Livestock Management
Alberta rancher and grazing expert says producers must know their pastures’ limits and reduce the herd if necessary
CLARESHOLM, Alta. — Rainfall in recent weeks has brought a temporary reprieve to parched pastures in some parts of the Prairies, but the spectre of drought still looms. Good grazing management won’t cure the issue of dry pastures, but it is essential if grass is expected to recover and thrive when rain does come. The […] Read more
Livestock Management
Proper practices increase vaccine efficiency
A veterinarian says many factors are involved in disease control, and timing of vaccination is one of the most important
DRUMHELLER, Alta. — Timing is important to provide the best vaccine protection for beef cattle. Producers might think that when their animals become sick, they need better or new vaccines, said veterinarian Rob Tremblay at the recent Canadian Angus Association annual meeting held in Drumheller. However, disease control is multi-faceted and other factors can play […] Read more
Research studies best way to apply manure
A U of S project will compare fertilization, traditional manure application and variable-rate manure application
The University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence is looking into ways to make better use of an under-appreciated resource — manure. Soil science professor Jeff Schoenau and his research team — also known as the poo crew — are in the second year of a five-year study trying to find the optimal […] Read moreAnimal hoarding issue requires varied approach to issue
Animal hoarding problems can be curbed only by looking at needs of both animals and humans, says an expert in the field. Dr. Christiana Bratiotis from the University of British Columbia says animal hoarding is poorly understood. She said in rural North America the predominant type of hoarding involves livestock and that presents different challenges […] Read more
Feeding minerals can improve pregnancy success rates
Prenatal nutrition is critical along with weight gain to ensure enough nutrients are reaching the fetus and the mother
Cattle producers know cows have to be managed properly to produce a vigorous calf. New research is also showing added minerals beyond normal requirements improves the pregnancy’s chances of success, said animal scientist Reinaldo Fernandes Cooke of Texas A & M University. “The nutritional management of cows in gestation has a direct impact on calves […] Read moreVets explore link between ureaplasma and infertility
I was recently involved in a disease investigation where the presenting complaint was infertility. This particular cow-calf herd had cows that were continuing to cycle despite several breeding attempts. It was a particularly well-managed herd with excellent nutritional management and a good vaccination program. As part of our investigation, we took vaginal swabs from some […] Read more
Alberta resisting U.S. calls to revisit COOL
The spectre of country of origin labelling in the United States has been raised again in connection with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement that is yet to be approved by all three parties involved. The Alberta government today said there are reports that some members of the United States House of Representatives want to include mandatory […] Read more
Feed grain prices fall after rain
WINNIPEG – Feed grain prices for feedlot alley in Lethbridge, Alta. took a tumble after parts of the Prairies received some much-needed rain. Jim Beusekom, president of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge, said barley and wheat prices recently dropped. Barley was around C$285 to C$290 per tonne in the local area, down about $10 from […] Read more
Canadian beef on foreign consumers’ radar
Affluent consumers in Mexico, China, Taiwan and Japan are aware of Canadian beef and have favourable opinions
EDMONTON — Canada has made impressive inroads thanks to new trade agreements and market strategies that aim for the biggest bang for the buck. “We may not be the biggest and we may not be in every market,” said Bryan Walton, retired manager of the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association and now a consultant. “What can […] Read more
Researcher ponders pros and cons of later calving
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — The trend to later calving dates has advantages and disadvantages, says a researcher with Saskatoon’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Producers wanting a reduced workload have switched to later calving and many report fewer stillbirths and healthier calves, said Cheryl Waldner at the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association recent annual meeting in […] Read more
