Planting a variety of forage crops in the same field can be successful, but it’s important to watch for potential dangers
REGINA — Poly crops have become a popular way to feed cattle, but more research is needed into the nutritional properties of the plants in each blend. Jennifer Hayden, a livestock and feed extension specialist from North Battleford, Sask., said poly crops can provide relief to pastures, especially during drought. They can be grazed, baled […] Read moreTag Archives Cattle Connect — page 2
Respiratory disease linked to the gut
Scientists try to find out if giving calves a probiotic before they enter the feedlot will prevent bovine respiratory disease
WINNIPEG — Over the last decade, scientists and doctors have established a connection between gut health and brain health. They’re realizing that the community of bacteria within the intestine can influence mood, cognition, behaviour and other things that are normally associated with the brain. “The gut-brain connection is complex and bi-directional,” says the Cleveland Clinic […] Read more
Feed options needed during drought
Growing perennial and annual crops can stretch the grazing period to provide farmers options during a drought
REGINA — This year could be another dry one and cattle producers may have to consider management options. This includes whether herd numbers can be maintained with available feed sources or whether animals can be moved elsewhere. “Do I work with my neighbour, who is a cropping guy, and maybe strike up a deal to […] Read more
Dry conditions require focus on cow nutrition
REGINA — Several years of drought may have taken a toll on feed supply and quality in some areas. Feed testing is critical to make sure cows receive adequate nutrition leading up to and after calving. University of Saskatchewan beef and forage researcher Dr. Bart Lardner said pregnant cows should be at a body condition […] 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
Beef improvements continue: survey
The long-running cow-calf surveillance network provides data that cattle producers can use to see where they fit
REGINA — Updated indicators from a long-term project show that cow-calf producers are improving their production and management practices. The Canadian cow-calf surveillance network, now known as the Canadian Cow-Calf Health and Productivity Enhancement Network (C3HPEN), has been monitoring animal health and disease, welfare practices and more since 2013. The project received renewed government funding […] Read more
Peer groups help spread livestock information
Tapping into the power of small groups is one of the extension projects funded by the Beef Cattle Research Council
There are many ways to deliver the latest and most useful information to producers. Webinars, YouTube videos, TikTok, fact sheets, podcasts, in-person conferences and of course print media are among the options for agricultural extension in Canada. This year, Kathy Larson is trying another tactic to communicate with Canadian farmers — a peer group. “It […] Read more
Ergot does not affect bull soundness
Researchers fed bulls feed with different levels of mycotoxin infection to see if it affected their reproductive ability
The reproductive soundness of bulls is not affected when they eat feed contaminated by ergot. Vanessa Cowan conducted a recent study that reached those conclusions at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She said they conducted the study after producers expressed concern that ergot in feed was affecting bull fertility and there was little research […] Read more
