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Agriculture

Low-oil DDGS provides less energy, more protein in pig diets

URBANA, Ill. – Given greater oil-extraction efficiencies at corn-ethanol plants, the resulting co-products, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), are lower in fat. That means less energy for pigs and other livestock consuming DDGS as part of their diet, according to research from the University of Illinois.

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Calcium added to acidified prepartum diets for dairy cows benefits future reproduction

URBANA, Ill. – Achieving an appropriate calcium balance in dairy cows is critical near calving, but not only to ensure a healthy transition to lactation. According to a new study from the University of Illinois, calcium added to acidified prepartum diets can improve a whole suite of postpartum outcomes, including lower rates of uterine infection and quicker return to ovulation.

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Developing red leaf blotch resistant soybeans through research in Africa

URBANA, Ill. – The United States is the world’s leading producer of soybean and the second-leading exporter. Nearly 90% of oilseed production in the U.S. comes from soybean. A biological threat to soybean crops in America could affect the global economy, and the result could be devastating to the American soybean farmer, according to researchers in the USAID Soybean Innovation Laboratory (SIL), housed in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.

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Soybean Innovation Lab is connecting people around the globe with new, free online course

URBANA, Ill. – The Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) recently launched Africa’s first free, open-access, certificate-based online course in integrated pest management (IPM) and pesticide safety.

Insect pests, weeds, and diseases are common problems for farmers worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, pest control is typically manual, which is labor-intensive and often ineffective.

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University of Illinois requests data from farmers to better understand unique growing year

URBANA, Ill. – Researchers and Extension Specialists from University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences are asking Illinois growers to share basic planting, harvest, and yield data with the college to learn from the extraordinary growing conditions experienced this year.

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Bühler gift will power new Illinois Feed Technology Center

URBANA, Ill. – As the new University of Illinois Feed Technology Center rises south of campus, Bühler Group has announced a crucial gift of equipment that will enable the center to produce innovative and nutritious feed for livestock, poultry, and pets.

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Digestibility of calcium varies throughout gestation in sows, study says

URBANA, Ill. – Swine diets are primarily formulated and tested in growing pigs. Studies show the ideal ratio of nutrients, specifically the ratio of calcium to phosphorus, changes slightly but predictably as pigs progress through the growing stage. What’s not well-understood is how calcium requirements change throughout gestation. A recent publication in the Journal of Animal Sciences reveals an important pattern of lower digestibility in gestating sows.

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Illinois plant pathologist reports good news for pumpkins, apples

URBANA, Ill. – Illinois specialty crop growers have reason to celebrate the end of the 2019 growing season, according to plant pathologist Mohammad Babadoost of the University of Illinois.

After a questionable start, the Illinois pumpkin crop is looking good in time for fall. The pumpkin industry in Illinois is worth approximately $200 million, and produces about 90% of the country’s canned pumpkin supply.  

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University of Illinois officially announces Center for Digital Agriculture

URBANA, IL - The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has announced the creation of the Center for Digital Agriculture (CDA), a new center that brings together agricultural producers, researchers, and industries to innovate on the technology that is transforming agriculture to feed and support a growing global population.

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Sweet corn growers, processors could dramatically increase yield, profit

URBANA, Ill. – In an industry struggling to maintain profitability, it’s curious that U.S. processing sweet corn – the corn that ends up in cans and freezer bags – is falling so far below its potential. Yet, that’s what a new study in PLOS One clearly demonstrates.

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