Animal health

Animal health

Animal health is the central aspect of livestock production, as it has a direct impact on herd performance, costs, and animal welfare. Diseases—whether caused by infections, metabolic disorders, or environmental stress—can lead to significant losses and increased use of antimicrobials in farm animals. In a context marked by climate change and growing societal concern for animal welfare, it is necessary to develop approaches that emphasize prevention, innovation, and efficient resource management.

Analyzing existing data makes it possible to better measure the economic impacts and animal welfare consequences of reproductive disorders, while also helping to identify intervention priorities in collaboration with industry stakeholders. At the same time, a thorough understanding of uterine function, fertility mechanisms, and factors influencing ovarian stimulation is essential to optimize reproductive outcomes. Additional elements, such as embryo quality, semen preservation, and assisted reproduction techniques, also require better control. Finally, since some reproductive disorders still require antimicrobial treatment, strategies must be put in place to reduce their use and minimize their impact on farming operations.

Reproductive health

In both dairy and other livestock sectors, farm profitability depends heavily on the reproductive efficiency of animals. This efficiency is also closely linked to biodiversity conservation issues, particularly regarding the survival of certain wild species.

Research conducted within the RQR offers concrete solutions to support farming communities in their efforts to improve livestock reproduction. Endometritis, an inflammation of the uterine lining often linked to infections after calving, is a leading cause of infertility in cows. Guillaume St-Jean’s team studies how this condition develops, with a focus on the Hippo signaling pathway and its role in uterine health and disease. Gustavo Zamberlam's team studies the physiology of reproductive organs in cows, with a particular focus on the regulation of ovarian follicle development and ovulation in cattle. The Kalidou Ndiaye’s lab mainly studies how cells and molecules control reproduction, with a focus on how follicles develop in cows. Cristiano Côrtes is working to integrate nutrition, reproduction, and sustainability on farms in order to create more efficient and responsible livestock systems.

Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases pose a major threat to animal health. Several groups within the RQR are working to improve our understanding of these diseases. Juan Carlos Arango Sabogal applies his expertise in epidemiology to better understand and control infectious diseases in cattle and horses. Simon Dufour develops tools to monitor herd health, assesses antimicrobial use, and creates tests to better detect pregnancy loss. Isabella Nicola studies different aspects of cow health. She looks at problems like infections in the uterus that can affect reproduction and issues with metabolism that impact the whole herd’s performance. She is also interested in calf health and infectious diseases in cattle.

Marianne Villettaz-Robichaud’s research aims to enhance the daily welfare of dairy cattle, with a particular focus on foot and limb health due to its impact on longevity, productivity, reproductive performance, and overall farm profitability. She also investigates cull cattle management, calf health, and the relationship between animal welfare and farmer well-being.

Environmental challenges

Véronique Ouellet investigates how heat stress and water quality affect the health of cows and calves, and proposes strategies to adapt farming practices to climate change.

Christopher Price studies the effects of environmental toxins on animal health and the hormonal factors contributing to infertility in cows after calving.

Innovation

Innovation and technology are important aspects of animal production. Pablo Valdes-Donoso uses modern statistical tools—like machine learning, network analysis, and time series models—to study how financial incentives affect the health of animals, people, and the environment. His work helps policymakers weigh the pros and cons of different actions and make informed decisions. Kevin Wade specializes in artificial intelligence applied to dairy production, using neural networks, decision trees, and big data analytics to predict dairy cow lifespan and disease incidence, with a focus on profitability and prevention.

Jocelyn Dubuc tests new diagnostic tools in the field, such as Doppler ultrasound for early pregnancy detection, and studies the effects of peripartum disorders on reproduction.

Implementation

The link between innovation, training, and on-farm adoption is supported by Guylaine Sauvé and Sylvain Riendeau. At ITAQ, Guylaine Sauvé leads college-level education in dairy and beef production; her applied research on milk quality, herd management, and animal welfare directly informs course content. With three decades of experience at the CIAQ and recognized expertise in artificial insemination, Sylvain Riendeau is now dedicated to knowledge transfer, training hundreds of students and producers, and constantly updating his courses to reflect the fast-evolving practices in reproduction and herd management.

Sébastien Buczinski works to make research findings accessible and practical for producers by translating them into tools that can be used on farms.

Through their diverse approaches and areas of expertise, RQR researchers contribute to advancing animal health in Québec and beyond, using an integrated perspective that combines scientific rigor, technological innovation, and a strong connection to the realities of agricultural practice.