Research Projects
Each year, IRDA's R&D Team conducts more than one hundred research projects in sustainable agriculture. What's more, IRDA is working with Quebec's key agricultural stakeholders to find concrete solutions.
Biocontaminants emitted into the air during the spreading of swine slurry: biosecurity risk assessment and mitigation on hog farms
Project to limit the spread of disease and improve biosecurity protocols on farms through improved understanding of emissions and alternate spreading techniques.
Researchers: Patrick Brassard Stéphane Godbout
Develop and assess emerging green technologies that can lower the risks and dangers associated with aerosols on farms
Assessing an electrostatic precipitator system designed to improve air quality and, thereby, worker health and animal welfare.
Researcher: Stéphane Godbout
The impact of alternative housing for laying hens on air quality and the health of workers
The overall aim of this research is to assess the exposure of workers in conventional and alternative egg production facilities to dust and bio-aerosols, and to characterize the respiratory health risks they face.
Researcher: Stéphane Godbout
The impact of alternative farming systems on the health and productivity of laying hens
This project aims to measure the impact of new breeding systems that meet new animal welfare standards regarding air quality and the health and productivity of laying hens.
Researcher: Stéphane Godbout
Fugitive emissions after manure spreading: risk assessment and mitigation
This project addresses the risks posed by the spreading of manure and emissions released into the environment to the biosecurity of farms, as well as to the health of workers and nearby populations.
Researchers: Patrick Brassard Stéphane Godbout
Developing strategies for animal welfare-compliant livestock buildings, to minimize health risks to workers
This project addresses the risks posed by new breeding practices that were developed to improve animal welfare.
Researcher: Stéphane Godbout
Developing an air quality measurement tool with an integrated digital interface for use in livestock buildings
Project, conducted in collaboration with a Belgian team, to develop an integrated tool for measuring the air quality in livestock buildings.
Researcher: Stéphane Godbout
Assessing optimal washing parameters and developing a real-time indicator to ensure biosecurity and reduce wastewater at the source in hog production facilities
Development of optimized cleaning methods that are readily measurable with an effective real-time indicator.
Researchers: Stéphane Godbout Richard Hogue
Bison farming in Quebec: Determining phosphorus discharge
The purpose of our project was to generate benchmark data on phosphorus discharge from bison farms in Québec.
Researcher: Stéphane Godbout
Characterizing GHG emission sources from covered pig manure storage facilities with biogas treatment systems
This project will draw recommendations to reduce fugitive emissions through technical means or agricultural practices.
Low GHG emission strategies for Quebec dairy farms
The aim of this project was to identify manure management strategies that boost productivity on Québec dairy farms and reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases.
Researcher: Stéphane Godbout
Quantifying and reducing GHG emissions on Québec beef farms
One of the project objectives is to calculate GHG emissions in various beef production systems based on the results of a literature, methodology, and database review.
Researcher: Stéphane Godbout
Impact of floor type on odour emissions in hog production: evaluating average emissions and quantifying their reduction in hog finishing barns
The objective of the project was to demonstrate that next generation hog barn design (slatted floors over 2/3 or more of the area) generate less odor.
Researcher: Stéphane Godbout
An innovative and economical air treatment technology for pig farms
IRDA and CRIUCPQ have been working on developing an air treatment unit to reduce pig farm emissions.
The solutions developed by IRDA aim to...
Ensure the sustainability
and quality of soil, water, and air
Protect the health and well-being
of local communities by improving the quality of crop and livestock production, with an emphasis on animal welfare
Safeguard the economic viability
of crop and livestock production