Production — page 181

Beef lactation curves Research has shown that higher-producing dairy cows tend to be in negative energy balance during the first part of the lactation cycle. In other words, by attempting to achieve their genetic potential for milk production, the cows produce more energy in milk than they can eat. Feeding strategies have been developed to […] Read more

Dangers of manure gases The three main gases released during slurry mixing are ammonia, hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide. All three are highly soluble and can be released into the barn during rapid agitation while pumping manure storage pits. Studies from Ontario suggest hydrogen sulphide, which has a rotten egg odor, is the most likely […] Read more

Front end loader The Leon 700 series front end loader is designed to mount to tractors in the 50 to 110 horsepower range. The lift capacity of the loader is 1,442 kilograms, with a breakout force of 2,886 kg. The maximum lift height is about 3.8 metres. The loader features a cup and cone positive […] Read more

Discbine mower-conditioner New Holland’s model 1411 discbine mower-conditioner cuts a 3.15 metre (10 ft., four in.) swath in heavy or light crops. Ant hills and mole hills don’t plug the bar and heavy, lodged crops are cut cleanly without slowing down. The 1411’s cutterbar design is new. Each disc and its drive are independent, sealed […] Read more

Two for the money WASHINGTON, D.C. (INEWS) – Government livestock researchers in the United States are reporting success in efforts to increase the frequency of twin births in selected beef cows. In the process, the researchers hope to boost the efficiency and quality of U.S. cattle production. At the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Meat Animal […] Read more

Manure spreader Gehl’s new series of Scavenger V-tank manure spreaders offer improved performance with better spreading patterns than the original Scavenger, even when spreading heavily bedded manure. A new round-core auger has segmented paddles that are grouped in a spiral pattern. This configuration breaks up and blends all types of manure, delivering more material to […] Read more

Wet spring and fertilizer Flooded fields are forcing some farmers to re-evaluate their fertilizer options because of potential losses from fall-applied nitrogen fertilizer. John Harapiak, manager of agronomic services with Westco, said many farmers have questions regarding risk of fertilizer loss under flooded or extremely wet conditions. “The risk of loss with fall broadcast fertilizer […] Read more

Teat pre-dip Alfa Laval Agri has announced its teat dip, called Della-Pretech, is now approved as a pre-dip in Canada. Patented I-Tech technology has enabled a formulation of an enhanced iodine teat dip that contains four to six parts per million of free iodine with only 0.25 percent total iodine. Only free iodine has the […] Read more

Alfalfa regrowth – slow or dead? Irrigated alfalfa producers in the Swift Current area might attribute slow regrowth this spring to the cold weather. Alfalfa should have about four inches (10 centimetres) of new growth by May but this year has shown no signs of life. Alfalfa test plots at the Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research […] Read more

Equine watering Farnam’s new plastic paddle waterer has the same design as the company’s cast-iron waterer but instead uses high-impact plastic. The bowl measures 21 centimetres in diameter, 8.3 cm deep and holds approximately two litres of water provided on demand by livestock. The brass valve is designed with a small water chamber to minimize […] Read more