Livestock Management
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have used a commercial genomic prediction tool called the Zoetis GeneMax Advantage, specific to the Angus breed, to investigate the accuracy of the test procedure in predicting breeding values for complex and desirable traits. “(The goal was) to demonstrate and evaluate the ability of the test to accurately predict […] Read more
Livestock Management
Bias could be history in dairy cow assessment
An Edmonton start-up’s experimentation with artificial intelligence-based evaluation could replace the human factor
An Edmonton-based start-up company says results from its artificial intelligence-based classification of dairy cows comes within two percent of human results. Animal science specialist Ghader Manafiazar, one of three co-founders of iClassifier, says an analysis of approximately 30,000 images collected from Canadian dairy farms shows an accuracy rate of 98 percent from the company’s machine […] Read more
Quick test could improve treatment decisions in cattle
Researchers use water troughs to monitor resistant bacteria and help decide which antibiotics should be administered
Researchers are seeking ways to manage antimicrobial-resistant bacteria on farms, including quicker evaluation of bacteria so treatment can be better targeted. Agriculture Canada and University of Saskatchewan veterinary school researchers are studying feedlot water troughs, hoping the water can tell them what sort of anti-microbial resistant bacteria are present. “By knowing what type of resistance […] Read more
CCIA to track cattle for sustainability program
Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef says tracking partnership should provide transparency throughout the system
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef hopes more cattle will make it all the way through its certified sustainable program after signing a new tracking partnership. The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency is now handling chain of custody tracking for the program. The move is designed to provide more transparency and help find out where cattle […] Read more
More must be done to ensure supply of local anesthetic
We are all experienced with the use of a local anesthetic when a cavity is filled at the dentist. Sensation goes away for the couple hours that we are numb, but the great thing is the pain is totally removed and there is no need for a general anesthetic. As well, many high-end surgeries such […] Read more
Sask. going to COP28
Saskatchewan is planning a strong presence at COP28 in United Arab Emirates later this year to showcase the sustainability efforts of the province’s farmers and other industries. The trip was announced during the Oct. 25 throne speech read by Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty to open the fourth sitting of the legislature. This is likely the last […] Read more
New report says national agrifood water strategy needed
Canada should be exploiting its enormous water resources to be both a sustainable food powerhouse and a global water research superpower, says a new paper from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute. Yet the country’s water policies, management and research efforts are underdeveloped and unco-ordinated, leaving water resources and challenges largely unaddressed. That’s something that a […] Read more
Feed assistance announced for Alberta
This story is developing and will be updated later today. A livestock feed assistance program is being rolled out for Alberta. The province’s agriculture minister and a Calgary MP announced aid Oct. 20 for producers hit hard again by another year of drought. A joint Canada-Alberta AgriRecovery assistance program worth $160 million will be made […] Read more
Alta. cattle producers still wait for feed program
Ranchers confident assistance program is coming soon, despite a two-month delay since plans were first announced
Details remain unclear two months after Alberta agriculture minister RJ Sigurdson announced that the province was moving ahead with plans to draft eligibility requirements for a livestock feed assistance program. Request for comment to the ministry about the status of the program was not replied to as of press deadline. In an open letter dated […] Read more
Liberal MP introduces pathway for quicker regulatory approval
Seed, feed and pest control legislation would be amended to allow faster approval of products from other countries
Kody Blois, Liberal MP and chair of the House of Commons’ agriculture committee, has introduced a bill to make it easier for seed, feed and crop protection products to move into Canada. Private member’s Bill C-359 would amend the Seeds Act, Feeds Act and Pest Control Products Act to provide a 90-day provisional registration for […] Read more
