Livestock Management
Risks to cattle increase as sulfate concentrations in water rises.
A quality water supply is a key component of pasture health where cows and calves are expected to thrive during the grazing season. Water intake affects feed intake, nutrient absorption, weight gain, milk production, fertility and temperature regulation in cattle, and cows need nine to 21 gallons of good water per day, depending on lactation […] Read more
Livestock Management
Ranch focuses on protecting native grassland
Everything is done to preserve the operation’s grasslands, but the approach must be practical and economically feasible
VERMILION, Alta. — Sean McGrath considers himself a guardian of the most endangered ecosystem in the world. “For prairie parkland, there is almost none left, probably about one percent. It is more endangered than the rainforest,” he said. The majority of his land base is owned and leased native grassland, so he manages it like […] Read more
China suspends pork export licences
Hog farmers and pork processors are hoping that China hasn’t added Canadian pork to its trade retaliation targets. The Olymel plant in Red Deer is one of two plants known to have had their export licenses for China temporarily suspended for apparent labelling problems. “Olymel management is assessing the situation with the appropriate authorities,” said […] Read more
Weekly Manitoba cattle report
Winnipeg – Good volumes moved through those Manitoba cattle auctions open during the week ended April 26, with solid prices in both the feeder and butcher markets. The short week due to Good Friday the previous week and the fact that some auctions were closed for Easter Monday meant that the sales that were running […] Read more
Farmers confident about ASF
The prospect of African swine fever is terrifying but the mood in Manitoba, Canada’s most export-reliant pork province, is resolute and optimistic. “In the 30 years I was with the (federal agriculture) department, I never saw that level of co-operation and collaboration we’ve got going today,” said Canadian Pork Council executive director John Ross about […] Read more
New veterinary rules said going smoothly
Producers and industry reps say there have been challenges, but the new antibiotic rules haven’t been problematic
OLDS, Alta. — Many livestock producers are adapting well to the new antibiotic rules, according to a panel of industry representatives, though there might still be some challenges. Discussing the issue during the 2019 Livestock Care Conference in Olds, panel members said more producers are building better relationships with their veterinarians since the rules came […] Read more
Hog barns urged to beef up defences against PED virus
Barn workers must be diligent, report any unusual behaviour among the pigs and pay attention to diarrhea
STRATHMORE, Alta. — Hog farmers need to accelerate their biosecurity plans to keep the deadly porcine epidemic diarrhea virus off their premises. Four cases between Jan. 7 and March 18 have been found on farrow-to-finish operations in Alberta, said Javier Bahamon, quality assurance manager with Alberta Pork. Barn workers must report any unusual behaviour among […] Read more
Animal welfare group adopts new strategy
The Alberta Farm Animal Care Association hopes to enhance livestock industry’s reputation and increase membership
OLDS, Alta. — Alberta’s animal welfare organization is reshaping in a big way, aiming to improve livestock care in collaboration with other producer groups. The Alberta Farm Animal Care Association recently released a new strategic plan, one that aims to enhance the livestock industry’s reputation, strengthen collaboration, and increase membership. “It is an exciting time,” […] Read more
Vaccine use rises in western Canadian cow-calf herds
Recent measles outbreaks in North America and Europe have occurred as vaccination rates of children drop off due to anti-vaccination movements. I’m glad we don’t have a major anti-vaccination movement in the beef industry. In fact, we now have some evidence that the opposite trend is occurring. A recent study in the latest issue of […] Read more
Truck is key piece in transport puzzle
NEW ORLEANS, La. — The public is casting its eyes on how livestock are moved and one of the key aspects is maintaining trucks and trailers to prevent potential accidents. It is stressful for livestock when the trailer breaks down at the side of the road and too often first responders do not know what […] Read more
