Livestock Management
It’s important to consider the people and the facilities as well as the animals when developing an on-farm program
A strong offence is an effective defence to stop the spread of infectious diseases in horses, says a leading veterinarian, and that includes an on-farm biosecurity program. Brandy Burgess of the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine, director of infection control at the U of G Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and a past grad student […] Read more
Livestock Management
Keeping horses healthy depends on cleaning
Not all disinfectants are created equal when it comes to protecting horses from bacteria and illness in barns, stables and stalls. “Disinfectants all have a label claim on them so we really need to have an understanding of the types of bugs you’re trying to kill. Make sure that you’re picking a disinfectant that makes […] Read more
Sask. bull wins Calgary grand champ
The Ramsays’ win is the first time a Sask. bull has been named grand champion at the 119-year-old Calgary Bull Sale
For the first time ever, a Saskatchewan bull was named grand champion at the Calgary Bull Sale held March 7. Consigned by Cal and Marilyn Ramsay of Cutknife, Sask., the bull sold for $20,500 to XTC Ranches and Wasko Enterprises of Eastend, Sask. The 2017 bull named Carlrams A 81Y Royal Lad 138E was also […] Read more
U.S. meat company invests in alternative protein products
HOUSTON, Texas — Major meat companies including Tyson Foods are investing in alternative protein production. Plant-based proteins and meats cultured from animal cells in a laboratory are gaining more attention and Tyson spokesperson Justin Ransom argued these products may help feed a swelling global population expected to hit nine billion by 2050. “Unless you have […] Read more
Larger carcasses ring alarm for beef industry
Some in the sector argue the increasing size of beef animals results in oversized steaks that consumers may not want
HOUSTON, Texas — The growing size of beef carcasses is a conundrum. Producers get paid by the pound and there is little penalty for heavier carcasses that end up as larger cuts of beef that consumers may reject. The 2016 U.S. beef quality audit examined 3.7 million carcasses and reported 39 percent were more than […] Read moreRactopamine ban prompts further research
The ban, particularly in China, prompts researchers to look for proof that the product is safe for use in food animals
HOUSTON, Texas — There is considerable interest in doing business with China, but there are barriers that some meat traders find difficult to hurdle. The Chinese do not allow the use of growth promoting hormones and beta agonists, so research is under way to prove they are safe for use in food animals. “When you […] Read moreSurvey seeks input on livestock transport code
A survey to learn about animal welfare concerns related to livestock in transport has been launched by the National Farm Animal Care Council. The council is in the process of updating the code of practice for the care and handling of farm animals related to transport and has opened the survey to anyone wishing to […] Read more
Producers report more itchy cattle complaints this winter
I’ve been hearing many complaints from cattle producers and veterinarians about major issues with cattle and potential external parasites this winter. This year there seems to be an exceptionally high number of complaints about this issue, and in many cases the problem is associated with lice infestations. There are two specific types of lice that […] Read more
UCP propose property rights measures
Alberta’s United Conservative Party would bring in a series of property rights measures if elected this spring. The party said March 11 the measures would restore public trust and strengthen the protection of property rights in the province. The eight-point commitment plan would give Albertans fair compensation when public projects require access or use of […] Read more
AFSC lowers crop insurance, calf premium rates for 2019
Alberta is lowering its crop insurance and cow-calf premium rates for this year because of what is says are good growing and stable market conditions. AFSC said in a news release March 11 that crop insurance premium rates will fall on average by nine percent this year, though the rate for each crop and region […] Read more
