Research in Florida, where grass quality is poor, is focusing on year-round supplements of energy and protein
EDMONTON — A pregnant cow is eating for two and the quality of nutrition throughout gestation can affect how well the calf develops. The concept of fetal programming is fairly new and is related to cow nutrition and possible stresses it experienced during pregnancy. These factors can affect the calf’s organ and muscle development, as […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Antibiotic rules usher in new vet drug era
Livestock producers will be required next year to go through veterinarians to obtain antibiotics for use on their farms
OLDS, Alta. — As of Dec. 1, veterinary prescriptions will be required for antibiotics for Canadian livestock. The new federal legislation means big changes and covers everything from beef to bees. It could mean added costs for producers, who must also develop a working relationship with a veterinarian. “Producers are going to have to work […] Read moreChanges put more diagnostic onus on veterinarians
OLDS, Alta. — Livestock producers and veterinarians must take a more refined approach to animal care when new rules about dispensing antibiotics come into effect in December. Until now, a veterinarian might give a sick animal an antimicrobial but may not do the diagnostic work to understand what made the animal sick. “It not about […] Read more
Grassland restoration a lengthy process
Native species take time to appear and do not easily move into areas that are disturbed by industrial development
LACOMBE, Alta. — Recovery of native grasslands following industrial development is uncertain, says a vegetation ecologist. It is expensive, time consuming and risky because reclaimed areas are vulnerable to weeds and invasive species, Jane Lancaster said at the Alberta Invasive Species Council’s annual meeting held recently in Lacombe. Ideally native plants should be used for […] Read moreConsultant touts benefits of livestock traceability
DENVER, Colo. — Traceability is more than recalls and animal health. Traceability has evolved over the last 15 years and was often implemented when serious food poisoning cases emerged, said Brian Sterling, president of CS Consulting, which specializes in Ontario food industry issues. The science behind the information gathering system should also be considered part […] Read more
How to develop a master grazier
A cattle producer from Alberta helps put together grazing plans specific to soil type, moisture levels and elevation
MADDEN, Alta. — When Graeme Finn started farming in Canada, he knew he did not want to follow the parade. Since moving here from Australia in 1993, he has tested new ideas and experimented on his grazing operation at Madden, west of Calgary. He was well experienced with drought management in Australia and so he […] Read more
Elderly horse care creates tough welfare issue
Longer lifespans mean many horses are starting to outlive their owners’ ability to properly care for them
The average lifespan of horses has increased in the last 25 years thanks to better health care. “With medications, specialty feeds, dental care and preventive medicine, many horses live comfortably well into their 30s,” said equine veterinarian Bettina Bobsien of the Galiano Veterinary Service on Vancouver Island. However, many horses are starting to outlive their […] Read more
Electric fence installation made easier
The Power Grazer fits with Norm and Donna Ward’s emphasis on enhancing the local ecosystem and rebuilding the soil
NANTON, Alta. — Norm and Donna Ward are practical environmentalists whose lifelong careers as Alberta ranchers encompassed a holistic approach to protecting ecosystems, rebuilding soil and producing beef. Ranching on 7,500 acres in the Alberta foothills, Norm was an early adopter of new grazing techniques and became an inventor to make his job easier. He […] Read more
Best of dairy on display at Calgary Stampede Dairy Classic show
Wendon Holsteins of Innisfail, Alta., had a big day at the Stampede Dairy Classic held in Calgary April 28. The Don Chalack family won grand champion Holstein, which was also named best bred and owned. They also won the top breeders herd. The reserve Holstein went to Mosnang Hoslteins of Rimbey, Alta. Lone Pine Jerseys […] Read more
Alta. well site reclamation gets bad grade
Gov’t scientist says follow-up work doesn’t adequately ensure land is returned to equivalent state before development
BANFF, ALTA. — Alberta’s conservation and reclamation program on former energy sites is not working properly, said a government land scientist. Once a former well site is certified as reclaimed, nobody follows up to make sure the land was returned to an equivalent state before development, said Arnold Janz, a land scientist with Alberta Environment […] Read more
