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Beef 911

Beef 911, Columns, Livestock

Is there really any need to brand cattle anymore?

By

The reasons have largely disappeared

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

By
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

By
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’

By
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

By
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

By
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


By
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

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AGCanadaTV: In Case You Missed It – Your National Ag News Recap for the week ending August 16, 2019.

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