Researchers examine use of oilseed fines to feed beef cattle in Western Canada.
Making the most of screenings, fines and straw in beef cattle diets
Considerations for incorporating agri-food by-products such as oilseed fines into the diets of feedlot cattle
Rye silage: From the field to feedlot
Nutrition: Evaluating how barley silage and rye silage compare in feed quality
Acres seeded to hybrid rye as a source of silage for feedlot cattle in Canada and the U.S. have increased in recent years. Increased use of hybrid rye as a forage source may be driven by greater yield potential relative to conventional rye and the early harvest may allow for double cropping. In some areas, […] Read more
Researchers examine yeast supplements in beef cattle diets
With input costs on the rise, beef producers are always looking for ways to stretch feed dollars and boost efficiency. While a wide range of feed additives have been used in both beef and dairy operations, one area gaining traction is the use of direct-fed microbes, particularly yeast-based supplements. Yeast products have long been used […] Read more
Rethinking transition diets for finishing cattle
Feed additive shows promise for accelerating dietary transitions in feedlot cattle
Among the most prevalent diseases in feedlot cattle, ruminal acidosis ranks second only to respiratory diseases in contributing to morbidity, mortality and economic losses. Given its effect on animal welfare and profitability, preventing acidosis remains a key focus in feedlot cattle research. In this month’s column, we want to discuss the role of transition diets […] Read more
Reducing ration sorting by feedlot cattle
Cattle sort their feed based on a variety of factors
Diets fed to finishing cattle in Western Canada typically consist of more than 80 per cent barley grain and less than 15 per cent forage on a dry matter (DM) basis, along with minerals, vitamins and byproducts. These diets are inherently dry, enabling separation of individual ingredients at the time of delivery and as cattle […] Read more
Benchmarking: A path to better practices in the Canadian beef industry
In the cattle industry, every dollar counts. With fluctuating markets and rising costs, producers must constantly evaluate their nutritional, management and operational strategies to maximize efficiency. Each decision made on the farm has significant implications, making it crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully. When the road to higher productivity seems unclear, industry benchmarks […] Read more
Winter feeding tips for beef cows in late gestation
Transitioning late gestation cows to higher-quality forages is a good strategy
As we begin the New Year and enter the coldest months, many beef cows are in the final third of their gestation period. This is when the fetus experiences its most significant growth. To support this development and ensure the birth of a healthy calf, it is essential to provide the cow with proper nutrition. […] Read more
Cattle growth-enhancing technologies: A win-win for beef producers and consumers
As we approach the end of the fall calf run, feedlots are working diligently to get new calves on full feed as quickly as possible. This fall brought above-average temperatures and fewer storms, making it easier for feedlots to get calves settled and eating well. With calf prices at record highs, these calves must grow […] Read more
Light barley: To buy or not to buy?
This year, crop yields in the Prairies have improved significantly compared to the last few years, thanks to increased rainfall in Western Canada. However, the dry and hot conditions in July and August negatively affected cereal grain quality in some areas. This weather occurred during a critical growth period for barley, specifically during the filling […] Read more
When the cows come home: Fall and winter feeding considerations
Whatever strategy you choose to implement, each has advantages and drawbacks
As summer ends and fall begins, beef cattle producers will soon start weaning their calves. During this period, cows will return from summer pastures and undergo pregnancy testing. This is an excellent time to evaluate the body condition of your cows. Weaker cows with low body condition should be grouped together and provided with extra […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
