BLACK DIAMOND, Alta. — A modern chicken farm is a high tech operation that still requires the human touch. These farms run on cycles of eight weeks, in which newly hatched chicks weighing 50 grams are placed in warm barns and raised until they are 38 days old and weigh 2.5 kilograms. At that point, […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Land use regulations needed to reduce flood risks: experts
Planners want development restricted on flood plains and high-risk areas
Southern Albertans responded well to last year’s flood crisis, but the recovery is going to take years, said Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi. More than 100,000 people were affected in 30 communities when homes and businesses went under water June 19-21. The final costs are expected to exceed $6 billion, making it Canada’s most expensive natural […] Read moreNo link found on climate change, Bow River floods
Flooding is a natural phenomenon needed to replenish ecosystems and ground water. Yet it can cause catastrophic damage because recent housing and other urban developments have been built on floodplains. “There are ecosystems that actually depend on these high flows,” John Pomeroy of the University of Sask-atchewan told the Canadian Water Resources Association annual meeting […] Read more
Soil, weather factors align to make 2013 flood costly
Last year’s flooding in southern Alberta may have been the most costly weather disaster in Canadian history, but it was not unprecedented. For scientists observing the rainy days around June 20, it was an opportunity to watch what happens when rain, snow melt and frozen ground meet. “It was not only a disaster but a […] Read more
Olds College reopens meat processing centre
Renovated laboratory Students learn how to make sausage and how to cut, cure and smoke meat
OLDS, Alta. — Brad McLeod wants to bring back the art of meat cutting and processing. McLeod manages a 15 week course that teaches the latest concepts in processing lamb, pork and beef. A $300,000 investment into the National Meat Training Centre at Olds College has made it the only school of its kind in […] Read moreTechnology may help producers assess disease immunity
Better genetics After developing a skin test to measure immune response, research will focus on developing genomic test
RED DEER — A University of Guelph researcher has developed a simple skin test to measure the immune response of dairy cattle. HIR Immunity+ is a patented technology that helps producers select for cattle with an enhanced ability to fight off diseases such as mastitis, Bonnie Mallard told the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar held in […] Read moreU of C awards honourary degree to Brian Evans
Dr. Brian Evans is the first recipient of an honourary degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Calgary. Evans is the retired executive vice-president of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and was the country’s chief veterinary officer for 15 years. He graduated from the University of Guelph with a bachelor of science in agriculture […] Read more
High quality grains add to feed options
Dairy rations | Producers should save highest quality feed for top producing animals
RED DEER — High quality forage is one key to better milk production in dairy cows. “With high quality forages, your cows will have the opportunity to reach their genetic potential relative to their milk production,” said Barry Robinson, head of Great Northern Livestock Consulting Ltd. in northern Alberta. Fewer supplements are needed in high […] Read moreNew technology sheds light on complex process of making silage
RED DEER — Making silage is a complex biological process that requires the right combination of bacteria, pH balance and fermentation. Inoculants have been added for more than 50 years to curb spoilage and encourage better ensiling. Some studies show improved feed efficiency was achieved when inoculants were used, said Tim McAllister of Agriculture Canada’s […] Read more
Pork producers told to cease use of blood plasma
PED control | Extreme caution urged as officials examine possible links between feed and porcine epidemic diarrhea
Hog producers should not feed blood plasma products until definite evidence proves there is no link between this high protein product and the spread of porcine epidemic diarrhea, veterinarians say. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency tested the product last month and could not verify a connection. However, some veterinarians are not convinced. “We all know […] Read more
