The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) is an important physical property that significantly impacts all hygroscopic biomaterial. Knowledge of EMC of grains and pulses including soybeans is essential for efficient post-harvest operations such as drying, aeration, or storage. EMC changes with the variety but is also affected by handling and aeration practices. During storage, seeds undergo […]

Postharvest rot of sweet cherry destined for export markets has caused significant economic losses to Okanagan growers. The major fungal pathogens causing rot have not been identified. This project will identify the two major pathogens responsible for postharvest rot in cherry during two growth seasons and characterize them with respect to temperature effects on growth […]

In western Canada, increased nutrient demand associated with decreased temperatures and increased fetal growth may lead to nutrient deficiencies in pregnant cattle. Compromised maternal nutrition can impact fetal muscle development, body weight gain, hot carcass weight, back fat and marbling. Vaccination strategy may also impact carcass outcomes of the offspring. Carcass evaluation is necessary to […]

In 2012, the estimated value of forage in Canada was $5.1 Billion. Forages are the foundation for the beef and dairy sectors which have a combined economic activity of $50 Billion. However we have recently seen a loss of nearly 2.2 Million acres of pasture land across Canada, which means productivity from our remaining forage […]

The human pathogenic bacteria Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter jejuni are commonly found in the intestine of poultry. Consumption of infected chicken and eggs, and its derivatives, is the main and most important source of infection outbreaks in humans causing diarrhoea, fevers and abdominal cramps. In some cases, severe diarrhea and dehydration followed by systemic spreading […]

Enzymes play an essential role in the animal nutrition industry and are used to increase the nutritional value of feedstuff, resulting in improved production cost, feed efficiency, and animal performance. Many manufacturers choose to pelleting feed, for reasons such as increased feed intake and feed efficiency. However, many enzymes become deactivated when exposed to the […]

The role of companion animals has evolved over the years of their domestication from that of purely utilitarian hunting or working partnerships to a relationship now more closely resembling that of a family member. Unsurprisingly, trends in companion animal nutrition have begun to closely shadow trends in human nutrition, reflecting the desire of pet owners […]

Automated harvesting of horticultural produce is an opportunity for Canadian farmers to improve the quality of yield, reduce labour costs, and increase revenues. The research project will focus on the design and development of soft pneumatically-driven robotic grippers that conform to the natural shape of delicate produce, such as mushrooms, in an effort to minimize […]

This project focus on designing a fatigue cycling machine to test soil openers for low cycle, impact fatigue. This process begins by identifying and characterizing the load in case, and then continue into detailed design, fabrication and commissioning. Characteristics such as robustness, reliability and safety will be strongly emphasised. This testing machine will then form […]

This project will develop new operational management systems by combining the elements of Lean, Agile, Green, Resilient and Nutrition (LAGRN) management of the dairy supply chain. The supply chain of Parmalat Canada will be used as a case study. This study is particularly significant for a company like Parmalat Canada, as it is trying to […]

Cannabis sativa (hemp or marijuana) produces a remarkable range of bioproducts that serve rapidly expanding markets for pharmaceuticals, nutritional products, and industrial fibre. With partners Supra THC Services (SUPRA) and Valens AgriTech Limited (VAL) (both wholly owned subsidiaries of Valens GroWorks), we will identify genes responsible for producing healthful oils and proteins in hemp seeds, […]

Tea is often considered as a healthy drink that is rich in antioxidants and other health constituents. However, tea can become contaminated during production and pathogens such as Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) that could potentially can persist over extended storage periods. The true risk of STEC linked to tea is unclear as on […]