Cows and calves can both benefit from the practice in a year when feed sources are limited due to poor growing conditions
Early weaning can be a viable option when pasture and feed supplies are low due to drought, academics and specialists say. Dr. Bart Lardner and Dr. Greg Penner, both with the University of Saskatchewan, say early weaning can reduce cows’ nutrient requirements. If calves can transition through weaning with little stress and effect on appetite, […] Read moreStories by Freelance writer
Orphan calves can steal, but intervention better
Some calves can survive by robbing enough milk from other cows, but they may be smaller than their peers at weaning
It’s easy to bottle-feed a newborn calf when necessary but it’s far more challenging to raise an older calf that loses its mother. The calf might be semi-wild but too young to go without milk. Dr. Ray Randall, a veterinarian near Bridger, Montana, says some calves can rob enough milk from other cows, though this […] Read more
Feeding the orphan with milk plus forage
Dr. Lisa Surber, a ruminant nutritionist and consultant in the Medicine Hat, Alta., region, has suggestions for people who are trying to raise an orphan calf. Surber says calves need milk or milk replacer during their first 45 days of life, but generally start nibbling good forage if it is available. They usually consume a […] Read more
Drought heightens risk of vitamin A deficiency
Most cattle have lower than usual supplies of vitamin A because of the drought, so producers should consider supplements
Cattle are at higher risk of vitamin A deficiency due to last year’s drought and related shortage of green grass. Dr. Cheryl Waldner, Beef Cattle Research Council chair at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, says cattle with access to green pasture can readily obtain about four months worth of vitamin A, stored in the […] Read more
Cow nutrition levels will determine rebreeding success
Nutrients are needed for reproduction, to maintain a pregnancy and grow the fetus as well as basic maintenance needs
Cows must have adequate body condition to cycle and rebreed in a timely manner and that requires enough feed and energy to meet their needs, says a prominent veterinarian. Beyond basic maintenance needs, nutrients are needed for reproduction, to maintain a pregnancy and grow the fetus. Lactation after calving requires the most nutrients. As lactation […] Read more
Floating flora for friendlier feedlot flush? Maybe
OLDS, Alta. — Researchers want to know if floating islands filled with native plants and placed in feedlot runoff ponds will help remove unwanted contaminants. “This project is looking at the impact these islands have on water quality and whether or not it can improve the water quality at feedlots,” said Daniel Karran, hydrologist and […] Read more
When injured, plants see-saw between repair and regeneration
Retuning balance between the two improves regeneration for biotech, conservation and propagation of food crops
Plants are constantly at risk of being injured. Their leaves may be chewed by caterpillars and rabbits, or their roots are attacked by grubs and fungi. Plants face a daily dilemma; they can repair the damage and regenerate or defend themselves against further attack. Now, researchers at New York University have discovered the foundation of […] Read more
How bees boost soybean yields
Soybeans are considered self-pollinating plants that rely little on pollinators. Even so, bees contribute to their pollination and yield potential. Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that soybean crops planted close to pollinator habitat produce larger soybeans than those planted farther from pollinator regions. Pollinator habitat refers to areas managed to promote nectar, […] Read more
Ukrainian farmer sends his tractors into the field
A producer in western Ukraine starts land preparation and planting, armed with whatever farm inputs he has available
Even with a war going on around him, Ukrainian farmer Serhiy Ivaschuk has despatched his tractors and machinery to work in the fields to get this year’s crops planted. Ivaschuk operates a mixed dairy and arable farm with about 17,000 acres in the west of Ukraine in the Khmelnytskyi region, 350 kilometres southwest of Kyiv. […] Read more
Researcher studies ATV accidents
Seeing children in hospital from all-terrain vehicle accidents prompted a nurse and University of Calgary grad student to conduct a research project on childhood ATV injuries. Marissa Grossi said the study participants are between ages 18 and 29, but all had an ATV-related injury when they were 18 years or younger. “We’re curious to find […] Read more
