The proposed project is to identify and characterize bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) that can reduce presence of E. coflbacteria that are an important cause of disease and production loss to the poultry industry. The reduction of levels of E. coli that can cause disease in poultry by use of bacteriophages would be an important means of […]

Increasing the productivity of agricultural fields is essential to secure our existing food supplies and provide for the growing world population. In this context, pesticides and fertilizers play an essential role in both increasing crop yields, as well as enhancing crop defenses against environmental stresses such as drought, pests, or diseases. However, the application of […]

Obesity and diabetes are leading nutrition-related disorders among pets in North America and have significant impacts on animal morbidity and mortality. The glycemic index, a measure of post-prandial blood glucose response, has been shown in humans to significantly impact glucose control, insulin sensitivity, weight management, and chronic disease risk. In pets, the effects of carbohydrates […]

The global meat demand is expected to roughly double by 2050. While the livestock sector monopolizes a lot of land, food and water, edible insects constitute as an interesting alternative to lower environmental stress. Even though almost a quarter of the world population regularly eat insects, their widespread adoption is impeded by the disgust factor […]

Common scab is a world-wide potato disease that is responsible for important economic losses. The control of the disease is difficult and soil fumigation is often the only approach available. In Atlantic Canada, crop losses associated with common scab are economically important and the disease has been progressing in severity. Therefore, Dr. Filion, in association […]

Alfalfa is a legume forage crop that is intensively grown in Canada and represents a major feed source for livestock ruminants (i.e. dairy cows). When establishing pure stands of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) there are two primary options to minimize weed encroachment: the use of herbicides or the use of companion crops. Companion crops will […]

As one of the healthiest edible oils on the market, flaxseed oil is mostly promoted for its high Omega-3 content. Regrettably, flaxseed oil is unsuitable for cooking because of its low smoke point. AlliggaTM’s innovative cold pressing/filtering system has remarkably revolutionized this nutritious oil, making it a quality oil to cook with, while maintaining the […]

The hog industry in Manitoba is a very efficient means of converting grains and pulses into high quality protein. Fresh pork is a healthy and nutritious source of protein, yet demand remains static. One of the main reasons cited by consumers for not choosing pork is the absence of good taste in modern pork. The […]

The iodination of water has been identified as a means to improve animal performance, particularly in the poultry industry. Iodine has been used as an antimicrobial agent under several applications, however, it is unclear how water iodination results in improved animal performance. We hypothesize that iodinated water can improve performance either by reducing pathogen load, […]

The purpose of this research project is to forecast the timing and estimate the costs of yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) invasion into southern British Columbia. Yellow Starthistle is an invasive plant that has caused tens of millions of dollars of damages to agricultural production in the United States as well as millions of dollars of […]

Feather pecking (FP) in egg-laying hens, where individuals peck repetitively and excessively at other birds to pull out and eat their feathers, is a challenge for the industry with large economic and welfare implications. High prevalence of FP is reported (60-80%) and this is associated with mortality rates of up to 20-40%, which translates to […]

Colostrum is the initial secretion from the mammary gland after parturition and it is a crucial source of immunity and nutrition for newborn calves. Because of the placental barrier to immunoglobulin transfer in ruminants, colostrum provides the neonate with immunoglobulins (mainly IgG) essential for passive immunity that plays a key role in the prevention of […]