Canadian dairy breeders may be able to acquire genomic evaluations within Canada later this year for domestically bred cows not registered in national breed association herdbooks. Why it matters: The change will allow all Canadian-born dairy cattle to receive a genomic evaluation based on Canadian calculations. The proposed change was outlined by Lactanet chief services […] Read more
Dairy — page 11
Canadian genomic option coming for non-herdbook dairy breeders
Testing will still be done in the United States
Owner-sampled dairy cattle herds will see earlier genetic evaluations
Lactanet proposes move to monthly official evaluations for Canadian cows in early 2025
More dairy cows in Canada may have the potential to achieve top-rated status in publicly released genetic rankings, thanks to a change being introduced by the Lactanet organization in early 2025. The change will be of particular benefit to herds in which monthly milk samples are collected unsupervised by the herd owner. Why it matters: […] Read more
Cattle Scan’s bolus system wins pitch competition
It took five minutes for ag-tech startup founder Denis Tokarev to secure a $10,000 prize at a recent “pitch competition” in Calgary, but he hopes the buzz generated by the award as well as his networking with dairy sector stakeholders while in Alberta will eventually lead to a bigger payback for Guelph-based Cattle Scan. Inventures […] Read more
Dutch farmer separates nitrogen from manure to fertilize crops
Process reduces manure hauling, produces usable heat and electricity for Dutch farm
Ton Groot Roessink milks about 200 cows near Baak, using robots, automated feeding and automated manure cleaning. Manure from the farm is put through a biogas digester. The methane is burned to produce electricity and heat for the farm.
Europe’s manure mathematics frustrate farmers
Strict rules limit nitrogen application depending on the form it takes when applied
Trucking manure is part of the strange nitrogen mathematics used in Europe as it attempts to balance nutrient use and penalizes manure based only on its nitrogen effect, without considering other nutrients, soil organic matter and biological benefits.
Lameness stagnation: Why hoof health issues persist in dairy cattle
Despite years of identifying causes and new approaches hoof health is still a problem
Lameness is a complex condition influenced by a diverse array of intertwined factors, from cow-level elements to environmental conditions and management practices. It is often the cumulative impact of several interacting factors that leads to the development of lameness, making it challenging to control effectively. This interdependent nature of risk factors requires comprehensive and integrated […] Read more
Strategically feed the robot
Feeding more in the milking robot doesn’t mean more visits by cows
Feeding cows that are milked with a robot is more complicated than you think. It is not enough to add feed to the robot. It is necessary to ensure that the cow’s complete ration is adequate. How much feed should be added to the robot? What is the impact on cow performance? What will be […] Read more
Top genetics shouldn’t change much under modernized LPI
Lactanet to update its benchmark Lifetime Performance Index by early next year
The emphasis given to production and health characteristics will change in a proposed new Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) for Canadian dairy cows – with new weighting for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing “milkability”. Brian Van Doormaal, chief services officer for Lactanet, the genetic testing and data management organization leading the process, says changes in […] Read more
Dairy testing for bird flu expanded in Canada
Non-clinical dairy cattle eligible for funded testing
On June 17, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency updated their guidance for private veterinarians on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The update noted the expanded eligibility for testing, and that the CFIA would cover lab test fees at any Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) lab that is approved to test samples in domestic animals. The agency will not, however, pay veterinarian fees for sample collection or shipment to the lab.
Good early-lactation nutrition cuts risk of cystic ovaries
A drop in proper metabolic function will pose reproductive challenges in cows
Glacier FarmMedia – Most producers usually wait until estrus appears in a dairy cow at 60-70 days postpartum, then place an emphasis on getting her pregnant by 90 days. This practice maintains a 13-month calving interval. Unfortunately, the onslaught of cystic ovaries in 30 per cent of all breeding cows makes it a challenge. Yet, […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
