Livestock Research Innovation Corporation

Bringing practical, on-farm beef research to Guelph

Ontario Beef, Spring 2026: Dr. Kristen Edwards brings more than a decade of veterinary practice experience to her new role at the Ontario Veterinary College, with a focus on practical research that benefits Ontario beef farmers.

From lab to livestock: mentorship shaping the next generation of researchers

Ontario Beef, July 2026: Dr. Nicole Ricker shares how LRIC’s Early Career Mentorship Program and Researcher Award has helped her connect with livestock farmers, understand industry challenges and develop research that delivers practical on-farm solutions.

News release: Engineering, animal health researchers receive Early Career Research Awards

June 2, 2025: Resiliency and how to find opportunity in change is the theme of this year’s upcoming Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. The event will be held June 12 with keynote speakers Ian Ross, CEO of Grand Valley Fortifiers, Paul Moyer, Co-founder of Clean Works, and Lisa Ashton, Agriculture Policy Lead at RBC Thought Leadership.

Collaboration drives new Canadian insights into sow mortality

Better Pork, April 2026: Industry-led research is gathering Canadian sow mortality data to establish benchmarks and help producers make informed herd management decisions.

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.