Putting knowledge and nature to work for Canada’s livestock sector
NCLE seeks a deeper understanding of the interactions between animals, plants, soil and humans, and how these systems can be integrated for better outcomes. With this knowledge, livestock production can become a more adaptive and enduring part of Canada’s food production system – one that brings viable solutions to a world confronting environmental and sustainability concerns.
Signature research themes
Pioneers of integrated research
NCLE's strength is its ability to bring together diverse disciplines and partners to find more complete answers to agroecosystem challenges. Experts involved in NCLE research projects span animal care, animal nutrition, soil fertility, agronomy, plant breeding, economics, biosystems engineering, entomology, climate, modeling and more. Working together, they are able to consider environmental challenges from multiple perspectives and find solutions that make sense on today’s farms.
Collaboration is a craft requiring specialized tools and a strong spirit of collegiality. NCLE has been developing both since its establishment in the early 2000s.
NCLE's approach encourages efficient use of research dollars, too. Researchers have more opportunities to combine efforts, bring additional partners into projects and expand the scope of questions addressed.
Students involved in these projects can experience a leading-edge approach to research that makes more effective use of resources. The benefits are ultimately shared with producers and partners through an active knowledge transfer program.
Research spotlight
Airborne diseases in the swine industry
Providing the livestock sector with antibiotic alternatives
Research article |
Dig DeeperFACT SHEET - Optimizing gut health for swine in antibiotic free production ARTICLE - The role of essential oils in gut health ARTICLE - Essential oils blend shows promise as antibiotic alternative |
Exploring how feed sources align with One Health goals
 Research article |
Dig DeeperARTICLE - The nutritive value of dry extruded-expelled soybean meal ARTICLE - Rising interest in lower feed costs INFOGRAPHIC - Canola meal and swine nutrition – next revolution for pigs |
Managing manure like the valued resource it is
 Research article |
Dig DeeperNCLE FIELD LABORATORY PHASE 1 AND 2 - Twelve years of field research at the NCLE Long Term Field Laboratory yielding a wealth of manure management information NCLE FIELD LABORATORY PHASE 3 - Soil health benefits and preservation study description |
Expanding options for beef producers with dual-purpose grains
Where we do research
NCLE operates as a virtual centre, connecting researchers, students, industry and government through multi-disciplinary, multi-agency research partnerships.
Major infrastructure for NCLE research is at the Glenlea Research Station, a well-equipped livestock research facility about 20 km south of Winnipeg. At this site, affiliated researchers have access to specialized equipment and three unique long-term field "laboratories" for integrated agro-ecosystem studies. Research also takes place at many other locations ranging from specialized laboratories to commercial farms.