Livestock Management
LUNDBRECK, Alta. — The cattle are DNA tested, their expected progeny differences analyzed and from that, a breeding program is developed. That attention to genetics allows the Lynch Stauntons to accurately select for desired traits in the cow-calf herd on their Antelope Butte Ranch north of Lundbreck. Hugh Lynch Staunton and later his sons Jim […] Read more
Livestock Management
Researchers examine disease immunity in hogs
Certain animals possess a superior immune system and rarely become ill, and Bonnie Mollard wants to find them. Mallard, an immune system expert at the University of Guelph, is part of a team of Canadian scientists working on a project to take advantage of livestock with excellent immunity. They are hoping to develop a genetic […] Read more
PED virus has evolved into different strains; signals need for strict biosecurity
Scientists estimate half of all sows in the U.S. are positive for various strains of the deadly virus
Different strains of the deadly porcine epidemic diarrhea virus have been identified in the United States and Canada. Swine veterinarian Dr. Egan Brockhoff of Prairie Swine Health Services said it is no surprise that the virus has evolved, and it is a signal that strict biosecurity in hog operations will always be necessary. Brockhoff gave […] Read moreSelect the right antibiotic and use it wisely
With so much depending on the outcome, the choice of which antibiotic to use on their animals, or if one is necessary at all, is one of the most difficult decisions facing ranchers and feedlot owners. One article cannot hope to clarify every combination but a strategy that combines solid animal management knowledge and veterinarian […] Read more
Penny-wise production pays off
STAVELY, Alta. — Pennies add up to big dollars in the feedlot business. At Leighton Kolk’s 15,000-head feedlot near Picture Butte, Alta., one penny saved on cost of gain, at 3.1 pounds per day, 365 days a year on 10,000 head, could mean an additional $113,000 per year. Kolk talked about his approach to feedlot information […] Read more
LIVESTOCK-Profit-taking trims CME live cattle futures gains
By Theopolis Waters CHICAGO, Sept 9 (Reuters) – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle closed lower on Wednesday, after profit-taking and cash price uncertainty turned back initial advances, traders said. Spot-October closed 0.500 cent per lb lower at 142.975 cents, and December dropped 0.700 cent to 145.075. Packers have not bid for market-ready, or cash, cattle […] Read more
McDonald’s moving to ‘cage-free’ eggs in US, Canada over 10 years
Sept 9 (Reuters) – McDonald’s Corp said all eggs it uses in its 16,000 restaurants in the United States and Canada will come from chickens that are not confined to cages within 10 years. The decision to source “cage-free” eggs follows the company’s announcement in March that it would stop using chicken raised with certain […] Read more
LIVESTOCK-Short-covering pushes CME live cattle up 3-cent limit
CHICAGO, Sept 8 (Reuters) – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle nearby trading months settled up their 3-cent per lb daily price limit on Tuesday, partly fueled by short-covering and futures’ discounts to last week’s cash prices, traders said. October and December live cattle ended at 143.475 and 145.775 cents, respectively. CME’s live cattle trading limit […] Read more
LIVESTOCK-CME live cattle, hog futures retreat before holiday
CHICAGO, Sept 4 (Reuters) – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle slumped on Friday before the U.S. Labor Day holiday, due to lower prices for market-ready, or cash, cattle, traders said. CME live cattle were further weakened by Wall Street’s tumble on uncertainty whether the Federal Reserve will raise rates by mid-September. October live cattle ended […] Read more
Hog producers fear PED more likely with rule changes
Livestock trailers are considered the most likely method of spreading the devastating hog disease into Canada
Western Canadian hog producers say the risk is high that porcine epidemic diarrhea will enter the country from the United States because of Canadian regulatory changes. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recently served notice that as of Oct. 1, it will cancel an emergency protocol in Manitoba that ensured stringent washing, disinfecting and drying of […] Read more
