Reading Time: 2 minutes When it comes to feeding heated canola seed to ruminant animals such as cattle or sheep, there are a few things to keep in mind. “Canola seed that is heated might be discoloured and have a smell to it, but can still be used,” said provincial beef forage specialist Barry Yaremcio. “If there is a […] Read more
Three tips for feeding heated canola seed
Mouldy seed should be tested, it can gum up a mill, and don’t put too much in a ration
U.K. review calls for urgent cuts to antibiotic use in livestock
London | Reuters –– Massive use of antibiotics in farming poses a critical threat to global public health and should be reduced dramatically to an internationally-agreed target, according to a British government-commissioned review. Agreeing and implementing a global target for agricultural antibiotic use won’t be easy, the review, led by former Goldman Sachs chief economist […] Read more
Wolves filling up on cattle in southwestern Alberta
Cattle are the No. 1 prey of wolves where ranches and the predator’s territory overlap
Reading Time: 3 minutes If you ranch in southwestern Alberta, it might seem that the big, bad wolf is out to get you. Unfortunately, you’re right. A University of Alberta study that tracked wolves — and what they eat — found cattle made up 45 per cent of the predator’s diet during the grazing season. The study tracked wolf […] Read more
Tool puts traceability service providers on the map
Traceability Connects has more than 80 locations offering livestock traceability services in Alberta
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta livestock owners now have easier access to information and services for the livestock traceability system through a new interactive map called Traceability Connects. The map makes it easier for livestock producers to connect with traceability service providers, said Kelly Corbett, provincial traceability education co-ordinator “The tool identifies over 80 locations province-wide that offer a […] Read more
Everyone will benefit if calves are preconditioned, says vet
Preparing calves for the feedlot reduces antibiotic use and improves feed efficiency and animal health
Reading Time: 3 minutes While preconditioning your calves may not always put extra dollars in your pockets, it’s good for the health of the entire beef industry. That was the message from veterinarian Cody Creelman during a recent Beef Cattle Research Centre webinar. Preconditioning includes anything a producer does to a weaned calf that reduces shrink and chance of […] Read more
Capturing value through livestock innovation
Livestock Gentec Conference being held Oct. 13-14 in Edmonton
Reading Time: < 1 minute Playing the Long Game: Capturing Value in Livestock Innovation is the theme of this year’s Livestock Gentec Conference. Presentations include a look at what’s possible in genetic improvement in commercial beef cattle and the U.K. experience in increasing value in the beef chain. There will also be a panel on sustainable beef production along with […] Read more
What’s on this year’s Cow-Calfenomics agenda?
Reading Time: < 1 minute Sustainability, keeping a social licence, human resource strategies, and leasing for cattle are on the agenda for this year’s Cow-Calfenomics. As well, the one-day event will feature Brian Perillat from Canfax, who will give a marketing outlook and speak about herd expansion while forage business specialist Grant Lastiwka will give a presentation on economic grazing […] Read more
Biocontainment plan can be a lifesaver during a disease outbreak
The to-do list is a long one in a crisis — and it’s better to have it all set down in writing
Reading Time: 2 minutes No one wants an infectious animal disease outbreak on their farm — but every producer should be ready for one, says an expert on biocontainment plans. “When we get into crisis mode, we tend to forget the important steps and communications pieces that need to be there — by having it all documented ahead of […] Read more
McDonald’s investor wants it to cut antibiotics in all meats
Los Angeles | Reuters –– A McDonald’s Corp. shareholder group is renewing its call for the fast-food chain to stop buying any meat from animals raised with antibiotics vital to fighting human infections. The move from the Congregation of Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, Texas, comes amid growing concern from public health experts that the overuse […] Read more
Building the herd: The downside of strong cattle prices
Cattle prices are expected to remain strong into 2016, but what does that mean for replacement cattle next year?
Reading Time: 4 minutes Next year could see continued strong or even stronger cattle prices — and that’s a double-edged sword for producers who’ve reduced their herds this year and plan to buy replacements in 2016. Producers in prescribed drought regions who have reduced their breeding stock by at least 15 per cent can tap into the Federal Livestock […] Read more
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