Archives

• Lea Nicklas wins prestigious scholarship.

  

  Congratulations to Lea Nicklas for receiving the 2025 Aviagen Postgraduate Scholarship from the Canadian Poultry Research Council. Lea was one of two students who received this $5000 annual recognition.

  Lea is a PhD candidate under the supervision of Dr. Alexandra Harlander in the Department of Animal Biosciences. Her research investigates the effects of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation on severe feather pecking behaviour in laying hens experiencing chronic social stress. In addition to investigating potential changes in hen behaviour depending on the timing of the intervention, the project also examines the impact of galacto-oligosaccharides on egg production and external quality, the gut microbiome, peripheral amino acids, immune parameters, and central serotonin metabolism.

  Here’s the full story: https://cp-rc.ca/en/news/aviagen-awards-postgraduate-scholarships-for-2025

• Lesson Horses in Canada

  A Closer Look at Care, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

  

  Lesson horses are the heart of equestrian education in Canada. They teach beginners how to ride, help build confidence, and often serve as the first connection between people and horses. For many riders, these horses are the gateway to a lifelong passion—and for researcher Caleigh Copelin, they were the reason she entered the field of equine welfare.

  Now, with part one of Canadian Riding Lesson Industry Survey study published, there are some in-depth responses to share from 154 lesson barns, representing over 1,500 lesson horses. With support from OMAFA Agri-Food Innovation Alliance and Equine Guelph, researchers Caleigh Copelin and Katrina Merkies, from the University of Guelph’s Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, explored everything from feeding and housing to health care and daily routines, as well as the opinions of barn owners, managers, and coaches. 

  Conclusion

  This national study paints a complex picture of the Canadian riding lesson industry. On one hand, many lesson horses appear to receive thoughtful, species-appropriate care. Barns are prioritizing turnout, regular veterinary and farrier visits, and even complementary therapies that go beyond the basics. These efforts reflect a deep commitment to horse welfare from the people who work with lesson horses every day.

  On the other hand, the study highlights challenges—especially around workload, pain management, nutrition knowledge, and financial sustainability. Many facility operators are doing their best under tough conditions, often sacrificing their own income or well-being to keep horses healthy and lessons running.

  To read the full story, visit the Horse Portal.

• Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare Appoints New Director 

  

  The Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW) at the University of Guelph is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Derek Haley as its new director effective Nov. 1, 2025. 

  Haley, a faculty member in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, brings extensive expertise in livestock behavior and welfare. He has been deeply involved with CCSAW for many years as both a faculty member and member of the Centre’s steering committee, contributing to its strategic direction and mentoring students engaged in animal welfare research and looks forward to continuing to build the Centre’s profile over his term. 

  “Dr. Haley has long been a thoughtful and respected voice in the field of animal welfare,” says Dr. Jeffrey Wichtel, dean, OVC. “His appointment as director of CCSAW reflects not only his deep expertise in animal behaviour and livestock systems, but also his commitment to collaborative, evidence-based approaches that improve the lives of animals.

  Haley’s research primarily focuses on beef and dairy cattle, examining issues such as the effects of long-distance transportation, weaning stress and the welfare of culled dairy cows. Prior to joining OVC, Haley worked as a provincial livestock welfare specialist with Alberta Agriculture, where he advanced animal welfare initiatives across multiple provinces. Fluent in French, he has collaborated widely with producers, veterinarians and policymakers throughout Canada. 

  CCSAW improves lives of animals through research, teaching

  Founded more than 35 years ago, CCSAW is one of the largest and most comprehensive animal welfare centres in the world. The Centre brings together faculty and students from across the University, fostering collaboration across disciplines to improve the lives of animals through research, teaching and outreach. 

  “Interest in how animals are cared for—and the impact of that care—is growing rapidly, encompassing farm animals, zoo animals, companion pets and wildlife,” says Haley. “I’m honoured to lead the Centre, which unites researchers and academics with expertise not only in animal welfare but also in the humanities, alongside dedicated individuals committed to improving the lives of animals.” 

  Haley’s appointment builds on CCSAW’s reputation for international leadership in animal welfare science, supportive and innovative interdisciplinary research, and provision of world-class education to students. 

  “I’m confident that under Dr. Haley’s leadership, CCSAW will continue to grow its impact across research, education and policy,” says Wichtel.  

  The CCSAW community extends its gratitude to Dr. Georgia Mason for her commitment and dedication to the Centre’s growth and continued student development. A professor in the College of Biological Science’s Department of Integrative Biology, Mason will continue with CCSAW as a core faculty member.

• U of G Subjects Rank First in Canada, Top 50 in World

  

  New rankings place U of G first in Canada for food science and technology, veterinary sciences

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  The University of Guelph has been ranked as one of the top universities in the world by subject, according to the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy. 

  U of G ranked first in Canada for veterinary sciences, continuing Ontario Veterinary College’s record of excellence.

  Within food science and technology, U of G ranked first in Canada and first in the world for world-class faculty. At the Ontario Agricultural College, students learn from these award-winning faculty to build a healthier society through food and evolving technology. 

  For the full news release, read here.

• “Gwelfare” students win again.

  Once again, CCSAW’s students lived up to their nickname “Gwelfare” at the 2025 American Veterinary Medical Association Animal Welfare Assessment Contest held at Texas A&M University.

  

  Over 270 registrants from 23 universities across North America tested their skills in assessing the welfare of a number of species including tilapia, pet gerbils, Gaboon vipers in a zoo, and dressage horses. The students were given a welfare scenario to evaluate, then presented their findings to a panel of judges.

  OVC students were the first prize winners in the Veterinary Student Division, while in the undergraduate senior division, the CCSAW team placed 2nd. Individual awards went to DVMs Hayley Bryce (2nd) and Mia Nanini (4th) while Gillian Forestell was fifth in the individual graduate category.

  

  The group was coached by Drs Derek Haley, Tina Widowski and PhD student Lydia Benn,

  Congratulations to all.

Past Events

• Forensic vet to host webinar, workshop to tackle equine abuse/neglect

  GUELPH – Ontario Veterinary College Professor and forensic veterinarian Dr. Shane Bateman will be hosting a workshop on October 1st to continue his advocacy regarding animal abuse/neglect – with a strong focus on the equine industry.

• How can we sustainably improve human’s relations with farm animals?

  Monday, March 17th, 2025 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM

• CCSAW Research Symposium

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