28 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | October 2024 ronment, including the food chain, ultimately threatening public health. Strategies for mitigating AMR in livestock production The primary measure to reduce the risk of spreading AMR in the livestock sector is to limit antibiotic use strictly to treating animals with infectious diseases, minimizing the selective pressure from residual antibiotics. This can be done through implementation of biosecurity measures, improving hygiene, and ensuring proper nutrition for animals to reduce the occurrence of infectious disease and the need for antimicrobial therapy. However, to further mitigate the spread of AMR from livestock manure to the environment, several strategies can be implemented: Anaerobic Digestion (AD) One of the most effective methods for reducing the microbial load and AMR footprint of livestock manure. This technology is gaining popularity in Canada due to its numerous benefits. AD produces energy-rich biogas, primarily methane, which can be reused on the farm. Additionally, the process reduces odours and the microbial load of manure while concentrating valuable nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Typically, the process occurs in a sealed tank called a digester, where organic material is broken down over several weeks. Composting Piling manure in rows or heaps and regularly turning it to maintain aeration can help reduce both the AMR and microbial load of the manure. The heat generated during the composting process can kill majority of pathogens, resulting in stable and nutrient-rich compost that can be used as soil fertilizer. Manure Storage The most common manure management strategy is to store manure in lagoons or tanks between crop seasons before using it as a soil amendment. This strategy is inexpensive, straightforward, and does not require complex equipment. However, it is generally less effective in reducing the pathogen load and AMR footprint when compared to other methods. Current research at the University of Manitoba Our team at the University of Manitoba, including Drs. Nazim Cicek (Dept. Biosystems Engineering) and Hooman Derakhshani (Dept. Animal Science), together with graduate students (Nahidur Rahman and Taylor McCullough) and postdoctoral fellows (Daniel Orozco) are conducting multidisciplinary research to advance the understanding of the development and flow of AMR within livestock production systems. The research will also aim to optimize manure management strategies, including anaerobic digestion parameters, to ensure effective mitigation of AMR and pathogens in livestock manure. Current projects in our laboratories include: Utilizing cutting-edge molecular techniques and genomic pipelines to develop reference databases of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in swine and cattle. This will enable effective surveillance of the flow of AMR from animals to farms and the broader environment. Exploring novel microbial therapeutics, including probiotics and microbial natural products, as sustainable alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. Collaborating with industry partners, such as Maple Leaf Foods, to optimize anaerobic digestion systems for maximizing biofuel production while minimizing the risk of disseminating AMR and pathogens. BP GOLDEN LAMPSHADE 110V OR 220V INJECT HDN D3 IDEAL DETECTABLE NEEDLESS CIMA SCALE FOR PIG IN MOUVEMENT MAXX TRACTOR FOR DEAD ANIMAL AND MORE 110V or 220V NEW!! NEW!! NEW!! KONK 550ML BEST ONE SWINE RESEARCH HOOMAN DERAKSHANI Hooman Derakshani, PhD, is an assistant professor of applied animal microbiology in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Manitoba.
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