Accurate scrotal measurements
The new Coulter Scrotal Tape is designed to give beef cattle producers accurate, consistent information about the reproductive capabilities of their breeding bulls
Fertility is one of the highest inherited characteristics of beef cattle and the scrotal circumference of bulls is a primary way of determining fertility.
While scrotal measurements are an accepted method of determining fertility, the debate continues about the accuracy and variance of measurements.
To solve these problems, Agriculture Canada beef cattle research specialist Glenn Coulter has developed a new product that yields consistent measurements. The tape is spring-activated with the same tension applied each time.
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After the tape loop is slipped around the scrotum, the lock is released and the measuring tape is automatically tightened.
The reading guide is then locked, the tape removed and the measurement read.
It took five years of testing for Coulter to determine the correct spring tension which is consistent regardless of scrotum size.
Contact: Trueman Manufacturing, Box 774, Edmonton, Alta. T5J 2L4; tel. 1-800-363-4085; fax. 403-435-0876.
Banvel/Roundup tank mix
With conservation tillage becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to conventional tillage in Western Canada, the registration of a Banvel/Roundup tank mix is particularly timely and safe for wheat and barley planted soon after application.
When conservation tillage is practised in cereals, pre-seeding weed control has proven to be one of the most effective methods of achieving early weed control and encouraging vigorous crop growth.
Early application
A pre-seeding application of Banvel plus Roundup provides an alternative to tillage for the control of grass and broadleaf weeds.
The new tank mix achieves superior broadleaf weed control by mixing Banvel at 125 mL/acre and Roundup at 375 mL/acre, compared to applying Roundup alone at 1.25 L/acre. A toll-free line is available at 1-800-667-4797 or contact: Michael Giles, Western marketing manager, Sandoz Agro Canada, Inc., Suite 302, Plaza 4, 2000 Argentia Road, Mississauga, Ont., L5N 1W1; tel. 905-821-7850; fax. 905-821-7856.
