Projects Funded in 2009

• SCIDF Supports World Association of Agriculture Councils Annual Conference

SCIDF approved sponsorship of $1000 towards the March, 2009 World Association of Agriculture Councils held at the University of Saskatchewan. This travelling conference brings together undergraduate students from Canada, the United States, Australia and Sweden. Students have the opportunity to learn about agricultural practices in other regions. It also provides an opportunity for the University to attract graduate students and for employer sponsors to attract future employees.

• SCIDF Sponsors Prairie Poultry Meeting

The Prairie Poultry Meeting is held annually to encourage interaction between poultry researchers and students and industry and government personnel from the three prairie provinces. SCIDF will be sponsoring $1468 towards the May 25 and 26, 2009 meeting's lunches and coffee breaks. The event is being hosted by Saskatchewan Poultry Extension at the University of Saskatchewan.

• Identification of commensal lactobacilli with immunostimulatory activities and inhibitory effects on Salmonella colonization in chickens, Dr. S. Sharif, University of Guelph, $30,500 over three years

Probiotics are a promising alternative to antibiotics to control pathogens in the gut and to enhance immune response. Lactobacillus is a probiotic that occurs in the intestine and converts lactose and other sugars to lactic acid which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. In a previous SCIDF funded project, Dr. Sharif demonstrated the immunostimulatory effects of probiotics. The researcher proposes to (i) isolate and culture commensal (symbiotic) lactobacilli that have superior immune enhancing capabilities (ii) evaluate the immunostimulatory effectiveness of the superior isolates in the gut and (iii) evaluate the effect of lactobacilli in reducing Salmonella colonization in the gut.

• Investigation of Stress Biomarkers to Evaluate Effect of Dark Exposure on Production of Broilers Marketed at 39 Days, Dr. K. Machin, University of Saskatchewan, $35,000 over three years

The researcher proposes to evaluate Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) as a method of quantifying stress in chickens. In the second year of the study, Dr. Machin proposes to evaluate the robustness of the NMR technique by using it as a diagnostic tool in studying the effects of changing the lighting regime and variables.

• Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan Sponsorship of Chicken Farmers of Canada Summer Meeting 2009, $5000

The Chicken Farmers of Canada holds a three day summer meeting in a different province each year. The summer meeting is an open board meeting at which allocation decisions are made and there is an opportunity for producers to attend and observe the process. The 2009 meeting was hosted by the Saskatchewan chicken marketing board and was held in Saskatoon from July 13 to 15. The three day event included social activities and two full days of board meetings. SCIDF sponsorship was directed to a final banquet with guest speaker Dr. Jay Lehr addressing poultry industry issues.

• Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan 2009 Billboard Campaign

The Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan organizes an annual campaign to educate the public about the priority farmers place on responsible animal care. The 2009 campaign ran from April to July, 2009 and involved erecting seven billboards at thirteen locations in Saskatoon, a sideboard on seven Saskatoon City Buses as well as a radio component. An evaluation of the campaign revealed that more than a quarter of the number of persons interviewed recalled seeing the signs and approximately three quarters understood the message being relayed.

• Identification of production losses and implementing control measures of IBD in Saskatchewan, Dr. S. Gomis, University of Saskatchewan, $72,500 over two years.

The researcher proposes to identify production losses associated with IBD and correlate these losses with various management practices such as dirt versus concrete floors. Part of this first phase is to determine the cost effectiveness of current IBD vaccination programs. In the second phase, Dr. Gomis proposes to implement a control program to eliminate or reduce the effects of both the classical and variant strains of the disease.

• Grant to Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan to cover the cost of recording GPS coordinates for each property and barn in Saskatchewan, $548.

Projects Funded in 2008

• Investigation of stress biomarkers to evaluate effect of dark exposure on production of broilers marketed at 39 days, Dr. K. Machin, University of Saskatchewan, $35,000 over two years.
  

Stress in chickens is important from both a production and an animal welfare perspective. There are currently two accepted methods of quantifying stress in chickens, measurement of blood corticosterone concentration (CORT) and the ratio of two types of white blood cells (H/L ratio). Both methods are time consuming since they require blood samples, may be compromised by the time involved in performing the tests and do not produce consistent results. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (MNR) has been used in cattle and Dr. Machin proposes to evaluate its use in chickens. The technique is less time consuming and expensive and may produce more reliable results because it measures a number of metabolites, some of which are not influenced by handling time.

• Enhancement of growth and immunity in chickens using nanotechnology, Dr. P. Aich, University of Saskatchewan, $60,000 over three years.
  

Previous research has demonstrated that CpG ODN and HDPs (synthetic peptides) can protect chickens against infections by stimulating the immune system. However, high dosages are required to achieve immunity. Preliminary laboratory evidence indicates that small particles of the carbon cell (CNTs) have the ability to make the delivery of CpG ODN and HDPs significantly more efficient as well as improve weight gains. Dr. Aich proposes to prove the concept that CNTs can significantly reduce the dosages of CpG ODN and HDPs required to achieve immunity.

• Grant to University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine to sponsor 2008 SCIDF Award in Veterinary Medicine $2000.
  
  
• Grant to University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture and Bioresources to sponsor 2008 SCIDF Awards in Agriculture $4000.
  
  
• Grant to Saskatchewan Meat Processor's Association to sponsor 2008 Annual Convention and Trade Show $500.
  
  
• Grant to University of Saskatchewan Department of Animal and Poultry Science to sponsor 2008 Annual Animal and Poultry Science Mini Conference $600.
  
  
• Wheat Dried Distillers' Grains with Solubles in Broiler Diets, Dr. H. Classen, University of Saskatchewan, $33,000 over three years.

The suitability of Wheat Dried Distillers' Grains (DDGS) as a source of feed for broiler production will be determined. DDGS is a by product of the production of ethanol from wheat. The first major component of the study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of DDGS as a feed source. This involves developing an inexpensive method of assessing the quality of various sources of wheat DDGS, determining the energy and amino acid content of the DDGS and finally establishing feeding recommendations for DDGS in broiler diets. The second major component of the study is to determine if including wheat DDGS in broiler diets has any positive microbial effects. Recent evidence suggests that the addition of yeast to broiler diets reduces Salmonella colonization.

• Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan, Industry's contribution towards Saskatchewan Avian Influenza outbreak cleanup expenses, $38,843.
  
  
• Grant to Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan Inc. to provide sponsorship for 2008 campaign to promote Saskatchewan producers as providers of responsible care for animals and poultry, $4,150.
  
  
• Development of Live Vectored Vaccines for Poultry, Dr. S. Tikoo, VIDO, University of Saskatchewan, $30,000 over three years.

The objective of the research is the development of a live vectored vaccine for Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD). Vaccines, which are suspensions of infectious agents or parts of infectious agents injected to establish resistance to an infectious disease, are most commonly live attenuated vaccines which contain living attenuated (weakened) infectious organisms, or vaccines that contain infectious agents that have been killed. Live vectored vaccines use a different virus strain that has been genetically altered as the vector (delivery mechanism). It is believed that the advantages to this approach are low cost and reduced potential for the virus to mutate in the vaccinated bird. Similar research has been used to develop vaccines for pigs and cattle. The intention is to initially develop a vaccine for IBD and to use the methodology to develop other poultry vaccines, in particular a vaccine for avian influenza.

• Grant to University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture Department of Animal and Poultry Science and Poultry Extension to provide sponsorship for two students and two University of Saskatchewan staff members to attend the 2008 World Poultry Congress in Queensland, Australia, $10,000.
  
  
• Oral immunization of broiler chickens against necrotic enteritis and other enteric bacteria using attenuated Salmonella vaccine, Dr. J. Prescott, University of Guelph, $25,000 over one year.

The researcher completed an earlier study that identified two proteins that when expressed in an attenuated Salmonella vaccine vector produced significant protection against necrotic enteritis. However, the protection was not as great as when the same proteins were injected intramuscularly. The researcher believes that if a different Salmonella vaccine vector were used, the results would be improved. Research literature suggests that attenuated salmonella vaccines are safe and effective in reducing salmonella colonization had have some effect on controlling coccidiosis and campylobacter. If a more effective vector were found, it could potentially provide farmers with a vaccine that controls necrotic enteritis and provide public benefits by controlling campylobacter and salmonella. SCIDF funding will assist a research associate to co-ordinate this study.

Projects Funded in 2007

• Generation of an efficacious H7N3 Avian Influenza Vaccine by Reverse Genetics, Dr. Y. Zhou, VIDO, University of Saskatchewan, $50,000 over two years

The research will use reverse genetics, the generation of influenza virus from DNA, to develop and test a vaccine against H7N3 avian influenza. In addition to providing a vaccine against H7N3, which is present in Canada, the research will also determine whether reverse genetics has the potential to generate vaccines more quickly than conventional methods.

• Grant to University of Saskatchewan Department of Animal and Poultry Science to sponsor 2007 Annual Animal and Poultry Science Mini Conference, $600
  
  
• Global Promotion of Saskatchewan Poultry - Grant to send Saskatchewan representatives to the International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, Georgia January 23 – 26, 2007, $10,000
  
  

For the first time, Saskatchewan delegates attended the 2007 International Poultry Exposition/National Poultry & Food Distributors Association Trade Show in Atlanta, Georgia. The costs associated with sending representatives from Saskatchewan was partially funded by SCIDF. Informal networking took place at a trade show display booth throughout the show resulting in several contacts securing export contracts as a result of the show.

• Grant to Saskatchewan Meat Processor’s Association to sponsor 50th Annual Convention and Trade Show $720
  
  
• Grant to University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine to sponsor 2007 SCIDF Award in Veterinary Medicine $1000
  
  
• Co-sponsor of broiler producer seminar with New Life Feeds featuring four guest speakers working in the fields of poultry research and animal welfare $1897
  
  
• Sponsor attendance of three speakers at 2007 Poultry Industry Conference $2,755
  
  
• Grant to University of Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture and Bioresource Engineering for a literature review on heating alternatives four poultry barns $2,200
  
  
• Grant to Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan Inc. to provide sponsorship for a campaign presenting the chicken industry in a positive image and highlighting that producers are responsible caregivers $3,250
  
  
• Studies of Immune Response to Avian Influenza in Chickens, Dr. S. Sharif, University of Guelph, Department of Pathobiology, $30,000 over three years

The research seeks 1) to identify molecular determinants with avian influenza viruses (AIV) that bring forth immune response in chickens 2) to study how the chicken immune system sees and recognizes these determinants 3) to investigate the various ways of enhancing immunity by exploiting AIV molecular determinants combined with chicken immune system mediators. The research may result in better vaccines being developed or an understanding of the transferring of the disease to humans. Dr. S. Sharif will work with four collaborators on the study.

• Study of a mannanoligosaccharide prebiotic as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens, Dr. X. Zhao, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, Department of Animal Science, $34,000 over three years

Mannanoligosaccharide (MOS), a natural product that is derived from cell surfaces of yeast, is believed to be a promising alternative to antibiotics. In a previous study funded by SCIDF, a former colleague of the researcher determined that MOS reduced the load of one E.-coli type in the litter but not the cecum, promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria and had no significant effect on growth when compared to an antibiotic growth promoter. This research will attempt to build on this research and fill in some gaps on the effects of MOS by investigating: (i) the effects of high levels of MOS on beneficial bacteria (ii) the effects of MOS on carcass parts yield and meat quality (iii) the possible effects of MOS on suppressing pro-inflammatory responses to bacteria and (iv) the role of MOS in controlling different strains of salmonella, campylobacter and E.-coli.

• Omphalitis and broiler chick quality: Examining the morphology and microbiology of yolk sacs, Dr. G. Fasenko, University of Alberta Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, $20,000 over three years

Omphalitis (yolk sac infection) occurs during the first few days of life and is a major cause of early mortality in chickens. Although believed to be a hatchery problem related to poor sanitation, there is sparse scientific knowledge concerning the bacteria that cause the disease and how it enters the chick. Three experiments will be conducted to determine (i) if the navels of newly hatched eggs are the means by which the bacteria enter the yolk sac (ii) if the age of the hen affects the ability to transfer antibodies to the egg yolk of unincubated eggs and the yolk sacs of chicks (iii) if the cleanliness of the broiler barn is a factor in the development of the disease and (iv) determine the bacteria that cause the disease.

Projects Funded in 2006

• Grant to University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine to sponsor 2006 SCIDF Award in Veterinary Medicine $1000
  
  
• Grant to University of Saskatchewan Department of Animal and Poultry Science to sponsor 2006 Annual Animal and Poultry Science Mini Conference, $600
  
  
• Grant to Saskatchewan Meat Processor's Association to sponsor 49th Annual Convention and Trade Show, $500
  

• Identification of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) in Broilers in Saskatchewan, Dr. S. Gomis, University of Saskatchewan, $35,000 over two years

  In an earlier research project, Dr. Gomis observed that the program used to immunize broiler breeders against IBD and CIA was efficient and immunity against IBD and CIA was good in all broiler flocks at the time of hatch. Few broiler flocks had high IBD titers at the time of slaughter but not associated with IBH outbreaks. Apparently the study identified variant strains of the IBD virus. Variant strains are troublesome because they do not show obvious clinical signs but induce immunosuppression.

  Dr. Gomis proposes to identify and characterize the presence of Infectious Bursal Disease at the time of processing in all broiler flocks in the province. If the results of this study indicate that a control program would be cost-effective, the project may be expanded at a later date to implement the necessary control measures.

• Grant to University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine to sponsor 2006 SCIDF Award in Veterinary Medicine $1000
  
  Currently there are 250+ strains of avian influenza viruses. Current processes take 6 to 8 months to develop a vaccine for the virus. Dr. Y. Zhou proposes to use reverse genetics, the generation of influenza virus from DNA, to develop and test a vaccine against H7N3 avian influenza. If successful, the proposed research will produce a vaccine for H7N3 influenza viruses in chickens and provide a process to quickly generate a vaccine against new strains. She has successfully used reverse genetics to control swine flu and swine fever in the hog industry and holds a patent related to this research.

Projects Funded in 2005

• Engineering, Animal Welfare and Meat Quality Considerations of Broiler Transportation in Heated and Ventilated Vehicles, Dr. T. Crowe, University of Saskatchewan, $55,425 over three years
  
  

  Previous research has shown that a modified broiler transport trailer with active ventilation and supplemental heat were able to control temperature and humidity levels within the trailer. The current research project will compare five different temperature ranges and two different bird weights while considering conditions inside standard transport trailers compared to the experimental vehicle, dead on arrivals and other measures of animal welfare and the effects of transportation variable on a number of aspects of meat quality. The research project began early in 2006 and is ongoing.
  
  
• Optimizing the Feeding of Young Broilers using Saskatchewan Feed Ingredients, Dr. H. Classen, University of Saskatchewan, $58,486 over two years
  
  

  To determine if diets of feeds available in Saskatchewan can be developed to improve the digestion of proteins and absorption of amino acids by broilers up to 10 days of age, if enhancements to these diets such as acid treatment can improve digestion and if these improvements result in improvements at time of slaughter in a variety of factors such as weight gain. The research project began early in 2006 and is ongoing.
  
  
• Control of Inclusion Body Hepatitis by Vaccination, Dr. S. Gomis, University of Saskatchewan, $116,400 over three years
  
  

  To develop a vaccine to control Inclusion Body Hepatitis and test its effects on broiler breeders. The research project began in September, 2005 and is on going.
  
  
• Plant Phenolics and Probiotics as Alternatives to Antibiotics in Poultry Production. Dr C. A. Ruiz-Feria, McGill University, $30,000 over two years
  
  

  To evaluate the effects of lignin on growth performance, gut development, microbial populations in gut and feces and susceptibility to Salmonella invasion and also compare the effects of lignin to a commercially available prebiotic. The research project began in April, 2005 and is on going.
  
  
• Grant to Saskatchewan Meat Processor’s Association to Sponsor 58th Annual Convention and Trade Show, $500
  
  
• Grant to University of Saskatchewan Depart of Animal and Poultry Science to sponsor 2005 Animal Science Livestock Production Tour Class, $1000
  
  
• Grant to University of Saskatchewan Department of Animal and Poultry Science to Sponsor 2005 Mini-Conference, $600
  
  
• Grant to R.M. of Corman Park to sponsor Planning for Agriculture workshop affiliated with an Agriculture Production Profile Study for the Saskatoon Region, $500
  
  
• Grant to University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture to Sponsor 2005 Bean Feed Gala Dinner, $240
  

Projects Funded in 2004

• A Microbiological Assessment of Cleaning Methods and Disinfectants for Broiler Barns. Dr. G. Fasenko, University of Alberta, $8,900 over one year