If you want to know the nutrient quality of forage, you must have it analyzed. It always pays to test dry forages, but it’s also worth testing silages, grains and water. When comparing different feeds, always compare the values on a “dry basis” to remove the moisture effect of results. Barry Yaremcio of Yaremcio Ag […] Read more
Interpreting a silage feed test
A ruminant nutritionist unpacks the numbers from a real feed test
Warmer weather boosts ergot risk in cattle
Researchers found symptoms ranging from decreased weight gain to heat stress even though ergot levels in feed didn’t breach CFIA limits
New research has found that feedlot cattle can develop problems when fed ergot even within allowable limits. Ergot is a fungus that can grow on certain grasses and grain plants when moisture conditions are just right. It becomes a problem mainly after a wet growing season. The fungus replaces the seed head with a dark […] Read more
Grass tetany relates to magnesium deficiency
Two ratios can be used when looking at feed
Glacier FarmMedia – Mature cattle are most likely to experience a magnesium deficiency especially when grazing immature cool-season grasses and lush early growth. They are less able to quickly mobilize magnesium from their bones to meet the body’s needs, and also have a reduced ability to absorb this mineral. Springtime brings risk for metabolic and […] Read more
Time-saving tips for electric fences
Whether you’re setting up or troubleshooting an electric fence, these tips can make your life easier
Rotational grazing generally makes better use of pastures than season-long grazing, allowing plants time to recover and produce more forage. Temporary electric fencing makes rotation quick and easy, but it’s not without its problems. Steve Kenyon, a rancher near Busby, Alta., has been rotational grazing for a long time and bale grazing for more than […] Read more
Lupines and crooked calves
If you’ve seen birth defects such as fused joints, crooked legs or cleft palates in your newborn calves, toxic plants could be the culprits
Lupine calves” or “crooked calves” are an example of what can happen when various plant toxins are ingested by a pregnant cow at a certain stage of pregnancy. Lupines, also known as bluebonnets, are legumes. As legumes, they can enrich nitrogen-poor soil. In Canada, at least 28 species have been recognized, mostly in Western Canada. […] Read more
Spring calving heralds beginning of predator season
As bear, cougar and wolf populations rebound, ranchers are working with conservation officers, wildlife specialists and researchers to pinpoint and mitigate problems
Predators have always been a challenge when raising livestock. But with more herds calving on pasture in the spring and recovering wildlife populations, many ranchers in the West are seeing more predators than in times past. Jim Lynch-Staunton of Antelope Butte Livestock, in the foothills of southern Alberta, is one of those ranchers. “We’ve had […] Read more
The ins and outs of calving cameras
For producers whose herds calve in the winter, cameras offer several benefits, ranging from fewer trips outside to allowing producers to work off-farm during calving
Using cameras to monitor cows during winter calving saves time and labour, and also saves ranchers trips outside during cold weather. Three ranchers from northwestern Saskatchewan share their experiences with and tips for using calving cameras. Nesset Lake Angus Julie and Ivan Demmans of Nesset Lake Angus have 170 registered Black Angus cows and 100 […] Read more
Tips for handling calving problems
While difficult or prolonged births are less common these days, it’s important to know when and how to intervene
Dystocia, a term meaning difficult or prolonged birth, is not as common today as in the past, according to Dr. Jennifer Pearson, assistant professor in bovine health management at the University of Calgary’s faculty of veterinary medicine. But there are still a few problems that require human intervention. Pearson surveyed producers in Western Canada, asking […] Read more
Wintering calves with the cow herd
Keeping calves on the cows over winter offers many benefits, these ranchers say, but producers may need to adjust their herd genetics and management practices
Winter feeding is one of the highest costs of raising cattle. Some ranchers who keep calves over winter are finding they can winter those calves more efficiently by leaving them on the cows, while also reducing illness and stress in the calves. Canadian Cattlemen talked to two ranchers to find out what it takes to […] Read more
Setting up young cows for success
A researcher and a seedstock producer explain why a little extra consideration for heifers and first-calvers through the winter pays off later on, and offer ideas on how to make heifers’ lives easier
Winter can be a tough time for young cows in a so-called normal year, but with drought leaving many producers short on pasture this year, cattle may be going into winter thinner than usual. That means heifers and young cows may need special care this year, says a research scientist. “One of the most important […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
