Reading Time: 2 minutes Researchers at the University of Alberta’s Livestock Gentec centre are using genomics to identify pigs that are less susceptible to disease. Genomics is a discipline in genetics that studies the function and structure of genomes — the complete set of DNA within a single cell of an organism. At a recent conference, Livestock Gentec researcher […] Read more
Genomics show promise in battling swine diseases
Beekeepers and canola growers can be partners
Reading Time: 2 minutes Despite recent concerns about bees being harmed by neonicotinoid seed treatments, bees and canola can get along, says a Canola Council of Canada agronomist. Canola growers can adopt certain practices to ensure the health of honeybees, Greg Sekulic told the Alberta Beekeepers Commission annual general meeting. “By and large, the industries get along together quite […] Read more
Expert says save yourself grief by getting to know what makes sheep tick
Gord Schroeder says sheep are intelligent animals and their behaviour becomes a lot less frustrating when you understand what triggers their actions
Reading Time: 2 minutes Sheep aren’t stupid — just misunderstood. The woolly animals are as intelligent as pigs and cows, and if you understand how they relate to stimuli, they’re much easier to manage, Gord Schroeder said at the recent Alberta Sheep Breeders Association conference. “If you’re working with sheep and you want them to do something, change the […] Read moreGenomics is proving its worth, says Cattleland Feedyards researcher
Strathmore company is bringing cattle to market up to 45 days sooner by using genomics to find feed-efficient cows
Reading Time: 3 minutes Despite all the talk about genomics, many in the cattle industry are confused by what it all means. But the bottom line is pretty simple, says William Torres, researcher at Cattleland Feedyards in Strathmore. “Cattle all gain different — you don’t know what is underneath the skin,” Torres told attendees at the recent Livestock Gentec […] Read moreVeteran Ontario producer shares tips that can help you save time on your sheep operation
Anita O’Brien says saving a few minutes here and there during the day really adds up over the course of a year
Reading Time: 2 minutes A good handling facility for sheep is well worth the investment, says veteran sheep producer Anita O’Brien. “Handling facilities don’t have to be fancy, just effective,” O’Brien said at the recent Alberta Sheep Breeders Association conference. The producer, who runs 425 ewes on her pasture-based operation in Ontario, estimates her facility saves her 45 minutes […] Read moreJerusalem artichoke has feed and biofuel potential for Alberta
Reading Time: 3 minutes It’s not from Jerusalem, it’s not an artichoke and up till now many have considered it a weed. But Jerusalem artichoke could now offer new opportunities for Alberta producers, says Jan Slaski, senior researcher at Alberta Innovates Technology Futures in Vegreville. “This crop can be a truly multi-purpose crop because you can extract value from […] Read more
Scientist finds way to ‘skip 50 million years’ and create diesel from animal fat
University of Alberta scientist David Bressler uses crop and animal byproducts to produce a fuel identical to petroleum
Reading Time: 2 minutes Soon enough, your car could be running on a diesel created from animal fats and vegetable oils, thanks to the work of Alberta researcher David Bressler. “Dr. Bressler’s technology is revolutionary,” said University of Alberta chancellor, Ralph Young. “Ethanol or other first-generation biofuel are products that require blending with petroleum-based fuels for us to be […] Read moreReal cowboys show their everyday ranch skills at Heritage Ranch Rodeo
Rodeo participants don’t have to hold practices — their roping, riding and cattle-sorting skills are honed every day at work
Reading Time: 2 minutes If you want to see real cowboys in action, head to the Heritage Ranch Rodeo at Edmonton Northlands. Sixteen teams of genuine cowboys from across Western Canada will showcase their roping, milking and sorting skills during the Farmfair International event held Nov. 3-5. The rodeo, in its ninth year, features six events — team sorting, […] Read moreUniversity students develop agriculture education program
Reading Time: 2 minutes We often hear the complaint that urban kids these days aren’t getting the facts about animal agriculture. Four students from the University of Alberta are doing something about it. “We’re creating a hands-on learning project for Grade 9 students to give them experiences with animal agriculture, to increase their awareness level and to develop leaders […] Read more
Goats — use only the best in your herd
Reading Time: 2 minutes Good foundation stock kept in healthy condition make it easier to be profitable in the goat industry, says Dr. Kathy Parker, a veterinarian from Three Hills. Speaking to the Alberta Goat Association here last month, Parker emphasized the importance of keeping animals as healthy as possible to avoid the cost of medication and vet bills. […] Read more