Veterinarians who look after cattle are shifting priorities to emphasize disease prevention over treatment, says Gordon Atkins of the University of Calgary’s veterinary school. The change is occurring as greater focus falls on reducing antibiotics in livestock production. Overall management, nutrition practices and the need to gain a better understanding of the advantages of appropriate […] Read more
Stories by Bruce Derksen
Does show ring reflect ‘real’ cattle industry?
Do show ring cattle work in the “real” world? It’s a question asked over decades of competitions in hushed tones behind the scenes of tiny 4-H events and large national championships alike. At times, it’s proclaimed argumentatively in small-town diners or between ranching neighbours sitting ringside of the action. Many responses to the query fall […] Read more
Surrogate sires may boost production
According to the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the world’s population is expected to reach about 9.7 billion by 2050. Jon Oatley, director of the Center for Reproductive Biology at Washington State University, has been working in the molecular biosciences field for 20 years researching strategies to provide nutritional requirements for this […] Read more
Inbreeding remains a challenge for Holsteins
Researchers say dairy producers have done reasonably well at keeping problems under control, but more could be done
The genetics of the Holstein breed are studies in discovery and obsession — literally. “When people say 99 percent of Holstein sires in the U.S. today can be traced to only two bulls, both born in the 1960s, it’s absolutely true,” said Chad Dechow, associate professor of dairy cattle genetics at Penn State University. “And […] Read more
When imprinting goes terribly wrong
The dangers of intact mature male animals is a story that needs to be repeated, says Joe Stookey, a researcher and animal behaviour scientist at the University of Saskatchewan. “Too many people are being injured or killed,” he said. “And while the story is often about mature dairy bulls, people who don’t know any better […] Read more
Invasive grasses can hurt pastures
Just because it’s green out there doesn’t mean it will make your wallet that way or keep your cattle happy
For some cattle producers, the positivity of spring’s green grass is just a colourful illusion. Green represents new growth and vitality but if this grass is of the invasive annual cheat grass variety, also known as downy brome, optimism quickly fades. It is a common issue throughout the United States Great Plains, Great Basin and […] Read moreGenetic puzzle takes form
The old saying “to understand the future, we must first understand the past” rings especially true when discussing genetics in the beef cattle industry. Research, DNA testing and genomics appear poised to leave only a vapour trail for the average cow-calf producer to grasp. Before this occurs, it’s prudent to examine the realities of what […] Read more
