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Tag Archives livestock feeding

Livestock nutritionist John McKinnon examines three scenarios at how byproduct feeds can be used in cattle feeding programs.
Cow-Calf, Livestock, Nutrition

Using byproduct feeds to influence profitability of backgrounded calves

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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In my last column, I wrote about some of the challenges facing producers who background cattle, both from a marketing and production perspective. Concerning marketing, emphasis was placed on differences between custom and owner-operated businesses. From a production perspective, both knowledge of cost of production and identifying goals of the nutrition program were stressed. Concerning […] Read more
cow and calf
Livestock, Nutrition

Production targets influencing profitability of backgrounded calves

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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When beef producers discuss marketing, pricing often comes to the forefront of the discussion. To be current with market trends, astute producers will gather as much information on pricing as possible including working with marketing specialists, following the futures market and using various risk management strategies including price insurance. While it is hard to argue […] Read more
heifer supplement
Livestock, Nutrition

Unpacking mineral tags: Understanding expected consumption for your cattle

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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In my last column, I reviewed the steps one takes when interpreting a typical mineral tag including clues to the nature of the product’s name as well as the concentration details on the macro and trace minerals and the vitamins that one finds listed under the “Guaranteed Analysis” section. Such information can be used to […] Read more
A variety of alternative growth promoters have been marketed as natural replacements for conventional productivity-enhancing technologies.
Livestock, Research

Can we replace growth promotants?

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

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Hormone implants and feed additives such as ionophores (e.g. monensin/Rumensin), beta-agonists (e.g. ractopamine/Optaflexx) and MGA (to suppress heat in heifers) have allowed Canada’s feedlot sector to dramatically improve growth rates, feed efficiency and environmental performance. In-feed antimicrobials to prevent liver abscesses (e.g. tylosin) also have an indirect benefit because healthy cattle grow better. While consumers […] Read more
Animals under stress due to extreme cold have a higher net-energy-for-maintenance requirement. In other words, they need additional energy to keep warm.
Livestock, Nutrition

Winter arrives in cattle country

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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As this article comes to print, it is early December and winter has gripped much of the country. Concurrent with this change in seasons, it is also a time of year when cattle feeders — cow-calf and feedlot alike — are settling into their winter-feeding programs. In the case of backgrounding and feedlot operations, hopefully […] Read more
Graeme Finn’s pasture with alfalfa, Glenview sainfoin and cicer milkvetch, all legumes that help boost fertility.
Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

Feeding cows for fertility

The right vitamin and mineral package, and high-quality forage, can boost a herd’s conception rate

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The year is 1993 and Graeme Finn is saying goodbye to the blue skies and heat of Australia, replacing them with the gentle hills and crisp winters of Madden, Alta. Here, he starts a beef operation with his wife, Heather and their two daughters. With 2,800 acres of pasture rented, Finn is passionate about using […] Read more
Maximizing growth while limiting digestive disorder can make wheat grain a profitable addition to feedlot diets.
Beef Cattle, Features, Livestock

Optimizing wheat grain use in feedlot diets

Researchers explore whether processing wheat can reduce its potential to cause digestive upsets, and allow feedlots to use this high-protein, high-energy feed

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Wheat is notorious for being a highly fermentable cereal grain and its inclusion in finishing feedlot diets is often restricted to avoid digestive disorders such as rumen acidosis and bloat. Adverse growing conditions frequently result in wheat grain with elevated mycotoxin levels that fail to meet the standard for human consumption. But such wheat may […] Read more
Aside from the potential for lower feed prices, this year’s abundant hay and silage yields will make life easier for both cow-calf and feedlot operators.
Comment/Columns, Nutrition

What a difference a year can make!

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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From a feeding perspective, this fall looks to hold a great deal more promise than that of 2021. At the time of writing, slaughter prices are higher than a year ago and look good going into the fall. Feed availability is significantly greater than this time last year, particularly in Western Canada. Abundant feed supplies […] Read more
Black Angus Cow with Calf
Beef Cattle, Livestock

Keep an eye out for drought-caused nutrient deficiency in your cattle

Nutrient deficiencies have ripple effects, including slower gain and lower pregnancy rates

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Glacier FarmMedia – Feeding cattle through last year’s drought was tough enough — but for some producers, its impact on the health of their cattle isn’t over. “The biggest challenge for producers through the drought was finding good-quality feed for a feasible price. A lot of low-quality fibre like straw was fed,” said Courtney O’Keefe, […] Read more
Failure to provide a ration that is balanced to meet a cow’s post-calving nutritional requirements will result in a loss of body condition and a likely drop in milk production.
Cow-Calf, Livestock, Nutrition

Feeding the lactating beef cow

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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In my last two columns (see links below), I have focused on how the cow prioritizes nutrient use for different physiological functions such as maintenance and pregnancy. This month I want to complete the discussion by focusing on the events leading up to and following calving. Read more: Feeding the pregnant beef cow Read more: […] Read more

Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field

Glacier Farmmedia Podcast

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AGCanadaTV: In case you missed it; your national ag news recap for July 4, 2025

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