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Mission stateMen tTo se rv e T h e com m u n i T y T h rough e xc e l l e nc e i n T e ac h i ng a n d r e se a rc h i n:
• e f f ic i e n T a n d susTa i na bl e agr ic u lT u r a l produc T ion
• va lu e a dde d pro c e ssi ng
• fo od sa f e T y
• h u m a n h e a lT h
T o i m prov e T h e h e a lT h a n d qua l i T y of l i f e .
Mi s s i o n stat e M e n t
To ser ve the communi t y through exce l lence in teaching and research in :
• e f f ic ient and sus ta inab le agr icu l tura l p roduc t ion• va lue added process ing• food safe t y• human heal th
to improve the heal th and qual i t y o f l i fe.
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience 1
Celebrating success TheDepartmentofAgricultural,FoodandNutritionalSciencecontinueditsremarkablerecordofaccomplish-mentin2009/10inresearch,teachingandservice. Thesuccessoftworesearchprogramswasrecognizedasbothreceivedsignificantadditionalfunding,enablingthemtoexpandtheirmandates.TheAlbertaBovineGenomicsProgrambecameLivestockGentecwhiletheBioactiveOilsProgrammorphedintothebroaderCentreforPerformanceOilseedsandBioactiveOils.Youcanreadabouttheirexpandedrolesinthefollowingpages. StudentenrolmentintheNutritionandFoodScienceprogramcontinueditstremendousgrowth.MeanwhilethedepartmenttooktheleadroleindevelopingaBScinAnimalHealth,anewanduniqueCanadianprogramthatincreasesstudents’learningopportunitiesandfurtherensuresthatthefacultyanddepartmentremainattheforefrontofagriculturaleducation.Inaddition,undergraduatestudentparticipationinresearchwasexpanded,therebyenhancingexperientialandproblem-basedlearningopportunities. Thedepartmentuphelditsfinetraditionofengagingthecommunityatlargeasitstageditswell-knownHeifer in Your TankprograminLacombe,Alberta,hostedtheannualBanffPorkSeminarandtheWesternCanadianDairyConferenceandinitiatedaseminarseries,bringingtogetherindustryandacademia. Allthisandmuch,muchmorebodeswellforthefutureofthedepartmentasitlooksforwardtomeetthechallengesandseizetheopportunitiesthatlieahead.
Dr. John Kennelly – DeanFaculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences (ALES)[email protected]
Dr. John Kennelly and Dr. Erasmus Okine
Realizing potential ThecompletionofmyfirsttermasAFNSChairin2009wasachancetoreflectonprogress,contemplateourchallenges,andworktobuildonsuccess. Onecornerstoneofoursuccessispeople.Wecontinuetoattractoutstandingacademicleaders–duringmyfirstterm,33newfacultywerehiredorsecondedtoAFNS.Graduatestudentenrolmentincreasedby70%;undergraduateenrolmentby14%.Ourtrackrecordforstudentjobplacementsis100%aftertwoyears,with84%employedinindustryand16%inacademia.WehavealsobeensuccessfulinattractingmajorfundingtodevelopthelandandfacilitiesattheKinsellaandSt.AlbertResearchStations,strengthentheValueAddedMeatsProgram,andcreatetwonewresearchcentresonbeefgenomicsandoilseeds. Thesearejustsomeoftheresultsofalong-termstrategicefforttobroadenandstrengthenourconnectionswithexternalparties.WitnesstheincreaseinfundingtoAFNSoverthepastfiveyears:federalfundingup16%,provincialup34%,andindustryup182%.TheAFNSadvantageisclear:whenresearchandtrainingofstudentsneedstobedone,AFNShasthenetworkalreadyinplace.Ourconnectionsacrosscampusandwithgovernmentagenciesmeanwecaneasilyassembleateamtodothework. Inthecomingyears,weplantolaunchinitiativestofurtherestablishAFNSasthebenchmarkamongstourpeersacrossthecountry.Iinviteyoutoreadaboutoursuccessesandsharetheexcitementaswerealizethetremendouspotentialofourdepartment.
Dr. Erasmus Okine – ChairDepartment of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science (AFNS)[email protected]
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Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience2
Biorefining set to take off Talkabouthittingthegroundrunning.OnlymonthsafteritsestablishmentinJuly2009,theBiorefiningConversionsNetwork(BCN)hadattractedsignificantinterestfromindustry–inadditiontoexistingmultinationalpartnersSanimaxandSyngenta–anddevelopedacollaborationwithamajorbio-industryinitiativeinDraytonValley.“Thepacehasbeenvery,veryfast.Itspeakstotherelevanceoftheworkwe’redoing,”saysBCNDirectorandAFNSAssociateProfessorDr.DavidBressler. TheBCNisaUniversityofAlbertaresearchnetworkfocusedondevelopmentandcommercializationofbiorefiningconversiontechnologies.Biorefiningissimilartopetroleumrefiningexceptthatthefeedisfromtraditionalagricultureandforestrysectors.Itinvolvesfractionatingbiomassintohigh-valuecomponentsandthenconvertingthosecomponentsintoamultitudeofproductssuchasbiofuels,platformchemicals,industrialsolvents,bioplasticsandfoodandnutracueticalproducts.“Thekeyistogetthemostvaluefromeachcomponent–whetherfuelorfood.It’snotfoodversusfuel,”emphasizesDr.Bressler. Whereasbiorefiningexpertisehastraditionallybeen
centeredinindividualfaculties,departmentsandagencies,theBCNisamultidisciplinarynetworkthatfacilitatescollaborativeresearchprojectsbetweenindustry,governmentandacademia.Thenetworkissupportedbyathree-year,$3-millioninvestmentfromtheAlbertaMinistryofAdvancedEducationandTechnology. WithAlberta’swealthofbiomass(includingagriculturalby-products,cropresidues,andby-productsfromtheforestrysector),ahighly-skilledlabourforce,andworld-classresearchcentres,theprovinceistheideallocationfortheestablishmentofathrivingbiorefiningindustry.Forexample,DraytonValleyhasestablishedtheBio-Mile,anindustrialparkthatisattractingworld-classfirmstodevelopnewtechnologiestouseandconverttheregion’sforestryandagriculturalbiomassintogloballycompetitiveproducts.TheBCNhasbeenworkingcloselywiththeBio-Mile. “There’smassivepotentialinbiorefiningtoreinventagricultureandforestry,”notesDr.Bressler.“We’reattheleadingedgeofthiseffortinCanada.”
Dr. David Bressler780 492 4986 [email protected]
Dr. David Bressler
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Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience 3
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nceAnd the ASTech goes to . . .
TwoAFNSscientistshavewonaprestigiousawardfromtheAlbertaScienceandTechnology(ASTech)LeadershipFoundation.ProfessorEmeritusDr.MichaelStilesandProfessorDr.LynnMcMullenwonthe2009DowAgroSciences/ASTechAwardforInnovationinAgriculturalScience.Theirresearchonalacticacidbacteriathatkillsthedeadlylisteriabacterialedtoatechnologythatcanreducetheriskoffoodborneillness. Everyyearanestimated11-13millionCanadianssufferfromfoodborneillnesses.In2008,asevereoutbreakoflisteriosisledto22deathsinCanada.“Usually,listeriagetsontothefoodproductafterithasbeencookedandbeforeitispackaged,”explainsDr.McMullen.“Thisiswherewehaveanopportunitytoaddthelacticacidbacteriainsteadofchemicalagents.”ThelisteriatechnologyiscalledMicocin®. AnotherinventionfromtheteamisProcin®,ageneticallymodifiedbacteriaproventoreducetheincidenceofscours(diarrhea)inpiglets.TocommercializeandmarketMicocin®andProcin®,in1998Drs.StilesandMcMullencreatedCanBiocinInc.,aspin-offcompanyfromtheUniversityofAlberta.Miocin®hasbeenapprovedforuseintheU.S.andHealthCanadaapprovalispending. “It’stremendouslysatisfyingtoseeourscienceleadtocommercializationandapplicationintherealworld,”saysDr.McMullen.“WehaveanumberofcompanieswaitingtouseitoncetheCanadiangovernmentapprovalgoesthrough.” Theleading-edgeresearchoffoodscientistslike
Drs.StilesandMcMullenhasbroughtinternationalrecognitiontoAFNSforitsstrengthsinfoodsafety,value-addedprocessingandproductandprocessdevelopment.Becauserespectedresearchersarealsoinvolvedinteaching,AFNShasdevelopedareputationfortraininghighly-qualifiedprofessionalsforNorthAmerica’sagri-foodandagri-industrialindustries. “It’sgratifyingtoteachthenextgenerationofscientists,industryleadersandeducators,”Dr.McMullensays.“It’sdefinitelyabigpartofwhatkeepsusmotivated.”
Dr. Lynn McMullen780 492 6015 [email protected]
Dr. Michael Stiles and Dr. Lynn McMullen
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience4
AFNSresearchershavemountedamajorresearcheffortonclubroot,adevastatingdiseaseofcruciferouscropsthatrecentlybeganshowingupincanola.ClubrootwasfirstfoundoncanolainAlbertain2003.Severefieldinfestationsintheprovincehavecausedtotalyieldloss. Recognizingtheseriousnessofthesituation,AFNSAssociateProfessorDr.StephenStrelkovbeganclubrootresearchwhenhejoinedAFNSin2003.HewassoonjoinedbyAFNSAssociateProfessorDr.HabiburRahman,aswellasresearchersfromotherinstitutions. Now,therehasbeenahugeboosttoclubfootresearch–a$2-millioninitiativefundedbytheAAFCGrowingForwardScienceandInnovationFramework.Dr.Strelkovistheoverallscientificleadfortheresearch,whichisfocusedinthreeareas:pathology(ledbyDr.Strelkov),breeding(ledbyDr.Rahman)anddiseasemanagement(ledbyAAFC’sDr.GaryPengandAARD’sDr.Sheau-FangHwang).“We’releveragingtheexpertisewehaveandtakingtheresearch
New canola hybrid resists weevil attack Acanolabredtoresistthecabbageseedpodweevil–amajorthreattocanolacropsinsouthernAlbertaandsouthernSaskatchewan–hasbeendevelopedbyAFNSProfessorDr.LloydDosdallandDr.LaimaKott,acolleaguefromtheUniversityofGuelph.ThecabbageseedpodweevilisnotnativetoNorthAmerica,andwithoutnaturalenemiesitspopulationshaveexplodedandarecausingseriouslossesinyieldandcropquality. Since2001,Drs.DosdallandKotthavebeenworkingtodevelopacanolathatisresistanttoattackbytheweevil.Forasourceofresistance,theyusedwhitemustard,whichiscompletelyresistanttotheweevil.Aftermanycrosses,selectionsandfieldtesting,theresultisanewcanolatypethathasamuchimprovedlevelofresistancetothispestthanothercanolavarieties.Theteamhasreleasedthenewgermplasmtotheseedindustryanditshouldbeavailabletofarmersby2011. “Thehybridhaseconomicandenvironmentalbenefitsforfarmers,”saysDr.Dosdall.“Itwillallowfarmerstocutdownontheuseofinsecticidesandmaypreventcroplossesbyasmuchas25percent.”
Dr. Lloyd Dosdall780 492 6893 [email protected]
tothenextlevel,”saysDr.Strelkov.“Thiscollaborativeapproachwillallowevenmorerapidprogressbyfacilitatingthedevelopmentofmulti-faceted,sustainablestrategiesforclubrootmanagement.”
Dr. Habibur Rahman Dr. Stephen Strelkov780 492 3869 780 492 1969 [email protected] [email protected]
Getting the jump on a deadly canola disease
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Dr. Habibur Rahmanand Dr. Stephen Strelkov
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience 5
Consumers push for “clean labels” Withtheincreasingdemandforfoodsthatarefreefromartificialadditives,“cleanlabel”isahottopicinthefoodindustry.AFNSAssociateProfessor,Dr.MichaelGänzleisontheleadingedgeofresearchaimedatreducingoreliminatingadditivesormodifiedingredientsinfood.Inparticular,hestudiesfoodgermkillersthatarenaturallyderived. “Findingalternativestocurrentfoodpreservativesisanongoing,importantareainfoodscience,”Dr.Gänzlesays.“Ifyoureplacechemicalswithanaturalpreservative,withoutcompromisingsafety,foodqualityisbetter.” Inoneresearchproject,Dr.Gänzleandhisteamidentifiedatypeoflacticacidbacteriathatmakespropionicacid,whichisusedtopreventmouldgrowthinbread.Currently,breadmakersaddthechemicalcalciumpropionatetopreservebread.Propionicacidmadebybacteriahasthepotentialtoreplacethisadditive.Theresearcherstooktheprojecttoproofofconcept;anindustrialpartnerisnowexploringitscommercialpotential.
Dr. Michael Gänzle780 492 0774 [email protected]
Heart-healthy egg proteins Avoidingeggsmaynotbethebestwaytoprotecthearthealth,accordingtoresearchdonebyAFNSAssistantProfessorDr.JianpingWuandhisgraduatestudentKaustavMajumder.Theyfoundthatproteinsfromeggsmaybejustaseffectiveinreducinghighbloodpressureascertainprescriptiondrugs. Thestudy,publishedintheJournalofAgriculturalandFoodChemistry,showedthateggproteinscanbeconvertedbyenzymesinthestomachandsmallintestinetoproducepeptidesthatworklikeagroupofpharmaceuticalsknownasangiotensin-convertingenzyme(ACE)inhibitors.ACEinhibitorsareoftenthefirstchoiceforthetreatmentofhighbloodpressure.Interestingly,theresearchersfoundthateggshavemoreACE-likeinhibitingactivitywhentheyarefriedthanwhentheyareboiled. AccordingtothePublicHealthAgencyofCanada,hypertensionaffectsalmostoneinfourpeople.Itisthemostcommonreasontovisitadoctorandthenumberonereasonfortakingmedication.In2003inCanada,physician,medicationandlaboratorycostsrelatedtohypertensiontotalledmorethan$2.3billion. “Ourresultsshowedthatin-vitrodigestionofcookedeggscouldgenerateanumberofpotentACEinhibitorypeptides,”notesDr.Wu.“Nowweneedtofollowupwithinvivoworktodeterminejusthoweffectivetheseproteinscanbeinpeople.Butwhatwe’veseentodateisfurtherevidencethateggsareanexcellenthealth-promotingfood.”
Dr. Jianping Wu780 492 6885 [email protected]
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Dr. Jianping Wu
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Research reveals health benefits of natural trans fats A2009NewInvestigatorSalaryAwardfromtheHeartandStrokeFoundationofCanadaisjustoneindicationofhowsuccessfulAFNSAssociateProfessorDr.SpencerProctorhasbeenatchangingmainstreamthinkingaboutdietaryfatanditsrelationshipwithcardiovasculardisease. Dr.Proctorisaninternationallyrecognizedleaderinthestudyofthehealthimplicationsofnaturalruminanttransfats,inparticularconjugatedlinoleicacid(CLA)anditsprecursor,vaccenicacid.Initsnaturalform,CLAisproducedonlybyruminantanimalsandiscommonlyfoundinproductssuchasmilk,yogurt,cheeseandbeef.Unliketheharmfulhydrogenatedtransfatscreatedthroughindustrialprocessing,naturallyoccurringCLAandrelatedvaccenicacidobtainedfromdairyandbeefproductsshowremarkablehealthpotential. Dr.Proctor’steamattheAlbertaInstituteforHumanNutritionwasthefirsttodiscoverthenovellipid-loweringpropertiesofnaturaltransfats.Inanimaltrials,feedingofnaturaltransfatwasassociatedwithamajorloweringoftriglyceridelevelsandamodestloweringofbothtotalandLDL(lowdensitylipoprotein)cholesterollevels–allkeyriskfactorsforcardiovasculardiseaseandotherhealthproblems.Dr.Proctor’steamalsodemonstratedthatnaturaltransfatshaveasubstantialimpactontheintestinalabsorptionandsecretionoflipids.Thesefindingspointtothepotentialfordietswithenhancednaturaltransfatstohelpreduceriskfactorsforcardiovasculardisease. MuchoftheresearchonnaturaltransfatsinCanadaisundertakenbytheCLAnetwork,amultidisciplinary,cross-Canadateamofrepresentingproducers,industry,government,andacademia.Thenetworkhasbuiltasubstantialtrackrecordinrevealingthehealthycomponentsofdairyandbeef.Dr.ProctoristheScienceLeadoftheCLANetwork. “Foodisoneofthemostbasicandimportanthealthtoolswehave,”saysDr.Proctor.“Aswelearnmoreaboutthenaturalhealthbenefitsfoundinmanyeverydayfoods,therearemorereasonstoenjoythesefoodsaspartofhealthyliving.Consumersandhealthprofessionalsalikeareincreasinglyinterestedingettinghealthbenefitsfromthekitchenratherthanthemedicinecabinet.”
Dr. Spencer Proctor780 492 4672 [email protected]
Dr. Spencer Proctor
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience 7
ThereisstrongevidencethatpeoplewithType2diabetescanimprovetheirhealthbyeatingawell-balanceddietandmaintainingaphysicallyactivelifestyle.Butthatiseasiersaidthandone.Now,aninnovativeresearchinitiativeisaimingtohelpbydevelopingapractical“toolbox”ofphysicalactivityanddiet.
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nMaternal nutrition in the spotlight Theoldadage“youarewhatyoueat”stillringstrue.Numerousstudieshavefoundthatnutrientlevelsinourbodiesarerelatedtoourphysicalandmentalhealth.Scientistsknowmuchless,however,abouttherelationshipbetweenprenatalnutritionandhealth,forbothmotherandchild.APrON(AlbertaPregnancyOutcomesandNutrition)isastudyinvolving10,000womenfromCalgaryandEdmontonthatwillanalyzetherelationshipbetweenmaternalnutrientstatusduringpregnancyandmaternalmentalhealthandchildhealthanddevelopment. “Weknowhowmuchnutritionapregnantwomanrequirestomeetherbasicnutrientneedsandthoseofherinfant,”saysAFNSProfessorDr.CatherineField,oneoftheleadersoftheAPrONteam.“Butverylittlehasbeendonetodefinenutritionintermsoffunctionaloutcomes–forexample,hownutritionaffectsthementalhealthofthemotherortheneurologicaldevelopmentofthechild.That’swhatourteamisexploring.” TheAPrONteamiscomprisedof16researchersfromtheUniversityofAlberta,UniversityofCalgaryandUniversityofTilburg(Netherlands).Studyresultsmayleadtoeducationalorinterventionistpoliciestohelpwomenconsumeanutritiousdietduringpregnancy.Over650womenarecurrentlyinthestudy.Informationabouthowtoparticipatecanbefoundatwww.apronstudy.ca.APrONisfundedthroughtheAHFMRInterdisciplinaryTeamGrantprogram*.*AHFMR is now Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions
Dr. Catherine Field780 492 2597 [email protected]
PANDA study participants at the information session.
ThestudyiscalledPANDA(PhysicalActivityandNutritionforDiabetesinAlberta).AFNSProfessorDr.CatherineChanistheprincipalinvestigatorandleadsanextensive,multidisciplinaryresearchteam.TheprojectinvolvesresearchonAlbertafoodproducts,cost-friendlyfoodsthatareappropriateandaccessibleforthosewithdiabetes,anutritionalguidelinethatcanbeeasilyusedbythosewithdiabetes,andphysicalactivityoptionssuitableforthosewithdiabetes. “WithdiabetesontheriseacrossCanada,
itisimportanttofindoutwhyitissodifficultforpeopletofollowdietandlifestylerecommendations,”saysDr.Chan.“PANDA’sapproachisinnovativeinitsbroadrangeofmethod.Wewanttomakearealdifferencebyfindingmeasuresthatassistpeoplewithdiabetestolivefullerlives.”
Dr. Catherine Chan780 492 9939 [email protected]
Practical health advice for diabetes patients
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience8
Student exchange launched career WhenJohnBellarrivedattheUofAin1996asanIAESTE*exchangestudent,hewasonaone-yearadventurefromhishomeinIreland.APhD,apost-docandworkinAlbertastretchedthatoneyearconsiderably.“IworkedforayearasalabtechinDr.JohnKennelly’slab.IhadplannedtoreturnhometoIrelandbutinsteadacceptedanoffertodograduatestudiesinDairyScience.”Dr.BellthenwentontoworkasResearchManagerfortheAlbertaLivestockIndustryDevelopmentFund.InApril2009,hebecameAssistantChair,Administration,forAFNS.Thewide-rangingjobincludesbudgeting,finance,humanresources,spaceallocationandstrategicplanning.“It’sgreattobebackinthedepartment.ThecommitmenttoexcellencemakesAFNSagreatplacetowork.“*IAESTE is the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience
Dr. John Bell780 248 1907 [email protected]
One job, three roles WhenAFNSrecruitedDr.TomMcFaddenfromtheUniversityofVermontin2009,thedepartmentacquiredmorethanalactationphysiologistwhostudiesmilkproductionefficiencyandmammaryfunction.Dr.McFaddenfillsthreekeyroles:researcher,academicleaderandeducator.“Icameherebecauseoftheopportunitiesinalltheseareas.There’sexcellentsupportfromthedairyindustryforresearch,educationandtechnology;aterrificfacilityfordairyscience;andhighlyproductivecolleagues.Inaddition,AFNSisoneofonlyafewuniversitydepartmentsinNorthAmericathatsuccessfullyintegrateacrossspeciesandacrossthevaluechain.”
Dr. Tom McFadden780 492 4798 [email protected]
AFDP driving force With25yearsworkinginavarietyofindustries–includingmining,oilandgas,biomass,andrecycling–BobRimesbringsawealthofdiverseexperiencetohisjobasExecutiveDirectorofAgri-FoodDiscoveryPlace(AFDP),whichhebeganinJune2009.Butit’shisexpertisethatmakeshimaperfectfitfortheposition:“Mystrengthsaremanagingpeople,increasingproductionandimprovingprocessefficiency.”Bob’sfocusisoptimizingthefacilityandattractingindustry,particularlysmallandmedium-sizedbusinesses.HenotesthatAFDPisuniqueinNorthAmericaandcansupportscale-upinalmostanybiorefiningandbioprocessingapplication.AFDPisopenforbusiness.
Bob Rimes780 492 6945 [email protected]
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Dr. John Bell
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience 9
High-impact research TheCanadianbeefindustryhasmanysupportersbutfewhavedoneasmuchasDr.JohnBasarab.AsSeniorBeefResearchScientistwithAlbertaAgricultureandRuralDevelopment,Dr.Basarabhasmorethan25yearsexperienceinbeefcattleproductionandmanagement.HehasbeenanAFNSAdjunctProfessorsince1993andworkscloselywiththeBovineGenomicsProgram.Oneofthemajorimpactsofhisresearchisabetterunderstandingofresidualfeedintake(RFI)anditsassociatedtraits.“IbelieveRFIisthegreatestopportunitywehavetoincreasetheprofitabilityofbeefproductionatthefarmlevel.”
Dr. John Basarab403 782 8032 [email protected]
New markets need new beef grading system WithCanada’sbeefgradingsystemtiedprimarilytotheU.S.system,itisachallengeforCanadianproducerstopursuenewanddiverseglobalmarkets.Andyet,there’sstronggrowthinnewmarketssuchasultra-leanmeatforNorthAmericanconsumersandhigh-fatbeefformanyAsianmarkets.ThisconundrumisbeingtackledbyAFNSAdjunctProfessorDr.LakiGoonewardene,whoisaResearchScientistwithAlbertaAgricultureandRuralDevelopment.Hisresearchfocusesonunderstandingthemechanismsofmuscleandfatgrowthinbeefcattle,withaviewtousingthisinformationtodevelopaflexiblegradingsystem.“Albertahasthegeneticstocktoserveavarietyofmarketsbutweneedagradingandmarketingsystemdrivenbyconsumerpreferences.”
Dr. Laki Goonewardene780 492 0171 [email protected]
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rsValue-added in action WithhisjobasFeedResearchScientistatAlbertaAgricultureandRuralDevelopment,numerouscollaborationswithAFNSresearchersandcross-Canadalinkswithvariousresearchclusters,it’sdifficulttofollowexactlywhoDr.EduardoBeltranenaisworkingwithonanygivenday.“Collaborationisthebestwaytogetresearchdone.”Dr.Beltranena’sresearchisonthefeedingvalueofnovelgrains,oilseedsandpulses.Heisaleaderintheairclassificationoffieldpeaandfababeans(alow-valuecommodity)intohigh-valueproteinandstarchconcentrates.“Thisisagreatexampleofusingtechnologytoincreasethevalueofagriculturalcommodities.”
Dr. Eduardo Beltranena780 427 4567 [email protected]. Eduardo Beltranena
Dr. Laki Goonewardene
Dr. John Basarab
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ComparedtotheirmajorcompetitorsintheU.S.,Albertalivestockproducersarecurrentlyfacingacostgapthathasseriousfinancialconsequencesfortheiroperations,ruralAlberta,andtheAlbertaeconomy.“Albertacannolongercompeteinworldmarketsasalow-costcommoditysupplier,”saysAFNSProfessorDr.StephenMoore.“We
mustdevelopanewcompetitiveplatformbasedonnewqualityandfoodsafetyattributes.” EntertheAlbertaIngenuityCentreforLivestockGenomicsTechnology,whichwillbelaunchingwithitsofficialnameinspring2010.Dr.MooreisleadingthisinitiativetotransformtheAlbertalivestockindustryintoaleading-edgesupplierofmeatandlivestockproductsknownforquality,safetyandefficientproduction.“Mostimportantly,theindustrywillbeknownforitsabilitytorespondrapidlytochangingconsumerdemandsand
marketconditions,”addsDr.Moore. TheCentrewillapplygenomicsandrelatedtechnologies
tolivestockproduction.Theresearchteamwillworkonattributessuchasdiseaseresistance,increasedfeedefficiencyandincreasedreproductiveproductivitylinkedtosuperiorquality.Improvementsin
theperformanceofanyoralloftheseattributeswillhavesignificanteconomicimpactsatboththefarmandindustrylevels.
TheCentrewillserveasanintegratedhubofexcellencewithacriticalmassofresearchstrengththatprovides,throughanetworkofpartners,expertiseinallaspectsofgenomicsresearchandapplication.“We’redevelopinga‘one-stopshop’forCanada’slivestockindustrytoaccessandimplementgenomicstechnologythatiscustomizedtoitsuniquerequirements,”saysDr.Moore.“GenomiccapabilitywithinAlbertaandCanadaiscriticaltothelivestockindustry’slong-termsuccess.”
Dr. Stephen Moore780 492 -0169 [email protected]
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Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience
Strong foundationThe Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Livestock Genomics Technology is building on
the foundation of the Bovine Genomics Program at the University of Alberta,
which received funding from the former Alberta Agricultural Research Institute,
now part of Alberta Innovates – Bio Solutions, and the Alberta Livestock
Industry Development Fund, now integrated into the Alberta Livestock and
Meat Agency. The Centre is receiving additional funding of $3.75 million from
Alberta Innovates and the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency.
The Centre also has partnerships with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Olds College, University of
Guelph, University of Saskatchewan and the University of Calgary, as well as
more than 20 industry partners.
Dr. Stephen Moore
Livestock Genomics Research Team L to R: Leluo Guan (front), Carolyn Fitzsimmons (back), Zhiquan Wang, Paul Stothard, Changxi Li and Graham Plastow
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience 11
Expanding markets for oilseeds Thefutureforoilseedcropshasneverbeensobright.Themarketisgrowingforspecialtyoilswithenhancednutritionalprofilesforhealthsupplements,andlivestockandaquafeedadditivesaswellasoilsthatarefeedstocksforbio-productsincludingbiodiesel.Albertaispoisedtobecomeagloballeaderintheseareasandresearchwillbecriticaltothisachievement.Akeyplayeristhenew$2.5-millionCentreforPerformanceOilseedsandBioactiveOils(POBOCentre). TheCentreisledbyAFNSProfessorandTierICanadaResearchChairDr.RandallWeselake,whoisinternationallyknownforhisresearchinthemolecularbiologyofstoragelipidbiosynthesisinoilseeds.POBOteammembersareexpertscientistsinmolecularbiology,genetics,biochemistry,plantbreeding,nutrition,lipidanalysis,bioinformatics,oilprocessingandfunctionalitytesting. “We’rebuildingonthecollaborativenetworkoftheexistingBioactiveOilsProgramtocreateaworld-classinnovationCentreattheUniversityofAlberta,”saysDr.Weselake.“Ourfocusisinnovationaimedatincreasingcanolaseedoilcontent,creatingnewenhanceddesignerplantoilsanddevelopingasuiteofnext-generationoilseeddevelopmenttools,techniquesandtechnologies.” IndustrypartnersareanimportantpartofthePOBOCentre,notonlyprovidingfinancialresources,butalsodirectlyinvolvedinresearchdirectionandsubsequentcommercialization.Trainingopportunitiesforresearchassociates,post-doctoralfellows,studentsandresearchtechnicianswillbemanyandvaried.ThiswillleadtouniquelyqualifiedpersonnelwhopossessthebroadbaseofskillsandexperienceneededforcontinuedleadershipintherapidlygrowingbiotechnologyindustryinAlberta. FundingforthePOBOCentrecomesfromAlbertaInnovates–TechnologyFutures.Inaddition,fundingof$6.25millionhasbeensecuredfromtheCanadaFoundationforInnovationandProvinceofAlbertaforequipmentandrenovationstotheAgriculture/ForestryCentre.
Dr. Randall Weselake780 492 4401 [email protected]
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Oilseeds have huge economic impactThe seed, oil and meal from Canadian canola
and flax production account for over $3.5 billion
in exports, annually. In addition, the domestic
production and processing sectors employ more
than 60,000 Canadians and contribute more than
$13 billion annually to the national economy. This
impact is projected to increase to greater than $16
billion in the next decade, with increases of 50-
70% in canola oil production required within the
next 7 to 10 years to keep up with the projected
demand for this commodity.
POBO Centre Research Team L to R: Dr. Disa Brownfield-Walker, Dr. Fred Peng, Crystal Snyder, Dr. Sherry Lawson, Chris Kazala, Nancy Romanow-Cranston, Dr. Rodrigo Siloto and Dr. Ela Mietkiewska
Dr. Randall Weselake
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience12
AmassiveredevelopmentoftheKinsellaandSt.AlbertResearchStationsisunderway,thanksto$12millioninfundingfromtheAlbertagovernment.“Thisfundingcomesjustattherighttime,”saysAFNSChairDr.ErasmusOkine.“ThemoneywillgotowardreinvigoratingtheaginginfrastructureatKinsellaandestablishingnewinfrastructureatSt.Albert.” TheUniversityResearchRanchislocatedatKinsella,150kmsoutheastofEdmonton.Itwasestablishedin1960,thevisionofformerALESDeanDr.RoyBergwhosawtheneedforabeefcattlebreedingfacility.ButthefacilitiesattheRancharenowoutdated. “TheKinsellafacilitieshaveservedtheirtime,”notesDr.BarryIrving,manageroftheresearchstations.“There’sanewapproachtotheresearch,andtheinfrastructuremustkeeppace.The$3-millionbovinegenomicsprogramisfocussedonimprovingfeedefficiency,andthecattleforthatprogramwillallbeattheRanch.” Renovationandconstructionprojectsincludeupgradingoftheindividualfeedintakesystem,replacementofkeyanimalhandlingbuildings(completewithsmallpensforintensiveindividualanimalresearch),andupgradestoservicebuildingssuchasstudenthousingandthefeedmill.
TheRanchcovers12,000acresofrangeland;itsherdnumbersabout700beefcows.ResearchscientistsfromAgricultureandAgri-FoodCanadaarenowco-locatedattheRanch.“There’salotofvalueinafacilitylikeKinsella,andwe’reseeingmoreandmoreagenciesdevelopingpartnershipswithus,”notesIrving.“Goingforward,Kinsellaisbecomingmoreofapartnership-typeoperation.” UnlikeKinsella,theSt.AlbertResearchStationhasnoexistingfacilities.The800-acrefarmwasagifttotheUniversityfromtheBocockfamilyin2008.Newbuildingstobeconstructedincludeafieldresearchcentrecompletewithmeetingspace,machineshop,andequipmentstorage. TheSt.AlbertResearchStationwillbecomeaverybusyplaceforagronomicandenvironmentalresearchastheEllerslieResearchStationwindsdown.Tworesearchcropswereplantedin2008immediatelyafterthepropertywastransferredandseveralmorehavebeenaddedsince.Researchprojectsonbiofuels,rotationsincludingpulsecrops,andapplicationratesforbiosolidsareunderway.
Dr. Barry Irving780 492 6117 [email protected]
Renovations slated for research stations
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Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience 13
Dr. Art Bailey:
Redefining “mellow” Knownforhisstrongopinions,Dr.ArtBaileyclaimsthatretirementhasmellowedhim.MellowmightnotbethebestdescriptionforthisfeistyacademicwhodevelopedthescienceofrangelandecologyandmanagementattheUofA.Dr.Baileystillchampionshiscausesthroughanactiveconsultingcareer;oneofthemisresponsiblerangemanagement.Herecentlyco-authored“ManagementofCanadianPrairieRangelands.”Stillonhisto-dolist:writeahow-tobookaboutusingprescribedburningresponsibly.Andinkeepingwithhissomewhatrelaxedschedule:spendmoretimewithfamily,friendsandgolfclubs.
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Dr. Fred Wolfe:
Retirement is a misnomer WhenDr.FredWolfetookearlyretirementin1993andmovedtoArizona,hisplanwastotakeiteasy.ButbarelyayearpassedbeforetheAFNSProfessorEmeritusshowedupontheUniversityofArizona’sradar;hejoinedthefacultyandbeganteaching.Dr.Wolfealsobeganexperimentingwithonlinelearning,eventuallywinningaUSNationalScienceFoundationgranttomeasurelearningoutcomes.In1996,Dr.WolfebecameHeadoftheDepartmentofNutritionalSciences.Heretired–again!–in2006.Butdon’tlookforhimintheartsandcraftsroom.Heteachesnutritiononlineatacommunitycollegeandinstructswateraerobicsclasses.
Dr. Bob Christopherson:
Bringing the farm back home Sinceretiringin2004,Dr.BobChristophersonhastakenontheusualbusyscheduleofanemeritusprofessor.Buthehasalsotakentimetothinkmorebroadlyaboutagriculture,sparkedbyastayattheUniversityofHohenheimin2009.Whilethere,hevisitedanumberofspecializedfarmsthroughoutEurope.“Whatstruckmewasthatfarmersmarketedmanyproductsdirectly.InCanada,we’vealmostlostthataspectofagriculture.However,establishingmorelocallyprocessedspecialtyproductstofillnichemarketscouldprovidemoreopportunitiesforyoungpeopletoearnameaningfullivingfromagriculture,reducingdependenceonimportedfoodandlargemultinationalcompanies.”
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience14
For undergraduate program information, please contact the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental SciencesStudentServicesofficeat [email protected]
Eric Lawrence:
All in the family Withhisfather,twobrothersandasister-in-lawallveterinariansinAlberta,EricLawrencedidconsiderbuckingthefamilytraditionandnotbecomingavet.Butthenhethoughtaboutit.“MybrothersandIgrewupknowingthisisagreatprofession.Dadshoweduseverydayinthewayhetalkedabouthisworkandhowthecommunityregardedhim.We’veallbeeninspiredbyhim.”EricgraduatedfromtheFacultyofALESin2008andwasacceptedtotheWesternCollegeofVeterinaryMedicineattheUniversityofSaskatchewanin2009.“AdegreefromUofA,whichhashadalong-standingagricultureandresearchprogram,carriesconsiderableprestige,”hesays.Whilevetschoolisincrediblyhardwork,Ericisenjoyingthecoursesimmensely.Asforwhathewilldoaftergraduation,heisnotmakinganypredictions.“We’vehadgraduatescomeinandtellusaboutwhatthey’redoingnow.Therearesomanydifferentopportunitiesinveterinarymedicine,theworldismyoyster.I’meagertoseewherethisprofessiontakesme.”
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Leslie Howe:
Internship opens doors Eversincehighschool,LeslieHowe(B.Sc.NutritionandFoodScience,2010)knewshewantedtodosomethinginscience.“Nutritionseemedlikeafunandpracticalwaytoapplyscience,”shesays.LeslieisnowworkingtowardacareerasaRegisteredDietitian(RD)andtakingtheUniversityofAlbertaIntegratedDieteticInternship,whichisbasedinAFNS.InJuly2009,LesliecompletedherfirstprofessionalpracticecourseinPeaceRiver.“BecausePeaceRiverisasmallcommunity,Igottotrymyhandatmanydifferentthingsincludingpatientcounselling,acutecare,andcontinuingcare.Thepeopleinthetownweresowelcomingandinclusive.TheplacementturnedouttobeoneofthebestexperiencesI’veeverhad.” LesliesaystheInternshipisalsoagreatwaytorefinecareerplans.“AnRDcanworkinsomanyfields;it’sdifficulttoknowwhichwillsuityoubest.TheInternshipcanhelpsortthisout.”
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience 15
For graduate program information, please contactEmilySt.Pierre,Graduate Recruitment and Internship Advisor7804928641 [email protected]
Dr. Baljit Ghotra:
Dream job for food scientist
Dr.BaljitGhotraloveshisjobasaresearchscientistwithNationalStarchLLC,theleadingglobalsupplierofspecialtystarches.HeworksintheNaturalPolymerGroupatcompanyheadquartersinNewJersey.“Topscientistsfromallovertheworldworkhere.Thefacilitiesareexceptional.”Dr.GhotrasaysitwashisPhDdegreefromUofA–whichinvolvedinternationallyrecognizedoriginalresearch,developmentofnewtechnologyanditscommercialization–thatgothimaninterviewatNationalStarch.ForhisPhD,Dr.GhotraworkedwithAFNSProfessorsDrs.ThavaVasathanandFeralTemelli.Theydevelopedatechnologyforconcentratingcholesterol-loweringfibrefromoatsandbarley,andspunthisoffintoCevenaBioproducts.Evenbeforehegraduatedin2006,Dr.GhotrahadstartedworkingforCevena.“Tobeinvolvedinscience-baseddiscoveryanditscommercializationasastudentwasauniqueopportunity.I’llneverforgetmytimeatUofA.”
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Dr. Heather Mason:
Recent PhD focuses on applied research WhenHeatherMasonstartedherundergraduatestudiesatAFNS,shethoughthorticulturewouldbeherchosenfield.ButacoursewithAFNSProfessorDr.DeanSpanerchangedheroutlook.“Deanopenedmyeyestotheimportanceofagriculturebothathomeandinternationally.”ShewentontodoaPhDwithDr.Spaner,graduatingin2007.Dr.MasonisnowAssistantProfessorofCroppingSystemsatMontanaStateUniversity.SheworksatMSU’sNorthwesternAgriculturalResearchCenter,eastofKalispell,oneofsevensuchcentresacrossthestate.“Ourmandateistodoappliedresearchthatservestheneedsofourarea.Iaminvolvedinavarietyofprojects–includingstudiesonsoilfertilityandcroprotations–onmanydifferentcrops.It’sagreatjob.”
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience16
AFNSisfrontandcentreindevelopingnewlinksbetweentheUniversityofAlbertaandTianjinAgriculturalUniversityinChina.Tianjin,China’ssixthlargestcity,hasbecomeincreasinglyimportanttotheeconomyofthecountry. TheFacultyofAgricultural,Life&EnvironmentalSciencesandTianjinAgriculturalUniversityareexploringopportunitiesforcollaborationinresearchandgraduateandundergraduateeducation.Tocapitalizeonthepotential,AFNSProfessorDr.JerryLeonard,whoheadstheEdmontonWasteManagementCentreofExcellence,andPost-DoctoralFellowDr.ShouhaiYuvisitedTianjininOctober2009.TheyforgedcollaborativelinkswithbothTianjinAgriculturalUniversityandtheTianjinInstituteofAgriculturalResourcesandEnvironmentalScience. “CompostingofwasteisofparticularinterestintheTianjinarea,”explainsDr.Yu.“Wastegenerationisincreasing,andthereisnoeffectivewayinplacetodealwithit.Compostingcanminimizepollutionandthecompostcanbeusedtoimprovesoilcondition,whichiscrucialforsustainableagriculture.”
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AcompostingdemonstrationprojectisnowunderwayinTianjin,supportedbytheUniversityofAlberta’sChinaInstitute.“Projectslikethisarethefoundationforlong-termcollaboration,academicexchanges,andtherecruitmentofgraduateandundergraduatestudents,”saysDr.EllenMacdonald,AssociateDean(Research).
Dr. Jeremy [email protected]
Students get hands-on tour of Cuban agriculture InFebruary2010,17studentsaccompaniedbyAFNSProfessorDr.JaneKingandGloriaMartinfromtheNovaScotiaAgriculturalCollegetraveledtoCubatotakepartinauniqueAgro-EcologyTour.Thegroupvisitedfarms,parksandgardens,tostudyhowCubanagriculturehasbeentransformedsincethecollapseoftheSovietUnionandtheimpositionoftheU.S.tradeembargo. Oneofthehighlightsofthetripwasavisittoanexperimental“organoponico”orurbanfarminthecityofCeinfuegos.Thisfarmispartofalargerefforttoincreasefoodsustainabilitybyproducingfoodinorclosetothecities.Throughoutthetrip,studentspracticedcommunityserviceateachsite–helpingwithweeding,planting,potfilling,feedingtheanimalsandwhitewashingbuildings. Severalstudentsdescribedthetripasa“lifechanging”.CropSciencestudentRussellShuttleworthcommentedthat“ForthefirstcoupleofdaysIwaslookingatCubanagriculturefromaCanadianperspective.BydaythreeIwaslookingatCanadianagriculturefromaCubanperspective.”
Dr. Jane King780 492 4750 [email protected]
Composting expertise is basis for new international collaboration
L to R: Sophia Lin (Tianjin Agricultural Service Centre), Mr. Shen Xin (Vice Director of the Tianjin Rural Affairs Commission) and Dr. Jeremy Leonard
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience 17
Canadiansknowthattoomuchsaltisn’tgoodfortheirdiets,butmanyofusarenotdoingmuchaboutit.That’soneofthefindingsfromastudyledbyprincipalinvestigatorAFNSandCentreforHealthPromotionStudiesAssistantProfessorDr.AnnaFarmerandco-investigatorAFNSAssistantProfessorDr.DianaMager.TheresearchwasfundedbytheCanadianFoundationforDieteticResearchandtheBCMinistryofHealthyLivingandSport. Inasurveyof890peoplemeasuringknowledgeandbehavioursregardingsodiumintake,theresearchteamdiscoveredthatthemajorityofCanadiansbelievetheyconsumetoomuchsodiumandthatmostareawarethattoomuchsodiumcanleadtohealthproblems.Butonlyhalfareactuallydoingsomethingaboutit.“TheissueisimportantbecausemorethanonemillionCanadianscurrentlyhavehighbloodpressurecausedbyexcesssodiumintheirdiets,”explainsDr.Farmer.“Sinceoneofthemajorsourcesofsodiuminourdietisprocessedfoods,consumersshouldcomparethesodiumcontentoffoodsgiventhewidevariabilityamongbrands.” Thesurveyresultsalsohighlightaneedforbetterinformationaboutsodiumtargetedatyoungpeople.Thosebetweentheagesof18and24aretheleast
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likelytoreadfoodlabelsforsodiumcontent,and50percentofthemdidnotknowwhetherCanadianswereconsumingtoomuchsodium.“Thenutritionfactslabelisourbestsourceforsodiuminformation,butmostconsumersarenotusingitbecauseitisconfusingandtheyarenotsureofhowtousethelabelinformation,”addsDr.Farmer. Dr.Farmerplanstocontinuehersodiumresearchbystudyingtheimpactofthepublic’suseandunderstandingoffoodlabelsandhowthisinfluencesdecisionmakingaboutfoodchoicesthatcontributetohighersodiumintakeandsodiumintakeduringpregnancy.
Dr. Anna Farmer 780 492 2693 [email protected]
Dr. Diana Mager780 492 7687 [email protected]
Dr. Anna Farmer and Dr. Diana Mager
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience18
Outstanding Support for Research Activities(South Campus):Jennifer Patterson JenniferPatterson’sjobtitleisResearchCoordinatorfortheSwineReproductionandDevelopmentProgram,butDr.GeorgeFoxcroft,DirectoroftheSwineResearchandTechnologyCentre,callsherhis“right-handwoman.”JennifermanagesalloftheanimalworkattheCentre.Sheallocatesanimalstoresearchtrials,analyzesdata,trainsgradstudents,producestechnicalpublications,andmakespresentationstoindustry.Herexpertiseisindispensible.
Outstanding Support for Research Activities(North Campus):Victor Manolii Whenitcomestosolvingproblems,technicianVictorManoliiisthe“go-toguy”fortheplantpathologygroup.Outsidethelab,oneofVictor’sdutiesisanannualsurveyforclubrootdiseaseofcanola,whichrequireshimtovisithundredsoffieldsinruralAlberta.ThesesurveyshavemadeVictoraveryfamiliarfaceamongcountyagriculturalpersonnel,industryandgrowergroups,andfarmers.HeisagreatambassadorforAFNSandtheUniversityofAlberta.
Outstanding Support for Teaching:Susan GibsonAscoordinatorfortheteachingoffoodlabs,SusanGibsonisknownforbeingproactive.Asonenominatorwrote,“Ifeelthatnobodyeveractuallyasksfor
Susan’shelpdirectlybecausesheisintuitivelytheretograciouslylendahandevenbeforeyourealizeyouneedhelp.”Susanalsogoestheextramileforstudents,offeringpracticalsuggestionsonprojectsandensuringtheefficientdeliveryoflabmaterial.
Outstanding Support for Administration:Jody ForslundIfthere’sonepersongraduatestudentsrelyon,itisJodyForslund.Ascoordinatorofgraduateprograms,shedoeswhatevershecantohelpmaketheirexperienceinAFNSapositiveone.Sheensuresthatstudentsaretreatedfairlyandreceivetheguidancetheyneed.WithoutJody’shelpinfacilitatingtheroutinerequirementsofgraduateprograms,ourresearchprogramswouldnotbenearlyassuccessful.
Outstanding AFNS “booster”(champion of overall activities) Jean BourgoisAfter35yearsofsupportingteachingandresearchatAFNS,technologistJeanBourgoisisretiring.Hehasbeenakeysupportpersoninthedepartment.Withouthisexpertiseandeffort,thefoodengineeringcomponentoftheNUFSprogramcouldnothavebeenconducted.Overtheyears,undergraduateandgraduatestudents,techniciansandprofessorshaveturnedtoJeanforhelpwithawidevarietyofequipment.In2006,JeanwastransferredtoAFDPandhehasbeenpivotalingettingthefacilityupandrunning.Hewillbemissed!
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L to R: Victor Manolii, Jody Forslund, Dr. Feral Temelli, Susan Gibson, Jennifer Patterson and Jean Bourgois
The AFNS Outstanding Achievement Awards to our support staff
Depar tment o f Agr icu l tu ra l , Food and Nut r i t iona l Sc ience 19
Operating Budget $9,252,951DistributionofOperatingBudget58%Academic&TeachingSupport11%Administrative&ComputingSupport9% CentralLaboratories22%ResearchStations
Academic Staff68 Professors32 AdjunctProfessor47 PostdoctoralFellows29 ResearchAssociates13 VisitingScientists
391 Refereedpublications
543 Extensionpublications/presentations
Undergraduates enrolled in degree programsBScAgriculture(includesPre-VetMedicine) 244BScAgricultural/FoodBusinessManagement 35BScNutrition&FoodScience 578BScAnimalHealth 23Total 880
Graduate Student EnrolmentMasters 138Doctoral 105Visiting 7Total 250
76 Newgraduatestudentsstartedin2009/10
53 Graduatestudentsconvocatedin2009/10
Central Laboratories include• Agri-FoodMaterialsScienceUnit• AgriculturalGenomics&ProteomicsUnit• FoodSciencefacilities• Nutrition&Metabolismfacilities• HumanNutritionResearchfacilities• PlantGrowthfacilities
Off-campus Research Facilities include• EdmontonResearchStation ° Agri-FoodDiscoveryPlace °AlbertaPoultryResearchCentre °Crops&LandResourcesUnit °DairyResearch&TechnologyCentre °LandWMcElroyMetabolism&EnvironmentResearchUnit °SwineResearch&TechnologyCentre °EnclosedCompostingFacility °Feedmill• MinistikFieldStation• UniversityofAlbertaKinsellaResearchRanch• St.AlbertResearchStation
Research Funding $24,518,241
*Non-Profit, Research Endowment and other Government
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De pa rt m e n t of agr ic u lt u r a l , fo oD a n D nu t r i t ion a l Sc i e nc e20
Dr. Judd AikenPrion Disease
Dr. Linda CaseyPediatric Nutrition
Dr. Carolyn FitzsimmonsBeef Genomics
Dr. René JacobsHuman Nutrition
Dr. Leluo GuanFunctional Genomics & Microbiology
Biochemistry & Biotechnology
Swine Reproductive Physiology
Food/Bio Engineering Processing
Microbiology & Probiotics
Physiology of Forage Crops
Nutrition and Metabolism
Reproductive Physiology/Biotechnology
Lipids, Analytical Chemistry
Plant Protein Chemistry and Technology
Rangeland Ecology & ManagementFermentation & Bio/Food Engineering
Muscle Food Chemistry & Processing
Swine and Human Nutrition
Poultry Nutrition
Dr. Lorne BabiukVirology & Infectious Diseases
Dr. Miodrag (Mike) BelosevicComparative Immunology and Infectious Diseases
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Dr. Christian WillenborgField Crop Agronomy and Weed Science
Dr. Martin ZuidhofPoultry Science, Bioeconomic Modeling
Canola Breeding & Research
Dr. Vera MazurakNutrition & Metabolism
Dairy Processing Technology & Food Product Development
Bovine Genomics
Food Process Engineering
Plant Breeding/Organic Agriculture
Grain Science & Technology
Agricultural Lipid Biotechnology
Sensory & Consumer Science
Ingredient Evaluation & Carbohydrate Nutrition
Food Protein Chemistry
Dairy Nutrition and Physiology
Plant Physiology & Horticultural Science
Dr. Tom McFadden Dairy Science
Dr. Jerry LeonardBioresource Engineering
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