The results of a four-year animal transport research study, funded in part by ABP, suggest the most important animal welfare factor in transport may be conditioning before they get on the truck. Since we last reported on this story in January 2022, researchers have completed their final year of a study to help improve animal…
Winter grazing has productivity pluses, including reduced costs for feed and labour and improved soil fertility. We spoke to three grazing experts to collect some research data and pro tips that will help you maximize the pluses of winter grazing. According to the Western Canadian Cow Calf Survey, a high percentage of beef producers have…
Beef producers across western Canada are turning surplus food and food waste into high-quality protein by upcycling food that would otherwise go unused. By forming relationships with food producers, processors and retailers, beef producers across Canada are helping convert a massive amount of human inedible food, plants and plant byproducts into high-quality protein – milk,…
As the shortest and coldest days approach, now is the right time to prepare the herd for the worst winter might bring. We asked veterinarian Dr. Roy Lewis to help us check off chores to complete now, before the chilliest days arrive. Feed Start by ensuring you have secured enough winter feed for the size…
Antimicrobial use in beef cattle production greatly benefits animal health. But, it has come under scrutiny in recent years, due to increasing incidents of antimicrobial resistance. To bring you the full story, we spoke to an animal health scientist and a feedlot veterinarian about the benefits and challenges of antimicrobial use, the developing risk of…
Johne’s disease is a sneaky production-limiting disease that damages herd health. We introduced Johne’s in the November 2021 issue. A new digital risk-reward calculator has been developed to help beef producers predict the future spread of Johne’s in their herds, and compare costs and benefits of different management strategies. As cattle herds grow and consolidate,…
Ruminant Nutritionist Lynne Girardin provides supplement recommendations to support health in weaning calves. Getting calves off to a healthy start depends on a combination of factors, including good genetics, a healthy heifer, and ample, high quality colostrum. “A healthy cow means healthy milk, and healthy milk means a healthy calf,” suggests Lynne Girardin, ruminant nutritionist…
Ensuring cattle health and safety during transport is important. As the two-year phase-in period for Canada’s new cattle transport regulations comes to an end this February, new research findings are being released that offer helpful direction for industry and producers. “As an industry, we expect that our policies, regulations and management practices are informed by…
Across Alberta last fall cattle came off pasture light. This is a serious concern, especially when it comes to preparing for and protecting the health of the next generation. We asked beef nutrition consultant Barry Yaremcio for some recommendations to support pregnant heifers through late gestation and calving. Here is his advice. Recognize unique requirements…
Following the recent downgrade in Canada’s BSE risk to negligible status, there is hope that the animal health sector will focus more attention on production-limiting diseases, like Johne’s and Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD). Reopening doors of opportunity Both Johne’s and BVD present challenges for producers through detection, transmission, and production. We sat down with veterinarian…
Supporting bred heifer nutrition presents unique challenges. How can producers ensure bred heifers get high health scores, breed and rebreed successfully going into winter after a dry year? We spoke to ruminant nutritionist Lynne Girardin to collect some helpful advice. When it comes to bred heifers, meeting nutritional requirements throughout gestation and beyond is primary….
In 2003, just as scientists were putting the finishing touches on the human genome mapping project, and while 32 countries struggled to stop the spread of SARS, a single domestic case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) was detected on an Alberta farm, closing international borders to Canadian beef and cattle sales for almost two decades….
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