A sheep in full wool can look plump and well-fed, even when they’re quite thin. The only real way to assess body condition is by getting your hands on the animal, even once sheared. But what are you feeling for, exactly? How can you tell a body condition score (BCS) of 3 from a 2?… Read More
Ontario’s government has released its proposed animal welfare model to replace the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Act. Earlier this year, the OSPCA informed the province it would no longer carry out animal welfare enforcement in the province, necessitating a revamp of the current animal welfare enforcement model and rules…. Read More
Whether or not a cost can be considered an expense or an investment often comes down to not just the return, but also the length of time an expense can offer a pay-back. While hoof care may seem like a cost, Brad Ingram, sales manager for Vettec Animal Health, argues that a cow serves the… Read More
Imagine rejuvenating a tired pasture (without the need to break it up and start from scratch), while simultaneously reducing the risk of bloat in future grazings. Recent studies conducted on the Prairies have shown that including sainfoin in an alfalfa stand at just 20-30 per cent can significantly decrease or even eliminate the risk of… Read More
Those who trespass on Alberta farms will potentially face stiffer fines, as Premier Jason Kenney has announced upcoming changes to the provincial petty-trespass act in the upcoming fall session. “Alberta’s farmers and ranchers treat their animals well, and they have a right to run their operations without illegal harassment from militant trespassers. I’ve asked Minister… Read More
We are less than six months away from new federal livestock transportation regulations coming into force, and significant clarification is still needed surrounding the implementation of the rules. The existing rules for livestock transport within Canada have been overhauled from all sides, including: the angle of loading ramps, hours allowed in transit, restrictions on movement… Read More
Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) has appointed Dr. Deb Stark as its first-ever independent board advisor. The role is designed to strengthen the board’s governance structure, address sector-wide issues, and expedite fair, just and equitable resolution of issues regarding board and/or member conduct, according to the organization. The addition of Stark to the role follows an… Read More
The Canadian Angus Association (CAA) has recently taken breeding to a whole new level by incorporating genomic technology in addition to the regular testing of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). Kajal Devani, director of science and technology at the CAA says because of all the data and pedigree information they collect, they’ve put it to good… Read More
It was purely an economic decision when rancher, Stephen Hughes decided to try grazing his herd year-round in southwestern Alberta back in 1996. He had no idea the move would also significantly impact herd health and shift the need for antimicrobials. “We chose to change our management strategy from winter feeding to grazing year-round, and… Read More
Visual assessments are not enough to gauge feed quality, and a feed test is an economical way to protect against under or overfeeding certain critical components of a feed ration, such as protein or energy, says Andrea Hanson. Hanson is the beef extension specialist with Alberta Agriculture & Forestry, and says that feed testing all… Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has put out a call for small businesses to come up with a computer model to help detect which vaccinations work to prevent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). According to the Government of Canada, FMD is one of the most contagious animal diseases. An outbreak can spread by direct, indirect, and… Read More
The type of trace mineral you feed your cattle matters, and, at least one research study suggests that paying a little more can result in a net return on investment when it comes to choosing the type of zinc, copper, cobalt, or selenium product you choose to feed. Dr. Matt Hersom, from the University of… Read More
The Ontario Beef Research Centre has officially opened at the Elora Research Station, adjacent to the Ontario Dairy Research Centre and the soon-to-be constructed Ontario Swine Research Centre. The new centre supports research related to animal welfare, reproduction, and nutrition as well as meat quality and safety. Research results will be commercialized or shared with… Read More
Have cattle? A project through the Ontario Veterinary College and supported by the Ontario Animal Health Network Bovine Group is looking for your manure. Well, more specifically, a project led by Dr. Jessica Gordon of OVC is looking to assess gastrointestinal parasite loads in grazing cattle. The project is open to Ontario producers with grazing… Read More
Most by now are aware of the risk of Lyme disease, a bacterial diseased transmitted through deer ticks. But a relatively new tick has been found with increasing frequency in Canada — and the fallout of its bite is also serious. A bite from the Lone Star tick — named for the single white dot… Read More