The vaccination program at the Western Beef Development Centre costs about $25 per cow annually. Whether producers consider that a lot or a little, the costs of illnesses, lost productivity and potential spread of disease could be much more than $25. Kathy Larson, research scientist at the WBDC near Lanigan, Sask., said bovine viral diarrhea […] Read more
News
Nasal vaccines deliver solid infection protection
The best offense is a good defence, particularly when trying to protect young calves, says a scientist with VIDO
Intranasal vaccines offer the best protection against respiratory infection in calves, particularly when administered at branding and again at weaning, studies have found. Dr. Philip Griebel of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization in Saskatoon said bovine respiratory disease remains difficult to treat because it is so complex. Multiple viral and bacterial pathogens, combined with […] Read more
Pain relief both ethical and economical
The debate over whether producers need to provide pain relief to cattle is long over. It is both ethical and economical, says the animal welfare research chair at the University of Calgary’s faculty of veterinary medicine. “We don’t really need to have discussions about whether animals experience pain anymore or what causes pain. “The data […] Read more
Pain management important but not straightforward
Pain mitigation when dehorning and castrating cattle is a requirement under the Canadian code of practice. It acknowledges that those procedures are painful but the study of pain in cattle is an ongoing and complicated process. Dr. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein of Agriculture Canada is in the midst of a five-year study on the topic, using $1.2 […] Read more
Benefits of early vaccinations carry on through calf’s life: research
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Recent research suggests beef calves should be vaccinated early to guard them against the risks of scours and pneumonia. Most receive an adequate amount of antibody-rich colostrum from their mothers but sometimes a newborn calf is not able to nurse soon enough to get the full benefit, said Vic Cortese, a […] Read more
Calving season: be prepared with tools of the trade
The adage about having the right tool for the right job is good advice for calving season. Given that monitoring calving can require long and tiring hours, having the tools at hand can save stress for people and animals. Cody Creelman of Veterinary Agri-Health Services in Airdrie, Alta., says there isn’t much that surprises experienced […] Read more
West Coast grain slow to load
Reports of a logistical nightmare unfolding on the West Coast don’t ring true with Canada’s grain monitor. Glen Pownall, managing director of Peter Cremer Canada, a Winnipeg based grain trader, said ship loading has slowed to a crawl. “It has been pretty painful lately being able to get any access to fobbing capacity (transferring grain […] Read more
More corn expected for Manitoba
Corn acres are expected to jump this spring in Manitoba, thanks to record yields last fall. Myron Krahn, president of the Manitoba Corn Growers Association, said producer enthusiasm is sky high and seed dealers are reporting strong sales this winter. With a normal spring, acres could increase by 10 to 20 percent, Krahn said following […] Read more
Are retailers driving consumer demand?
Consulting agency says retailers control what is on Canadian supermarket shelves but some food retailers disagree
The phrase “grocery store customer” provokes a standard mental image — a 35-year-old woman reaching for a carton of milk, while a toddler plays with a toy in the grocery cart. Farm groups and organizations like Farm & Food Care Canada, which talk to consumers about food production, spend a lot of time worrying about […] Read more
Precison ag survey seeks more input
A survey on western Canadian farmers’ use of precision agricultural technology is winding its way to completion. Before it does, Dale Steele wants to encourage farmers of all kinds to respond, whether or not they use many or any precision tools or none at all. Steele, an agronomist well versed in agricultural technology, was contracted […] Read more
