What foreign animal diseases are we most concerned about entering Canada? You’ve probably heard a lot about African swine fever lately. Before 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza was high on the list. African swine fever has the potential to decimate the Canadian pork industry and avian influenza has already wreaked havoc on the poultry industry. […] Read more
Keeping foot-and-mouth disease out of Canada
Travelling to a country with cases of foot-and-mouth? Here’s what you need to know before you come home
When dairy meets beef
Growth-promoting implant strategies for Holstein and dairy-cross feedlot cattle
Every dairy animal becomes a beef animal. However, many unknowns remain about how to best manage these animals when they arrive at the calf ranches and feedlots. When it comes to finishing dairy breeds, any feeder knows that these cattle are about as similar to regular beef cattle as Labrador retrievers are to pugs. Years […] Read more
Young vets share challenges and joys of rural practice
Anything from winter weather to community dynamics can affect a new vet’s experience living and working in a rural area
The large animal vet shortage in Canada probably isn’t news to you. You may have seen a decline or rapid turnover of vets in your area. The landscape of large animal medicine is changing. What makes large animal medicine appealing to new graduates? And more importantly, what makes vets leave? Establishing roots “It’s a very […] Read more
The next generation of cow vets
Dr. Blake Balog created Bow Valley Livestock Health with a vision for the future of the cow-calf industry
For some, a career is a calling. They are compelled to pursue it, even in times when it isn’t enjoyable, or even profitable. This describes many beef producers. Those who work with primary producers often do so because it is their calling as well. In this way, veterinarians and producers are a lot alike. Running […] Read more
Five steps to good gains on grass and grains
Know the fundamentals of growth-promoting implants to find the right fit for your cattle
There’s a reason why the practice of implanting feedlot cattle is almost ubiquitous in Canada — it works. Growth-promoting implants substantially improve cattle feed efficiency and muscle deposition. Their economic effects are hugely positive, with savings ranging from $40 to $100 per head. There is even a case for using them as a tool to […] Read more
Parasite control in the feedlot
Strategic deworming methods to maximize product efficacy and cattle productivity
If there was a tool available for Canadian cattle feeders to improve both weight gain and disease resistance, what would it be worth to implement? What if that tool was as simple as deworming cattle on arrival? As simple as deworming is, not every feedyard opts to do it. Whether the perception is that feedlot […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
