Livestock Management
Farming in “next year country” is the usual canard about farmers’ penchant for seeking the illusive best-case scenario in terms of productivity and price. But grazing is actually last year’s country, according to Diane Westerlund, manager of the Chinook Applied Research Association. CARA is based in Oyen, within Alberta’s special areas, and this year experienced […] Read more
Livestock Management
Canola meal an option when other feed scarce
Protein supplementation is relevant in a drought year or during dormant season grazing, particularly on native forage
MOOSE JAW, Sask. — Cattle producers struggling to deliver proper protein in dry conditions and with poor feed sources could consider supplementing with canola meal, says a University of Saskatchewan professor. Dr. Greg Penner said a study funded by both industry and the federal government compared feeding heifers canola meal and dry distillers grain as […] Read more
Research solidifies cattle’s role in soil health
A British scientist argues that higher stocking rates and uniform distribution of animals lead to better soil structure
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Long-term grasslands studies have made researchers like Taro Takahashi a believer in the environmental value of livestock and grazing. Takahashi is a research scientist whose work at Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire, England, includes a life-cycle assessment of pasture-based cattle production systems. Rothamsted Research is one of the oldest agriculture research institutions in […] Read more
Vitamin E deficiency common in prairie livestock
Throughout the body, vitamins serve crucial functions to maintain cells in a state of health. Perhaps unimaginatively named for the letters of the alphabet, the vitamins are A, B, C, D and E. Vitamin K breaks the order but is no less important. A recent conversation with a fellow veterinarian led me to review the […] Read more
Cattle producer hopes to build on Angus breed’s momentum
DRUMHELLER, Alta. — Keeping the Angus momentum going was one of the goals of New Brunswick producer Trevor Welch. The retiring president of the Canadian Angus Association wants to continue building the brand while maintaining friendly ties with other breeds. “In Canada, Angus is two-thirds of the cow herd and we want to maintain that […] Read more
Scrapie found in Alberta sheep
A case of scrapie, a fatal disease affecting sheep and goats, has been confirmed in an Alberta sheep. Alberta Lamb Producers said today that the disease was confirmed in late June in a sheep that had lived on multiple premises. Two Alberta flocks have now been quarantined. Their location was not disclosed. Scrapie is a […] Read more
China warns meat exporters to comply
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s customs administration warned meat exporting nations this week to comply with its rules on imports, following a series of problems it identified in Canadian pork shipments. Representatives from around 30 countries attended a meeting on Monday afternoon in Beijing hosted by Bi Kexin, Director General of the Import and Export Food […] Read more
Crown land opened up to Manitoba cattle producers
Manitoba cattle producers will be allowed to graze cattle and cut hay on Crown land this year to better manage dry conditions and feed shortfalls. The provincial government announced it will allow such activity, which will be administered through the Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing program. The Manitoba Beef Producers welcomed the announcement. “The dry conditions […] Read more
Meat ban not political: sector
A Chinese ban on pork and beef should not damage Canada’s international reputation as a reliable supplier of safe and high quality food, said industry officials. Falsified export certificates on a shipment of frozen pork that landed in China earlier this month caused the ban, according to the Chinese government. The product also tested positive […] Read more
Venture proves seaweed’s worth as cattle feed
Research shows a small amount of the marine algae added to feed can reduce methane emissions by 99 percent
Global demand for seaweed is increasing as it becomes more recognized as a good source of vitamins and minerals for humans and livestock. It is also a good source of amino acids, anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids. As well, it acts as a good soil fertilizer and has been used by the cosmetics industry. Feeding […] Read more
