Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

The Olds College Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) seeks funding to procure advanced research equipment to increase research capacity and benefit clients. The equipment includes orbital shakers, a heat sealer and incubators for in-vitro digestibility research, and a microbiological incubator for in-vitro ruminal fermentation assays and various animal health and feed studies. Additionally, a portable weighing system is sought for in-pasture livestock weight tracking. An ultra-low temperature freezer and a dedicated refrigerator are requested for long-term sample preservation. Lastly, to support our parasitological studies, a digital microscope and a stereo microscope are requested. This equipment will improve TACLP's ability to conduct applied research in key areas related to livestock health and nutrition. The focus is on expanding nutritional studies for in vitro ruminal fermentation, performing thorough parasitological research, and monitoring animal performance in pastures. These efforts are essential to support cattle and sheep producers in optimizing feed utilization, enhancing disease management, and boosting overall livestock productivity. The equipment will support the development of management practices for improving feed efficiency and reducing the costs of livestock production. It provides enhanced capabilities for early detection and management of livestock illnesses, thereby improving animal welfare and reducing economic losses, as well as advanced research into animal health, specifically focusing on gut health and parasite management, contributing to healthier livestock. This proposal will enhance the research capabilities at Olds College, enabling more comprehensive studies on feed evaluation and disease management in livestock. This will attract new partnerships and funding opportunities, and enrich student education through practical research experiences. Our research will provide local community organizations such as livestock producers with technologies and management practices that can immediately be adopted on-farm to achieve greater efficiency and profitability while benefiting local and regional agricultural businesses. Finally, this initiative will contribute to the national goal of agricultural sustainability and efficiency, supporting food security through improved livestock production methods. The research conducted by TACLP will help position Canada as an innovator in sustainable livestock research.