Livestock Research Innovation Corporation

Increasing Dietary Lysine (Protein) Intake in Late Gestation Improves Milk Production by Gilts

Researchers demonstrate that supplementing first-parity sows with standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys) via soybean meal in late gestation improves piglet birth weight and milk production. Based on these findings, increasing dietary lysine intake to approximately 15% above NRC recommendations (around 22 g SID Lys/day) is recommended.

Nutrition at Farrowing: Making the Case for a Blended Gestation-Lactation Diet

University of Guelph researchers tested a blended gestation–lactation diet for sows during the transition period (one week before and after farrowing), when nutrient needs rise. The findings suggest that providing a blended gestation-lactation diet during the transition period can help sows minimize energy mobilization prior to farrowing, improve energy utilization from the diet, and better support piglets during late gestation and early lactation.

Feeding Fish for the Future: How Feed Additives Affect Zebrafish Health

Researchers at the University of Guelph found that while dietary supplements did not significantly affect zebrafish growth or survival, black soldier fly meal showed promising trends for feed efficiency and gut health.

Staying on top of emerging issues: perspectives from the value chain

Ontario Beef, December 2025: Staying on top of emerging trends is essential for ensuring the long-term success and competitiveness of Ontario’s livestock sector. That’s where LRIC’s Emerging Trends and Opportunities Committee (ETOC) brings together thinking leaders from across the value chain — from farms and research labs to processors and retailers.

The opportunities in manure management

Better Pork, December 2025: Manure is arguably one of agriculture’s most under-appreciated resources. The topic was part of a recent LRIC roundtable exploring practical ways of turning livestock research into real-world results.

Making the Invisible Visible: Using Glo Germ to Study Livestock Biosecurity

Researchers at the University of Guelph are investigating how Glo Germ can be used to model the spread of infectious agents in sheep and goats. This work aims to enhance understanding of on-farm contamination pathways and strengthen biosecurity practices across the livestock sector.

Breeding parasite-resistant sheep

Sheep News: Parasite control has long been one of the toughest challenges for sheep and goat farmers. One of the researchers working on this problem in Canada is Dr. Emma Borkowski, a veterinarian and assistant professor at the University of Guelph.

Bridging the gap between research and farming

Ontario Beef, October 2025: This fall marks the start of the fifth cohort of a unique mentorship program for early career scientists at the University of Guelph to introduce them to Ontario’s livestock industry.

Engineering a better farm: Livestock industry making connections with Waterloo’s engineering school

September 2025: Early this summer, University of Waterloo Engineering hosted the Future of Ag Tech Symposium, welcoming members of the livestock industry to its Waterloo campus to showcase its innovation and tech capacities.