Livestock Management
Genome Alberta is inviting Canadian scientists to submit research proposals related to livestock genetics. The Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency has provided $4.8 million to support research with direct benefits to the beef, dairy and pork sectors, said Genome Alberta chief executive officer David Bailey. “This is new money for new projects. It is not […] Read more
Livestock Management
Alta. livestock industry requests genetic research projects
Portable pen easy and safe
VIKING, Alta. – A few unfriendly cows at calving combined with aging cattle producers prompted Wayne Lusk to invent a portable calf catcher. “You whip out and grab a young calf, process it safely or transport it,” said Lusk of his Quad Roper. “It’s safe and handy.” The Quad Roper hooks to the back of […] Read more
Infrared camera early warning disease detector
RED DEER – Scanning an animal’s eye with infrared technology shows promise in early disease detection. The system detects heat spots and has been in development for more than 10 years, said Al Schaefer of Agriculture Canada. “We see the animal in its suffering state and try to retrospectively work out when did that start […] Read more
Experts examine optimum DDG levels in feed ration
It is time to offer western Canadian livestock a bigger buffet of feed ingredients, says a hog researcher. “Here in Western Canada, people think pigs only eat barley and soybean meal, but in other parts of the world, pigs eat a wide range of coproducts,” said Ruurd Zijlstra, the feed industry research chair at the […] Read more
Barley growers prepare for DDG competition
Brian Otto watches American trucks arrive in Alberta every week with loads of dried distillers grain from U.S. Midwest ethanol plants. He may flinch when he sees it, but the Alberta barley producer understands why more DDGs are showing up in the province from the United States. “Obviously the feedlot industry is finding in their […] Read more
Poor reproduction often linked to foot problems
RED DEER – Lameness is one of the mains reasons dairy producers get rid of cows. Sore feet and hoof infections can cost up to $400 per cow because of poor reproduction and treatment costs, said Emily McDonald of Alberta Milk’s research and extension committee. Sixty-five farmers, seven hoof trimmers and Alberta Milk are working […] Read more
Canfax Report – for Apr. 15, 2010
Cash prices in the United States topped $100 US per hundredweight for the first time since August 2008. Stronger beef cutouts, good packer profits, the hard winter in the U.S. that slowed weight gain and a U.S. feedlot industry that is current in its marketing all supported fed cattle prices. Futures also rose, helped by […] Read more
Western Producer Livestock Report – for Apr. 15, 2010
Hog prices surged higher, propelled by higher pork prices and a rising cattle market. Market ready hog supply was tight and demand was excellent. Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants rose to $57 US per hundredweight, up from $52 April 1. The U.S. pork carcass cut – out value rose to $79.51 April 9, […] Read more
Grain surplus too heavy for oil rally to pull
The link between grain and crude oil prices appears to have weakened this year. In 2008 and 2009, prices of corn and crude moved almost in lock step, linked by the ability to turn grain into biofuel, but since the start of this year they have diverged. The May crude oil futures contract on the […] Read more
Handler keeps stress low during livestock moving
Horses aren’t the only livestock that need to be trained, says a Montana rancher. Curt Pate, who teaches courses on low stress cattle handling and low stress colt starting, makes little distinction between training cattle and horses. “We’re getting our cattle ready the same way we’re getting a colt ready for the saddle,” he told […] Read more
