Livestock Innovation

Sector-specific innovation highlights*

Poultry: Light frequencies influence turkey growth and performance

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have found that flickering barn lights can have a negative impact on how much turkey hens eat, their rate of gain and even their mortality rate. Over 11 weeks, the team tested three light frequencies (30, 90, and 195 Hertz) in controlled rooms housing the hens, and discovered the 30 Hz group had the highest mortality rate. Birds did adapt to light conditions later on in the production cycle. 

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Swine: Artificial intelligence can optimize hog farming profitability

University of California Riverside research shows that artificial intelligence might be able to help hog farmers maximize profits from their livestock. Using pricing and inventory data from a large Illinois farm, the research team developed a machine learning model to determine when, to whom, and how many pigs to sell to optimize long-term profits – and made about 22% more profit than farmers would using traditional decision-making. 

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Beef: Is teff up to snuff?

A native Ethiopian grass species called teff was being hailed as a possible solution for cattle forage a number of years ago, especially because of its drought tolerance. Although it has some benefits, a Texas A&M extension specialist has concluded it has yet to live up to the hype. It’s subject to lodging, doesn’t compete well with weeds, and doesn’t offer the consistent quality of other cattle forages – leaving it as just a niche crop for some producers for now. 

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Dairy: Cow cam success

Japanese researchers have developed a multi-camera tracking system to help farmers detect disease, monitor health and improve breeding management. With 90% accuracy in tracking, the system is less intrusive and stressful than more traditional health trackers, according to the research team. Using an advanced algorithm and location-based tracking offers farmers a solution that works even in complex, crowded environments. 

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Small ruminants: Using wool to save water

A sixth generation Utah sheep farmer has discovered that unused wool can help save water and feed plants. By pelletizing unused wool, it can be turned into a natural, renewable fertilizer that farmers believe could be a solution to the water crisis in the western United States. Various research studies are now underway to provide the science needed to convince farmers and ranchers to make a change in their long-standing farming practices. 

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Aquaculture: Inflammation-fighting seaweed a solution to fish health?

Keeping farmed fish healthy is the ongoing goal of the aquaculture industry – and they maybe be able to tap into seaweed for some extra help. Recently published research suggests that certain seaweed species, like kelp, have bioactive compounds that could serve as functional feed ingredients. These compounds could mitigate intestinal inflammation in fish species like salmon and seabream. 

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Cross-sector innovation highlights*

Emissions: Tools to help reduce methane emissions

Reducing methane emissions is seen as one of the most promising ways to slow global warming over the next 25 years. In cattle-rich New Zealand, the gas makes up three quarters of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions – and there are various high tech solutions in development. These include a bolus that can sit inside a cow’s stomach and release a naturally occurring compound from seaweed to reduce methane production; grass seed treated with ultra-violet light to increase its lipid content which has the potential to reduce methane production; and a methane-curbing vaccine that targets methanogens in the rumen. 

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Environment: Nature-based solutions to have higher impacts than tech 

A new report from FAIRR recommends 22 different nature- and tech-based solutions for addressing climate and nature risks from the livestock sector. Nature-based solutions include cover cropping, biochar, bio-based inputs, and enhanced rock weathering, to name a few. Tech-based interventions include anaerobic digesters, synthetic feed additives, and genetic selection (for animals as well as crops for feed). While tech-based solutions show potential for more immediate impacts, it’s the nature-based options that are more sustainable in the long-term, the report says. 

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On the horizon*

Agtech innovators to gather in San Francisco

For a glimpse at the future of agtech innovation, look no further than the upcoming World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit taking place in San Francisco next month. More than 60 cutting edge entrepreneurs will showcase their cutting edge innovations at the event, from genetics and biologicals to robotics, all things artificial intelligence and more. 

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*Articles in this newsletter are selected for relevance and interest to the livestock sector. LRIC does not verify claims made by the article authors and we recognize that not all data is specific to Ontario. The intent is to select articles that will expose readers to issues, perceptions and developments that have the potential to impact livestock production. 

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The Livestock Research Innovation Corporation is funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a 5-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative.