Livestock Management
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
Livestock Management
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
Genomic selection finds its stride
Research is ongoing to find new traits and figure out genetic correlations to make the best breeding choice
Picking the best herd sire or selecting replacement heifers is getting easier for producers using genomically enhanced expected progeny differences. The predictions of valuable traits like carcass merit, longevity and calving ease may not be 100 percent accurate but new computing power is making the job easier. DNA is the basis of inheritance and genes […] Read more
Johne’s initiative pays off for dairy producers
One expert suggests expansion of the work by making disease management a separate module in proAction program
About 80 percent of western Canadian dairy herds are affected by Johne’s disease, an illness characterized by diarrhea, edema and gradual weight loss that often results in early culling. Dr. Herman Barkema, professor of epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Calgary, said the Alberta Johne’s Disease Initiative has helped address the problem, but […] Read more
Research lauded for beef improvements
Research investments to improve cattle production have made the industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly. “We know that our investment in research that have focused on productivity and efficiency at the farm level has contributed to lower emissions,” said Brenna Grant, research lead at Canfax. Comparing 1981 to 2011, more has been done with less. […] Read more
CFIA focuses on imported feed risk for African swine fever
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is doing everything it can to keep African swine fever out of the country, but it doesn’t intend to ban imports of plant-based feeds. “It’s not proven, but we do think it (imported feed) could be one of the sources that can bring ASF virus with it,” said Jaspinder Komal, […] Read more
Adding forages can benefit the farm
LLOYDMINSTER — Recent trials show some forages could help fix more nitrogen and possibly reduce animal methane emissions, while also increasing weight gain. The possible benefits largely depend on pasture management, soil type and weather, explained Bart Lardner, an animal and poultry science professor with the University of Saskatchewan, speaking at the Agri-Visions conference in […] Read more
Legumes can boost pasture productivity
A University of Nebraska forage specialist says the extra productivity from adding legumes outweighs the risk of bloat
HOLLAND, Man. — Attracting visitors to Manitoba in the middle of January is not an easy task. Despite the challenge, organizers of the Manitoba beef and forage days convinced a University of Nebraska professor to spend a week in the province — from Jan. 14-17. Bruce Anderson, an agronomy professor and forage specialist, spoke at […] Read moreProducers must be on top of cattle treatment advances
One has only to think back a few years and realize the major changes that have happened in the production of beef in our country. Some are pharmaceutical in nature, while others are advances in equipment or services. Still others are reduced stress in cattle handling. It is promising to see advances that will improve […] Read more
Genetics should focus on animal welfare first, researcher suggests
Gene editing has enormous potential for livestock production, but the agriculture industry needs to be cautious. Public support hasn’t yet been achieved, and self-focused development won’t be the way to win it, said a British swine research expert. “Great care is needed,” said Richard Leach of Fast Genetics. Farmers could see gains in marbling, tenderness […] Read more
