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.
Dairy
Dairy testing for bird flu expanded in Canada
Non-clinical dairy cattle eligible for funded testing
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 […] Read more
Cattle virtual fence provides management options
Ontario farm is managing two groups of cattle with the new system
[Updated: June 11, 2024] Jenny Butcher and Wes Kuntz were like many livestock farmers and faced the costly prospect of rebuilding fences. One of the areas that needed work was […] Read more
Purple coneflower can aid calf immunity
Humans have taken purple coneflower, or echinacea, to manage colds and infections
A University of Guelph study shows that feeding purple coneflower to dairy bull calves has positive effect on immunity and inflammation levels. Purple coneflower, known by the scientific name echinacea, […] Read more
Starbucks sweetens pot for FCC sustainability program
Coffee giant to support ‘top achievers’ and ‘most improved’
Starbucks has joined Farm Credit Canada in its Dairy Sustainability Incentive Program, which offers Canadian dairy farmers interest rate rebates for sustainability initiatives. Why it matters: Starbucks says milk products […] Read more
Trouw targets dry matter accuracy of dairy feeding with new app
DNA Connect allows for adjustments through smartphone or tablet
Accurately tracking dry matter intake is critical for dairy farmers, and a new app from Trouw Nutrition aims to make that easier and more efficient. One of the app’s early […] Read more
Moisture management is key in compost-pack barns
Compost barns could be a transition option for those who now milk in tie stalls
Compost bedding packs that get too wet can be bad news and result in problems with slower composting, milk quality and the need to add more bedding. Those are findings […] Read more
Shorter dry periods make sense, with caveats
Farmers should be able to target a dry period of 45 to 50 days, says researcher
Dairy farmers have given their cows 50 to 60 days off each lactation, but research suggests that a shorter period could make sense – for farmers and the cows. Barry […] Read more
Make your dairy processes lean and clean
Stopping and observing are the first steps to efficiency
Dairy farmers work through similar processes every day, but taking another look at ordinary tasks can yield significant time and financial savings. Process evaluation has many names, including lean, Kaizan […] Read more
Diversifying dairy means more than milking
Here’s how four dairy farms grew their businesses beyond milk production
Farmers who diversify their dairy operations can make it work with luck, great planning and a willingness to take risks. The Canadian Dairy XPO’s new Canadian Dairy Business Conference brought […] Read more