A producer’s research determines that farmers can improve the ecosystem by increasing forage and grazing positively
Nuffield scholar Ryan Boyd says Western Canada is missing a huge opportunity by not incorporating more cattle into farming systems. Boyd, who operates a mixed farm near Forrest, Man., said his observations from travel around the world last year show that livestock offer a “resilient long-term solution to agriculture profitability, productivity and climate change.” Boyd […] Read moreLivestock — page 2
Heat stress can negatively affect offspring of dairy cows
Heat stress can have long-term health and production consequences for dairy cows. Cattle begin to experience heat stress when the temperature-humidity index (THI) exceeds 72, which can lead to health consequences, decreased milk production and changes in the concentrations of milk fats and proteins. It is estimated that dairy cattle in Western Canada experience some […] Read more
Hunters recruited in war against wild pigs
Officials say it is important to report sightings because the most effective control method is to eradicate an entire group
Darby Warner has a message for hunters out on Saskatchewan fields this season: if you see a wild pig, take the shot. But then call your local crop insurance office to finish the job. “If an opportunity presents itself, they should take advantage of it but the very next thing they should do is contact […] Read more
Ureaplasma may be overlooked diagnosis for abortions
I was recently consulted about a disease investigation involving a group of heifers that was exposed to three bulls during a 90-day breeding season. The bull-cow ratio was more than adequate and the heifers were well vaccinated, receiving a modified live pre-breeding vaccine, as well as being vaccinated for vibriosis (Campylobacter) and leptospirosis. The herd […] Read more
Supply-side worries send sales sky high
Food shortages at the outset of the pandemic sent consumers scrambling to fill their freezers and larders with local food
Consumers facing the growing uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis are seeking the security that comes from having a freezer full of locally-produced food, said an Alberta rancher. “Our sales have been just sky high,” said Ben Campbell, who sells directly to local customers from his Grazed Right business on the Tullichewan Ranch near Black Diamond, […] Read more
Vet checks go virtual
Dr. Kelly Loree was busy visiting dairy farms earlier this year, providing veterinary care to various herds in the Ponoka, Alta., region. The pandemic hasn’t affected the need for livestock veterinary attention. But while on the job, Loree was exposed to the COVID-19 virus on three different farms, the result of farmers’ earlier participation at […] Read more
Dairy, hog sectors suffer hits
The dairy industry has rebounded from economic shutdown in early stages of the pandemic while the hog industry continues to struggle with low prices and logistics issues
Two of Canada’s livestock industries got savaged in the first COVID-19 lockdowns and outbreaks, but both have stabilized and one is recovering. Rather than the disasters that ravaged both the dairy and hog industries in spring, the two production systems have fallen out of the national news. “There’s a lot more confidence in the industry […] Read more
How processors weathered the COVID storm
For a while, problems at North American meatpacking plants were front page news. As infections afflicted thousands of workers at numerous major facilities, including Canada’s two biggest beef processors, the outlook appeared dire. Could they keep operating? Could plants that had been shut down be brought back into production? Would new health protocols and supply […] Read more
Feed supplement puts whey back into play for livestock rations
Milk from livestock subjected to immune challenges might offer some improved health for other animals
A Regina company hopes a new product it is distributing will help build immunity in young and adult animals while minimizing antibiotic use. The PMT Group, which consists of two companies, Prairie Microtech and Essential’s Inc., claims ProAct is a natural proactive immunity additive that contains a small amount of functional proteins and can be […] Read more
U.S. bison program to affect Canada
A government purchase of ground bison for federal aid is expected to open up new markets for Canadian producers
Canadian bison producers will eventually benefit from a $17-million purchase of American ground bison under a U.S. federal aid program, says the executive director of the National Bison Association. Dave Carter told the Canadian Bison Association annual conference that while the meat bought through the program must be from the United States, there will be […] Read more
