Browsing by Author "Lhermie, Guillaume"
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- ItemEmbargoModeling of Antimicrobial-Resistant Enterococci Exposure Risks in Canadian Beef Cattle Production System Using Existing Data(2024-04-17) Strong, Kayla; Checkley, Sylvia L.; Checkley, Sylvia L.; Kastelic, John Patrick; Otto, Simon James G.; Reid-Smith, Richard; Waldner, Cheryl Lynne; Lhermie, Guillaume; Noyes, NoelleAntimicrobial resistance occurs when microbes change, and antimicrobials previously used to treat them are no longer effective. Antimicrobial resistance presents a global risk to health and food safety, with previously treatable infections becoming increasingly costly and challenging. Antimicrobial resistance is a quintessential One Health issue, given its impact and drivers across human, animal, and environmental health, and requires transdisciplinary interpretations and solutions. This thesis considers methods of risk interpretation using a case study of antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus spp. within Canadian beef production systems. Five objectives were considered: (1) to identify factors associated with antimicrobial-resistant enterococci within Canadian beef production systems; (2) to construct an integrated assessment model for interpretation of factors potentially associated with antimicrobial-resistant enterococci; (3) to construct a risk profile for interpretation of risks associated with antimicrobial-resistant enterococci in Canadian beef; (4) to construct a Bayesian model for interpretation of enterococci resistance within beef production; and (5) to describe integrated strengths and weaknesses of modeling approaches. Factors assessed for association with antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus spp. within Canadian beef production systems included antimicrobial and nutritional supplement administration to cattle, environmental factors, and type of processing plant. Resistance trends were often nuanced to unique gene and phenotypic resistance. Patterns varied by species of enterococci. When data were available, the integrated assessment model utilized crude odds ratios extracted from identified factors. Limited data for baseline seeding and factor inclusion limited the model's interpretability. Recommendations and best practices are proposed for future model applications. The risk profile was developed to meet the Codex 77 guidelines and demonstrated the scarce evidence of enterococci resistance transference from beef products, and limited human pathogenicity of enterococci from foodborne consumption. The risk profile highlighted the need for Canadian surveillance studies of enterococci in food products for more informed decision-making. The Bayesian model incorporated available evidence with current estimates of enterococci resistance trends, integrating expert opinion within the model. The model suggests that less than 0.3% of beef products carry antimicrobial-resistant E. faecalis. Individual models and risk discussions uniquely fill niches in resistance discussions and interpretations but were insufficient for providing a holistic interpretation required by stakeholders across the production chain. Drawing findings from multiple reports supported a better understanding and enhanced decision-making.
- ItemOpen AccessProtocol for a scoping review on agricultural digital technologies in Canada used for crops.(2024-04-10) Sanguinetti, V. Margarita; Ishaque, Hanan; Nelson, Francine; Ganshorn, Heather; Lhermie, GuillaumeAgriculture is undergoing a digital transformation, driven by technologies aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. In Canada, the sector is embracing digital solutions to enhance crop production while meeting increasing food demand and consumer preferences for transparency. Digital technologies, including precision agriculture (PA) and data analysis tools are revolutionizing agriculture by integrating on-farm data collection, analysis, and interpretation. They enable informed decision-making tailored to diverse field needs and optimize soil and crop management practices This study conducts a scoping review of Canadian research on digital technologies in crop production, aiming to understand current trends, identify emerging technologies, and address research gaps. It highlights successes, challenges, and areas needing attention, emphasizing the importance of responsible deployment considering issues such as data governance, privacy, and security. This review aims to inform future policy environment for the widespread adoption of digital technologies in Canadian agriculture
- ItemOpen AccessRotational grazing in beef cattle pasture-based systems as a soil health practice to support climate change mitigation and biodiversity: protocol for a systematic review(2023-06-26) Sanguinetti, Lucia Ines; Tang, Minfeng; Ganshorn, Heather; Lhermie, GuillaumeBackground: The rise in population and industrial practices are causing negative impacts on our environment, leading to climate change. This phenomenon triggers extreme weather events, increasing soil evaporation and lowering water availability for plants. It requires the attention of every economic sector, and agriculture has the potential to mitigate its effects. The Canadian government has recently launched the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy plan, which goal is to encourage the use of eco-friendly practices and the implementation of new technologies. One of the strategies promoted is rotational grazing, for supporting soil health. Rotational grazing is a practice that involves residency and rest periods of pastures for grazing cattle. This study aims to conduct a systematic review to identify the current rotational grazing systems used worldwide and their impact on GHG emissions, biodiversity, soil health, and productivity. Our findings will inform the value of rotational grazing in beef systems in Canada. Evaluating the cost/benefit relationship of implementing recommended rotational grazing systems with different levels of intensification. Focusing on semi-arid and continental climates, considering both tame and native grassland that pre-exist in Canada. Methods: This systematic review will include all types of rotational grazing studies under beef grazing operations. As well as: articles that estimate GHG emissions (IPCC methodology), native and tame pastures (Poaceae and Fabaceae) with any type of intensification, the climate of interest (continental, semi-arid), relevant plant species to Canada, biodiversity and Bos Taurus cattle population. If possible, articles will be included in a meta-analysis examining the impacts of the different rotational practices.