Glacier FarmMedia – Spring turnout is the typical time for cattle farmers to vaccinate calves, and Dr. Roy Lewis offered a few reminders about that process during a recent webinar organized by Verified Beef Production Plus. Subcutaneous injections in the neck have become the norm and generally two injections are provided to calves in spring: […] Read more
What producers need to know at vaccination time
Injections should be at least six inches apart and syringes should be marked so same vaccine is always in same syringe
Ontario invention wins national swine award
This year’s F.X. Aherne prizes were presented to the inventors of an easier way to handle piglets
Glacier FarmMedia – The inventors of a device to allow easier handling of piglets and the developers of a system that provides more even heat to young piglets received awards for their efforts Jan. 9 at the Banff Pork Seminar. Tess Faulkner and Gillian Grieves of South West Ontario Veterinary Services invented the Hammock, a […] Read more
Consumer curiosity expands mushroom sector
Specialty mushroom production makes up only two per cent of total Canadian production, but interest is growing
Glacier FarmMedia – The specialty mushroom market has been growing steadily for years. Ryan Koeslag, chief executive officer of Mushrooms Canada, said figures indicate a 25 per cent increase annually in specialty mushroom production, although given there are relatively few growers, the numbers aren’t as large as that figure might suggest. Statistics Canada data indicate […] Read more
Dual action designed to avoid resistance
A new drench is designed to provide effective treatment of sheep without allowing parasites to develop resistance
Parasite resistance to products approved for use on sheep is causing major problems for producers who find current options don’t do an adequate job of deworming. A new product from Zoetis, coupled with new recommendations on treatment protocols, is designed to provide effective treatment without allowing parasites to develop resistance. Dr. Melanie Wowk, large animal […] Read more
Opinion: Better case needed for farm-saved seed royalties
Given that seed companies have the ability to negotiate contracts to collect royalties, the definitive argument for government regulation to sanction royalties applied to saved seed has yet to be made. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is in the midst of a consultation process on a proposal to determine whether royalties on saved seed should be […] Read more
Producers should ensure calves suckle quickly after birth
Dystocia increases the chances that a calf will nurse on its own so producers may have to intervene
If it sucks, that’s a good thing — when it comes to newborn calves. It’s so good, in fact, that newborns with a good suckle reflex are 41 times more likely to consume colostrum on their own compared to calves with a weak suckle reflex. Dr. Craig Dorin of Veterinary Agri-Health Services in Airdrie, Alta., […] Read more
Feed from China poses major ASF danger
China is the only source of certain amino acids needed for hog rations, and even packaging can carry the virus
Imported feed ingredients are a major risk factor for entry of African swine fever into Canada. The highly contagious hemorrhagic fever is a major problem in China and other Canadian trading partners. Studies have shown the virus can survive in feed during an ocean crossing to North America. Why it matters: African swine fever would […] Read more
Pessimistic calves at a disadvantage
Researchers have discovered that some calves are more fearful than others, which can have implications for future health
Some cattle are more fearful than others. It’s a universal truth confirmed by anyone who has handled cattle herds. But fearfulness is connected to pessimism, says University of British Columbia PhD student Benjamin Lecorps. His research on 22 Holstein dairy calves has shown that some animals are inherently more pessimistic than others, and that trait […] Read more
Animal neglect linked to mental health
Those concerned with the well-being of animals should be concerned about the mental health of those caring for them
Stories about livestock that are found to be confined, neglected, emaciated or dead on a farmer’s property tend to generate big headlines. “I don’t understand how anyone could do that,” is the resulting refrain. Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton has heard that common response. “Frankly, if you can’t understand that, it’s probably a good thing. It means […] Read more
Nothing fancy about killing clubroot
An Alberta study has shown that household bleach works as well as specialized disinfectants
Glacier FarmMedia – A jug of household bleach is an important tool in the fight against clubroot. Studies by Alberta Agriculture crop pathologist Michael Harding, which compared different disinfectants that can be used to sanitize farm equipment, showed a 50:50 concentration of common household bleach and water killed spores and is cheaper than other options. […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
