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Beef 911

Mentoring of young veterinarians is key to retention at clinics.
Beef 911, Livestock

What we can do to address the shortage of large-animal vets

More spots in veterinary schools and more support for new grads would go a long way

By
After talking with large-animal veterinarians, observing the number of ads for large-animal veterinarians, and taking part in a job fair at the University of Calgary’s vet school, it’s clear that there is getting to be a real shortage of veterinarians wanting to do either mixed- or large-animal practice in Western Canada. But strategies are starting […] Read more
Vaccinations have reduced sickness and the public needs to know that we vaccinate our cattle much as people do their newborn sons and daughters. – Roy Lewis.
Beef 911, Livestock

Beyond Meat? More like Beneath Beef

Plant-based burgers may come close in some aspects but they remain a highly processed food

By
Well cattle and beef producers, this is solely marketing for marketing’s sake. With the organic, vegetarian, raised without added antibiotics or hormones movements we are seeing, I suppose a plant-based protein product was probably inevitable. What we as beef producers need to do is keep telling our story — and what we do to raise […] Read more
Beef 911, Columns

Parasites may be the problem when weight gain is poor

Even seemingly healthy cattle might do better after deworming

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This season has really turned around in Western Canada in terms of moisture. This has seen the pastures shoot up, humidity run up and should lead to optimal survival of internal parasite larvae. If turnout to pasture occurred at normal times, maximum picking up of larvae has or is occurring so internal levels will be […] Read more
Beef 911, Columns, Livestock

Is there really any need to brand cattle anymore?

The reasons have largely disappeared

By
I hope everyone will seriously question if we need to brand — and if we do, how best to do it. I have heard several veterinarians and animal welfare scientists discuss if branding in its original form is even needed today. Lots has changed from the days of the wide-open range where cattle were mixed […] Read more
Beef 911, Livestock

Cattle producers have made a lot of progress but still have a ways to go

The latest in-depth survey of the cow herd shows higher rates of vaccination, but gaps remain

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A recent article on the results of a very in-depth survey of cow-calf herds across Western Canada notes there has been decent improvement in vaccination usage since surveys done in the early 2000s. But it pinpoints gaps in vaccine coverage that could be improved. There are things to be learned by every producer and veterinary […] Read more
Some cattle products have withdrawal times as high as 60 days or even as high as 150 days.
Beef 911, Livestock

Mistakes with livestock pharmaceuticals are costly in more ways than one

There are several things you should do regularly to ensure you’re using products properly

By
Now that I’m in the pharmaceutical industry, I get lots of calls in regard to which products can and can not be used. Or what happens if they are given by the wrong method in the wrong location. I am hoping this article will shed some light on the situation and ensure that our livestock […] Read more
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

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AGCanadaTV: In Case You Missed It – Your National Ag News Recap for the week ending December 6, 2019.

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