The North American dairy breeding sector is providing early-stage advice to protect herds against a newly discovered and potentially fatal genetic defect affecting Holstein calves. The first official word on the defect, currently referred to as calf recumbency, came through a joint news release on April 3 from the U.S.-based Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding […] Read more
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U.S. researchers uncover emerging Holstein genetic defect
Affected recumbency calves unable to stand after birth
New research will look at dairy welfare and technology
The use of artificial intelligence to help farmers improve dairy animal care will be studied on Ontario and Quebec farms
A new research collaboration at McGill University and the University of Quebec in Montreal will explore the role of artificial intelligence in promoting dairy cattle welfare. The project aims to create “a digital living lab to link animal welfare and dairy farms’ profitability.” Why it matters: An updated Code of Practice for the Care and […] Read more
Getting hay equipment ready for the season
Don’t ignore smaller, comparatively inexpensive parts – or safety equipment
Ontario’s first hay cut is looming so it’s a good time to inspect the harvest equipment to ensure safety and avoid in-season problems. The good news is that parts, should they be needed, are more accessible than in recent years, according to Jim Franceshetti, parts and service product marketing manager for harvesting, hay and forage […] Read more
Getting specific on soil health
Growers discussing their soil fertility needs are finding more layers to the subject
There’s a need for standardization of approaches to improving soil health, as farmers are hit with many different opinions and recommendations. It could be everything from acidity to nutrient solubility to microbial activity as the complexity of dealing with improving soil health is significant. Wayne Black has been making the case that producers are being […] Read more
Forage tests reveal harvest, storage information
How to interpret forage lab analyses to achieve quality
A recent webinar by Lactanet’s expert in forage production and nutrition offered tips on how to interpret analyses of ensiled forage. Jean-Philippe Laroche asked participants to have on hand copies of analyses for grass or legume silage so he could relate “what your forage analyses have to tell you and provide solutions” to address shortfalls […] Read more
Researchers work to develop Johne’s vaccine
Two Canadian universities are developing vaccines, with plans to see if they can be combined
Glacier FarmMedia – Researchers at the University of Calgary are one step closer to introducing a vaccine that will help dairy producers combat Johne’s disease in cattle. The ailment, closely related to tuberculosis, can be found in all ruminants but has particularly high incidence in dairy cattle. That is believed to be connected to herd […] Read more
Goat milk processor honoured by Lindsay Ag Society
Mariposa Dairy handed the Excellence in Agriculture Award
A family-owned milk processor that has grown from humble beginnings to become the second largest goat cheese manufacturer in North America was recognized recently through a prestigious award from the Lindsay Agricultural Society. Why it matters: The award serves as further recognition that the company’s success has played a significant role in the expansion of […] Read more
Farmtario launches DairyPlus
Visit new dairy site for latest, and archived dairy production information
Farmtario and our parent company Glacier FarmMedia, create a lot of dairy content, but it’s blended in with all the news, crops and other livestock stories, video and audio we do too. That’s why we’ve created a new dairy resource centre on Farmtario’s website called DairyPlus. We aim for it to be a place that […] Read more
Probiotic developed for dairy cattle
University of Alberta researcher says using probiotics to prevent infection could reduce disease and lower antibiotic use
Glacier FarmMedia – A breakthrough probiotic has been shown to boost milk production and the reproductive health of dairy cows. The use of probiotics to prevent infections could lower the incidence of diseases, potentially reducing the need for treatment with antibiotics, said Burim Ametaj, a professor of physiology and nutritional immunology at the University of […] Read more
Ronbeth Holsteins mark 17 generations VG or EX
Unique honour a first in Canada
Breeding acumen through collection of four Master Breeder shields from Holstein Canada is evident in a Hastings-area dairy farm, which can now celebrate the rare feat of having one of its cow families achieve 17 generations classified as either Very Good or Excellent. The first-in-Canada achievement “wasn’t something on our radar,” Steph Murphy told Farmtario […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
