second outbreak of COVID-19?
In these uncertain times, farmers and agribusinesses face unprecedented obstacles that challenge current risk management strategies. Black swan events – rare and unpredictable events, like the COVID-19 pandemic -- are almost impossible to plan for.
Business Risk Management (BRM) programs that are part of the Canadian Agricultural Policy framework -- AgriInvest, AgriStability, AgriInsurance and...
Using One Health-informed strategies to reduce COVID-19 impact on pets, livestock and wildlife
SPARK writer Sydney and her dog Riley are following Dr. Weese’s guidelines to limit Riley’s interactions with humans and animals outside of their family bubble.
By Sydney Pearce
World-wide efforts to prevent further deaths from COVID-19 are in full effect, but experts at the University of Guelph say that focusing solely on humans can’t effectively address the pandemic or prevent future ones. They’re responding with rapid research to look at health broadly – including the health of pets – to give governments the tools to improve their strategies.
Here’s why. COVID-19 doesn’t adhere to species boundaries or even affect all humans at an equal level. A One Health approach fills in these blanks by...