Are you passionate about animal health and nutrition? Do you thrive on research, innovation, and working closely with farmers to improve livestock productivity? If so, this might be the perfect opportunity for you!
ABOUT THE ROLE
As an Animal Nutritionist, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing nutritional programs to enhance the health, growth, and productivity of livestock. This position requires a blend of scientific research, formulation expertise, and collaboration with farmers and industry stakeholders to optimize animal diets and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
Analyzing Nutritional Needs – Assess the dietary requirements of different livestock species at various growth stages.
Training & Education – Conduct workshops and provide nutritional guidance to farmers, staff and distribution partners.
Collaboration – Work closely with R&D, sales, and purchasing teams to develop new nutritional solutions.
Customer Support – Develop customized feed rations and offer expert nutritional consultation.
Industry Compliance & Feed Mill Support – Ensure adherence to organic standards, HACCP goals, and CFIA regulations.
Market Analysis – Stay updated on industry trends and evaluate how company products align with market demands.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Master’s degree or PhD in ruminant nutrition (preferred).
Proven experience in animal nutrition, feed formulation, and livestock health.
Strong proficiency in feed formulation software and nutritional analysis tools.
Ability to work on-site and travel to customer locations.
Excellent communication, analytical, and project management skills.
High attention to detail and organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management.
Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment.
WHAT SETS YOU APART
Passion for livestock health and nutrition.
Ability to interpret nutritional research and data effectively.
A knack for strategic problem-solving and collaborative teamwork.
Ability to adapt to competing and varying priorities.
Experience with developing innovative nutritional solutions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Interaction with vendors, farmers, and customers.
Work in both office and field settings.
Extended periods of sitting and screen time.
Travel required (Head Office in Wellesley, ON & off-site at farms, trade shows, and customer meetings).
Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident due to international travel requirements.
WHY JOIN US?
Competitive Salary (TBD based on experience).
Health Care Spending Account Benefits (If applicable).
Free Parking.
Casual, Respectful Workplace.
Flexible Work Schedule (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility).
Opportunity for some remote work or on-site.
"We’re a bunch of folks who roll up our sleeves, pitch in to work together to meet deadlines and we love to have potlucks and relax for a little bit. If that sounds good, let's chat!"
ABOUT BIO-AG
Bio-Ag is a family-owned agricultural manufacturing and distribution company based in Wellesley, Ontario. We are committed to helping farmers enhance livestock health, crop yields, and soil quality through sustainable and innovative agricultural solutions. As farmers ourselves, we understand the industry’s challenges and work tirelessly to provide solutions that improve productivity and sustainability.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
At Bio-Ag, we believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including visible minorities, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to fair hiring practices and equal employment opportunities.
In addition to being a detailed person, you must follow systems and processes. To prove that you are detail-oriented and can follow procedures, when you apply for this position, you must use the secret subject line in your email: "Dedicated to Excellence in Animal Nutrition". This helps us differentiate between those who are genuinely interested and those who send mass applications.
Create a cover letter or video answering the following questions: a. Tell us how you will fit in THIS job specifically. We know what’s a fit for us and want to know if this is a fit for YOU. We will NOT be calling you to clarify whether you’re a fit. SELL US on why we would be lucky to have you on the team. b. Tell us your precise compensation requirements.
(Note: Be strategic here. If you pick a number in the range we have in mind, and everything else in your application looks good, we will interview you. If you shoot too high and pick a number outside of our range (when you would have been happy with a lower number), we won’t get the chance to talk, even if the rest of your application is perfect. And if you don’t provide a number at all, we will completely dismiss your application. We do not provide the range in advance. We want to hear what the lowest number is that would make the job a heck yes for you if all other conditions were met.)
After you submit your application, THEN email your video or cover letter to [email protected] with the secret subject line.
Application Deadline: 11:59 PM ET, Monday,February 24rd, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Location: 1400 Greenwood Hill Road, Wellesley, ON, N0B 2T0
Start Date: TBD
Interviews will be conducted via Teams or In-Person. We look forward to meeting you!
Heading into the colder months it is important to keep in mind the extra requirements for our livestock. Whether you are bale grazing or have the herd back in the barn, recognizing two main concepts will help ensure the animals make it through the winter with enough vitality for another successful year!
First, the cold temperatures require the animal to expend more energy to keep warm. Cows that live outside will require some form of wind break and will require more feed to keep warm.
Secondly, the feeding of stored feeds means fewer fresh nutrients from pasture. Stored feeds lose vitamins and some other nutrients continually all throughout storage.
Body Condition
Learning how to assess the body condition of your animals can tune you into changes that may need to be made in the animal’s diet. Condition scoring is especially tricky in winter when animals have thick coats, you may need to get your hands on the animals to properly assess. The animal’s body condition before winter begins will determine the quality of feed required. Cows that are too thin will be required to gain weight during the winter to be able to deliver a healthy calf, provide sufficient amounts of milk and get bred again for the following year. The amount of feed and feed quality required to overwinter a thin cow is significantly higher than a cow in good condition.
Extra Mineral and Vitamin requirements
Supplying enough mineral is very important during winter.
Those who free choice mineral exclusively will notice mineral consumption will increase in the winter months! Usually, the same goes for Seaweed meal, especially towards the end of winter.
Continue to provide free choice salt as well
Water
Still very important in winter; drives consumption of feed
Need some way to keep it unfrozen
Will drink closer to required intake if warmed a little (not ice cold)
Cold water can slow digestion and cause issues especially if drink a lot at once
Digestibility in Forages
Higher digestibility means that ruminants can get more energy out of the hay
Being aware of strategies to make high quality forages is very important for “grass fed” animals
Having good digestibility in your forages makes it less likely that you need to supplement grains
Low digestibility and poor quality forages will result in weight loss
Monitor the herd for signs of energy deficiency such as:
Consistently distended rumens
Scruffy hair coat (different from long hair)
Rumination more than 60 chews
Spinal chill- hair standing up on back around shoulders
Molasses for extra energy
Consider supplementing molasses if more energy required
Molasses also helps with fiber digestibility
Cold Stress
During those extremely cold and windy days cows will need to increase their consumption of forage to stay warm
Make more feed available during these times and do not let them run out
Natural Detox
Autumn and fall bring on a natural detoxification process. Think of colds in humans!
Winter dysentery and pneumonia in the fall and early spring can be the result of the body not having the capability to deal with the expulsion of toxins
During spring and fall it is important to provide enough vitamins and binders (such as clays) to expel toxins successfully
Calving
3-6 weeks before calving consider lead feeding higher quality forages in preparation for calving
An easy way to do this is to offer alfa-alfa forage as part of the ration
Make the change gradually over 1-2 weeks
Adequate energy is required to, not only grow a calf inside, but also make lots of milk for the calf once born
Adequate protein is required to make antibodies for high quality colostrum
Lactating cows consume 30-50% more so be ready to increase feed once the calves start coming
If cannot meet energy or protein requirements with forages then consider supplementing with grains and/or molasses.
Know your Forages!
Test forages ahead of time so you can manage for potential shortcomings
If continue grazing in winter, test the quality of the feed on that pasture to ensure you don’t run into an issue of extreme weight loss- often these pastures are very low quality
Pair lower quality forage with higher quality to ensure consistent nutrition throughout winter
Keep your high-quality hay to feed beginning 3-6 weeks prior to calving until back on pasture
Forages containing legumes will have higher protein than those with just grasses.
In general
Forages made early in the season will have high digestibility and lots of good energy (longest days of sunlight) so don’t wait until July to make all your forages
2nd 3rd and 4th cuts will be higher in protein than 1st cuts
4th cuts and even 3rd cuts that are made late in the season and/or had lots of rain during growth will have very little fiber and high amounts of insoluble protein and need to be slowed down with forages that contain more fiber.
As always, Bio-Ag is here to help you with all your nutrition inquiries and high-quality mineral and vitamin needs! We can test your forages and put together rations and mineral programs for your herd. Please don’t hesitate to contact us or myself directly at [email protected]. Helping you ensure your animals are in the best health is our passion!
Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals produced by (fungi) molds.
Modern farming practices are depressing the plant’s immune systems and microbiome, making them more prone to severe fungal infections. Mycotoxins can develop in the field pre-harvest and during storage post-harvest. Post harvest mycotoxins develop when high moisture feed is not stored properly. If consumed by livestock these chemicals can have toxic effects on the animals. Cleaning moldy grains can help reduce levels of mycotoxins, as the fines usually have the highest amounts. Mycotoxins rarely occur in isolation; Additive and synergistic effects can make seemingly low levels of mycotoxins dangerously detrimental to animal health.
Heat treatments and processing DO NOT inactivate mycotoxins. Don’t forget that finished feeds with and without by-products can be a significant source of mycotoxins. Some feed mills have better quality control than others.
Preventing Post-Harvest Mycotoxins
Poor storage and inadequate bunk feed-out are two controllable variables in the reduction of mycotoxins for silages. Aeration mycotoxins and refermentation mycotoxins can be very dangerous to animal health. Farmers must make sure as little air as possible gets into the bunks when scraping off feed and must keep moisture out.
Keep grain stored cool and dry. Clean out bins before new crop
Silage- prevent air from penetrating when taking off the face of a bunk or bag. Use a defacer or similar. Harvest at right moisture and ensure silage is packed tight enough and use a forage product to ensure proper fermentation...Bio-lac/Seaweed/Sugar.
Testing
Visual inspection is not reliable. Mycotoxins are tiny molecules the are not visible. On the other side…the presence of visual molds does not always mean mycotoxins are present. There are 1000+ Mycotoxins out there. Bio-Ag now offers a test called Myco 7 which test for the presence of 7 common mycotoxins. Mycotoxins almost never occur in isolation. If you have one mycotoxin chances are you will have more accompanying it. Additive and synergistic effects can make seemingly low levels of mycotoxins dangerously detrimental to animal health.
Signs and Symptoms of Mycotoxins in Poultry
Immune suppression symptoms
Gut disturbances/oral erosions
Uneven growth patterns
Ruffled feathers
Turkeys are more sensitive than broilers • Young birds are more sensitive than older birds.
Mycotoxins Change Gut Microbiome
Mycotoxins damage intestinal cells and gut environment. Beneficial bacteria are killed off. Gut immunity is compromised and parasites such as coccidia can take over. Clostridia thrive in mucoid environment induced by chronic inflammation.
Reproductive system
Always keep in mind when presented with reproductive issues, this includes egg quality in layers! Immune system – All mycotoxins a ffect immune system and suppress it, should be on the list when having disease outbreaks.
General Signs
Most other symptoms come from indirect cause of which immunosuppression is the main sign. This means increased susceptibility to disease and vaccine failure.
Often times waxing and waning symptoms and growth are a sign that there is a problem. This will present as variability in uniformity of bird weights.
Ruffled feathers from compromised nutrient absorption and protein synthesis.
Oral lesions can be visible as mycotoxins are caustic. The feed particles sit in mouth. Lesions can occur in esophagus as well. Look for a rough appearance and can ulcerate and bleed. Lesions can go all the way down to gizzard and proventriculus and contents will reflux upwards.
Condemnations of liver. Aflatoxins are especially hepatotoxic but many other mycotoxins also damage the liver. Pancreatic enzymatic activity harmed by aflatoxin and so feed isn’t digested properly. Mycotoxins can impair kidney function. Swollen kidneys, urates and dehydration.
Gastrointestinal tract is damaged. Mycotoxins kill rapidly dividing cells, these include intestinal cells and immune cells. See signs such as enteritis, diarrhea, slick feces, and shiny feces from fat malabsorption.
Specific signs
Fusarium toxins can cause bowed legs and knocked knees in turkeys.
Ergots can cause claws and combs to become black and fall off.
Signs and Symptoms of Mycotoxins in Dairy Cattle
Gut disturbances
High SCC
Low Milk
Freshening cows are at highest risk for developing illness due to mycotoxin exposure. They have the highest stress. When a cow doesn’t eat (drop in feed intake at calving) the gut loses integrity and becomes leaky allowing mycotoxins to be more easily absorbed. Mycotoxins will damage the gut lining. Rumen microbiome and fermentation becomes dysfunctional when molds are ingested. Think of how penicillin is an antibiotic. Colostrum and even milk can contain mycotoxins, calves can become sick when drink this milk. High SCC, Mastitis and Metritis can also be a sign of mycotoxin issues because if the immune suppressive effects.
General Signs
Gastroenteritis
Bloody stool
Inconsistent manure quality is frequently a sign
Reduced Dry Matter Intake
Suppressed immune function
Reproductive failure
Signs and Symptoms of Mycotoxins in Swine
Gut disturbances
Fertility issues
Failure to respond to veterinary treatment
All mycotoxins have an impact on growth and immune system. Combinations of mycotoxins can make symptoms unpredictable.
Immune System Depression
Vaccines don’t work
High rate of disease
Lack of response to medical treatment (antibiotics)
How does your dog like to spend her energy? Does she love running with you through the forest? Heading to a café with you and soaking up the sun? Is she everybody’s best friend at the dog park?
Norman’s Naturals is the perfect choice for her because whatever she’s up to, she needs energy that lasts all day long.
Barley is a whole grain that supports your dog’s digestive health. It is a great source of fibre, carbohydrates, and B vitamins. It also provides your dog with a source of iron and selenium.
Barley is also a source of methionine and cysteine. These amino acids are important for your dog’s heart health.
Your special girl deserves the best dog food. With a balance of natural ingredients, Norman’s Naturals will deliver on nutrition and it tastes great too!
Oats are a whole-grain that provide lasting energy to your dog, so she has lots of energy to chew her toys, romp through the snow, and wrestle with her friends.
There are many wonderful benefits of feeding oats to your dog.
FIBRE: Oats provide your dog with fibre, which is essential for gut health.
METHIONINE AND CYSTEINE: Oats are high in methionine and cysteine. These amino acids are important for your dog’s heart health.
CARBOHYDRATES: Oats are an excellent source of carbohydrates and provide your dog with the energy to hike, swim, and play with her friends.
PROTEIN: Oats are also a great source of protein.
B VITAMINS: Oats are rich in B vitamins.
LINOLEIC ACID: Oats are full of linoleic acid. This is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps keep skin strong and healthy.
After reading this, you may be craving a bowl of healthy oatmeal for yourself. It’s great to know that this nutritious food has health benefits for you and your best friend too!
~Guest Contributor, Alyssa Foulkes
Alyssa is a local dog trainer based in Guelph, Ontario.
Visit Norman's Naturals.com to order your bag today!
Subscription orders are now available!
Peas are a dependable source of plant protein and also contain vitamin K, manganese, fibre, and carbohydrates.
In well-balanced diets, pulses (that’s lentils, beans, peas, and chickpeas) are not harmful to dogs.
A couple of years ago, pulses got blamed for causing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. The media pointed the finger at pulses, while animal nutritionists shook their heads. The media was misinformed.
Here are 10 facts to help you understand that peas are not the enemy:
Breeds with the highest prevalence of DCM include Dobermans, Boxers, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, English Cocker Spaniels, and Portuguese Water Dogs.
Your dog requires the amino acid, taurine, in their diet to maintain a healthy heart.
Your dog can convert methionine and cysteine into taurine in their body.
Your dog’s physiological need for taurine varies with their breed, age, and sex.
Obesity and diabetes have been related to lower levels of taurine in dogs, so it’s very important to keep your dog at a healthy weight.
Your dog’s food should be fortified with taurine and/or its precursors (methionine and cysteine.)
Researchers have found a link between low blood taurine concentration and DCM in breeds such as Scottish Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dalmatians, Boxers, Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dogs, English Setters, and Alaskan Malamutes. Providing these dogs with taurine improved their cardiac function.
Animal nutritionists combine multiple ingredients to ensure that your dog receives a healthy and balanced diet.
Pulses have been used in pet food for two decades to provide quality protein and fibre sources.
Peas are a great source of fibre that can help control body weight.
Norman’s Naturals includes real chicken, barley, oats, and rice, so your dog gets the methionine, cysteine, and taurine she needs. We also include DL-methionine.
Your dog deserves quality nutrition. Our delicious Chicken and Rice blend is balanced, tasty, and sure to provide your dog with lasting energy.
~Guest Contributor, Alyssa Foulkes
Alyssa is a local dog trainer based in Guelph, Ontario.
Visit Norman's Naturals.com to order your bag today!
Subscription orders are now available!
BROWN RICE: Why Natural Whole Grains are Good for Dogs
Brown rice is a natural whole grain. It provides your dog with essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and amino acids. It is also a great source of fibre.
There are so many benefits to including brown rice as your dog’s source of fibre. By slowing down transit time, fibre helps to keep your dog feeling full for longer.
A diet high in fibre is also a great nutritional strategy for controlling your dog’s body weight. By keeping your dog a healthy body weight, you’re preventing her from getting diseases like diabetes. You’re also making sure that her joints stay healthy, so she can enjoy pain-free walks with you and her dog friends too.
Having a high-quality fibre source is very important to your dog’s gut health.
Have you heard of prebiotics?
Prebiotics are foods that are typically high in fibre that acts as food for the microflora in your gut.
Fibre can act as a prebiotic and increase the number of health-promoting microbiota in the gut, including lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
There are other benefits to including brown rice in Norman’s Naturals as well.
Did you know that brown rice is a source of methionine and cysteine (amino acids important to your dog’s heart health?)
There’s another important reason for including healthy fibre in your dog’s diet. That’s right: high-quality fibre can reduce the incidence of diarrhea.
Whether your dog loves dashing through the snow, playing with friends at doggy daycare, or leaping through hoops at agility class, Norman’s Naturals will give them the energy they need to make every day their best day.
~Guest Contributor, Alyssa Foulkes
Alyssa is a local dog trainer based in Guelph, Ontario.
Visit Norman's Naturals.com to order your bag today!
Subscription orders are now available!
Dogs need high-quality proteins to provide them with energy to run and play.
Chicken meal is an extremely rich protein. It is made of muscle meat.
Unlike chicken byproduct, chicken meal is made of 100% chicken meat. It is a trustworthy and consistent source of protein.
Chicken is also a source of methionine, cysteine, and taurine (amino acids important to your dog’s heart health.)
Did you know that dogs can convert the amino acids methionine and cysteine into taurine in their body?
It’s very important that your dog gets enough taurine in its diet because low levels of taurine in the blood can lead to heart issues like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM.)
Cases of DCM related to low levels of taurine in the blood have been reported in many different breeds, including Scottish Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dalmatians, Boxers, Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dogs, English Setters, and Alaskan Malamutes. Providing these dogs with taurine improved their cardiac function.
Question: Which breeds are genetically predisposed to DCM?
Answer: Breeds with the highest prevalence of DCM include Dobermans, Boxers, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, English Cocker Spaniels, and Portuguese Water Dogs.
By carefully selecting high-quality food for your best friend, you will reduce the risk of your dog developing DCM.
Question: What about flavour?
Answer: Our Chicken and Brown Rice blend tips the scale on flavour. Just ask Moose!
Moose is a Doberman Pinscher, who was an extremely picky eater. He turned his nose up at every kibble until he found Norman’s Naturals. Three years later, it’s still the only food he’ll eat! He needs energy for the long hikes he loves to take with his owner.
What’s your dog’s favourite activity? Leave a comment below!
~Guest Contributor, Alyssa Foulkes
Alyssa is a local dog trainer based in Guelph, Ontario.
Visit Norman's Naturals.com to order your bag today!
Subscription orders are now available!
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