University of Saskatchewan Archives

VIDO-InterVac making progress on COVID-19 vaccine

There are some promising early signs as researchers at USask’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre develop a vaccine for COVID-19

By James Shewaga May 20, 2020

University of Saskatchewan – “Early indications show that the vaccine induces an immune response, so that is positive,” said Dr. Volker Gerdts (DVM), director of Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac). “But whether the vaccine will work, we don’t know that yet. There is a lot of testing to be done.” Safety assessment […] Read more

General

New dean of agriculture named for U of S

Soil science prof Angela Bedard-Haughn takes over Aug. 15

By GFM Staff, GFM Network News May 15, 2020

One of Western Canada’s major post-secondary ag institutions will get a new hand at the wheel this summer. The University of Saskatchewan announced Wednesday it has named soil science professor Angela Bedard-Haughn as the dean for its College of Agriculture and Bioresources for a five-year term starting Aug. 15. Raised on a family farm in […] Read more

Comment

Comment: Research 101

By Lisa Guenther March 2, 2020

If you’re a regular on the winter conference circuit, you’ve likely seen your fair share of ag research presentations. Most of the regular presenters are adept at translating their research so that the rest of us can understand what they’re talking about. Still, I couldn’t help wondering whether there are a few things we should […] Read more

Canada is currently considered a bovine TB-free country, but incidences arose as recently as 2016 in Alberta, when six cases were found, and in 2018 when four cases were detected in British Columbia.

Beef Cattle, Features, Livestock

Battling bovine tuberculosis

Canadian researchers are working on TB vaccines and developing strategies to manage the disease in wild animals

By Lois Harris January 14, 2020

Research is underway in Canada to develop a vaccine aimed at eliminating the threat of bovine tuberculosis (TB). If successful, the results will mean better health for cattle and humans around the world. “When we say bovine TB, sometimes it can also be TB that’s found in humans,” says Dr. Jeff Chen, explaining that Mycobacterium […] Read more

Janelle Smith talks about her research during the LFCE’s field day last June.

News, News Roundup

Agribition donates $100,000 to Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence

Research: News Roundup from the January 2020 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Canadian Cattlemen Staff January 10, 2020

Canadian Western Agribition is contributing $100,000 over the next decade to the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE), the largest and most comprehensive centre of its kind in Canada. The funding partnership will see Agribition sponsor the annual field day for producers at the new research facility in Clavet, Sask., as […] Read more

Caylee Dorval is putting her scholarship award towards studying animal science at Lakeland College.

News, Newsmakers

Sask. agriculture scholarship winner to study animal science technology

NewsMakers from the August 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Canadian Cattlemen Staff August 19, 2019

Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Program Melissa Van Sickle’s interest in cattle started early and grew with her participation in 4-H. Van Sickle earned a bachelor of science in animal science from the University of Saskatchewan and then visited Australia. She then returned home to work for her family’s business, Genetic Ventures, which specializes in artificial insemination […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Forages, Hay, News

Using an invasive weed to help fill the feed gap

When feed is in short supply, producers may want to harvest kochia.

By Canadian Cattlemen Staff June 26, 2019

For Prairie cattle producers looking for alternative feed sources this year, one possibility may be kochia. Kochia is an invasive weed, often seen growing on marginal land or tumbling across the Prairies. It’s a prolific seed producer, growing in saline soil and in arid or semi-arid conditions. A recent news release from Agriculture and Agri-Food […] Read more

A new report has put a dollar value on the stewardship provided by Alberta's leaseholders.

Forages, News

Polycultures: A cocktail forage mix for semiarid prairies

By Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada June 12, 2019

Producers rely on grazing native, tame perennial pastures or stockpiled forages to typically feed their cattle. Annual diverse forage mixtures give producers an opportunity to provide high quality feed while also gaining additional benefits for the soil and ecosystem. Polycultures could even be integrated into a crop rotation or used as green manure (working it […] Read more

Wild pigs raise several litters a year, and litters average six piglets on the Prairies.

Features, Livestock

Invasive wild pigs a growing threat to agriculture

By Piper Whelan June 10, 2019

The rapid spread of wild pig populations across Canada could have serious implications for agriculture. Ryan Brook, associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Land Management Institute and Department of Animal and Poultry Science, warns that the expansion of this invasive species can lead to destructive consequences for livestock and crop production, as well […] Read more

Researchers at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence are comparing the economics and outcomes of feeding calves in conventional feedlot pens and in the field

News

U of S livestock research centre receives $250K investment from Merck Animal Health

Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence to receive $250,000 over 10 years

By Supplied/Press release May 17, 2019

The University of Saskatchewan on May 16, 2019, announced details of a 10-year, $250,000 investment from Merck Animal Health for its Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) – a visionary research facility located southeast of Saskatoon. The long-term investment will support the LFCE’s capital build project and underlines Merck Animal Health’s commitment to the […] Read more

U.S. EPA approves XtendiMax use for five years

U.S. grains: Corn futures fall after hitting 14-month high

U.S. livestock: Live cattle rebound as trade adjusts to supply shock

GFM Network News