2004 Compendium of OMAFRA Funded Environment Research:
Other Environment Related Research (EN)

| 2004 Compendium of OMAFRA Funded Environment Research - Index Page |

EN1 Alternative feeds & management strategies to improve growth performance, manure composition & carcass characteristics & to minimize environmental impact of pigs

Project Leader: Gary Ablett
Ridgetown College
University of Guelph
Ridgetown ON N0P 2C0
519-674-1505
gablett@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2001 - April 2005

OASIS #: 25622

Abstract:
A series of studies will be performed using the naturally-ventilated finishing barn and the nursery barn at Ridgetown College to determine the effects of various feeding strategies (low phytate corn, dietary enzyme supplementation, various dietary nutrient-Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus-levels) on growth performance, carcass quality and manure composition. The feeding strategies will be applied at three different production phases, weaner, grower and finisher, and will be evaluated based on treatment means and variation. Data analysis will include growth performance (feed intake, average daily gain, feed to gain), carcass quality (dressing percentage, lean yield, fat depth) and manure composition (dry matter, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus). Feed costs represent approximately 60% of the overall cost of production, and therefore diets must be finely tuned to reach a balance between swine requirements and reduced nutrient excretion (which lessens the environmental impact of the swine industry). Measuring variation, in addition to treatment means will ensure that the optimal diet composition consists of ingredients which minimize costs and nutrient excretion, while improving growth performance and carcass uniformity. Additionally, the manure produced from the pigs in the phosphorus components of the studies will be used in research to investigate the availability of phosphorus from various dietary treatments to crops (particularly corn.).

EN2 Conflict resolution in rural Ontario: Strategies for responding to the environmental, economic and social impacts of agriculture.

Project Leader: Wayne Caldwell
Environmental Design & Rural Development
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x56420
wcaldwel@rpd.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: June 2002 - July 2004

Project #: SR9120

Abstract:
While hearings of the Ontario Municipal Board and the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board are necessary they are often expensive and create "winners and losers". As a form of conflict resolution these mechanisms are preferable to the courts (in terms of time, process and money), but there are alternatives. Across Ontario a number of local committees have been established to respond to conflict. The principle research, for example, has worked with the Huron Mediation Committee and the Norfolk Irrigation Advisory Committee - the first of these growing out of environmental issues related to livestock intensification and the second in response to water quantity issues in an area dependant on irrigation. These local initiatives in conflict resolution appear to have the potential to offer workable solutions at a lower cost, with a greater potential for a win-win outcome. The continued viability of agriculture and indeed many other aspects of the rural community depends upon finding ways of positively resolving conflict related the environment and rural land use.

The objective of the research is to identify best practices in the management of conflict. Issues related to odour, and water quality, for example, can often be resolved - but require skilled facilitation to encourage discussion, understanding and in turn resolution of problems. The Nutrient Management Act, for example, recognizes the importance of conflict resolution by suggesting the formation of local committees to mediate conflict.

The research will focus on environmental issues related to agriculture in rural Ontario. Related issues of land use and conflict resolution will also be considered. If we are not more successful in the management of conflict agricultural production will be increasingly threatened by poor community relations and related animosity to the real and perceived impacts of agriculture. The research will provide the following tangibles:

• Monitor different approaches and the success of local conflict resolution and identify best practices.
  
• Document and analyze the experience of the farm community with the Ontario Municipal Board and the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board.
  
• Evaluate the opportunity for local committees to assist in mediating disputes under NMA
  
• Prepare a manual to assist local initiatives to establish committees to mediate agricultural disputes. Parallel materials will be established for property owners as a guide to these processes and more formal hearings.

EN3 Management strategies to minimize environmental impacts and optimize profits in Ontario pork production

Project Leader: Kees De Lange
Animal & Poultry Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x56477
cdelange@uoguelph.ca

Collaborating Researchers: A. Robinson, Animal & Poultry Science and J. Morris, Ridgetown College

Project Duration: May 2001 - August 2003

OASIS #: 25612

Abstract:
A series of studies was conducted, using the Feed Intake Recording Equipment (FIRE) at Ridgetown College, to determine the effects of various aspects of the animal environment (pig density, feed delivery system, diet lysine and phosphorus levels) on performance and nutrient utilization in three genotypes of growing-finishing pigs. Both average and variability in the animals' response was evaluated. For each environmental aspect and pig genotype, observations had been made on at least 40 pigs. Data analyses included generation of lean growth curves, carcass quality, estimates of nutrient requirements as well as an assessment of environmental and economic impacts. This study has direct implications for the environment (nitrogen [N] and phosphorus [P] excretion with manure) and feed costs (the number one cost factor in commercial pork production). A 1% reduction in diet P and N levels, as a result of more closely meeting the animals' amino acid and phosphorus requirements, will result in a 2% reduction in N and P excretion with manure. In terms of feeding costs, amino acids contribute approximately 25% to total nutrient cost and are the second most expensive component in commercial pig feeds; a very modest reduction of 2% in the cost associated with feeding protein to pigs will reduce feeding costs by 0.5%, $0.35 per pig and in excess of $1,500,000 per year in Ontario. More uniform carcass quality will result in enhanced average carcass value.

EN4 Determination of true digestive efficiency of phosphorus utilization in major plant feed ingredients for weaning and growing-finishing pigs

Project Leader: Ming Fan
Animal and Poultry Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53656
mfan@uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2001 - April 2004

OASIS #: 25616

Abstract:
Inorganic phosphate is a limited, non-renewable natural resource. Phosphorus is the third most expensive nutrient after energy and protein in swine nutrition and feeding. Excessive phosphorus output in swine manure is a key polluting nutrient to the environment. These factors have made research on improving efficiency of phosphorus utilization by pigs one of the most important issues in swine nutrition. Accurate evaluation of bioavailability of phosphorus in feedstuffs and formulation of swine diets on the basis of bioavailable phosphorus supply are essential to ensure efficient utilization of phosphorus in pigs. Current diet formulation for swine is based on the total and apparent digestible phosphorus supply. This potentially results in 20-25% overfeeding of inorganic phosphorus to pigs and excessive excretion of phosphorus in manure. To solve this problem, the key is to know what factors affect the gastrointestinal endogenous phosphorus losses and true digestive efficiency of phosphorus utilization in feed ingredients by pigs. This project is aimed to examine factors influencing the endogenous phosphorus losses and true digestive efficiency of phosphorus utilization in major feed ingredients for weaning and growing-finishing pigs. Based on the determination of true phosphorus digestibility values in feed ingredients for pigs, effects of formulation of swine diets on the basis of total, apparent digestible and true digestible supply on growth and phosphorus excretion will also be examined. Formulation of swine diets on the basis of true digestible phosphorus supply shall lead to reduced feeding cost and decreased excretion of phosphorus in swine manure via less dietary supplementation of inorganic phosphates.

EN5 Comparative determination of efficacy of the transgenic phytase Enviropig™ in digestive utilization of nutrients in plant feed ingredients

Project Leader: Ming Fan
Animal and Poultry Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53656
mfan@uoguelph.ca

Collaborating Researchers: C. Forsberg, Microbiology, R. Hacker, Animal and Poultry Science and J. Phillips, Molecular Biology & Genetics

Project Duration: May 2001 - April 2004

OASIS #: 25607

Abstract:
By transgenesis approaches, researchers have developed transgenic pigs expressing phytase in salivary glands, a unique gene trait that conventional pigs do not possess. The phytase gene has been inserted to help effectively digest phytate-bound phosphorus and other related nutrients that potentially interact with phytate in plant feed ingredients. In order to commercialize these transgenic phytase pigs, also named "Enviropig™", as unique breeds in the future, it is essential to characterize and compare true digestive efficiency of nutrient utilization by these pigs in comparison with conventional pigs and conventional pigs supplemented with an optimal level of exogenous microbial phytase in diets.

This project is designed to compare the true efficiency of digestive utilization of major targeting nutrients by the progeny of these transgenic pigs in the weaning and growing-finishing phase in comparison with conventional pigs and conventional pigs supplemented with an optimal level of exogenous microbial phytase in diets. The major targeting nutrients include phosphorus, calcium, trace minerals, amino acids and carbohydrates in a "model plant feed ingredient" soybean meal. Through conducting these studies, the project shall also provide data on expected reduction in dietary supplementation of inorganic phosphate salts and decreases in phosphorus excretion in feeding the phytase pigs.

EN6 Optimizing methods of applying animal wastes and bio-solids on the land at desired rates

Project Leader: Ben Hawkins
Kemptville College
University of Guelph
Kemptville ON K0G 1J0
613-258-8336 x458
bhawkins@kemptvillec.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 1999 - December 2003

OASIS #: 23760

Abstract:
Animal wastes and bio-solids produced on the farm have to be utilized or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. High and uneven rates of application can cause serious pollution of surface and groundwater not to mention the odour problems. Conventional machinery used for the application of this material can be lacking in respect to unevenness and range of application rates. Development of new equipment designed specifically for the purpose of applying the waste material evenly at a specified rate is required. Machinery which employ methods of incorporating the material into the soil may be necessary to reduce odour problems. Objectives were: (1) redesign of solid manure spreader to permit a more even application of manure and bio-solids to the land with a wider spreading pattern; (2) evaluate the performance of the spreader on a grass hay crop with a spring application and after first cut; (3) evaluate the wide variety of solid manure components in an attempt to determine the material composition that best lends itself to spreading with conventional and modified spreaders; and, (4) investigate treatment methods for manure which will produce a consistent and uniform product which can be spread evenly and uniformly on the land.

EN7 A GIS and remote sensing system for agroecosystem monitoring and site specific crop management of agricultural Ontario

Project Leader: John Lauzon
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52459
jlauzon@lrs.uoguelph.ca

Collaborating Researcher: R. Protz, Land Resource Science

Project Duration: May 1999 - April 2003

OASIS #: 24110

Abstract:
The 1998 OSWARSC report to the OASCC states that more research is needed in site specific crop management and to interpret and effectively use the mass of data being collected by new technologies such as remote sensing. While remote sensing is not new, there have been significant advances in the extraction of quantitative crop and soil information for agronomic and agroecosystem analysis and monitoring. Additionally, the problems, possibilities, and science of data scaling is also highlighted since means are required to measure processes defined at a point scale to landscapes and regions. Definition and application of best management practices requires landscape information to be collected and analyzed to best protect and enhance soil resources for crop production.

The study had two components. The first was the creation of a digital information database required for agroecosystem monitoring and management. The second was developing and testing a methodology of using high resolution remotely sensed data to characterize soil and crop characteristics to predict yield and to explain yield variability. The first component was a necessary objective to facilitate local to regional scale research and management. It created a GIS database characterizing soils, fields, and landscapes across the entire agricultural regions of Ontario. This was carried out in co-operation with OMAF and OMNR. It also created a GIS research database to support the second component. Site specific crop management is being rapidly commercialized yet much research is required to develop methodologies to accurately characterize crop and soil characteristics, to diagnose causes of growth and yield variability, and to estimate yield.

EN8 Genetic aspects of nutrient utilization by beef cows related to production efficiency and environmental concerns

Project Leader: Stephen Miller
Animal & Poultry Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x56378
miller@uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2002 - April 2004

OASIS #: 25794

Abstract:
This project will investigate factors related to feed efficiency in beef cows. Infrared thermography will be evaluated as a tool to measure heat production, which is potentially a major contributing factor to efficiency of feed utilization in beef cattle. Infrared thermography in conjunction with measures of body composition as measured through real time ultrasound, body weights, feed intake and digestive efficiency will be used to derive predictive models. Predictive models developed will then be used to incorporate infrared scans into predictions of feed efficiency in cows.

Output of this work will include advancements in the genetic evaluations for maintenance and production efficiency of beef cows, and novel methods of evaluating energetic feed efficiency with quick, non-invasive means, which may be suitable for widespread application in industry testing programs. Methods to quantify feed utilization efficiency would enable the development of selection methods and programs for Environmentally Friendly Cows, which would excrete less nutrients in their manure per day or per unit of productivity.

EN9 Optimizing nutrition programs for poultry: Consideration of productivity, bird health and environmental issues

Project Leader: Steven Leeson
Animal & Poultry Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53681
sleeson@uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: April 2003 - April 2007

OASIS #: 25941

Abstract:
Feed represents about 60% of the cost of producing poultry meat and eggs, and so reduction in feed costs are important in the economics of the poultry industry. It is important to reevaluate nutrient requirements of birds as it relates to various goals. Traditionally, nutrient requirements have been defined solely in terms of parameters such as growth rate for the broiler chicken, and egg production and egg weight of laying hens. Today there is the realization that these simple goals are inadequate in assessing the various needs of the poultry industry. For example, it may not always be most economical, or in the best interests of bird welfare, to strive for the fastest possible growth rate in broilers. A period of slower growth may improve overall feed utilisation while concomitantly improving liveability. In addition, the nutrient needs for fastest growth are not likely to be the same for optimum breast meat yield in broilers and/or meat yield per se from the carcass. Another important consideration today is nutrient manure management and again 'optimum' levels of diet nutrients to ensure minimum manure nutrient loading are likely to be different to needs for optimum growth rate.

For laying hens we have to re-consider nutrient needs in terms of egg solids yield (for the new egg processing industry) as well as considerations for manure management and such welfare issues as skeletal integrity

The research program is intended to look at an approach of redefining nutrient needs to account for these emerging parameters of importance to the poultry industry.

EN10 Optimizing poultry nutrition and feed management in terms of production efficiency and environmental management

Project Leader: Steven Leeson
Animal & Poultry Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53681
sleeson@uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 1999 - April 2003

OASIS #: 22590

Abstract:
Both broiler chickens and egg-type birds have been fed relatively high nutrient dense diets so as to maximize growth rate and/or output. There is current concern in the industry about the nutrient content of manure from large intensive operations, and in part this problem is accentuated by using high nutrient dense diets. The aim of the project was to more closely define the "optimum' balance between acceptable performance level with minimum environmental pollution. The nutrients of major concern are phosphorus and nitrogen, where manure levels in both broilers and layers are directly correlated to diet inputs.

It seems feasible to reduce dietary nitrogen input by such systems as a) improved digestibility through mechanical processing of feeds, b) use of endogenous enzymes and/or c) limiting the level of nutrients in feed through judicious manipulation of diet nutrients. For example, proteins per se are high in nitrogen, yet they are included in diets as a source of essential amino acids. Formulating to available or digestible amino acids, with greater use of synthetic amino acids, will likely reduce nitrogen loading in the manure. These concepts of diet manipulation must, however, not be at the expense of major reductions in performance and/or deterioration of energy efficiency.

EN11 Identifying management units for site-specific nitrogen management: Characteristics of the spatial and temporal stability of yield patterns

Project Leader: Ivan O'Halloran
Ridgetown College
University of Guelph
Ridgetown ON N0P 2C0
519-674-1635
iohallo@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 1999 - April 2003

OASIS #: 24000

Abstract:
Within field variability of crop yields and soil productivity has generated considerable interest in the development of site-specific crop management (SSCM) systems. Application of a constant rate of an input, say fertilizer, based on a field average soil test will result in the over and under fertilization of various parts of that field. The successful implementation of a variable fertilizer application within a SSCM system may improve economic returns and reduce environmental contamination through a more judicial application of fertilizer materials. A critical component of such a SSCM system is the development of the 'expert map', which indicates how the input should be varied at different locations within the field. With respect to fertilization of field crops grown in Ontario, the greatest potential benefits for improving financial returns to the producer as well as reducing environmental impacts would appear to be associated with the variable application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Recent work has indicated that within fields there are areas of temporal stability and instability in yields that tend to be related to landscape position. Within each of these areas, in terms of N fertilizer impact on corn yields, there exist both responsive and non-responsive areas. The objectives of this study were to continue to examine the temporal and spatial patterns of yield and crop fertilizer response, and how these parameters are related to landscape position, soil properties and other site characteristics. This information will then be used to develop management strategies for the variable application of N fertilizer.

EN12 Application of transgenic methodology in swine for reduced environmental impact and enhanced carcass quality

Project Leader: John Phillips
Molecular Biology & Genetics
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52796
jphillip@uoguelph.ca

Collaborating Researcher: C. Forsberg, Microbiology

Project Duration: May 1999 - April 2003

OASIS #: 23170

Abstract:
This project produced the first transgenic pig in Canada - The Enviropig™. The Enviropig™ is the first transgenic animal made specifically to address an environmental problem in animal agriculture. More specifically, the Enviropig™ reduces phosphorus content of manure by an average of 60%. This achievement will effectively reduce the acreage required for manure spreading by an average of 50%.

This research developed and utilized transgenic methodology to produce novel strains of swine with improved production characteristics that could provide a competitive advantage for Ontario swine producers. The researchers' collaborative transgenic animal group developed two transgenes with unique commercial potential for the Ontario swine industry. The PHY transgene specifies the enzyme phytase (PHY) which when delivered into the gut enhances feed efficiency and markedly reduces the phosphorus pollution potential of manure. The SOD transgene specifies the enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD) which has important natural antioxidant activity that improves the quality of fresh and cooked pork by inhibiting rancidity, drip loss, and color loss arising from the oxidation of fats.

EN13 The Enviropig™: From the Research Lab to the Market Place

Project Leader: John Phillips
Molecular Biology & Genetics
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52796
jphillip@uoguelph.ca

Collaborating Researcher: C. Forsberg, Microbiology

Project Duration: April 2003 - March 2007

OASIS #: 26015

Abstract:
The long-range goal of this research program is to utilize transgenic methodology to produce novel strains of swine with improved production characteristics that provide a competitive advantage for Ontario swine producers. To address the problem of manure-based environmental pollution in the pork industry, a collaborative transgenic animal group has developed the phytase transgenic pig, the Enviropig™. The saliva of these pigs contains the enzyme phytase, which allows the pigs to digest the phosphorus in phytate, the most abundant source of phosphorus in the pig diet. Without this enzyme, phytate phosphorus passes undigested into manure to become the single most important manure pollutant of pork production. Salivary phytase provides essentially complete digestion of dietary phytate phosphorus, relieves the requirement for inorganic phosphate supplements, and reduces fecal phosphorus output by up to 75%. Thus, these pigs offer a unique biological approach to the management of phosphorus nutrition and environmental pollution in the pork industry.

The initial development of the Enviropig™ would not have occurred without the support of OMAF through the provision of animals, animal facilities and skilled personnel. The Enviropig™ has been an unqualified research success. The challenge now is to take these animals from a research success into a commercial success in the marketplace. Specifically the project will work to accomplish these goals:

1. To investigate and characterize true-breeding appA phytase transgene (Enviropig™) homozygotes. This will include the overall biological properties (health, reproduction, growth), phosphorus digestibility and fecal excretion in homozygotes.
   
2. To initiate and complete the pre-market analytical tests (human health, animal welfare, environmental safety) required by Canadian and US regulatory agencies.
   
3. To develop a diagnostic test kit for unambiguous identification of the Enviropig™ in the field.
   
4. To isolate, characterize and develop the regulatory elements of the parotid secretory protein (PSP) gene of the pig for use in salivary secretion transgenic work in pigs. This objective builds upon what the researchers have learned about the potential of the salivary secretion system in pigs for producing bioactive peptides.

EN14 Developing a framework to assess incentive compatibility of BMPs

Project Leaders:

Kimberly Rollins
Agricultural Economics & Business
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1

Alfons Weersink
Agricultural Economics & Business
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53532
aweersin@uoguelph.ca

Collaborating Researcher: S. Henson, Agricultural Economics & Business

Project Duration: May 1999 - April 2003

OASIS #: 24360

Abstract:
Economic criteria to evaluate environmental policies that affect participants in the agri-food system were developed. Incentive compatibility of policy types was quantitatively measured and evaluated. Emphasis was on determining what incentive structures are compatible with policies that are designed to rely on voluntary compliance, such as adoption of BMPs and Industry Standards.

This research proposed that this type of economic analysis is necessary for a complete evaluation of the effectiveness of BMPS, and other tools, that aim to reduce environmental degradation. These issues fall under the general category of incentive compatibility and design mechanisms to create effective environmental policy. Economic measurements of the costs and benefits of selected policies, such as the recommendation of BMPS, was the basic tool of analysis. The goal was to determine a set of guidelines for evaluating economic incentives generated by policies.

EN15 Chemical agents for the selective capture of heavy metals from swine manure

Project Leader: Adrian Schwan
Chemistry & Biochemistry
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x58781
schwan@chembio.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2001 - April 2005

OASIS #: 25613

Abstract:
The levels of toxic heavy metals in swine manure represent an environmental concern. Application of manure to fields can sometimes lead to significant phytotoxicity and(or) eventual runoff of the heavy metals and consequent contamination of our ecosystem. This project will undertake the synthesis of several new, unique compounds. These new compounds will be designed to possess a particular assembly of hydroxyl, ether or thioether functional groups that will have the capacity, as a grouping, to capture heavy metal ions. Each compound synthesized will be evaluated for its capacity to chemical complex (capture) metals with particular emphasis on the Cu, Zn and Mn species that are prevalent in swine manure.

Each series of metal complexing experiments will provide feedback toward the adaptation of the molecules so that they can eventually be designed to selectively sequester the particular toxic metals of concern while leaving the required metallic nutrients in solution. The eventual goal of this long term project will be to create a solid substrate with the complexing molecules attached to it, so the heavy metals can be chemically attached to the solid material while the other constituents of the manure remain in liquid form.

EN16 Risk assessment and economic evaluation of environmental damage associated with livestock manure: Dietary strategy and handling alternative

Project Leader: D. P. Stonehouse
Agricultural Economics and Business
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52204

Collaborating Researcher: A. Weersink, Agricultural Economics and Business

Project Duration: May 2003 - April 2004

OASIS #: 26100

Abstract:
Given recent interest in both farm and public sectors in potential environmental damage from livestock manure operations, and in actual damage as exemplified by the E. coli crisis at Walkerton, Ontario, it is essential for livestock farmers to be offered suitable guidelines on manure management decisions and for government policy formulators to be aware of the impacts of the proposed Nutrient Management Act on livestock farmers' businesses and business decisions. For almost all manure management systems in Canada, the costs of handling exceed benefits from inherent plant nutrients. Thus ways are needed to encourage farmers to adopt systems that mitigate environmental damage. Imposing environmentally-protective systems on farmers would likely jeopardize farm business viability. At the same time, society as a whole benefits from farmers minimizing human health and environmental damage from manure operations. This could lead to a net overall benefit if societal benefits exceed on -farm costs, and could further rationalize payments by society to farmers in compensation for environmental protection measures.

Inadequate information presently exists that links specific ways of collecting, treating, storing, transferring to field and land application of livestock manures on swine-farrow-to-finish farms to:

1. losses to surface or groundwater of nitrate, phosphorus, and other minerals, possibly including heavy metals, and their subsequent impacts on water resources or drinking, recreational wildlife support or industrial use;
   
2. bio-physical measures of environmental damage;
   
3. work has been completed on evaluating these linkages for specialized swine finishing farms.

This project seeks to address these inadequacies for swine farrow-to-finish farmers, using a series of on-farm experiments, literature searchers and net social welfare analyses.

EN17 Efficiency of nitrogen utilization and growth in ruminants fed grass/ legume forage and supplemented with corn or soybean hulls

Project Leader: Kendall Swanson
Animal & Poultry Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x56627
kswanson@uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: November 2003 - February 2005

OASIS #: 25969

Abstract:
Producers are faced with increased concerns and regulations regarding waste management on livestock operations. Research data is necessary to provide more information quantifying nutrient excretion and to more closely examine the impact of feeding and nutrition management on nutrient excretion. Additionally, strategies to improve production efficiency would increase profitability to beef producers. Feed costs constitute a major portion of total production costs in beef cattle operations so improvements in the efficiency of feed utilization can have a dramatic impact on profitability. This research will examine how carbohydrate supplementation influences gain efficiency and nutrient excretion in growing calves and lambs fed grass/legume forage. This work will be part of a research program aimed to help the Ontario beef cattle industry improve production efficiency while decreasing waste nutrient excretion. It will also begin to better define how feeding and nutrition management, within all phases of the beef cattle industry, impact nutrient excretion and the environment in Ontario.

Two experiments will be conducted to examine the effect of supplemental carbohydrate on gain efficiency and nutrient balance and excretion in growing ruminants fed grass/legume forage. The first experiment is a feeding experiment using weaned calves fed grass/legume forage to determine if supplementation with corn (as a source of starch) or soybean hulls (as a source of soluble fiber) influences gain efficiency. Daily feed intakes for individual animals will be determined and body weights taken every 28 days. After the 84 d treatment period, all calves will be adapted to a high-concentrate finishing ration and body weights will be monitored every 28 d throughout the feeding period to determine if previous nutritional treatment influences feedlot performance. The second experiment is a nutrient balance experiment using lambs fed the same grass/legume forage to determine if supplementation with corn or soybean hulls influences the efficiency of nutrient utilization. Daily intake and excretion of nutrients in urine and feces will be measured for individual lambs. Data collected from these experiments will indicate if carbohydrate supplementation of growing ruminants fed grass/legume forage improves growth efficiency and reduces nutrient excretion.

EN18 Nutritive value and agricultural/horticultural uses of intra-process waste water generated from anaerobic digestion of organic wastes

Project Leader: Paul Voroney
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x53057
pvoroney@lrs.uoguelph.ca

Project Duration: May 2002 - April 2003

OASIS #: 25829

Abstract:
The research evaluated novel approaches for wastewater treatment and re-use in plant production. The approaches developed will be applicable to other agricultural processes which generate nutrient-rich wastewater streams (eg. manure treatment, food processing, composting operations).

As this biotechnology initiative developed with its initial focus on anaerobic digestion, it served as a vehicle to provide synergistic development of allied biotechnologies such as microbial fermentation to produce ethanol fuel energy. The potential for major companion technology development employing a combination of anaerobic digestion and fermentation technologies is a recognized longer term goal for sustaining this research initiative.

This approach was attractive as it contemplated re-use applications for wastewater as a value added (amended) by-product fertilizer for offsite use. In the case of turfgrass production (sod farms) and field crops such as corn, this appeared particularly attractive, given the relatively high nitrogen requirements of these crops. The technology seemed particularly well-suited to handling the wastewater generated during treatment of all organic waste streams, and those generated by agriculture which are rich in macro nutrients in particular.

EN19 Risk assessment and economic evaluation of environmental damage associated with livestock manure - Dietary strategies and handling alternatives

Project Leader: Claudia Wagner-Riddle
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52787
criddle@lrs.uoguelph.ca

Collaborating Researchers: E. Beauchamps, G. Thurtell, J. Warland, Land Resource Science; J. Buchanan-Smith, J. Cant, K. De Lange, M. Fan, S. Leeson, V. Osborne, J. Squires, Animal & Poultry Science; G. Edwards, J. Ogilvie, R. Rudra, School of Engineering; K. Rollins, G. Fox, P. Stonehouse, A. Weersink, Agricultural Economics & Business and T. Smith, Nutritional Sciences

Project Duration: May 1999 - April 2003

OASIS #: 24230

Abstract:
Farmers need guidance on how best to modify rations fed to livestock in order to reduce plant nutrient content of manure and impact to the environment. In many cases farmers do not know which livestock ration and manure-handling alternatives would provide the least environmental impact, nor what it would cost them to adopt such alternatives.

Because the public in general, and non-farm rural public in particular stand to benefit most from impact amelioration, public policy needs to be formulated to deal with the issues that surround supporting farmers in adopting new practices. The rationale for any such policies would depend heavily on good, acceptable estimates being obtained.

This project provided estimates for:

• biophysical and on-farm economic impacts of changing rations fed to livestock;
  
• biophysical types of environmental impact and their extent, in association with alternative manure handling systems;
  
• values of these environmental impacts to society, and costs to farmers of their prevention or minimization;
  
• offer policy-formulators insights into public-farmer compensation issues, levels required,
  
• policy instrument alternatives (e.g. interest-free or subsidized loans, outright grants, direct subsidies, penalties for non-compliance by farmers, etc.).

Such insights could form important bases for decisions on whether to introduce new policies aimed at modifying farmer livestock feeding and manure-handling behaviour, whether and how much compensation should be offered farmers, whether location of livestock operations in Ontario should be regulated, and perhaps other policy issues related to livestock production and manure management.

EN20 Identification of best management practices that minimize greenhouse gas and leaching losses to the environment

Project Leader: Claudia Wager-Riddle
Land Resource Science
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120 x52787
criddle@lrs.uoguelph.ca

Collaborating Researchers: G. Parkin and J. Lauzon, Land Resource Science

Project Duration: June 2003 - June 2005

Project #: SR9135

Abstract:
Crop production requires the input of nitrogen, but there is evidence that current rates and timing of N fertilizer application are leading to leaching and gaseous losses. These losses have detrimental effects on the health of our environment, and also represent an economic loss for farmers. Best Management Practices (BMP) have potential for reducing N losses, but few field studies have quantified this reduction. Since 2000, we have been conducting a long-term experiment to quantify such losses for a limited number of BMPs, and we have observed N losses of ~20% of N applied, compared to losses of ~40% for conventional management practices. However, province-wide there are several practices that still need to be evaluated. Here, we propose to use tracer experiments to determine the fate of applied nitrogen in BMPs versus conventional practices. Mini-plots receiving labeled N will be established in several existing experiments investigating agronomic aspects of nutrient and soil management in order to maximize research efforts. Potential treatments to be investigated are: 1) long-term tillage and rotation experiments, and 2) timing of manure application experiments. In addition, mini-plots will be established at demonstration farms that will cooperate with OSCIA and IFAO, in the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Program. In this program, farmers will adopt BMPs and we will quantify the change in N losses between conventional and BMPs. Using tracer experiments as a 'screening' tool will allow for the quantification of N use efficiency in a wide range of BMPs, with the objective of identifying promising practices for GHG and leaching reduction.

Low nitrogen use efficiency in crop production represents an economic loss, and negatively affects the environment, by resulting in greenhouse gas emissions and leaching losses. Knowledge on N cycling in BMPs, such as notill, slow release N fertilizers, manure injection, and others, is lacking, and it is unclear if these practices would actually lead to reduced greenhouse gas and leaching losses. In this study we propose to address this knowledge gap by quantifying the fate of applied N in BMPs, and by linking this information to GHG and leaching losses in an ongoing related OMAF experiment. Involvement of OSCIA/IFAO/SCCC and cooperating farmers will assure that the increased understanding of N cycling, and implications for the environment will be transferred to the farming community. Knowledge on how to achieve higher efficiency of N use, while also minimizing environmental impact, will lead to increased sustainability of agriculture practices. In addition, biophysical information obtained with this project will be combined with an analyses that considers economic costs of BMPs adoption as well as benefits of abatement measures for the public (proposal submitted to SSHRC/BIOCAP by A. Weersink, University of Guelph).