Benchaar, Chaouki, Ph.D.

Research Scientist

Contact Information:

2000 College Street
Sherbrooke, Quebec J1M 0C8
Telephone: 819-780-7117
Fax: 819-564-5507
Email: chaouki.benchaar@agr.gc.ca

Areas of Expertise:

  • Use of plant extracts (eg. essential oils) in ruminant nutrition to improve feed efficiency (protein and energy) and reduce the environmental impact of dairy cattle systems
  • Enhancing the level of health-promoting compounds (eg. CLA, omega-3 FA, antioxidants) in milk
  • Dietary and Nutritional Impact on greenhouse gas emissions (eg. Methane) from dairy cows
  • Nutritional strategies to enhance protein efficiency of protein utilization and reduce nitrogen excretion by dairy cows

Current Projects:

  • Quantification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Produced by Dairy Cattle in Canada and recommendation of mitigation techniques
  • Evaluation of the Potentiel Use of Plant-derived Essential Oils in Dairy Cow Nutrition
  • Potential use of essential oils to improve dietary nitrogen utilization in dairy cow - comparative study with monensin
  • Effects of cinnamaldehyde, yucca saponins extract and condensed tannins on digestion, ruminal fermentation, protozoa counts, milk production and milk composition in dairy cows.
  • Silage quality from ensiled grass (timothy) varying in soluble sugar content and treated with chemical or bacterial additive
  • Effects of flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplementation on digestion, ruminal fermentation, protozoa counts, milk production, and milk composition of cows fed high- or low-forage diets.
  • Effects of lipid supplementation on digestion, ruminal fermentation characteristics, methane production, milk production, and milk composition of lactating dairy cows
  • Effect of carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde on feed intake, ruminal fermentatiion, performance and carcass characteristics of growing lambs
  • Effects of different plants extracts on ewe lamb performance and carcass characteristics.
  • Intake, ruminal fermentation, growth performance, and carcass characteristics in lambs fed different doses of cinnamaldehyde
  • Effect of essential oils used as inoculants on the nutritive value of barley silage for lactating dairy cows
  • Meta-analysis on the effects of lipid supplementation on methane emissions and milk performance of lactating dairy cows

Affiliations:

  • Adjunct Professor, Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
  • Adjunct Professor, Nova Scotia Agricultural College (Truro, Nova Scotia)
  • Eastern director of the Canadian Society of Animal Science
  • Associate Editor of the Canadian Journal of Animal Science
  • Member of the Canadian Society of Animal Science
  • Member of the American Society of Animal Science
  • Member of the American Dairy Science Association

Research Publications:

The links below lead to abstracts with access to full text.

2013:

2012:

2011:

2010:

2009:

Other Science Related Publications:

2013:

  • Benchaar, C. (2013). "Émissions de méthane par les vaches laitières : comprendre pour bien agir.", Le rendez-vous laitier AQINAC 2013, Best Western Hôtel Universel, Drummondville, QC, Canada, March 26, 2013.
  • Ibeagha-Awemu, E.M., Ammah, A.A., Beaudoin, F., Bissonnette, N., and Benchaar, C. (2013). "Effects of Diets Rich in Unsaturated Fatty Acids on Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) Levels and Potential for Genetic Selection of MUN.", 31st Western Canadian Dairy Seminar (WCDS), Capri Centre, Red Deer, AB, Canada, March 5-8, 2013, Published in: Advances in Dairy Technology (Western Canadian Dairy Seminar Proceedings) 25, pp. 388. (Poster)

2012:

  • Benchaar, C., Hassanat, F., Gervais, R., Chouinard, P.Y., Julien, C., Massé, D.I., and Petit, H.V. (2012). "Effect of increasing amounts of corn dried distillers′ grains with solubles in dairy cow diets on enteric methane emissions, digestibility, and milk production.", Journal of Dairy Science (JDS), 95(Suppl. 2), pp. 597 (#W277). (Abstract)
  • Benchaar, C., Hassanat, F., Gervais, R., Chouinard, P.Y., Julien, C., Massé, D.I., and Petit, H.V. (2012). "Effect of increasing amounts of corn dried distillers′ grains with solubles in dairy cow diets on enteric methane emissions, digestibility, and milk production.", ADSA-AMPA-ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS 2012 Joint Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, USA, July 15-19, 2012.
  • Chantigny, M.H., Royer, I., Rochette, P., Angers, D.A., Massé, D.I., and Benchaar, C. (2012). "Manure storage strategies altered nutrient availability and greenhouse gas emissions following application to soils.", 3rd AQSSS-CSSS Joint Meeting/Congrès conjoint AQSSS-SCSS: Soils in a changing climate: Friend of foe?, Manoir St-Castin, Québec City, QC, Canada, June 3-8, 2012.
  • Chouinard, P.Y., Pellerin, D., Charbonneau, É., Vuillemard, J.-C., Gervais, R., Fievez, V., Benchaar, C., and Tremblay, G.F. (2012). "Chaire industrielle de recherche sur le contrôle nutritionnel de la production des constituants du lait.", 2012 Forum Technologique NOVALAIT / IDF Dairy Science and Technology Week, Hôtel et Suites Le Dauphin, Drummondville, QC, Canada, May 29, 2012, P2012-12. (Abstract)
  • Hassanat, F., Gervais, R., Chouinard, P.Y., Julien, C., Massé, D.I., and Benchaar, C. (2012). "Effect of replacing legume/grass silage with corn silage in dairy cow diets on enteric methane production.", Journal of Dairy Science (JDS), 95(Suppl. 2), pp. 371 (#M346). (Abstract)
  • Hassanat, F., Gervais, R., Chouinard, P.Y., Julien, C., Massé, D.I., and Benchaar, C. (2012). "Effect of replacing legume/grass silage with corn silage in dairy cow diets on enteric methane production.", ADSA-AMPA-ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS 2012 Joint Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, USA, July 15-19, 2012.
  • Lettat, A., Hassanat, F., and Benchaar, C. (2012). "Effects of feeding corn- or legume/grass silage-based diets on ruminal bacteria and archaea communities.", Journal of Dairy Science (JDS), 95(Suppl. 2), pp. 371 (#T339). (Abstract)
  • Lettat, A., Hassanat, F., and Benchaar, C. (2012). "Effects of feeding corn- or legume/grass silage-based diets on ruminal bacteria and archaea communities.", ADSA-AMPA-ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS 2012 Joint Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, USA, July 15-19, 2012.
  • Petit, H.V., do Prado, R.N., Palin, M.-F., and Benchaar, C. (2012). "Milk production, milk composition and blood parameters of cows fed whole flaxseed or whole linola.", Journal of Dairy Science (JDS), 95(Suppl. 2), pp. 611 (#W318). (Abstract)

2011:

  • Benchaar, C. (2011). "Mitigation of enteric methane emissions to reduce the carbon footprint of the dairy industry.", Dairy Research Cluster Communications and Consultation Workshop: Shaping a dairy research agenda for 2013 - 2018, Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montréal, QC, Canada, November 16-17, 2011.
  • Benchaar, C. and Chouinard, P.Y. (2011). "Effects of cinnamon essential oil, cinnamaldehyde and monensin on milk fatty acid profile of dairy cows.", Journal of Dairy Science (JDS), 94(E-Suppl. 1), pp. 375 (#T321). (Abstract)
  • Hassanat, H. and Benchaar, C. (2011). "Impact of different sources of hydrolysable and condensed tannins on rumen fermentation and methane production in vitro.", Journal of Dairy Science (JDS), 94(E-Suppl. 1), pp. 389 (#T363). (Abstract)
  • Sarramone, J.P., Benchaar, C., Lebeuf, Y., Gervais, R., and Chouinard, P.Y. (2011). "Effect of feeding Camelina sativa seeds or meal on lactationperformance and milk fatty acid composition in lactating dairy cows.", Journal of Dairy Science (JDS), 94(E-Suppl. 1), pp. 118 (#M320). (Abstract)

2010:

  • Benchaar, C. (2010). "Essential oils and opportunities to mitigate enteric methane emissions from ruminants.", 4th International Greenhouse Gases and Animal Agriculture Conference (GGAA), Banff Park Lodge, Banff, AB, Canada, October 3-8, 2010, pp. 82. (Abstract)
  • Benchaar, C. (2010). "Essential oils and opportunities to mitigate enteric methane emissions from ruminants.", in McGeough, E.G. and McGinn, S.M. (eds.) - Proceedings of the 4th International Greenhouse Gases and Animal Agriculture Conference (GGAA), Banff, AB, Canada, October 3-8, 2010, pp. 111.
  • Benchaar, C. (2010). "Essential oils and opportunities to reduce enteric methane production.", 4th International Greenhouse Gases and Animal Agriculture Conference (GGAA), Banff Park Lodge, Banff, AB, Canada, October 3-8, 2010.
  • Benchaar, C. (2010). "Mitigation of enteric methane emissions from ruminants.", EMBRAPA Gado de Leite - CNPGL, Juiz de Fora, Brazil, April 12, 2010.
  • Benchaar, C., Yang, W.-Z., Petit, H.V., and Chouinard, P.Y. (2010). "Effects of eugenol addition on milk fatty acid composition of dairy cows fed high- or low-concentrate diets.", Journal of Animal Science, 88(E-Suppl. 2), pp. 428 (#T373). (Abstract)
  • Meale, S.J., Chaves, A.V., Schei, I., McAllister, T.A., Iwaasa, A.D., Yang, W.-Z., and Benchaar, C. (2010). "Including essential oils in ruminal batch cultures, or in diets fed to lactating dairy cows: effects on methane emissions.", 4th International Greenhouse Gases and Animal Agriculture Conference (GGAA), Banff Park Lodge, Banff, AB, Canada, October 3-8, 2010, # T84, pp. 107. (Poster)
  • Meale, S.J., Chaves, A.V., Schei, I., McAllister, T.A., Iwaasa, A.D., Yang, W.-Z., and Benchaar, C. (2010). "Including essential oils in ruminant batch cultures or in diets fed to lactating dairy cows: Effects on methane emissions.", in McGeough, E.G. and McGinn, S.M. (eds.) - Proceedings of the 4th International Greenhouse Gases and Animal Agriculture Conference (GGAA), Banff, AB, Canada, October 3-8, 2010, pp. 136.
  • Narvaez, N., Wang, Y., McAllister, T.A., and Benchaar, C. (2010). "Assessment of the effects of two herbs and spices mixtures and their ethanol extracts on in vitro rumen microbial fermentation.", Journal of Animal Science, 88(E-Suppl. 2), pp. 136 (#M358). (Abstract)
  • Narvaez, N., Wang, Y., McAllister, T.A., and Benchaar, C. (2010). "Effects of ethanol extracts of two specific mixtures of herbs and spices on in vitro rumen microbial fermentation.", Journal of Animal Science, 88(E-Suppl. 2), pp. 135 (#M357). (Abstract)
  • Palin, M.-F., Petit, H.V., Beaudry, D., Côrtes, C., Gagnon, N., Lacasse, P., and Benchaar, C. (2010). "Effect of flax oil and flax hulls on mRNA abundance of antioxidant enzymes and lipogenic-related genes in the mammary gland of dairy cows.", Journal of Animal Science, 88(E-Suppl. 2), pp. 717 (#W405). (Abstract)
  • Petit, H.V., Côrtes, C., Kazama, R., da Silva-Kazama, D.C., dos Santos, G.T.D., Zeoula, L.M., Gagnon, N., and Benchaar, C. (2010). "Effect of flax hulls in the diet and infusion of flax oil in the abomasum on absorption of the mammalian lignan enterolactone in dairy cows.", Journal of Animal Science, 88(E-Suppl. 2), pp. 726 (#W435). (Abstract)

2009:

  • Benchaar, C. (2009). "Milk Fatty Acid Composition of Dairy Cows Fed Increasing Amounts of Linseed Oil.", 27th Western Canadian Dairy Seminar (WCDS): Forging Ahead Through Challenging, Capri Centre, Red Deer, AB, Canada, March 10-13, 2009, Session VII: Focus on Forage, pp. 369. (Abstract)
  • Benchaar, C. (2009). "Plant-derived essential oils in ruminant nutrition.", 45th Eastern Nutrition Conference (ENC), Palace Royal Hotel, Québec City, QC, Canada, May 13-14, 2009.
  • Benchaar, C. and Chouinard, P.Y. (2009). "Assessment of the potential of cinnamaldehyde, condensed tannins, and saponins to modify milk fatty acid composition of dairy cows.", Journal of Animal Science, 87(E-Suppl. 2), pp. 277 (#T255). (Abstract)
  • Benchaar, C. and Chouinard, P.Y. (2009). "Assessment of the potential of cinnamaldehyde, condensed tannins, and saponins to modify milk fatty acid composition of dairy cows.", ADSA-CSAS-ASAS 2009 Joint Annual Meeting, Montréal Convention Center, Montréal, QC, Canada, July 12-16, 2009.
  • Benchaar, C., Hristov, A.N., and Greathead, H. (2009). "Essential oils as feed additives in ruminant nutrition.", in Steiner, T. (ed.) - Phytogenics In Animal Nutrition: Natural Concepts To Optimize Gut Health And Performance, Nottingham University Press, Nottingham, UK.
  • Benchaar, C., Yang, W.-Z., Petit, H.V., and Chouinard, P.Y. (2009). "Effects of eugenol Supplementation on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, milk production, and milk composition of dairy cows fed high- or low-concentrate diets.", ADSA-CSAS-ASAS 2009 Joint Annual Meeting, Montréal Convention Center, Montréal, QC, Canada, July 12-16, 2009.
  • Benchaar, C., Yang, W.-Z., Petit, H.V., and Chouinard, P.Y. (2009). "Effects of eugenol supplementation on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, milk production, and milk composition of dairy cows fed high- or low-concentrate diets.", Journal of Animal Science, 87(E-Suppl. 2), pp. 277 (#T254). (Abstract)
  • Benchaar, C., Yang, W.-Z., Petit, H.V., and Chouinard, P.Y. (2009). "Effects of eugenol supplementation on ruminal fermentation characteristics, protozoa counts, and in situ ruminal degradation of soybean meal, grass/legume hay, and corn grain in dairy cows fed high- or low-concentrate diets.", Journal of Animal Science, 87(E-Suppl. 2), pp. 276 (#T253). (Abstract)
  • Benchaar, C., Yang, W.-Z., Petit, H.V., and Chouinard, P.Y. (2009). "Effects of eugenol supplementation on ruminal fermentation, protozoa counts, and in situ ruminal degradation of soybean meal, grass/legume hay, and corn grain in dairy cows fed high- or low-concentrate diets.", ADSA-CSAS-ASAS 2009 Joint Annual Meeting, Montréal Convention Center, Montréal, QC, Canada, July 12-16, 2009.
  • Brito, A.F., Tremblay, G.F., Bertrand, A., Castonguay, Y., Bélanger, G., Michaud, R., Lapierre, H., Benchaar, C., Petit, H.V., Ouellet, D.R., and Berthiaume, R.R. (2009). "Alfalfa Cut At Sundown and Harvested As Baleage Increases Performance of Late-Lactation Dairy Cows.", 27th Western Canadian Dairy Seminar (WCDS): Forging Ahead Through Challenging, Capri Centre, Red Deer, AB, Canada, March 10-13, 2009, Session VII: Focus on Forage, pp. 368. (Abstract)
  • Côrtes, C., da Silva, D.C., Benchaar, C., Kazama, R., dos Santos, G.T.D., Zeoula, L.M., and Petit, H.V. (2009). "The interaction of flaxseed hulls and monensin on feed intake, apparent digestibility, and milk composition of late-lactating dairy cows.", ADSA-CSAS-ASAS 2009 Joint Annual Meeting, Montréal Convention Center, Montréal, QC, Canada, July 12-16, 2009.
  • Côrtes, C., da Silva, D.C., Kazama, R., Gagnon, N., Benchaar, C., dos Santos, G.T.D., Zeoula, L.M., and Petit, H.V. (2009). "Milk fatty acid composition of dairy cows fed whole flaxseed or/and Ca-salts of flaxseed oil.", ADSA-CSAS-ASAS 2009 Joint Annual Meeting, Montréal Convention Center, Montréal, QC, Canada, July 12-16, 2009.
  • Côrtes, C., da Silva, D.C., Kazama, R., Gagnon, N., Benchaar, C., dos Santos, G.T.D., Zeoula, L.M., and Petit, H.V. (2009). "The interaction of flaxseed hulls and monensin on feed intake, apparent digestibility, and milk composition of late-lactating dairy cows.", Journal of Animal Science, 87(E-Suppl. 2), pp. 283 (#T274). (Abstract)
  • Côrtes, C., da Silva, D.C., Kazama, R., Gagnon, N., Benchaar, C., dos Santos, G.T.D., Zeoula, L.M., and Petit, H.V. (2009). "The interaction of flaxseed hulls and monensin on milk fatty acid composition of late-lactating dairy cows.", Journal of Animal Science, 87(E-Suppl. 2), pp. 285 (#T282). (Abstract)
  • Côrtes, C., da Silva, D.C., Kazama, R., Gagnon, N., Benchaar, C., dos Santos, G.T.D., Zeoula, L.M., and Petit, H.V. (2009). "The interaction of flaxseed hulls and monensin on milk fatty acid composition of late-lactating dairy cows.", ADSA-CSAS-ASAS 2009 Joint Annual Meeting, Montréal Convention Center, Montréal, QC, Canada, July 12-16, 2009.
  • Gagnon, N., Côrtes, C., Benchaar, C., and Petit, H.V. (2009). "Mammalian lignan enterolactone concentration in milk of dairy cows fed different levels of flaxseed hulls.", ADSA-CSAS-ASAS 2009 Joint Annual Meeting, Montréal Convention Center, Montréal, QC, Canada, July 12-16, 2009.
  • Holtshausen, L., Chaves, A.V., Beauchemin, K.A., McGinn, S.M., McAllister, T.A., Odongo, N.E., Cheeke, P.R., and Benchaar, C. (2009). "Feeding saponin-containing Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria to decrease enteric methane production in dairy cows [J. Dairy Sci. 92, pp. 2809-2821] (Erratum).", Journal of Dairy Science (JDS), 92(7), pp. 3543.
  • Petit, H.V., Côrtes, C., Gagnon, N., Palin, M.-F., Tao, S., Benchaar, C., and Lacasse, P. (2009). "Flax hulls and oil supplementation on the activity of antioxidant enzymes in dairy cows.", XIth International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology, Clermont-Ferrand, France, September 6-9, 2009, pp. 630-631.
  • Yang, W.-Z., Benchaar, C., Ametaj, B.N., He, M.L., and Beauchemin, K.A. (2009). "Effect of feeding eugenol on ruminal fermentation and carbohydrate digestion in the digestive tract of beef cattle fed finishing ration (Abstract T252).", Journal of Animal Science, 87(E-Suppl. 2), pp. 276 (#T252). (Abstract)
  • Yang, W.-Z., Benchaar, C., Ametaj, B.N., He, M.L., and Beauchemin, K.A. (2009). "Effect of feeding eugenol on ruminal fermentation and carbohydrate digestion in the digestive tract of beef cattle fed finishing ration.", ADSA-CSAS-ASAS 2009 Joint Annual Meeting, Montréal Convention Center, Montréal, QC, Canada, July 12-16, 2009.
  • Yang, W.-Z., Benchaar, C., Ametaj, B.N., Walker, N., He, M.L., Beauchemin, K.A. (2009). "Effect of feeding eugenol on ruminal fermentation and carbohydrate digestion in the digestive tract of beef cattle fed finishing ration.", Journal of Dairy Science (JDS), 92(E-Suppl. 1), pp. 276. (Abstract)
  • Yang, W.-Z., Benchaar, C., He, M.L., and Beauchemin, K.A. (2009). "Site and extent of feed digestion in the digestive tract of beef cattle fed high-grain diet supplemented with cinnamaldehyde or eugenol.", in Chilliard, Y., Glasser, F., Faulconnier, Y., Bocquier, F., Veissier, I., and Doreau, M. (eds.) - Ruminant physiology 2009. Digestion, metabolism, and effects of nutrition on reproduction and welfare, Wageningen Academic Publishers, The Netherlands, Chapter Short communications - Digestion and absorption, pp. 408-409.
  • Yang, W.-Z., Benchaar, C., He, M.L., and Beauchemin, K.A. (2009). "Site and extent of feed digestion in the digestive tract of feedlot beef cattle supplemented with cinnamaldehyde or eugenol.", XIth International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology, Clermont-Ferrand, France, September 6-9, 2009. (Poster)