GFM Network News

More News →

Cow-Calf

Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

Consider more than cost during a winter feed shortage

Producers need to ruminate on logistics, pasture conditions and animal welfare, too

By
After a hot, dry summer in the Cypress Hills, Rick Toney knew some budgeting was in order to ensure his cows would be properly fed this winter. Toney, who ranches near Gull Lake, Sask., and serves as the chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, runs around 500 cows in addition to a small backgrounding lot. […] Read more
Cow-Calf, News, News Roundup

Amplimune receives organic stamp of approval

Health: News Roundup from the November 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By
Amplimune, an immunotherapy for calf scours, has received an Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listing in Canada. This means calves treated with Amplimune are in compliance with Canada’s Organic Regime regulations. Amplimune, produced by Nova Vive Inc., is an immunomodulator that reduces the clinical signs and mortality associated with E. coli K99 diarrhea in neonatal […] Read more
Preg-checking identifies fertile cows early but culling early doesn’t always pay.
Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

Does preg-checking cows pay?

Perfection is not possible in the cattle business, but excellence can be achieved

By
It’s a “forever” debate. On one side of the scrum are the naysayers who claim preg-checking is sacrilege foisted on the industry by unscrupulous, profiteering veterinarians. They maintain that open cows in the spring are worth more, can be wintered profitably, they manage what calf crop is on the ground just fine, and that veterinary […] Read more
Cow-Calf, Features

Low-stress weaning for calves

A less stressful weaning process makes for healthier calves

By
Weaning time has traditionally been traumatic for calves, mama cows and ranchers, but it doesn’t need to be. “There are better ways to wean calves, says Bart Lardner, a beef and forage research scientist at the University of Saskatchewan. “Abrupt weaning is the most stressful, for both the cow and calf. The question has been […] Read more
Cow-Calf, Features

Canadian and U.S. calf preconditioning trends

By
Conventional preconditioning programs generally include at minimum — castration, dehorning, vaccination against clostridial and bacterial diseases, parasite control, weaning for a period of 30-plus days, and acclimation to feedstuffs, bunks and water bowls prior to sale. The term itself is not narrowly defined and can mean different things to different people including a combination of […] Read more
Cow-Calf, News, News Roundup

Don’t pass on ionophores when backgrounding calves

Management: News Roundup from the Oct. 22 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By
Travis Peardon, a livestock and feed specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture in Outlook, is urging producers looking to background calves this fall to add ionophores to their rations. “Ionophores provide protection against coccidiosis, improve feed efficiency and stabilize the rumen environment by reducing the incidence of bloat. The three ionophores approved for use in Canadian feedlots […] Read more
Cow-Calf, Research

Developing faster, cheaper diagnostic tests for calves

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

By
Last month’s column discussed how antibiotics are used in western Canadian cow-calf operations. Respiratory diseases are a common reason for antibiotic treatment in cows, bulls, and calves and diarrhea is a common reason for antibiotic treatment in young calves. Because both respiratory and intestinal infections can involve many different microbes, having a better understanding of […] Read more
Most of the attention for antibiotic use in the beef industry is focused on the feedlot sector, but antibiotic use at the cow-calf level is also important.
Cow-Calf, Research

Antibiotic use on Canadian cow-calf operations

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

By
Antibiotic use records are important for producers who want to track the effectiveness of the antibiotics they use. Industry groups need antibiotic use data to refute misleading claims about our production practices. Even restaurant chains and meat companies marketing “antibiotic-free” beef need records to keep treated animals out of their “never-ever” supply stream. When it […] Read more
The driving factor behind creep feeding calves is to increase weight gains while on pasture.
Cow-Calf, Nutrition

Creep feeding – What side of the debate are you on?

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By
Creep feeding is a management practice where nursing calves are fed supplemental feed while on pasture. Its economic benefits have been hotly debated by those in industry and academia alike. Those in favour point to the increased value of heavier calves at weaning, the potential sparing of summer forage supplies, and the health benefits associated […] Read more
A 60-day breeding season is an ideal goal to shoot for.
Cow-Calf, News, News Roundup

Keep your cattle breeding season short

Breeding: News Roundup from the June 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By
It is my experience that there is no single best calving season for all operations. Each is unique in terms of labour, facilities, feedstuffs, and ultimately, the selection should be determined by the likelihood of achieving the highest conception rates and calf crop percentage weaned with your available resources. Regardless of when you calve, there is […] Read more

AgCanadaTV

Equity, blood, tears and sweat

Sponsored By:
More Videos →

Daily Newsletter

You'll receive current daily news every morning free, as well as market updates and special features.