Livestock Management
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 more
Livestock Management
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
Slaughtered cattle remains dumped
Investigators are looking for answers into how unbranded remains of two cattle valued at about $5,000 were dumped behind a rural cemetery in Alberta. The animal hides, heads, legs and rumens were discovered April 4 near the hamlet of Swalwell in Kneehill County south of Three Hills, said Michael Tucker, livestock inspector and area manager […] 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
‘Be cool, calm and collected’
When it comes to showing cattle, learning from mistakes is as important as knowing strengths, said Wyatt Millar of Asquith, Sask., during the Saskatchewan Beef Expo in Saskatoon April 1-3. “I talked a lot more about what I did wrong in the ring than what I did right,” said Millar. “That’s important to figure out […] Read more
Federal funds help market chicken, turkey
Canada’s chicken and turkey sectors are getting $3.5 million in federal funding in the first year of a 10-year program to step up marketing and increase consumption. Francis Drouin, parliamentary secretary to agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced the new market development program late last month. Chicken Farmers of Canada will get $1 million, and Turkey […] Read more
Alta. solar project to use sheep for grass control
Company will pay a local ranch to graze sheep for at least the next three years starting with groups of 50 to 100 head
A solar project in Alberta plans to pay a nearby producer to graze sheep on its land in what is being seen as an example of the benefits farmers can enjoy under such developments. “I think it’s going to provide a really great opportunity for farmers and just opens the doors to work with these […] Read more
