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Beef 911

Low-stress cattle handling practices and improved facilities have made the work more enjoyable for producers.
Beef 911, Livestock

There have been many gains on many fronts in the cattle sector

We’re reducing stress, using early disease detection, and improving animal welfare

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One only has to take a step back to see the advances the cattle industry is making. This article is a small overview of some of the major ones I have seen. Canada is unique because the different seasons require different management strategies and our distances are great when it comes to stress of transportation. […] Read more
There is a lot of solid information to show consumers about the beef industry’s environmental footprint, but getting it to them is a challenge.
Beef 911, Livestock

Beef sector redoubles its efforts to reach out to consumers

The goal is to use solid data and offer to the public in easy-to-digest ‘packages’

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A new Beef Cattle Research Council article making the case that beef production uses water efficiently is the latest example of a renewed effort to reach out to consumers. The industry has recognized there is “a gap on the consumer communication side and somebody needed to do something,” said Reynold Bergen, the council’s science director. […] Read more
The best way to mix and give vitamins and minerals is mixed daily in the feed.
Beef 911, Livestock

Not using minerals will cost you in the long run

Not feeding minerals to your herd will mean more sick calves, lower performance, and reduced reproductive rates

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In spite of greatly increased knowledge and better mineral supplements, veterinarians are probably encountering more mineral issues than we ever have. This is despite more collaboration between nutritionists, feed mills, veterinarians and other agricultural professionals. Why is this? I will explain some of the nutritional deficiencies we see. There is no doubt the BSE problem […] Read more
Beef 911, Livestock

To ensure breeding soundness, make sure warts are treated

Beef 911: In the vast majority of cases, penile warts can be successfully and simply dealt with

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When examining bulls, especially young ones, for breeding soundness, one of the more common issues we see involving the bull’s penis are warts. This article will go into the cause, treatment, clinical signs, and outcomes expected when dealing with penile warts. All purebred breeders will get some eventually and commercial cattlemen may have some crop […] Read more
Beef 911, Livestock

The updated bison code of care has a wealth of information

Beef 911: Although written specifically for bison, the code also has good tips for beef producers

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In 2017, new codes of practice came out for bison and veal cattle, following revisions to the codes for dairy cattle in 2009 and the beef, sheep, and equine sectors in 2013. Other codes have also been released or are in progress. The format has multiple chapters (with numerous appendices at the end) and each […] Read more
Beef 911, News

Lameness in cows can have many causes

Beef 911: In some cases, knowing the cause and adjusting 
your management can prevent this common problem

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This article will outline some of the more common arthritic conditions and touch on some preventive measures. A lot of these conditions of course are brought on by age. In order to get more longevity out of our cows, we need to look at lameness as it is one of the common reasons for culling. […] Read more
Beef 911, Livestock

Making the best of a bad situation

Beef 911: If you plan ahead, you can still get good value for an animal that suddenly needs to be put down


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All producers run into the need for emergency slaughter of their livestock from time to time. With a co-ordinated effort between producers, abattoirs, and veterinarians we can realize good value and prevent the waste of good meat protein. It is important to preplan the chain of events that would happen in the event of emergency […] Read more
Beef 911, Livestock

An example of making the most of a pass through the squeeze chute

Beef 911: Don’t take a ‘we can do it later’ attitude and miss the opportunity to get more done in one pass

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Some preplanning by the cattle producer in consultation with the herd veterinarian ahead of a major processing will accomplish many things, including herd improvement. This article will describe a specific example of this. Certain points may fit into the management of your operation. Some points may become obvious when the processing starts and can be […] Read more
Reproduction is the biggest loss to the cow-calf operator, so timely pregnancy diagnosis by your veterinarian will save considerable dollars in feed.
Beef 911, Livestock

When feed is in short supply, it’s time for extra culling

Beef 911: Downsizing the herd will be profitable if you have good records and good reasons for culling

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With the shortage of feed across Western Canada, this may be a good year to downsize by extra culling. The question of what the next wave of culls should be goes beyond reproduction — the fall is also an ideal time to consider culling problem cows. The yearly cost to maintain those cows is at […] Read more
Beef 911, Livestock

Bison sector has learned how to make best use of bulls

Beef 911: Artificial insemination is rare so there’s been a lot of attention paid to breeding capacity

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Since the beef industry adjusts breeding capacity based on libido, semen production, and length of breeding season, I thought it good to review breeding capacity of bison bulls. While longevity is longer than beef bulls, we rarely talk about breeding capacity. The bison industry does not utilize artificial insemination like the beef industry (although it […] Read more

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AGCanadaTV: In Case You Missed It – Your National Ag News Recap for the week ending May 17, 2019.

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