In the September issue of Cattlemen, the title of my column was “Another crazy year for growing hay.” In that column I looked at some of the trials and tribulations that hay producers faced this past summer. Looking at this year’s harvest, you can’t blame grain producers for thinking that a similar dark cloud hangs […] Read more
Concerns with feeding off-grade grain
Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist
The latest on the nutrient requirements for beef cattle
Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist
Recently, I attended the Western Nutrition Conference in Saskatoon. At this conference there were a number of excellent presentations, one of which was particularly relevant to all beef nutritionists and their clients. That was by Dr. Karen Beauchemin of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, who presented an update on the Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (NRBC) […] Read more
Understanding your protein supplement
Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist
In my last column, I wrote about what a crazy year it has been for growing and harvesting hay. The variability in this year’s hay crop will force many producers to purchase supplemental feed in order to meet the nutrient requirements of their cattle this winter. Last month we looked at alternate feed sources that […] Read more
Another crazy year for growing hay!
Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist
Looking back at the spring/summer of 2016, the year was fairly typical in that there was a great deal of variation in growing conditions across the country. Much of Western Canada was blessed with significant moisture that resulted in great growing conditions for pasture, hay and silage crops. However, ill-timed rains forced many producers to […] Read more
Some thoughts on China’s beef business
Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist
Recently I had the opportunity to visit China and spend some time with beef and dairy producers in this vast and truly interesting country. As this article goes to press in midsummer, I thought it would be interesting to provide you with a few insights into beef production in this part of the world. This […] Read more
Is ‘I am not eating there anymore!’ the best response?
Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist
Early May was an interesting time, particularly with respect to the pride of the Canadian Beef Industry. I am referring to industry reaction to the announcement by the Earls Restaurant chain to not source Canadian beef for its menu, but rather to look to American beef raised under the banner of “Certified Humane.” Predictably, this […] Read more
Chasing carcass quality not as easy as it looks
Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist
This is an interesting time of year when one looks at feedlot placements. Most of last year’s yearlings are gone, with fall-placed calves well into their feeding program. As well, many lots have tried to keep pens full by bringing in short yearlings that were backgrounded over the winter or in some cases by feeding […] Read more
Silage — the forage of choice for cattle feeders
Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist
This past winter has again demonstrated the value of cereal silage as a forage source for cattle feeders. Many of you will recall that hay supplies were tight last fall, particularly in Western Canada and as a result, for many feedlots hay was priced out of the ration. How did these lots make it through […] Read more
Cost per pound of gain or cost plus — is there a right answer?
Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist
At last month’s Western Canadian Feedlot Management School, the focus was on backgrounding programs for newly weaned calves. As is often the case at these meetings, an idea for this column pops into my head as a result of discussions with producers or listening to speakers. It was no different at this year’s school where […] Read more
If you’ve got mouldy hay and grain, what are your options?
Nutrition with John McKinnon
As the calving season is fast approaching, it is appropriate to address one of the important causes of abortion in cattle that being mouldy feed. Mould can be a result of either fungal or yeast infection of cereals or forages grown for feed. Infection occurs in the field during plant growth or during harvest/storage. Examples […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
