University of Saskatchewan Archives

Canada is currently considered a bovine TB-free country, but incidences arose as recently as 2016 in Alberta, when six cases were found, and in 2018 when four cases were detected in British Columbia.

Battling bovine tuberculosis

Canadian researchers are working on TB vaccines and developing strategies to manage the disease in wild animals

By Lois Harris January 14, 2020

Research is underway in Canada to develop a vaccine aimed at eliminating the threat of bovine tuberculosis (TB). If successful, the results will mean better health for cattle and humans around the world. “When we say bovine TB, sometimes it can also be TB that’s found in humans,” says Dr. Jeff Chen, explaining that Mycobacterium […] Read more

Janelle Smith talks about her research during the LFCE’s field day last June.

News, News Roundup

Agribition donates $100,000 to Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence

Research: News Roundup from the January 2020 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Staff January 10, 2020

Canadian Western Agribition is contributing $100,000 over the next decade to the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE), the largest and most comprehensive centre of its kind in Canada. The funding partnership will see Agribition sponsor the annual field day for producers at the new research facility in Clavet, Sask., as […] Read more

Caylee Dorval is putting her scholarship award towards studying animal science at Lakeland College.

News, Newsmakers

Sask. agriculture scholarship winner to study animal science technology

NewsMakers from the August 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Staff August 19, 2019

Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Program Melissa Van Sickle’s interest in cattle started early and grew with her participation in 4-H. Van Sickle earned a bachelor of science in animal science from the University of Saskatchewan and then visited Australia. She then returned home to work for her family’s business, Genetic Ventures, which specializes in artificial insemination […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Forages, Hay, News

Using an invasive weed to help fill the feed gap

When feed is in short supply, producers may want to harvest kochia.

By Staff June 26, 2019

For Prairie cattle producers looking for alternative feed sources this year, one possibility may be kochia. Kochia is an invasive weed, often seen growing on marginal land or tumbling across the Prairies. It’s a prolific seed producer, growing in saline soil and in arid or semi-arid conditions. A recent news release from Agriculture and Agri-Food […] Read more

The CRSB’s Certified Sustainable Beef Framework sets out the standards for sustainable beef production that must be met by both producers and processors to become certified.

Forages, News

Polycultures: A cocktail forage mix for semiarid prairies

By Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada June 12, 2019

Producers rely on grazing native, tame perennial pastures or stockpiled forages to typically feed their cattle. Annual diverse forage mixtures give producers an opportunity to provide high quality feed while also gaining additional benefits for the soil and ecosystem. Polycultures could even be integrated into a crop rotation or used as green manure (working it […] Read more

Wild pigs raise several litters a year, and litters average six piglets on the Prairies.

Features, Livestock

Invasive wild pigs a growing threat to agriculture

By Piper Whelan June 10, 2019

The rapid spread of wild pig populations across Canada could have serious implications for agriculture. Ryan Brook, associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Land Management Institute and Department of Animal and Poultry Science, warns that the expansion of this invasive species can lead to destructive consequences for livestock and crop production, as well […] Read more

The funding includes a $3.2-million investment in the USask Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence.

News

U of S livestock research centre receives $250K investment from Merck Animal Health

Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence to receive $250,000 over 10 years

By Supplied/Press release May 17, 2019

The University of Saskatchewan on May 16, 2019, announced details of a 10-year, $250,000 investment from Merck Animal Health for its Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) – a visionary research facility located southeast of Saskatoon. The long-term investment will support the LFCE’s capital build project and underlines Merck Animal Health’s commitment to the […] Read more

Research showed that more complex forage mixtures are likely better able to cope with weather variations than monocultures.

Livestock, Research

Exceptional forages for marginal lands

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

By Reynold Bergen May 1, 2019

Tame forages often outperform native species in head-to-head comparisons under optimal growing conditions. This may not be the case on marginal land, with its tougher environments, poorer soil, rougher topography, harsher climates and precipitation extremes. Beef production is expected to rely more and more on marginal land, at least while returns from cash crops exceed […] Read more

Lucie and Wayne Sampson in the sale ring at the 2019 Pride of the Prairies bull sale.

News, Purely purebred

‘Pride of the Prairies’ hosts its 100th bull show

Purely Purebred with Mike Millar: News about you from the April 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Mike Millar April 23, 2019

Senior 4-H members participating in the 10th Annual Summer Synergy at Olds Regional Exhibition this summer have an exciting opportunity. The top eight finalists in the judging competition will represent the Summer Synergy Judging Team in the Canadian National 4-H and Youth Judging Competition at Canadian Western Agribition in November. There they will compete against […] Read more

Beef Cattle, News, News Roundup

University of Saskatchewan scientists investigating effects of sulphates on cattle health

Research: News Roundup from the March 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Staff March 8, 2019

University of Saskatchewan researchers are studying the effects of high sulphate levels in the drinking water of cattle. When cattle drink water with high sulphate levels, the sulphates bind trace minerals in the animals’ rumens, preventing them from absorbing necessary minerals. Potential effects include diarrhea, reduced fertility and milk production, slow growth, a depressed immune […] Read more

Coronavirus stalls talks with China on canola ban

Fund traders still bearish on canola

U.S. grains: Soy, wheat, corn close lower after early gains

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