PAST PROJECTS

PROJECT # AMI 042 - OSMA Sheep Benchmarking Project

Applicant: Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency

Timeline: September 2011 – January 2013

Objective: A second grant was approved to continue the data collection for a third year.  OSMA will also be producing an economics workbook for annual lambing (an accelerated lambing workbook was previously produced).

Report: Coming Soon

PROJECT # CAAP 0168 - Increasing Producer Awareness of Production Limiting Diseases and Parasites Project

Applicant: Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency

Timeline: July 2011 – December 2012

Objective: Identify an affordable and accurate diagnostic test for Maedi Visna. Increase producer awareness of production limiting diseases and parasites. Provide knowledge and tools for producers to manage these diseases and parasites more effectively.

Report: Coming Soon

Maedi Visna: A Chronic Wasting Disease


Drug Resistance in Parasites of Sheep in Ontario


PROJECT # R10-1 – Determine the Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii (Q Fever) Infection in Sheep Flocks and Goat Herds in Ontario and their Farm Workers.

Applicant:  Paula Menzies, Ontario Veterinary College
Timeline:  May 2010 – May 2012

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection in Ontario sheep flock and goat herds and also the farm workers. A second objective is to examine specific risk factors and outcomes of animal health and productivity. 

Report: Coming Soon

Q Fever Outbreaks Expensive Hits for Sheep Farms


PROJECT # FIP 1148 - Induction of Cervical Dilation for Transcervical Artificial Insemination (TCAI) in Ewes

Applicant: Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency

Timeline: May 2011 – April 2012

Objective: Determining ensuing lambing rates resulting from an AI protocol (Guelph system) using Cervidil to dilate the cervix of sexually mature Rideau-Arcott and Crossbred ewes (Rideau Arcott x Polled Dorset crosses)

Report: Coming Soon

PROJECT # FIP 1147 - The Performance, Economics and Carcass Quality of Feeding Corn Silage and Other Low Cost Feedstuffs (including industrial by-products) in Finishing Lamb Diets

Applicant: Paul Luimes, Ridgetown College

Timeline: April 2011 – March 2012

Objective: To assess how alternative feed sources such as DDGS (Dried Distillers’ Grains with Solubles) can best be profitably incorporated into lamb finishing diets. Also to evaluate what impact such feeds have on the cost of production and on carcass quality.

Report:

Dried Distillers’ Grains with Solubles (DDGS) is a Viable Option for Feeding Lambs 

The process of making dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) 



PROJECT # FIP 1146 - Effects of Gender, Season of the Year, and Management Regimen on Determining Saleable Meat Yield in Lamb Carcasses Using Ultrasound and Electronic Probe Technologies

Applicant: Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency

Timeline: March 2011 – March 2012

Objective: To determine the accuracy of an electronic probe to determine saleable meat yield in Ontario lamb. Also to examine how the variation in management factors for lamb production impacts saleable meat yield. Develop prediction equations for saleable meat yield when the probe is used on commercial lambs of unknown origin.

Report: Coming Soon


PROJECT # OMIF 9166 - Ontario Lamb Promotion

Applicant: Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency

Timeline: December 2010 – March 2012

Objective: Establish and maintain effective communication between OSMA and current and future producers. Project a positive, responsible image of the Ontario sheep industry. Raise awareness with consumers and students regarding Ontario lamb production and products.

Report:

OSMA now has several new brochures as well as a new producer booklet.  Displays were made for events such as the Outdoor Farm Show and Royal Winter Fair. District displays were also sent out to every district (ask your district secretary to borrow a consumer, producer or kids display for an event). Feed mills and sales barns received displays. For more information on these resources contact the OSMA Office. 

OMIF Funding Helps OSMA Promote Lamb

Your District Displays Have Arrived!


PROJECT – Overwintering of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Ontario Sheep Production Systems

Applicant:  Andrew Peregrine, University of Guelph
Timeline:  January 2009 – January 2012

Objective: Determine factors that affect parasite over-wintering and periparturient egg rise in ewes. Also to determine if strategic timing of anthelmintic treatment reduces periparturient egg rise in ewes.  

Report:

Drug Resistance in Parasites of Sheep in Ontario

Parasite Control in Sheep - Now is the Time!


PROJECT # R10-2 – Evaluation of lamb finishing performance when fed increasing levels of corn silage

Applicant:  Dr. Paul Luimes, Ridgetown College  
Timeline:  January 2011 – April 2011

Objective: To access how alternative feed sources can best be profitably incorporated into lamb finishing diets. What impact such feeds have on the cost of production and on carcass quality must be evaluated before shepherds can use these products with confidence in their regular operation.

Report:

Can Corn Silage be Part of a Profitable Feeder Lamb Nutrition Management Program?


PROJECT # ADV 899 - Sheep Performance Benchmarking Study Phase II

Applicant:  Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency
Timeline:  End Date – July 2011

Measurements to Manage By


PROJECT - Biosecurity Gap Analysis

Applicant:  eBiz, Ian Richardson
Timeline:  2009 – December 2010

AI & ET Feasibility Study – Mallot Creek, 2008 - 2009