In order for Canada to best meet the domestic demand for lamb, sheep farmers have to manage the sheep flock to lamb out-of-season. It’s very possible with careful management of ewes, certainly, but many farmers may be surprised to learn that ram management can have a significant impact on out-of-season success. For those aiming for… Read more »
Category: Animal Health
Crop insurance will have to grind through this brutal Ontario corn harvest
“Brutal” is just one word being used to describe some of the corn coming off in Ontario. While yields are good, a perfect storm of disease-inducing conditions at and following pollination has left a chunk of the 2018 corn crop riddled with myctoxins, most notably vomitoxin. “There is still lots of good corn in Ontario,”… Read more »
Mastitis TV: Dairy farmers, researchers turning to social media for knowledge sharing
When it comes to connecting with other farmers and researchers, there’s no substitute for being there. Just consider attendance at events such as Crop Connect in Manitoba or Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in Ontario, and that’s clear. But when producers can’t physically be at an event because they’re tied up with their herd, they can… Read more »
First time since 2015: BSE found in Scotland
A case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was found in Scotland this past week, in the area of Aberdeenshire. This is the first time of a recorded case of BSE in the UK since 2015. Back then, there was a case found in Wales. “I have activated the Scottish Government’s response plan to protect our… Read more »
High expectations for father-daughter ranch donation to University of Calgary
A family succession plan for a lasting impression on the cattle industry is one of the reasons J.C. (Jack) Anderson and his daughter, Wynne Chisholm, have donated a 19,000-acre cattle ranch operation worth more than $44 million dollars to the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). The university calls the gift “transforming,” and will… Read more »
Modified tobacco plants help reduce post-weaning diarrhea in piglets
Genetically modified tobacco has proven successful in helping reduce potentially fatal post-weaning diarrhea in piglets. The tobacco contains a protein called FaeG, derived from a bacteria called F4 enterotoxigenic E.coli . This protein prevents pathogenic E. coli, the causal agent of post-weaning diarrhea, from taking hold in piglets’ small intestines. The genetically modified tobacco is… Read more »
Get livestock antibiotic information FAAST
Most livestock producers are aware that significant changes are coming to how they’ll access antibiotic medication for animals as of December 1, 2018. Beginning then, several commonly used antibiotic medications (especially those important for human medicine) will no longer be available through your feed or animal supply store, instead being accessible only through your veterinarian…. Read more »
DeLaval’s V300 voluntary milking system features precision, full connectivity
Attendees of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, at Woodstock, ON, were treated this week to North America’s first look at DeLaval’s VMS V300 in action. RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin was there, and spoke with Francisco Rodriquez, DeLaval marketing manager, robotic milking/feeding, to get a full run-down on what the new voluntary milking system has on offer. Rodriquez… Read more »
New government tweaks Ontario wildlife damage compensation program
Having undergone recent changes by the former Liberal government, Ontario’s new government has announced its own changes for the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, with more consultation planned. “We heard livestock farmers’ concerns with the program so we’re making the first changes effective immediately,” says Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, in a… Read more »
Funding renewed for Saskatchewan’s fight against Johne’s disease
In an effort to continue to reduce the potential spread of Johne’s Disease, the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) has announced the Johne’s Disease Surveillance Program has been renewed. “It’s been a popular program among both purebred and commercial beef producers,” says SSGA president, Bill Huber. “The renewal of this program will go a long way to… Read more »
City kids connect farmers to consumers in ‘Before the Plate’
What do you get when you connect two ‘city kid’ filmmakers, a world-class chef, and nine farmers and their families? You get Before The Plate, a genuine behind-the-kitchen-door, on-the-farm look at how food is produced in Canada, and the passion and commitment chefs and farmers apply to their craft. The driving force behind the film… Read more »
A West Nile update for the Prairies
Announced today, the first human case of the West Nile virus (WNv) was found in Manitoba for the year. The child, under 10-years-old, likely got the virus near the beginning of July. In other parts of the Prairies, Saskatchewan so far has one positive lab test and those who live in Alberta are lucky enough… Read more »
Preventing heat stress in a long, hot summer
In the words of country music star Keith Urban: “It’s going to be a long, hot summer.” That’s according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), whose recent global report states 2018 is shaping up to be the fourth hottest year on record. 2016 remains in the top spot for the hottest year with… Read more »
Why water quality should be monitored throughout summer
Water quality can affect animal welfare and the financial bottom line long before visual symptoms start to appear. “It never bothered them before” is an often-heard refrain when the welfare of animals is impaired by poor water quality. “We just can’t determine the quality of water by just looking at it,” explains Leah Clark of… Read more »
Two environmental samples test positive for PEDv in Saskatchewan
What we know A tweet posted July 26th by Dr. Egan Brockhoff, DVM, stated that two environmental samples (not livestock) in Saskatchewan had tested positive for PEDv. Heads up! PED Virus +ve environmental samples. Saskatchewan has found a #livestock trailer and #truckwash positive for the virus. Direct connection to US transportation identified as the… Read more »