Many still focus on the basics | ‘Don’t go all the way off the cliff thinking you are going to get all the answers with genomics’
EDMONTON — Genomics can objectively screen animals at a feedlot, but that knowledge is not going to change what the feeder has to work with. “We are not changing the genetics at the feedlot,” said William Torres of Cattleland Feedyards in Strathmore, Alta. “Cattle come in from all different sources from commercial herds.” Cattleland has […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Maders eager to promote their work
Exposure at shows | Couple takes over family farm and hope their children follow in their footsteps
CARSTAIRS, Alta. — Every morning Jill Mader can see the Rocky Mountains from her kitchen window and think how lucky she is to be part of a successful Alberta ranching family. “I think the mountains are beautiful and these guys look at the grass,” she said. She and her husband, Ryley, and his parents, Randy […] Read more
Do happy animals earn you more money?
EDE, Netherlands — Gerbert Oosterlaken feels tremendous satisfaction when he watches his sows and piglets eat together as a family in his newly built hog barn. “That is beautiful to see,” he said. Oosterlaken, who farms in northeastern Netherlands, took a giant leap forward last year when he and his wife, Antonet, built a 600 […] Read more
Correct feed type, uniform amount aids feed efficiency
Ensure adequate energy While small feed particles improve feed efficiency for finishing pigs, nursery pigs should have pelleted feed
RED DEER — There is a genetic component to feed efficiency, but hog producers can do other things to improve weight gain, says a Kansas State University nutritionist. “Dietary feed efficiency is relatively a simple formula,” Steve Dritz told the recent Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop. At the simplest level it is a measure of […] Read moreAngus association opens new Calgary headquarters
The Canadian Angus Association has opened a new office on the outskirts of Calgary. Angus Central is an 11,441 sq. foot building that houses the association’s administration as well as the breed’s 108 year Canadian history. That history also tells part of the Canadian beef story as well, said association chief executive officer Rob Smith. […] Read more
Now: Genetic technology transforms beef, dairy sectors; Then: Pine needles cause pregnant cows to abort
NOW: Earlier this year, the McKinsey Global Institute published a list of 12 disruptive technologies it believes could transform life, business and the economy. Included on the list were improved internet and computer capacity as well as genomics. The economics research firm estimated genomics could have a potential value to agriculture and human health of […] Read more
Convenience remains consumer priority
Canadians are not spending any more money on food, so grocery chains are looking for new ways to draw in customers. “We still have a stagnant population in this country that doesn’t spend any more on food than it did 10 years ago,” said John Scott, the retired head of the Canadian Federation of Independent […] Read more
Veal researchers address health issues of calves
Feeding systems examined | Demand for pale coloured meat means veal calves may lack fibre, resulting in poor rumen development and ulcers
WAGENINGEN, Netherlands — Pink veal is a luxury item in countries like France and Italy, but its production takes a toll on the calves destined for that market. “The consumers are asking for pale coloured meat, so on purpose, they want to give the calves a diet that is low in iron,” said researcher Eddie […] Read more
Slaughter system more humane
ENSCHEDE, Netherlands — Public pressure has forced the European meat industry to change. The result has been innovations in the way farm animals are raised and slaughtered. The Dutch company Topkip, which means top chicken in Dutch, has engineered better ways to process poultry because of ongoing problems with proper stunning before slaughter. “We start […] Read more
Manure handling key in Dutch controls
Strict manure laws | Fight against manure called a nation-wide issue as country tries to cope with little available land
EDE, Netherlands — Dutch farmers increased livestock production following the Second World War to feed a hungry continent ravaged by conflict. They became major exporters of pork and dairy products, but the unintended consequence was a manure surplus. “We have too much manure for the land we have,” said farmer Gerbert Oosterlaken, who lives in […] Read more
