Livestock Management
Genetic sequencing research shows flies can carry the bacteria behind the illness from their breeding sites in manure
Glacier FarmMedia – New genetic sequencing research shows that stable flies carry pathogenic bacteria associated with mastitis. Petri dish research is now supplemented with gene sequencing in the bacteriology lab so a team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin decided to update general understanding of relationships between dairy barn-dwelling flies and milk yield-robbing mastitis. […] Read more
Livestock Management
Production per acre called best focus
A cattle producer says the most profitable ranches make the most efficient use of the available forage on their operation
Glacier FarmMedia – Which is more important, increasing profits or production? This is the question rancher and seedstock producer Kit Pharo posed at a recent holistic management gathering in Valleyview, Alta. Pharo has strong opinions and speaks his mind. “I may not always be right, but I am never in doubt,” he says. Pharo thinks […] Read more
Cattle protection charges dropped
Sask. producer was charged under the Animal Protection Act and the Criminal Code of Canada
SASKATOON — The crown has stayed all charges levied against a producer from Craik, Sask., for violating the province’s animal protection laws. “It was a long haul, but it showed I was right, and they were wrong,” said Tom Miller. “They came out here and they started bossing me around, and they didn’t know what […] Read more
Study shows deadly horse parasite alive and well in Alberta
A recent Alberta study of horses found that a particular parasitic infection is more common than previously thought. The parasite, Strongylus vulgaris, was considered to be well controlled by modern deworming medications. However, veterinary pathologists at the University of Calgary undertook the study after noticing an apparent increase in the number of horses affected by […] Read more
Sask. breeder promotes lean Longhorn beef
Breed that everyone seems to love needs an injection of enthusiasm to help it survive beyond ‘wild west’ portrayal
REGINA — Texas Longhorns are known for their horns, but Saskatchewan producer Deb Lesyk would like more people to know about the lean, nutritious meat they provide. And, she wants more people to raise them. “We need an injection of enthusiasm,” she said. “We seem to be a breed that everybody loves but nobody wants […] Read more
Funding to ease genetic data gathering
Glacier FarmMedia – Last month’s funding for the Canadian Angus Association and Holstein Canada may allow the two associations to improve data that goes into genetic evaluations and expand into carcass quality and traits that can limit the environmental impact of beef production. Numerous projects will be funded by $1.6 million from the federal government. […] Read more
Dry hay said to help with dairy transition
Glacier FarmMedia – Hay fed to dairy cows for two days after calving can help animals with health issues. Cows are fed high starch diets at calving as they ramp up milk production, which helps manage ketosis and fatty liver, but it also increases risk of acidosis and inflammation. Masahito Oba, a researcher at the […] Read more
CFIA adds requirements for cattle returning from U.S. due to bird flu
Glacier FarmMedia – Cattle returning from the U.S. after a stay of less than 60 days will require additional certification as bird flu concerns continue. The requirements, which took effect yesterday, require an additional paperwork, including an export certification statement. The statement, to be signed by a veterinarian, requires cattle to have tested negative for […] Read more
Bringing the chute with you
Glacier FarmMedia – A loading chute attached to a trailer makes cattle movement more efficient, especially in remote locations. Doug Green saw the problem regularly when he was hauling cattle. He’d pull up to a pasture location and find no chute for unloading. A call to the farmer would reveal that they would be there […] Read more
Taylor Ranches win environmental award
Family earns Alberta Beef Producers annual accolade with low-cost operation that produces its own feed
Glacier FarmMedia – Taylor Ranches has won the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award from Alberta Beef Producers. It’s an honour for the family, said Rob Taylor, who owns and operates the ranch with his wife Audrey and their children. Rob, Audrey, and their two youngest children, Courtney and Clayton, live along the Milk River Ridge southwest […] Read more
