Research to go ktt

Research to Go- KTT

A summary of current research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Partnership

Table of Contents Bridging the gaps in Ontario agriculture, food, nutrition and health to create healthy aging strategies .... 3

Creating, Translating, and Transferring Knowledge for Rural Innovation: Assessing the Potential for a Rural Knowledge Network for Ontario ......................................................................................................... 6

Distance support for on-farm investigation of adult small ruminant mortalities ........................................ 9

Enhanced Variety Selection and Crop Management through Information Technology ............................ 11

Taking the pain out of disbudding in dairy calves for dairy producers ....................................................... 13

Development of smartphone apps for implementation of dairy health management research by producers and advisors (i-Ketone) .............................................................................................................. 15

3

Project Title Bridging the gaps in Ontario agriculture, food, nutrition and health to create healthy aging strategies

Submission number KTT2014-10058 Funding Program U of G - KTT Projects Theme(s) Food for Health Key words agriculture, agri-food, health, nutrition, aging, older adults, seniors,

knowledge translation, innovation Lead Applicant Alison Duncan Organization University of Guelph Start Date 01/09/2014 End Date 01/09/2017

Abstract

Agri-food for Healthy Aging (A-HA) is a collaborative, multidisciplinary research and knowledge translation group that works together to realize opportunities for Ontario's agri-food and health sectors to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults through the innovative use of food. There continues to be great opportunity to engage Ontario’s agri-food and health sectors, and aging consumers, to establish Ontario agri-foods as a “food-first” strategy to promote healthy aging. To realize this opportunity, A-HA aims to: (1) Share results of research in agri-food and nutrition, as they apply to healthy aging; (2) Increase collaborative research and knowledge translation opportunities that demonstrate linkages between agriculture, food, nutrition, and healthy aging, and; (3) Train highly qualified personnel. Project activities will include creation and dissemination of resources including a recipe booklet highlighting the health benefits of Ontario agri-foods for aging consumers, and a menu planning resource for long-term care/retirement homes to promote their use of Ontario agri-foods. An infographic will be developed to illustrate the connection between agriculture, food and healthy aging. Knowledge translation events, annual newsletters and the use of social media will support dissemination efforts and engagement with multiple stakeholders. Graduate and undergraduate students will be involved in all project activities including a course to build capacity in this innovative area of expertise. These efforts will collectively help stakeholders realize the connection between agriculture, nutrition and health and promote Ontario agri-foods as a “food-first” healthy aging strategy. Advancing knowledge in this area will contribute to thriving Ontario agriculture and food sectors.

Objectives

(1) Share research results in agri-food and nutrition, as they apply to healthy aging, by creating and disseminating Agri-food for Healthy Aging (A-HA) knowledge translation/mobilization resources. a. Create a recipe booklet for aging consumers highlighting health benefits of Ontario agri-foods. b. Create a menu planning resource for retirement/long-term care to promote the use of Ontario agri-foods. c. Create an infographic to illustrate the connection between agriculture, food and healthy aging. d. Develop/advance A-HA communications. (2) Increase collaborative research and knowledge translation opportunities that demonstrate linkages between agriculture, food, nutrition, and healthy aging, by planning and executing knowledge translation

4

events, and building or strengthening relationships with stakeholder groups. a. Plan and execute the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair’s Annual Health Professionals Day. b. Plan and execute a Nutrition & Aging Think Tank. c. Plan and execute a Nutrition & Aging Workshop. d. Plan and execute an “Agri-food for Healthy Aging” webinar series. e. Maintain and expand stakeholder connections at networking events. (3) Train highly qualified personnel. a. Engage UofGuelph HHNS-SPARK course students to write journalistic articles related to agri-food and healthy aging. b. Engage students throughout all activities. c. Follow-up on past students to evaluate their HQP training in knowledge translation.

Benefits

The resources developed as a result of this project will promote the use of Ontario agri-foods as a healthy aging strategy. By engaging end-users in resource development, the products will be tailored to their specific needs and increase the likelihood of their use in practice. The recipe booklet will provide aging consumers and health professionals with strategies to incorporate Ontario agri-foods into daily life, and promote how these foods can contribute to healthy aging. Better health for aging Ontarians will help to mitigate the current and projected stresses on the health care system. The menu planning resource will provide retirement and long-term care homes with feasible strategies to promote the use of Ontario agri-foods, resulting in greater demand. Increasing demand for these foods will provide opportunities for Ontario’s agri-food sectors to market to older Ontarians in both community and congregate settings. The Annual Health Professionals Day at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has become a relied-upon resource for up-to-date, evidence-based information relating to food for healthy aging for both health and agri-food stakeholders. These muli-stakeholder networking events will build new connections and foster partnerships with a broader audience, strengthening the relationship between Ontario’s health and agri-food sectors. The Think Tank will bring together international leaders in nutrition and aging to catalyze innovative research efforts in this much needed area. The Nutrition & Aging workshop will provide an opportunity for researchers and health professionals, primarily Registered Dietitians, to discuss feasible strategies to improve nutrition for older adults and promote research partnerships that engage practitioners. By planning and executing knowledge translation and networking events, the A-HA program will gain greater exposure, and the linkages between agriculture, food, nutrition and healthy aging will be reinforced. Ontario’s health sector will realize Ontario agri-foods as a viable “food-first” healthy aging strategy, and Ontario’s agri-food sector will realize growing opportunities to market Ontario agri-foods to the aging consumer.

5

By training HQP, the A-HA program will be able to build capacity in an innovative area of expertise. These students will have the opportunity to not only participate in research but also learn about the importance of KTT and effective KTT strategies to reach diverse audiences. These students will then go on to establish careers in the agri-food and health sectors with a focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the aging population through the innovative use of food. These efforts will collectively help stakeholders realize the connection between agriculture, nutrition and health and promote Ontario agri-foods as a “food-first” healthy aging strategy. Advancing knowledge in this area will alleviate projected stresses on the health care system by promoting better health and contribute to thriving agriculture and food sectors in Ontario.

Co-Funder List

• Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) • Dietitians of Canada

Team Members

1. Hilary Dunn Non-UofG Collaborator

2. Dr. Lisa Duizer University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

3. Dr. Heather Keller University of Waterloo Non-UofG Faculty/Research Scientist

4. Prof. Ken Stark University of Waterloo Non-UofG Faculty/Research Scientist

Research-to-Go Return to Index Summary of current research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Partnership

6

For more information, please visit uoguelph.ca/ktt

Project Title Creating, Translating, and Transferring Knowledge for Rural Innovation: Assessing the Potential for a Rural Knowledge Network for Ontario

Submission number KTT2014-10071 Funding Program U of G - KTT Projects Theme(s) Agricultural and Rural Policy Key words knowledge network, knowledge translation, knowledge transfer Lead Applicant Allan Lauzon Organization University of Guelph Start Date 01/07/2014 End Date 30/06/2016

Abstract

The vibrancy of rural Ontario is contingent upon creation of new knowledge, its transfer, and its application. Central to the creation, transfer and application of new knowledge are relationships among stakeholders. These relationships among stakeholders can be best understood as a knowledge network. Simply stated, a knowledge network is a series of nodes (people, groups, communities, organizations) that are connected through social relationships which facilitate the flow of information and knowledge. The nature of the knowledge transferred and its application will be dependent upon the social relationships and levels of trust established. However, little empirical research exists that examines knowledge networks in the context of rural development. This proposed research intends to examine the potential for developing a knowledge network that would serve the stakeholders of rural Ontario. It begins by conducting a comprehensive review of the existing literature on knowledge networks, focusing on structure, function, implementation and outcomes/impacts. This is followed by a reporting on a jurisdictional scan of rural knowledge networks in developed economies that is focused on outcomes and impacts of rural knowledge networks. Twelve to fifteen key informant interviews will then be undertaken to identify the challenges and enablers of establishing and implementing rural knowledge networks that speaks specifically to the Canadian context. The fourth and fifth element will be to engage rural Ontario stakeholders to determine the structure, function and process for implementing a rural knowledge network in the province of Ontario. Recommendations will be made to develop a rural knowledge network in Ontario.

Objectives

1. To conduct a comprehensive review of pertinent literature related to knowledge networks. Specifically we will review structure, function, implementation and outcomes/impacts (10%). 2. To conduct a jurisdictional scan of rural knowledge networks in developed economies.Specifically we will be focused on outcomes and impacts (10%). 3. To interview 12-15 key informants from across the country who have been involved in rural knowledge networks to identify specific barrier and enablers encountered in establishing their networks (20%). 4. In light of objectives 1-3, conduct 10 focus groups across the province to determine the desirability,

7

structure and function of a knowledge network for rural Ontario (30%). 5. Building on objective 4, develop a survey to be delivered to a broader based population of stakeholders (20%). 6. Based upon objectives 1-5, develop an action plan to develop and implement a Ontario rural knowledge network (10%).

Benefits

The successful outcome of this KTT research project will be the development and implementation of the Ontario Rural Knowledge Network. The benefits of such a network are: • Increased interactions between rural stakeholders, policy professionals and researchers will lead to enhanced sharing of innovative ideas and best practices, as well as, informed policy development and implementation that is more responsive to stakeholder needs. • Increased interaction among stakeholders and researchers leads to the development of trusting relationships, the foundation of knowledge networks. • The development of a rural knowledge network will lead to researchers working in collaboration with stakeholders to identify stakeholder research needs that will lead to research that generates pertinent stakeholder research questions and useful knowledge. • The establishment of social relationships of rural stakeholders with rural researchers leads to greater absorption and application of useful knowledge by stakeholders. • Increased interactions between rural stakeholders and rural researchers’ leads to a reduction in transaction costs of knowledge translation and transfer. • While “weak ties” are important for translating and transferring codified/simple knowledge, strong ties are required to translate and transfer complex and tacit knowledge. As relationships through the network develop and become more trusting, the network’s capacity for translating and transferring more complex knowledge will be increased, having a greater impact on stakeholders. • The fluidity of the rural knowledge networks allows for quick responses to changing social, economic and environmental conditions. The impact of establishing and implementing of the Ontario rural Knowledge Network would potentially lead to: • Improved economic performance of rural firms and organizations. • Improved quality of life in rural communities and for rural people. • Increased social interaction among rural stakeholders leads to increased opportunities for collaborative activity among rural stakeholders. • Rural knowledge networks have been demonstrated to facilitate regional development.

8

Co-Funder List

Team Members

1. Norm Ragetlie Non-UofG Collaborator

2. Mr. James Whaley Collaborators Non-UofG Collaborator

3. Ms. karla uliana OMAFRA OMAF and MRA Staff


9


Project Title Distance support for on-farm investigation of adult small ruminant mortalities

Submission number KTT2014-10082 Funding Program U of G - KTT Projects Theme(s) Production Systems Animals Key words animal production systems, animal health, expansion of knowledge base and

best practices related to on-farm investigation of adult sheep and goat mortalities, infectious, nutritional and metabolic diseases in small

Lead Applicant Maria Spinato Organization University of Guelph Start Date 01/09/2014 End Date 31/08/2017

Abstract

To facilitate the translation and transfer of knowledge, a distance-support system will be developed to assist the small ruminant industries and their veterinarians in performing improved post-mortem investigation of causes of adult sheep and goat mortality. Unlike other livestock sectors, small ruminants dying on-farm are not removed by dead-stock companies and are rarely necropsied due to low individual animal worth. This increases the difficulty of determining the important causes of adult mortality - a significant impediment to the improvement of the health of those industries, as well as the relationship between producers and their veterinarians. Veterinary practitioners will be solicited to perform up to 100 on-farm postmortems of adult (older than 12 months) sheep and goats. Kits for sample procurement will be provided by the project and samples will be transported from the veterinary clinic to the AHL-Guelph. To facilitate the flow of information, on-line instructions, as well as forms for entry of information and upload of digital photographs will be provided to veterinarians – both for computers and smart phones or tablets. Samples will be submitted not only to test the diagnostic hypotheses relevant to the case but also to survey important production-limiting and zoonotic diseases. It is expected that this distance-support system will result in an improved rate of diagnosis, and improved knowledge transfer between veterinarians and producers with respect to the health management cycle. The process and outcomes will be evaluated using qualitative evaluation methods including focus group discussions with stakeholder groups.

Objectives

1. To increase and improve the level of surveillance (detection and monitoring) of infectious, emerging, zoonotic and other production-limiting diseases of adult sheep and goats on Ontario sheep and goat farms. 2. To develop and evaluate a distance-support system of transfer of information regarding on-farm mortalities that improves: (i) the accuracy and detail of the information received at the AHL-Guelph, and allows for improved rate and accuracy of diagnose provided to veterinarians, and (ii) improved knowledge transfer between veterinarians and producers.

10

3. To provide producers and their veterinarians with information regarding the presence of specific disease(s) on their particular farm, so that they can create sound flock/herd health and biosecurity plans.

Benefits

Through the distance-support system to be developed by this project, Ontario veterinarians servicing the small ruminant sectors will have an improved ability to perform accurate on-farm postmortems of adult mortalities. Sheep and goat producers will benefit from improved knowledge exchange between themselves and their veterinarians in terms of the diagnostic data generated, and will gain knowledge of the diseases that are occurring on their farms. Diagnosis in an individual animal may help to prevent or control the further spread of disease in the flock/herd by providing information to the health management cycle: veterinarians will discuss with clients the necessary changes in management and/or additions of health management procedures designed to control diseases of concern. The project will facilitate an increased presence of veterinarians on sheep and goat farms in Ontario. Veterinarians will visit farms more frequently and help develop farm-specific disease management and control programs. Recognition of the presence of potentially zoonotic diseases (e.g. coxiellosis, paratuberculosis, listeriosis) will allow the veterinarian to provide proactive advice on protecting families from the risk of those diseases. This project in both the short and long-term will facilitate improved monitoring of diseases under the Animal Health Act. It will do this through increased small ruminant sample submissions to the AHL and improved quality of these submissions. Through better understanding of which diseases are more commonly occurring on sheep and goat farms, AHL will be able to develop testing panels specific to these industries. For example, based on the species submitted and the history provided, a standardized set of tests would be performed, similar to the results of the Small Ruminant Abortion Project (1). This project will help to streamline testing, thus saving the veterinarian and producer both time and money. Surveillance information will be disseminated to producers and veterinarians via extension meetings and publications which will inform veterinarians on what diseases to target in their investigations of adult mortality. Finally, this project and its outcomes will facilitate the building of networks that will provide value the entire length of the animal health chain: producers, veterinarians, livestock industries, diagnostic laboratory, government.

Co-Funder List

Team Members

1. Dr Paula Menzies University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

2. Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

3. Jocelyn Jansen OMAFRA OMAF and MRA Staff


11


Project Title Enhanced Variety Selection and Crop Management through Information Technology

Submission number KTT2014-10094 Funding Program U of G - KTT Projects Theme(s) Production Systems Plants Key words Variety Selection, Corp Management, Decision Support System, Data

Management, Mobile App, Data Visualization, Analytics Lead Applicant Rozita Dara Organization University of Guelph Start Date 18/08/2014 End Date 29/11/2016

Abstract

Variety selection is one of the most critical decisions that influence farmers’ profitability. Statistics suggest in the public corn performance trials, for example, there is a 30% difference in yield between the top and bottom hybrids. Providing easy access to such information will enable farmers to make better decisions at the right time. A huge number of data sources exist in the marketplace. There are the publicly funded performance trials and then each variety/hybrid manufacturer will publish their own trials on their websites. It would be a tremendous advantage for a farmer wanting to compare all data on particular varieties/hybrids so that they can select the best for their farm. However, given the current situation (i.e. distributed crop data that are in different formats), there is no easy way for growers to find out basic information about a variety/hybrid that is needed to make agronomic decisions. Our goal, in this project, is to provide farmers with: 1. a data management system that can collect, format and store data from different sources and 2. mobile and web-based applications to get access, in a user friendly manner, to aggregated crop data, data models & visualization, and recommendations in real-time. A team of highly skilled professionals from the School of Computer Science and OMAF/MRA will work together to develop and make this tool available to the farmers, University of Guelph researchers, and industry partners.

Objectives

The principal objective of this project is to design and develop mobile and web-based applications in order to enhance crop variety selection activities (real-time data accessibility, data analytics, and decision making). More specific objectives are to: • identify and examine various crop management and performance data sources and data format. • collect data in a centralized format (i.e. build a data warehouse) to ensure access to historical data for future forecasting and management. • produce a highly flexible system design for the data management to: 1. enable optimal operation and future expandability and 2. ensure maintenance and support after deployment (i.e. during production

12

phase). • develop a data management tool for data processing, data modeling, and data visualization on mobile and web environment. Mobile apps will be developed for iOS and Android platforms. • generate charts, tables, and recommendations to help growers evaluate the various combinations of defensive traits, herbicide traits, and maturities. • assess the current sources of new knowledge and practices for variety selection. • perform usability testing and beta testing in order to ensure user friendliness of the mobile and web application. • engage stakeholders at every stage of the design, development, and deployment of these applications.

Benefits

1. Construction of the crop management and variety selection applications on Android and iOS platforms as well as the web environment. These applications could easily be made available to the farmers in Ontario and Canada. 2. Application usage: the interest in such apps has been identified by OMAF/MRA practitioners, the University of Guelph researchers, as well as the farmers. 3. Enhanced crop data collection, access, processing, and utilization: This new tool will 1. enhance crop data collection, 2. provide centralized data access to high quality historical data, 3. enable automated and consistent data processing which in-turn will enhance quality of data models and decision making, and 4. enable real-time access to crop data, analytics, and recommendations. 4. Enhanced treatment and decision making: availability of these applications will encourage discussion and sharing of experience and knowledge among farmers, industry practitioners, and researchers. This will result in evaluating the value of other data attributes, new evaluation/comparative variety selection models, and enhanced monitoring and decision making.

Co-Funder List

• Univyersity of Guelph

Team Members

1. Mr. Mike Cowbrough University of Guelph OMAFRA Staff

2. Dr. Greg Stewart OMAFRA OMAFRA Staff

3. Mr. Horst Bohner OMAFRA OMAFRA Staff

4. Mr. Peter Johnson OMAFRA OMAFRA Staff


13


Project Title Taking the pain out of disbudding in dairy calves for dairy producers

Submission number KTT2014-10088 Funding Program U of G - KTT Projects Theme(s) Production Systems Animals Key words disbudding pain dairy calves education training video Lead Applicant Todd Duffield Organization University of Guelph Start Date 30/06/2014 End Date 30/05/2017

Abstract

The current Canadian code of practice for the care and handling of farm animals for dairy (2009) specifies that calves must receive pain control when disbudding or dehorning. It further suggests that the best management practices for this procedure indludes disbudding calves less than three weeks of age using a combination of sedatives, local anesthetics, and analgesics. Currently, the majority of dairy calves in Ontario are disbudded with the hot iron method at approximately 8 to 12 weeks of age and less than 10% of producers utilize caustic paste. In addition, less than 35% of producers utilize a lidocaine cornual nerve block. One of the barriers to minimizing pain at disbudding is the technical skill and time required to conduct the procedure with limited pain. A practical solution is needed for elimination of the horn bud. The overall objective of this research is develop practical guidelines for producers to miminize pain at disbudding. We would recommend to producers today, based on current research, to disbud dairy heifers with a small butane hot iron device after calves received a cornual nerve block, and to consider additional pain relief with an injection of a nonsteroidal anti-inlfammatory drug (NSAID). The problem with this method is that few producers can administer a proper cornual nerve block. Although, it is not difficult, in order to be effective, it is a technical skill that requires training and supervision from an experienced veterinarian or veterinary technician.

Objectives

1. To conduct a randomized survey of the Ontario dairy producers and veterinarians on their dehorning/disbudding practices, including who conducts the procedure, whether lidocaine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's). This will be a follow-up on a similar survey conducted in 2004 (published in 2007) and will be used to assess progress considering the work and awareness of proper disbudding practices that have been promoted over the past several years. This is also timely in light of the recent new Canadian dairy code of practice. 2. To develop and write appropriate disbudding protocols for selected and common methods of disbudding (based on research and code of practice). 3. To update the OMAF-MRA factsheet on dehorning dairy calves 4. To prepare a multimedia interactive training module on disbudding dairy calves. This will be web-based

14

and include video documenting proper technique. 5. To prepare a hands-on workshop for disbudding calves. 6. To randomly assign willing producers within selected veterinary clinics to the three modes of training (factsheet, multi-media, and workshop). 7. To contrast and compare success of the three modes of training via a pre and post survey. 8. To probe strengths and weaknesses of the three methods in a focus group follow-up.

Benefits

Ontario is the second largest province for dairy in Canada and dairy is the largest agricultural sector in Ontario (based on market receipts). The survey will provide the entire industry with the state of disbudding practices in Ontario and give the industry a measure of where we need to go to be compliant with the Canadian code of practice. This information is particularly important given the wealth of research on disbudding that has been conducted in the past 10 years (much of which has been conducted at the University of Guelph). The development of the training modules for disbudding in themselves will be a useful outcome for Ontario, as these will be able to be utilized by both producers and veterinarians. The testing of the three training modalities will be useful to identify strengths, weaknesses and suitability of each method for various profiles of dairy producers. Further, the modules can be refined and strengthened following feedback from the post-survey and the focus groups. Demonstration of improved uptake and ultimately better disbudding practices by producers through the online module or the workshop method will demonstrate a means of improving Ontario producers approach to disbudding practices. Ultimately, this project will improve the welfare of dairy calves in Ontario.

Co-Funder List

• Boerhinger-Ingelheim • Mitacs Elevate

Team Members

1. KERRY LISSEMORE University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

2. Dr. Derek Haley University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

3. Nathalie Newby University of Guelph UofG Post Doc Fellow

4. Dr. TBD Unknown University of Guelph UofG Graduate Student

5. Dr. Ann Godkin Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs OMAF and MRA Staff


15


Project Title Development of smartphone apps for implementation of dairy health management research by producers and advisors (i-Ketone)

Submission number KTT2014-10084 Funding Program U of G - KTT Projects Theme(s) Production Systems Animals Key words Ketosis monitoring treatment dairy app Lead Applicant Todd Duffield Organization University of Guelph Start Date 02/06/2014 End Date 30/05/2016

Abstract

Although much research has been conducted in the past 15 years on the risk factors for, prevention of, diagnosis/monitoring for, and treatment of ketosis the average incidence in Ontario is well over 40%. While some of this persistence of the problem might be related to the challenges of managing a continued increased milk yield, lack of adoption of research may be a contributing factor. Researchers do an excellent job of extending their research through traditional media (presentations at meetings, producer articles, newsletters, etc), there may be still a lack of taking the knowledge from the presentation or the article into actual practice on farm. The idea behind this proposal is to build much of the research knowledge our team and others have generated in the past into a handheld or tablet application. The pull for the use of this technology will be for managing data from ketosis monitoring programs. The application will include treatment recommendations based on research for ketosis positive cows and flags for rising herd incidence, including suggestions for areas of management to investigate. The app will also include a hotlink to our dairy team website for further resources and information. This KTT project supports OMAF priorities for Production Systems Animals - dairy cow health. After the product has been beta-tested in the field, it will be launched for both i-Phones and Androids. Evaluation of success will be conducted with a launch and follow-up survey and a focus-group assessment of the app after approximately six months of use.

Objectives

1. To develop a novel application for smartphones to capture on-farm ketosis monitoring data. The app will be designed to work on android phones and i-phone/i-pads. The app will allow collection of data for the three most common testing modalities (urine, milk, and blood ketones). Effort: 30%, KTT funding: 30%. • App will support data collection through: app interface, sensors, and other existing data sources.

16

• Treatment assignment and reminders from inputted ketosis results. • Changes in herd incidence flags user to investigate herd management and nutrition changes. 2. To develop a data warehouse to securely store data. The warehouse can store data in distributed or centralized format. This warehouse will have the capability to collect and store data from different app users and other data sources (i.e. dairy farms and veterinary practices). (effort: 20%; KTT funding: 20%) 3. To assess current knowledge of ketosis research, health data tracking, and work-related smartphone app use by dairy farmers through use of a baseline survey at launch of the app. (effort:25%; KTT funding: 25%). 4. To assess utility of the app and the change in adoption of research knowledge via the app and its connectivity to web-based resources. (Effort:25%,KTT funding:25%)

Benefits

1. Utility of a new KTT Tool. Many research findings are presented in traditional ways via the agricultural press or at producer and professional meetings. Researchers (including our team members) are sometimes guilty of presenting findings but not providing means or tools to actually utilize the results on farm. This project can be seen as an innovative way to get the research directly into the hands of the user. For example, three common ketone tests are used on farm but all have different recommended thresholds for defining ketosis. These will be built directly in to the app for the user. Treatment recommendations depend on the level of ketone generated by the test - these will also be directly linked to the app. We will have in depth resources posted on the website for users to read about the source of the information. The successful uptake of this app will lead to other apps being developed and utilized - For example a uterine health monitoring app, a mastitis management app for Staphylococcus aureus, etc. 2. Another important outcome will be treatment recording and treatment compliance. Writing treatments down in the office sometimes can get missed. Having treatment reminders built into the phone via the app should help improve compliance. 3. Improved data recording and monitoring over time. Another flaw in our current monitoring systems like that for ketosis monitoring is that often there is no memory of the data - we only evaluate current data. This is unlike DHI testing where one can go back and look at previous performance. Ketosis monitoring data can easily be captured and stored with this app. This will increase the likelihood of effective monitoring and detection of herd changes in incidence over time. This is important because it should help prevent major losses happening as a result of prolonged undetected increases in ketosis incidence.

Co-Funder List

• DeLaval Canada Inc • Mitacs Elevate

17

Team Members

1. Dr. Stephen LeBlanc University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

2. Dr. Rozita Dara University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

3. Dr. Tom Wright Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs OMAFRA Staff

18

For more information on these projects (including results) and many more please

visit:

www.uoguelph.ca/ktt/searchprojects

and

www.uoguelph.ca/ktt

http://www.uoguelph.ca/ktt/searchprojects

http://www.uoguelph.ca/ktt

Documents

Research to go ktt