Livestock , Latest & Featured - Canadian Cattlemen

Wait times for import permit system grow shorter

By Canadian Cattlemen Staff October 13, 2015

Industry is satisfied for now that the CFIA is genuine in its effort to address inefficiencies that have been creating backlogs in issuing import permits through its new Centre of Administration (CoA). The CoA opened April 1, 2014, as a single point for commercial operators and travellers to apply for domestic and import permits, licences […] Read more

Livestock

DNA testing for disease is on the way

By Debbie Furber October 13, 2015

It sounds like science fiction but you will soon be able to test a newborn’s DNA as a baseline for future detection of potentially chronic conditions such as Johne’s disease and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and even BSE to get an early jump on treatment, all from a single blood sample. The technology will be […] Read more

A McDonald’s restaurant in Toronto. (McDonalds.ca)

Beef Cattle, Livestock

Consumers want sustainable beef, but defining that may be murky

By Jade Markus October 13, 2015

CNS Canada –– McDonald’s plans on using sustainable beef by 2016, and intends on sourcing at least part of it from Canadian producers. The fast food giant’s latest step toward sustainability is to define what exactly that means. Defining sustainability is important, according to a beef brand officer, because in some cases it’s something consumers […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

PM Beef to shut Minnesota plant, cites tight cattle supply

By Theopolis Waters October 13, 2015

Reuters — PM Beef will close its southwestern Minnesota beef processing plant on Dec. 11, due to tight cattle supplies, the company said Tuesday. The company announced the Windom plant’s closure to employees and owners during meetings Monday, according to local media. Prices for slaughter cattle last year hit record highs in the wake of […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder cattle prices remain vulnerable

By Jerry Klassen October 12, 2015

Feedlot operators continued on a cautious path this week as western Canadian feeder cattle traded $6-$10 lower compared to seven days earlier. Heavier replacements over 800 lbs. once again led the charge lower, dipping as much as $12 below week-ago levels. Manitoba and Saskatchewan markets also came in line at a slight discount to the […] Read more

(Regis Lefebure photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Hogs, Livestock, Reuters

Gene editing could pave way for pig organ transplants

By Reuters October 12, 2015

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. researchers have used a new gene editing technique to trim away potentially harmful virus genes that have impeded the use of pig organs for transplants in humans. The study, published in the journal Science, expands on capabilities of the genome editing tool known as CRISPR-Cas9, which works as a type […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Hogs, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle move up with beef quotes

By Theopolis Waters October 12, 2015

Chicago | Reuters –– Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures closed higher on Monday, strengthened by short-covering following the morning’s wholesale beef price bounce, traders said. Spot October finished 1.15 cents/lb. higher at 131.925 cents, and December up 0.25 cent to 137.575 (all figures US$). Monday morning’s wholesale choice beef price, or cutout, climbed $1.32/cwt […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Features

Adverse reactions to vaccines and drugs in cattle

Allergic reactions  can range from hives  to itching or swelling  to systemic shock  leading to fluid  in the lungs and  sudden death

By Heather Smith Thomas October 12, 2015

Occasionally cattle experience a reaction to vaccine or medication (injected, applied topically or given orally). An allergic reaction can be mild and local (swelling at the injection site after vaccination) or serious and fatal — if the animal goes into anaphylactic shock. Many of the things we administer are foreign to the animal’s body, and […] Read more

Livestock, Markets, Reuters

California adopts tough rules for antibiotic use in livestock

By Lisa Baertlein October 12, 2015

Los Angeles | Reuters — California Governor Jerry Brown on Saturday signed a bill that sets the strictest government standards in the U.S. for the use of antibiotics in livestock production. The move from California, known for its leadership on public health and environmental issues, comes amid growing concern that the overuse of such drugs […] Read more

Livestock, Vet advice

Drought management for cattle producers

By Dr. Ron Clarke October 9, 2015

We moved through some of the wettest years in history to a drought situation for many cattle producers. For those caught in the drought cycle, care of the cow herd, costs, feed inventory and preservation of forage supplies were front and centre. For some, relief came with recent rains — too late for hay, but […] Read more

U.S. grains: Soybeans, corn fall on harvest pressure

U.S. livestock: Hog futures slide in technical correction

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Acknowledging the past, seeking a better future

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