Using CRISPR technology to genetically modify animals could allow researchers to better study disease resistance
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich in Germany have used gene-editing to alter certain genes in chickens and pigs. CRISPR/Cas9 technology enables researchers to target specific organs or tissues without the need to generate germline-modified animals. Pigs share a high physiological similarity with humans compared to mice, the most common disease model. They are […] Read moreTyson sets net-zero target
CHICAGO (Reuters) — Tyson Foods set a goal June 9 to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions globally by 2050, after missing a deadline to improve U.S. farming practices as part of an earlier effort to cut emissions. The new target by the biggest U.S. meat packer by sales expands a previous goal of reducing emissions […] Read more
Want a chicken? Why not kick its tires first
Alberta company rents laying hens for the summer to those interested in backyard chickens but would like a trial run first
RED DEER — Scared of a commitment to chickens? In Alberta, you can now rent a chicken and see if you’re ready for full-time chicken ownership. Angela Balgobin and her family are renting chickens for the summer to see if they want chickens full-time. “It was as easy as ordering a pizza,” said Balgobin. She […] Read more
Poultry, egg farmers now able to access compensation dollars
Applications for the Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program (PEFIP) are now being accepted. The program includes $647 million stretched over 10 years to help producers remain competitive, and is part of the government’s compensation for negotiating away parts of the supply managed markets. Producers are entitled to a dollar amount based on their quota […] Read more
Chickens adjust to the dark: study
Broiler chickens learn when their barns will go dark and adjust their feeding patterns to have feed in their systems throughout that time, research at the University of Saskatchewan has found. This leads to better feed efficiency, reduced mortality and heavier market weights. Dr. Karen Schwean-Lardner told the Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada that work […] Read more
Corn prices prompt Asian feed buyers’ switch to wheat
SINGAPORE (Reuters) — Asian feed manufacturers are switching to wheat in animal rations as multi-year high corn prices constrict demand for the yellow grain widely used to fatten hogs and chickens. Some of the world’s top corn buyers such as China, South Korea and Vietnam are buying more wheat in the months ahead as the […] Read more
AVMA appoints new president
Dr. Pat Burrage has been appointed president of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association for 2021, and officially took office Feb. 28. Burrage owned and operated a mixed animal practice in Bluffton, Alta., for the past 15 years, along with five other veterinarians, three registered veterinary technologists and four support staff. He is now employed at […] Read more
Farm cash receipts rise 8.1 percent
Farm cash receipts were up 8.1 percent in 2020, led by a 14.2 percent increase in crop receipts. Statistics Canada data show that total receipts were $71.7 billion last year. Seven provinces saw increases, including Saskatchewan, up $2.6 billion, and Ontario, up $1.3 billion, accounting for more than two-thirds of the national hike. Receipts were […] Read more
Coyotes: to shoot or not to shoot?
Ben Rodenburg has two guardian dogs, but he’d like to have more. The dogs, Maremma-Great Pyrenees crosses, protect the sheep and lambs at his farm near Ponoka, Alta. The majority of his 1,400 ewes are usually inside barns because Rodenburg and his wife Heather only have 40 acres. But, at any time a coyote could […] Read more
‘Feather’ farmers assured trade compensation coming
Funds are part of a 10-year program announced last fall to make up for market concessions made in trade agreements
Egg Farmers of Alberta received assurances March 2 that federal government compensation for market loss from trade agreements will come soon. Roger Pelissero, chair of Egg Farmers of Canada, said payment details on the $691 million for Canada’s chicken, egg, broiler, hatching egg and turkey farmers could be announced later this month or in early […] Read more
