$8 MILLION GRANTED TO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH PROJECTS |
| Minister Bob Bjornerud |
Prepared by Saskatchewan Agriculture
The Government of Saskatchewan announced more than $8 million in agriculture research funding today. Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud awarded $8.23 million in funding for 58 agricultural research and development projects through the province's Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).
"We are very blessed as a province to have the resources and the skilled personnel to be able to keep agricultural research on the cutting edge," Bjornerud said. "Our government is committed to the future of agriculture. Strategic investment in research and development is necessary to ensure we are leaders in the industry."
The current round of ADF funding provides support for research projects undertaken by organizations such as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the National Research Council, the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute, the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, the Prairie Swine Centre and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO).
Funded projects include the development of improved breeding technology for canary seed, improved disease resistance and DNA marker development, nutritional enhancement of lentils, the development of high oleic flax with enhanced oil concentration and genomics research aimed at understanding cattle's appetite.
"I am encouraged by the innovation I have seen in these proposals, and the great work that will be done by these scientists," Bjornerud said. "For each dollar of increased producer returns, an estimated additional dollar accrues to other sectors of Saskatchewan's economy. These include agri-value sectors, transportation and marketing, manufacturing, financial services, and wholesale and retail trade.
ADF provides funding to support institutions, companies and industry organizations to carry out research, development and value-added activities in the agriculture and agri-food sector. The results produce new knowledge, information and choices in technologies, techniques and varieties for farmers, processors and input suppliers.
All ADF 2007-08 approved projects are listed and described on Saskatchewan Agriculture's website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca under "Research".
For details about ADF applications, contact the Agriculture Research Branch in Regina at 306-787-6566.
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For more information, contact:
Scott Brown
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4031
Email: sbrown@agr.gov.sk.ca
University of Saskatchewan Projects and Affiliated Projects
Total ADF funding awarded for 58 projects in 2008 .....$8,288,176.00
University of Saskatchewan ................................................$6,359,822
College of Agriculture and Bioresources
..$4,444,368
Plant Science and CDC ........................$2,909,095
Soil Science .............................................$167,048
Animal and Poultry Science .....................$478,298
Food and Bioproduct Sciences ................$889,927
College of Arts and Sciences
.
$148,959
Geography
$148,959
College of Engineering.........................................................$682,149
Agriculture and Bioresource Engineering
.
$682,149
Western College of Veterinary Medicine ......$250,915
Large Animal Clinical Sciences......... ......$250,915
Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO)
...$833,431
University of Saskatchewan
College of Agriculture and Bioresources
Department of Animal and Poultry Science
Room 6D10 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8
Project number 2007-0079 Approval: $172,748.00
VALUE OF ETHANOL BY-PRODUCTS AS FEED FOR HIGH-PRODUCING DAIRY COWS
Objectives:
To determine optimum inclusion levels of DDGS in diets for high-producing dairy cows;
To determine the impact of the inclusion of DDGS in diets for high-producing dairy cows on milk
production and milk composition
To determine the impact of the inclusion of DDGS in diets for high-producing dairy cows on
nitrogen digestion and whole-body nitrogen and phosphorus balance, nitrogen and phosphorus
excretion into the environment, rumen fermentation characteristics, rumen microbial protein
production and total protein flow to the small intestine.
Contact: Timothy Mutsvangwa (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0042 Approval: $50,000.00
NOVEL FEED PRODUCTS BASED ON GLYCEROL CO-GENERATION PRODUCT FROM BIODIESEL
PRODUCTION
Objectives:
Develop novel high value, glycerol-based feed products and feeding methods for the dairy sector
and transition cow feeding, taking advantage of the unique glucogenic and metabolic properties
of glycerol to reduce metabolic stress and improve metabolic efficiency.
Develop novel economical feed products and feed processing methods to promote high rumen
bypass rates of glycerol-based feed products.
Develop glycerol-based liquid drench as a therapeutic glucogenic product for use in ruminants.
Contact: Bernard Laarveld (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0075 Approval: $35,730.00
NOVEL NUTRACEUTICAL FEED PRODUCTS FROM BRASSICA JUNCEA ORIENTAL MUSTARD
CAKE FROM BIODIESEL PRODUCTION
Objectives:
To determine if Oriental Mustard biodiesel co-gen product can be used as feed supplement for
dairy cows to produce milk with allyl isothiocyanate (AIT) levels so that the milk produced can be
marketed with nutraceutical claims.
To identify optimal feeding levels and feeding management of the co-gen product for dairy cattle
to achieve consistent secretion of AIT in milk.
To create a new milk product with nutraceutical properties, leading to increased market demand
and expansion of the milk quota in Saskatchewan under the innovative product development
category.
Contact: Bernard Laarveld (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0093 Approval: $121,203.00
HEALTH PROPERTIES OF ETHANOL CO-PRODUCTS: POTENTIAL FOR VALUE ADDED
Objectives:
To evaluate possible health and pre-harvest food safety benefits of wheat-based ethanol
co-products and co-product fractions in poultry and swine diets.
Contact: Andrew van Kessel (306) 280-7487
Project number 2007-0179 Approval: $98,617.00
IDENTIFICATION OF CATTLE MUTATIONS INVOLVED IN THE APPETITE PATHWAY OF CATTLE
Objectives:
Examine the role of the MC4R gene, and the AGRP gene in the appetite pathway searching for
polymorphisms in the DNA sequence of beef cattle.
Contact: Sheila Schmutz (306) 966-5350
Department of Food and Bioproduct Science
51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8
Project number 2007-0101 Approval: $148,740.00
DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDE FOR EFFICIENT FUSARIUM/FHB
BIOCONTROL
Objectives:
To evaluate methods of delivery for the most promising biocontrol agents.
To evaluate selected indigenous microbial isolates for (1) their ability to reduce Fusarium
incidence in greenhouse, in vitro and field trials, (2) their efficiency to prevent deoxynivalenol
(DON) contamination, and (3) for their compatibility towards beneficial microbial diversity in
wheat and barley.
To develop new biotechnological tools for Fusarium/Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) biocontrol work.
To train highly qualified personnel to enhance the innovation capacity within Saskatchewan's
bioeconomy.
To closely collaborate with the Saskatchewan bioinoculant companies and organic growers, thus
ensuring versatility of new biotechnology and profitability of Saskatchewans bioeconomy.
Contact: Vladimir Vujanovic (306) 966-5048
Project number 2007-0127 Approval: $198,600.00
FUNCTIONAL AND NUTRITIONAL CONSEQUENCES OF PROTEIN CO-PRODUCTS FROM HIGH
TEMPERATURE ETHANOL PROCESSING
Objectives:
To develop methodologies for protein separation from pre-processed wheat and samples taken
after various temperature treatments during ethanol processing.
To characterize changes to protein structure and functionality of heat processed wheat protein for
non-feed utilization.
To assess the nutritional quality of heat processed wheat protein for feed, using broiler chickens
as a model for monogastric species.
To access the market opportunities for differentiated products from the DDGS stream.
Contact: Michael Nickerson (306) 966-5030
Project number 2007-0153 Approval: $33,975.00
GENOTYPE X ENVIRONMENT EFFECT ON STARCH FUNCTIONALITY OF FIELD PEA AND
FABABEAN VARIETIES
Objectives:
To determine the impacts, if any, of genetics (line, variety) and environment, and their interaction,
on the content, chemistry and functionality of starch in field pea and fababean grown in
Saskatchewan.
Contact: Shannon Hood (306) 280-7487
Project number 2007-0184 Approval: $181,612.00
ENZYMATIC CONVERSION OF GLYCEROL TO PLATFORM CHEMICALS
Objectives:
Establishing stable supply of glycerol dehydratase (GD)
a) Cloning of Lactobacillus reuteri GD
b) Over expression of GD in Escherichia coli and yeasts
c) Establishment of a supply of GD enzyme for prototype commercial process
d) Isolation of GD-producing microorganisms from ethanol plant thin stillage
Converting glycerol into valuable products at a laboratory scale using GD
a) Characterization of recombinant GD
b) Development and evaluation of immobilized GD enzymes
c) Development of applications of GD in glycerol conversion from stillage and biodiesel
residue
d) Conversion of glycerol to 1, 3-propanediol using thin stillage microbial isolates
Developing methods for isolation of converted glycerol, products from the reaction mixture
Contact: Takuji Tanaka (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0185 Approval: $327,000.00
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS FROM VEGETABLE OILS
Objectives:
Develop industrial processes for improving both physical and chemical properties of vegetable oil
based consumer and industrial non-food products and reduce the industrial processes to practice.
Develop low conductivity oil for use in electrical transformers using flax oil as a starting material.
Development of an oil with high oxidative stability and low pour point for use as a base oil in
synthetic lubricants using an oil that has a low saturate content.
Contact: Martin Reaney (306) 280-7487
Department of Plant Sciences
51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8
Project number 2007-0014 Approved: $22,000.00
INNOVATIVE TREATMENTS TO ENHANCE SKIN COLOUR AND REDUCE SCAB IN TABLE
POTATOES
Objectives:
To determine whether foliar application of non-toxic dosages of the herbicide 2,4 D and/or the
plant growth regulator abscisic acid can be used to enhance the skin color of red-type potatoes,
while also reducing the incidence of scab lesion on the tuber surface.
Optimizing the rate and timing of application of these plant growth regulators.
Contact: Doug Waterer (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0015 Approved: $112,500.00
AGRONOMIC PROGRAMS FOR NEWLY RELEASED POTATO VARIETIES SUITED FOR LOCAL
CONSUMPTION AND/OR EXPORT SEED MARKETS
Objectives:
Support continuation of the collaboration between the U of S, and the seed and table potato
production sectors to evaluate newly developed potato lines for licensing and production in
Saskatchewan.
Support continuation of the collaboration between the U of S and the Saskatchewan Seed Potato
Growers Association (SSPGA) in developing agronomic packages for new potato cultivars of
interest to the SSPGA.
Contact: Doug Waterer (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0016 Approved: $103,500.00
NEW VEGETABLE CROPS AND CULTIVARS ADAPTED TO SASKATCHEWAN GROWING
CONDITIONS AND MARKET NEEDS
Objectives:
Evaluate newly released cultivars of vegetable crops of commercial significance in
Saskatchewan, comparing their field performance against presently recommended cultivars in
replicated trials.
Assess new cultivars for their vigor, yields, pest resistance, profitability and suitability to local and
export market demands.
Comparisons of cultivar performance across test years will allow Saskatchewan's vegetable
growers to select the cultivars that are consistently suited to their location, production practices
and changing market needs.
Contact: Doug Waterer (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0023 Approved: $263,100.00
DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH OLEIC FLAX WITH ENHANCED OIL CONCENTRATION
Objectives:
The development of breeding lines of flax seed with 70-80 per cent oleic acid.
The development of flax breeding lines with 55 per cent oil dry weight in the seed.
Contact: Gordon Rowland (306) 966-8682
Project number 2007-0024 Approved: $233,700.00
MINING OF CDC BETHUNE ESTs FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEED SPECIFIC DNA MARKERS
Objectives:
The identification and development of easily usable molecular markers for important seed coat
characters of flax.
Contact: Gordon Rowland (306) 966-8682
Project number 2007-0025 Approved: $190,000.00
RESISTANCE GENES AND MOLECULAR MARKERS FOR SPOT BLOTCH RESISTANCE
COMBINED WITH NET BLOTCH RESISTANCE FOR SASKATCHEWAN BARLEY
Objectives:
Identification of new sources of spot blotch resistance for Saskatchewan in domestic and
international barley germplasm.
Evaluate inheritance of spot blotch resistance in segregating barley populations and identification
of resistance gene(s) and associated QTL (quantitative trait loci).
Development of plant breeder-friendly PCR-based molecular markers linked to spot blotch
resistance gene(s)/QTL for efficient molecular marker assisted selection (MMAS).
Combine spot blotch and net blotch resistance gene(s)/QTL in locally adapted barley lines using
molecular markers.
Field and Phytotron evaluation of newly developed barley lines for resistance to both diseases.
Contact: Brian Rossnagel (306) 778-7265
Project number 2007-0050 Approval: $100,000.00
OFF-SEASON (WINTER) NURSERY FOR FLAX
Objectives:
The growing, harvesting and return of seed from an off-season (winter) breeding nursery for flax.
The seed of these lines will be evaluated to identify superior yielding lines for inclusion in a
recurrent selection scheme for increased seed yield of flax.
Contact: Gordon Rowland (306) 966-8682
Project number 2007-0076 Approval: $144,900.00
PRAIRIE FRUIT GENE BANK
Objectives:
Preserve the diversity of fruit crops suitable for prairie growers, including verification of the correct
identities with useful descriptions.
Organize, catalog and maintain the collection in such a way that material (cuttings, seeds and
budwood) can be made available for other researchers.
Create a website that will facilitate the use of the Gene Bank and will make companies and the
public aware of educational programs.
Once the Prairie Fruit Gene Bank is set up, it is anticipated that greater co-operation will result
with other institutions in Canada and internationally. We will be in a much better position to obtain
future funding from other provinces, the federal government and non-profit groups.
The Gene Bank will greatly enhance the fruit breeding efforts at the University of Saskatchewan.
Fruit can be made available for research involving nutritional studies or creation of value-added
products.
Contact: Bob Bors (306) 966-8583
Project number 2007-0077 Approval: $98,186.00
ANALYSIS OF ALLELE DIVERSITY FOR IMPROVEMENT OF NUTRITIONAL PROFILE AND
DISEASE RESISTANCE IN PEA
Objectives:
To identify allele variations for candidate genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, protein
deposition or resistance to ascochyta blight.
To relate these variations with their phenotypic variations.
Develop SNP markers as tools for assisted breeding to incorporate the diverse alleles into new
pea cultivars adapted to Saskatchewan.
Contact: Tom Warkentin (306) 966-2371
Project number 2007-0086 Approval: $123,750.00
UTILIZING NIR TECHNOLOGY TO EXPAND MARKETS FOR SASKATCHEWAN GROWN PEAS
Objectives:
To assess pea samples by wet chemistry annually.
To assess pea samples by NIR annually.
To upgrade the NIR equations for six pea seed constituents annually.
To assess pea samples using an in vitro assay to predict nutrient digestibility in hogs annually.
To distribute the data from steps 1-3 to the members of Pulse Canada's Feed Pea Network, and
other interested parties annually.
To add data for protein and starch content of pea varieties to Varieties of Grain Crops, by the
third year of the project.
Contact: Tom Warkentin (306) 966-2371
Project number 2007-0097 Approval: $146,600.00
REDUCING PRODUCTION RISKS OF CHICKPEAS BY OPTIMIZING FUNGICIDE APPLICATIONS
Objectives:
To investigate the effect of fungicide application timing and frequency on the control of ascochyta
blight in the new generation of chickpea cultivars with partial resistance to A. rabiei
To compare the efficacy of different fungicide rotations on ascochyta blight control.
Contact: Sabine Banniza (306) 966-8682
Project number 2007-0109 Approval: $238,520.00
DESIGNER CEREAL GRAINS FOR THE BIOFUELS INDUSTRY
Objectives:
Breed high yielding, high starch wheats (soft/hard) with yield potential 20-30% over AC Superb
with a 2% reduction in protein and 1.5% increase in starch for targeted registration into the
General Purpose wheat class.
Incorporate major pest resistance genes (leaf rust/fusarium head blight/wheat midge) and full
waxy-starch properties into high yielding soft white wheats.
Evaluate the potential of waxy-wheat to reduce ethanol fermentation time and evaluate genetic
variation for non-starch polysaccharides as a means to reduce ethanol mash viscosity.
Identify variation for total phosphorus and phytic acid content in wheat grain, with the longer term
objective of developing wheat varieties with decreased total phosphorus and in bio-available
form.
Contact: Curtis Pozniak (306) 966-8667
Project number 2007-0124 Approval: $262,244.00
MINING THE PULSE SEED COAT FOR DIETARY BENEFITS AND ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES
Objectives:
Screen agronomically-superior pulse cultivars (dry bean, faba bean and field pea), that are grown
in Saskatchewan, for their functional food profile, as defined under the Context section.
Use the phytochemical profile of targeted secondary metabolites that naturally accumulate in the
seed coats to identify pulse crops that strongly express functional food attributes.
Develop a biochemical catalogue of pulse seed coats that reflect their functional food profile,
together with the variability of the trait as determined by different classes within each species.
Contact: Kristin Bett (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0186 Approval: $142,575.00
GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF BIOAVAILABLE SELENIUM CONTENT IN LENTIL SEEDS
Objectives:
Determine the genetic and environmental distribution of selenium content of lentils grown in 14
key lentil growing regions of the world and compare this information to Saskatchewan grown
lentils;
Determine the average selenium content of lentils delivered to selected commercial cleaning and
exporting plants across the main lentil growing regions of Saskatchewan.
Determine the range of differential selenium uptake for a wide range of lentil genotypes
considered to be cornerstones of future genetic improvement in the CDC breeding program.
Determine the spatial variability of selenium content in high selenium soils in Saskatchewan.
Determine the heritability of selenium uptake of lentil in Saskatchewan.
Determine the bioavailability form and speciation of selenium in lentils using synchrotron
techniques.
Contact: Albert Vendenberg (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0191 Approval: $62,080.00
REDUCING SEED DORMANCY IN PRAIRIE CARNATION
Objectives:
Know the physiological basis for dormancy in cow cockle. Based on an initial experiment we
believe that cow cockle (and lines derived from wild populations) has a high level of seed
dormancy. This dormancy seems to be controlled by light, soil moisture and temperature.
Know the influence of genotype and selection on dormancy in cow cockle. We will assay at least
three and up to five different seed sources, including wild cow cockle seed, semi-domestic seed"
(wild seed that has been re-grown for several years at Scott) and Prairie Carnation (which was
selected from semi-domesticated seed from Scott). Based on an initial experiment, we know that
although the dormancy is somewhat reduced in the semi-domesticated seed, there is still a large
proportion of seed which does have secondary dormancy.
Contact: Steven Shirtliffe (306) 966-4959
Project number 2007-0192 Approval: $68,780.00
THE BIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF WHITE COCKLE
Objectives:
Better understand the biology and ecology of white cockle so that control can be more effective.
a) Understand the risk of invasion posed by individual white cockle plants on a given field
b) Understand the population dynamics of white cockle persistence in no-till production
Screen herbicides for pre-seeding, in-crop and pre-harvest control.
a) Develop herbicide recommendations for the most promising candidates
b) Provide data to support herbicide registrations, either directly or via Minor Use
Registration.
Contact: Steven Shirtliffe (306) 966-4959
Project number 2007-0010 Approved: $492,800.00
CANARYSEED HYBRIDIZATION PROTOCOL, DISEASE RESISTANCE AND DNA MARKER
DEVELOPMENT
Objectives:
Develop gametocide-based crossing protocols based on the use of Surf-Excel detergent.
Evaluate interspecific canary seed lines for leaf mottle resistance and backcross resistance to
elite breeding lines.
Identify molecular markers (SSRs) that are polymorphic in canary seed for hybridity testing and
mapping purposes.
Contact: Pierre Hucl (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0011 Approved: $103,860.00
EVALUATION OF HIGH-PIGMENT CONTENT WHEAT FOR ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL
Objectives:
To quantify the antioxidant properties of wheat lines selected for elevated anthocyanin levels.
To generate the required agronomic and disease reaction data packages required for cultivar
registration.
To combine the high anthocyanin trait with another key pigment in wheat: lutein.
Contact: Pierre Hucl (306) 966-5350
Department of Soil Sciences
51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8
Project number 2007-0020 Approved: $28,400.00
POTENTIAL FOR USING BIOFUEL, CROP AND ANIMAL PROCESSING BY-PRODUCTS AS SOIL
AMENDMENTS TO INCREASE FERTILITY
Objectives:
To provide basic information on how the land application of processing by-products, including wet
distillers grain, glycerin and canola meal protein extraction by-product, influences soil conditions
and plant growth in Saskatchewan soils. If product is available, a small trial with gasified animal
processing by-product (ash) would also be included.
Contact: Jeff Schoenau (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0039 Approval: $106,648.00
SOIL ACTIVITY OF P SOLUBILIZING MICROORGANISMS
Objectives:
Evaluate the effectiveness of single inoculation and co-inoculation with Jumpstart and Arbuscular
Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on phosphorus (and nitrogen) uptake in a cereal, a pulse and a Brassica
species.
Evaluate the competitiveness of the inocula (Jumpstart and AMF) in soils with high (select
organically managed soil) and low (select conventionally managed soil) inherent microbial
activities.
Evaluate inoculation of plant species in rotation on subsequent levels of inocula in the soil.
Contact: J. Knight (306) 966-2703
Project number 2007-0084 Approval: $32,000.00>br>
EVALUATION OF RHIZOBIUM TRANSCONJUGANTS FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF N2-FIXATION IN
NON-LEGUMES
Objectives:
Evaluate select Rhizobium transconjugants for viability, the ability to infect root systems of the
non-legume target plants (wheat, barley, and canola), form nodules, and fix atmospheric N2.
Contact: Richard Farrell (306) 280-7487
Department of Geography
9 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8
Project number 2007-0083 Approval: $148,959.00
LAND USE AND WETLAND DRAINAGE EFFECTS ON PRAIRIE WATER QUALITY
Objectives:
Does wetland drainage result in changes in water quality constituent concentrations (e.g.
nutrients, ions, bacteria) and loading to streams?
To what extent is downstream water chemistry determined by wetland water quality?
Does wetland drainage result in changes to ecosystem function as determined by macro
invertebrate assemblages?
Contact: Cherie Westbrook (306) 966-1818
College of Engineering
Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering
10 Research Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9
Project number 2007-0013 Approved: $110,079.12
AN INTEGRATED PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF XYLITOL AND BIOCOMPOSITES FROM
LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIOMASS (OAT HULLS)
Objectives:
To determine the kinetics of dilute acid hydrolysis of hemicellulose fraction of the lignocellulosic
biomass (oat hull) under agitated and non-agitated conditions.
To determine the effect of parameters on kinetic constants and activation energy in hydrolysis
process of hemicellulose.
To optimize the parameters for xylose extraction, such as acid concentration, duration of
hydrolysis process and agitation speed in the reactor.
Co-application of over liming-carbonation with activated charcoal for medium detoxification with
precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and study the morphology of the precipitate.
To evaluate the performance of biocomposite-immobilized cell (biofilm) fermentation system in
comparison to free cell system in xylitol production.
To investigate xylitol production under different styles of aeration in free and immobilized cell
methods of fermentation.
To investigate the potential of phosphate buffers in controlling pH and on xylose to xylitol
bioconversion efficiency.
Mathematical modeling of the fermentation process based on the fermentation parameters in a
concentrated medium.
To investigate the performance of dilute acid-treated fiber (hydrolysis byproduct) and its lignin
content on typical properties of thermoplastic-based biocomposites.
Contact: Lope Tabil (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0096 Approval: $110,000.00
INFRARED TREATMENT ON FUNCTIONALITY OF RESISTANT STARCH IN FOOD APPLICATIONS
Objectives:
To adapt/develop methodology for the determination of SDS and RS levels in, and sensory and
functional characteristics of, locally-grown cereal grains (wheat, barley) and pulses (lentil,
chickpea) subjected to hydrothermal treatment (micronization, microwave heating,
high-temperature extrusion).
To identify process conditions (micronization and microwave heating, singly and in combination,
and high temperature extrusion; time, temperature, moisture) which result in maximum levels of
SDS and RS in cereal grains and pulses while maintaining/developing satisfactory product
sensory quality and functionality.
To compare, on the basis of ultimate SDS and RS levels and sensory and functional
characteristics, the relative suitability of hulless barley, waxy hulless barley, high amylase barley,
wheat, soft white wheat, hard white wheat, lentil and chickpea as substrates for production of
RS-enhanced ingredients by hydrothermal treatment.
To evaluate selected products in actual food systems, e.g. bread, pasta, noodles, cookies,
muffins, etc.
To determine the glycemic response of selected products, if resources permit.
Contact: Venkatesh Meda (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0104 Approval: $73,170.00
DEHUMIDIFICATION IN GREENHOUSES
Objectives:
To develop and adapt one or more effective and economical dehumidification technologies and to
test these technologies in commercial greenhouses in Saskatchewan.
Contact: Huiqing Guo (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0128 Approval: $87,000.00
OPTIMIZATION OF DDG GASIFICATION
Objectives:
To determine the optimum process conditions to convert wet and/or dried distillers grain (WDG
and/or DDG) from wheat ethanol production into additional ethanol, heat and electrical energy
through gasification of the WDG and/or DDG to produce syngas.
To determine the agronomical value of the resulting ash.
Contact: Terry Fonstad (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0129 Approval: $194,500.00
GROUNDWATER CHEMISTRY BELOW MORTALITIES DISPOSAL SITES
Objectives:
Investigation of the movement of ions from mass mortality burial sites.
Installation of monitoring equipment at several mass mortality burial sites.
Continued development of predictive capabilities in order to assess site suitability for mass
mortality burial sites.
Contact: Terry Fonstad (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0147 Approval: $107,400.00
FLAX OIL-BASED RESIN AND PLASTICIZER FOR BIODEGRADABLE AG-FIBRE-BASED
COMPOSITES (PHASE I)
Objectives:
Develop and optimize a process for developing a new flax oil based biodegradable resin and
plasticizer.
Evaluate the resin and the plasticizer properties.
Use the resin as a binder matrix in a 100% biodegradable biocomposite.
Produce plastic composites using this innovated resin as the binder matrix and flax and hemp
fibers as reinforcement. Target up to 100% biodegradable composites. Evaluate the engineering
and market performance of the biocomposite.
Patent application for the resin and plasticizer will be submitted based on performance.
Contact: Satyanarayan Panigrahi (306) 966-5350
Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO)
120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E3
Project number 2007-0037 Approval: $100,750.00
GENETICALLY ENGINEERED REPLICATION-DEFECTIVE PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE AND
RESPIRATORY SYNDROME VIRUS VACCINE CANDIDATE
Objectives:
Deletion of the N gene (also known as ORF7 gene) in the infectious cDNA clone of a North
American PRRSV isolate.
Establishment of a complementing cell line and rescue of the N-gene deleted PRRSV.
Characterization of in vitro growth of the N-gene deleted PRRSV and its genetic stability.
Evaluation of immunogenicity, safety and protective efficacy of the N-gene deleted PRRSV
vaccine in pigs.
Contact: Alexander Zakhartchouk (306) 966-1511
Project number 2007-0004 Approved: $232,913.80
USE OF NOVEL ADJUVANTS FOR VACCINES AGAINST MYCOLASMA BOVIS
Objectives:
To test, in vitro, the synergy of two novel vaccine adjuvants, AMP and CpG oligonucleotides
A. Determine if CpG will enhance the activation of CPCMC (bovine peripheral blood cells) when
incubated with AMPs.
B. Determine if AMPs and/or CpG can overcome the suppression of BPBMC immune functions
caused by M. bovis.
Assess immune responses of beef calves to combinations of AMP-GAPDH + CpG
Develop an M. bovis co-infection model relevant to the feedlot industry.
Assess the efficacy of experimental vaccines in beef calves exposed to a relevant and rigorous
challenge with combinations of M bovis, BVDV and BHV-1.
Contact: Jose Perez-Casal (306) 966-1511
Project number 2007-0045 Approval: $150,000.00
DEVELOPMENT OF LIVE VIRAL VECTORED VACCINES FOR POULTRY
Objectives:
Identify non-essential regions of turkey adenovirus (TAdV) genome for foreign gene insertion.
Construct recombinant TAdV expressing poultry vaccine antigens.
Evaluate the efficiency of recombinant TAdV to induce protective immune responses in poultry.
Contact: Suresh Tikoo (306) 966-1511
Project number 2007-0041 Approval: $160,438.00
PATHOGENESIS AND CONTROL OF MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM SUBSPECIES
PARATUBERCULOSIS
Objectives:
Determine the response (genomic, proteomic and kinomic) of ileal macrophages and peripheral
blood mononuclear cells to infection with MAP. (Years 1 and 2).
Determine the response (genomic, proteomic and kinomic) of calves to infection with MAP using
an intestinal loop model (Year 2 and 3).
Determine the ability of various immunomodulators to activate macrophages for MAP killing (Year
2 and 3).
Determine if local immunization results in protection against MAP (Year 3).
Contact: Andrew Potter (306) 766-7484
Project number 2007-0098 Approval: $189,329.00
NOVEL VACCINATION STRATEGIES FOR INDUCTION OF LONG-TERM IMMUNE MEMORY AND
PROTECTION TO BOVINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE
Objectives:
To develop delivery methods for BVDV DNA-based vaccines that will lead to enhanced and/or
prolonged antigen production.
To formulate BVDV DNA-based vaccines with defensins, also called host defense peptides, to
recruit and activate DCs at the vaccination site and thus optimize antigen uptake and
presentation.
To evaluate the optimal BVDV vaccine formulation and delivery method for induction of long-term
immune memory and protection from BVDV.
Contact: Sylvia Van Den Hurk (306) 966-1559
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Large Animal and Clinical Sciences
52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4
Project number 2007-0107 Approval: $50,940.00
IDENTIFICATION OF EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR PRIORITIZING HAZARDS AND APPROPRIATE
INTERVENTIONS IN THE CANADIAN SWINE INDUSTRY
Objectives:
Provide a framework for prioritizing food safety pathogens from swine identified in the Canadian
Quality Assurance Programฎ (CQAฎ) through the development, validation and implementation of
research synthesis/translation tools for generating evidence-based risk profiles and through the
development of a multi-criteria decision analysis tool for prioritizing food safety pathogens in
swine. Prioritize identified key food safety pathogens using the developed tools.
Identify and prioritize appropriate interventions for Salmonella, a priority food safety pathogen
from swine. This will be undertaken utilizing transparent Evidence Synthesis/Translation (EST)
and MCDA methods for ranking multiple farm-level interventions according to multiple relevant
criteria (e.g. cost, practicality, etc.).
Contact: Sarah Parker (306) 966-5350
Project number 2007-0125 Approval: $163,150.00
JOHNES DISEASE IN CALVES
Objectives:
To determine the effect in neonatal calves of low dosages of oral K-10 MAP on key cell mediated
immune responses (intradermal and interferon test results), and their relationship to immune
protection against MAP in a challenge model.
To use neonatal low dose oral vaccination with K-10 MAP, or BCG treatment as a strategy
against subsequent infective high dose MAP challenge.
To determine if intradermal skin testing with Purified Protein Derivatives and measurement of
blood interferon gamma levels and IgG isotypes are useful in detecting chronic MAP infection
both in experimentally infected calves and naturally infected calves in on-farm field situations.
To determine if calfhood responses to intradermal PPDs, and blood interferon levels, and IgG
isotype results relate to subsequent fecal shedding in adult cattle.
Contact: Claire E. Card (306) 966-7410
Project number 2007-0142 Approval: $36,825.00
DOES BOVINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE TREATMENT STRATEGY INFLUENCE CHRONIC
PNEUMONIA AND POLYARTHRITIS SYNDROME EXPRESSION?
Objectives:
To determine if two particular management factors (injectable antimicrobial metaphylaxis at
arrival in the feedlot and/or treatment management strategy) have an effect on the incidence of
chronic pneumonia and polyarthritis syndrome (CPPS).
Contact: Steven Hendrick (306) 966-5350
Affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan
Prairie Swine Centre
2105 8th Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N9
Project number 2007-0033 Approved: $124,000.00
DETERMINING THE FLOOR SPACE REQUIREMENT FOR GROUP HOUSED SOWS
Objectives:
To determine the space required to accommodate the postures of sows exhibited over a 24 hour
period throughout the gestation period.
To determine the amount of space required to decrease the aggression associated with group
formation.
To determine the amount of space required to accommodate normal behaviour patterns in sows
after a stable social structure has been established.
To determine if grouping sows with specific behavioural characteristics minimizes the aggression
in group housing.
Contact: Harold Gonyou (306) 667-7443
Project number 2007-0081 Approval: $115,460.80
DEVELOPMENT OF DIETS FOR LOW BIRTH-WEIGHT PIGLETS WHICH OPTIMIZE NET RETURNS
TO THE PRODUCER
Objectives:
Develop a phase 1 diet which improves survivability, viability and growth of the very light birth
weight piglets.
Develop a least cost diet which maintains adequate growth of the heavier birth weight piglets.
Determine the appropriate birth weight to feed the complex or simple diet based on survivability
and growth
Use economic modeling to determine phase 1 diet cost efficiencies and define an optimum
feeding program to maximize net returns.
Contact: Denise Beaulieu (306) 667-7444
Project number 2007-0082 Approval: $189,400.00
IS GLUCOSE AN ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT FOR THE GROWING PIG?
Objectives:
Determine the glucose requirement of growing pigs.
Determine the inclusion level of starch requirement to meet the requirement for glucose.
Determine if the inclusion of wheat DDGS into swine rations can be increased if starch is
considered in the ration formulation.
Contact: Denise Beaulieu (306) 667-7444
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