optimization opportunity

Wastewater Tracking

What is it? Wastewater tracking, or wastewater surveillance, is the detection and measurement of a certain indicator or target from the wastewater system. Anywhere from 30-90% of antibiotics are excreted in waste, often still in a biologically active form [1]. This waste can also contain antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Monitoring trends in antimicrobial use (AMU) and

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RFID Tags

What is it? RFID (radio frequency identification) tags are a tool used to support the traceability of livestock in Canada. They are regulated by the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA). RFID tags may also be referred to as animal indicators.   A tag is placed on a calf’s ear prior to leaving the cow/calf ranch and

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Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System 

What is it? The Canadian Government created the Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System, or CARSS, in response to the growing global concern about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) [1]. The first CARSS report was issued in March 2015.   CARSS monitors antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR in Canada by integrating data from various surveillance systems, including CIPARS [1].

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Antimicrobial Drug Disposal

What is it? The safe disposal of unused or expired antibiotics is an essential component of antibiotic resistance management. Improper disposal can cause traces of pharmaceutical drugs in the environment, including both the soil and water [1]. The trace concentrations can build up over time and have adverse effects on human, animal, and environmental health.  

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Composting

What is it? Composting is the process of recycling organic matter into a usable product that can return nutrients to the environment.   The composting process involves microorganisms breaking down the material and consuming oxygen, which creates water vapour, carbon dioxide, and heat [1]. This heat, which can cause the compost to reach temperatures of over

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Auto-Dosing Gun

What is it? An Auto-Dosing Gun, also referred to as a Smart Dosing Gun, is a tool used to administer veterinary medicines to livestock. Administration methods such as injection, oral drenching, or pour-on may be used with different attachments to the device. The aim of the device is to deliver accurate and consistent doses.   To

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Gut Health

What is it? Gut health refers to the health of one’s digestive system, as well as the ability to properly digest food, absorb nutrients, and excrete waste.  Cattle are ruminants and have a four-chambered stomach [1]:  Rumen: contains a large community of microbes that help aid in digestion and fermentation processes,  Reticulum: this is where

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Oregano

What is it? Oregano is a herb, and its oils have broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties [1], [2]. These properties can be attributed to the carvacrol found within oregano, which also has uses in the food and cosmetic industries. Supplementing feed with oregano has been shown to improve growth performance and feed efficiency, and

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