Farms.com Home   News

Healthy Animals, Healthy Humans

Dr. Hooman Derakhshani, Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, is exploring the natural gut microbiome, aiming to create the next generation of probiotics for livestock.

He has been awarded a Canada Foundation for Innovation, John Evans Leadership Fund grant to investigate the potential of natural gut compounds to replace the conventional antibiotics given to livestock. This research plays a crucial role in addressing growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and drug resistance pathogens in livestock.

Foodborne illness and antibiotic resistance

Foodborne illnesses caused by E. coli, Salmonella and other intestinal pathogens often lead to product recalls and serious health concerns for consumers. These pathogens are also common causes of intestinal infections in farm animals, resulting in diseases that can decrease farm productivity and profit. To control harmful bacteria, the livestock industry uses common antibiotics and antimicrobials to help keep their livestock healthy. However, researchers and producers are increasingly concerned because more animals, like humans, are growing resistant to these treatments, raising concerns for animal and human health.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

‘This is going to be a disaster’: How tariffs will impact Canada’s pig farmers

Video: ‘This is going to be a disaster’: How tariffs will impact Canada’s pig farmers

Manitoba is Canada’s largest pig producing and exporting province, accounting for 30 per cent nationally. Alex Karpa on what tariffs mean for the industry.