Livestock Management
A woven-wire fence with an apron that lies on the ground is intended to prevent predators from digging underneath it
WINNIPEG — Ray Bittner spends a great deal of his time thinking of ways to keep wolves away from cattle. For the last few years, Bittner has led a project for the Manitoba Beef Producers that evaluates strategies to prevent livestock predation. During that time, he learned that wolves are difficult to defeat. “We have […] Read more
Livestock Management
Survey participation has long-term benefits for industry
I encourage all producers to share their knowledge with cattle associations, researchers and related professional organizations because positive results are eventually returned. Accurate data going in leads to accurate data coming out. We may be inundated with surveys and questionnaires from industry groups but their ultimate goal is to gather information that will inform producers […] Read more
Preparation key to smoother calving
Checklists and making sure equipment is ready to use can make it easier for producers to navigate a stressful season
Glacier FarmMedia – Calving can be stressful for both people and animals. Preparation far in advance is one way producers can better ensure success for a safe and productive calving season. “Some of that preparedness starts well before calving season, if you think about herd health programs or nutrition, or making sure cows are in […] Read more
Study searches for respiratory disease answers
A research project will look at how to improve the use of existing vaccines to immunize calves before they enter feedlots
CALGARY — Scientists want to improve the ability of calves to resist bovine respiratory disease during a “perfect storm” in their lives when they are particularly vulnerable to such infections. Calves transferred to feedlots from cow-calf operations aren’t old enough to have a fully developed immune system, said John Ellis, professor of veterinary microbiology at […] Read more
Calving season may suffer drought hangover
Covering the basics of calf care will be especially important for cattle producers if dry conditions continue into spring
MEDICINE HAT — There’s a small measure of relief from dryness heading into spring calving season, but an abnormally warm winter may leave cows in less-than-ideal condition. Dr. Krista Dayman of Badlands Veterinarian Service said cow body condition is a concern in areas where feed and water may have been tough to access. “Colostrum intake […] Read more
Vet association calls on feds to address workforce shortage
National testing centre is needed to onboard internationally-trained vets, CVMA says
Glacier FarmMedia – An organization representing Canadian veterinarians is calling for the federal government to intervene as it faces what it calls a severe workforce shortage. “Canada needs a veterinary workforce enhancement program that supports expansion and innovation of clinical teaching, training, and research,” said Canadian Veterinary Medical Association president Trevor Lawson in a news […] Read more
Livestock sector history features consolidation
The past century has seen bigger farms and an industry divided into segments that often produce at just one growth stage
REGINA — Livestock producers of 100 years ago wouldn’t recognize their industry today. From the small homesteads with a milk cow and a handful of other animals and poultry to the large intensive operations of today, animal production for food consumption has become an industry rather than a family food source. But this isn’t the […] Read more
Loose housing options vary
There are many options when choosing a loose sow housing system and the decision mostly depends on hog farmers’ confidence in husbandry and technology. Canadian hog farmers are gradually moving toward loose housing for gestating sows, but debate continues over which system is best. Check out our Hog Hub for more hog-specific stories Matt Davis […] Read more
Smart tech can identify sick pigs
A sick pig doesn’t want anyone to know it’s not well, and that can stop even the best barn staff from intervening before the animal’s condition worsens. With smart technology and artificial intelligence, it should be possible to flag illness long before humans can identify it, says Tami Brown-Brandl of the University of Nebraska, speaking […] Read more
Money will be the chink in Canada’s ASF armour
Glacier FarmMedia – If African swine fever arrives in Canada, a lot of things will happen. Response plans will be implemented, quarantines will be imposed and animal movements locked down. Biosecurity will ramp up to crisis levels. Information and updates will flow between federal and provincial chief veterinary offices and the industry. Check out our […] Read more
