A pain-free injection against asthma.

Send them out to the barn

Compound found in animals but not humans 
sparks immunity against asthma

It’s already known that farm kids are less prone to asthma, but a new study by immunologists from the University of Zurich has identified sialic acid found in farm animals as the reason. A university release said this substance is widespread in vertebrates and therefore in many farm animals, but missing in the human organism.

Antibodies from cattle, combined with engineered antigens, can trigger an immune response. A similar technique could work in humans.

Cow antibodies show a path to fighting human disease

Novel vaccines combine natural antibodies and engineer antigens 
to trigger immune response

Old Bessie may have shown researchers a new way to fight human diseases. A recent paper from University of Guelph scientists says a novel vaccine that protects cattle from a viral-driven respiratory disease may hold the secret to creating similar treatments for human diseases, ranging from gut infections to HIV and cancer. Azud Kaushik, a


pig and piglets

Genetics tool sought for hogs

Breeding pigs to have better immune responses means using fewer antibiotics and other medications

New research being led by the University of Guelph could help reduce the amount of medical intervention required in swine production. As part of a $9.8-million national research project aimed at enhancing Canada’s pork industry, a team of researchers will work to develop genomics tools that select pigs able to resist multiple diseases, improve animal

Horses are prone to allergic reactions

Horses are prone to allergic reactions

Horse Health: There are multiple triggers that can cause either skin or respiratory reaction

Horses, just like humans, can and do get allergies. Although allergies in horses are not fully understood, we do know that the root cause lies in the immune system. The body becomes hypersensitive and appears to “overreact” to seemingly innocuous substances called allergens. Histamine, a naturally occurring hormone in the body, reaches overly high levels,


Early exposure to common allergens builds immunity

Scientists offer new insights to an old idiom

The old adage “you have to eat a peck of dirt before you die” is often used to comfort horrified mothers who catch their first-born playing in situations that are — ahem — less than clean. But researchers now say children who are exposed to dirt, dander and germs — specifically in their first year of



Colostrum — Giving A “Jump-Start” To A New Foal

Colostrum is an essential ingredient to the new life of a vibrant newborn foal. So, a foal nursing shortly after birth is a very good sign. The first milk produced by the mare is energy and nutrient dense, most renowned for its ability to “jump-start” a healthy immune system. A vigorous foal stands and easily

Scientists Target Fusarium Mycotoxins

University of Guelph scientists have found a potential tool to reduce the effects of deoxynivalenol (DON), a common mycotoxin produced by the cereal crop fungus fusarium head blight. Chris Hall, a professor in Guelph’s School of Environmental Sciences worked with recent PhD graduate Patrick Doyle, lead author of a paper published recently in the Journal


Hog farmers’ PRRS plan may depend on neighbourhood

Hog farmers may need to consider where they’re farming when it comes time to decide how to cope with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). Those whose barns are close to a lot of other hog farms ought to aim to stabilize their herd and realize that there will be another bout of PRRS, likely