Telemedicine technology could improve access to veterinary care in Ontario’s remote and underserviced areas. The shortage of veterinarians, particularly large animal specialists, is no secret. Tack on pandemic pressures, burnout and retirement, and the sector’s ability to meet demand is stressed further. “The current model of providing veterinary service to farms cannot keep up with […] Read more
Dairy — page 22
Get the Vet: Solutions sought to ease farm animal veterinarian shortage
Telemedicine options and modernization of rules could help better service rural areas
Bulk tank testing confirms leukosis prevalence on Ontario dairy farms
Second round of sampling expected this fall
A project aims to provide producers with an accurate assessment of leukosis risk on their farm and provide assurance that the industry can respond quickly to a major disease outbreak. University of Guelph professor David Kelton provided an update on the ongoing program, which is funded by Dairy Farmers of Ontario. The $460,000 initiative, launched […] Read more
Transgenic corn touted for dairy feed efficiency
Originally developed for the U.S. ethanol industry, Syngenta’s Enogen could benefit dairy producers
A transgenic corn variety originally developed for the United States ethanol industry is being officially launched by Syngenta in Canada in 2023 for cattle feed. The Enogen line of hybrids contains a bacteria-derived transgene that produces alpha amylase, a naturally occurring enzyme that speeds the breakdown of starch. Since its introduction in the U.S. in […] Read more
Traceability, efficiencies and advanced animal welfare top tech development
Integration into existing systems and long-term viability affect adoption
The third annual World Dairy Expo Tech Spotlight showcased tools to improve on-farm efficiencies, traceability and monitoring. “We know the pivotal role (tech) has played to get us where we are today and there’s no denying it’s going to play an impactful role and part in where we go in profitability, animal health and sustainability,” […] Read more
Dairy industry makes strides in sustainability and GHG mitigation
Advances and adoption of new technologies show positive impact, according to new report
North American dairy production is reducing its impact on the climate while maximizing production through genetics, technology and data-driven decisions. That’s the conclusion of a recent report, ‘The Environmental Benefits of Modern Dairy, Hay, and Forage Production Technologies’, which was unveiled at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, during an industry expert panel discussion […] Read more
Livestock monitoring start-up targets Ontario market
OneCup AI moves from facial recognition to full-body ID
A western Canadian company specializing in livestock monitoring has increased its offering to farmers as the affordability and effectiveness of artificial intelligence has improved. At the recent Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) in Woodstock, OneCup AI announced its newest achievement: facial identification for poultry. CEO Mokah Shmigelsky used news of the poultry innovation to draw […] Read more
Turning dairy into beef: Shaking up supply chains
Different approaches are needed to capitalize on the value of dairy-beef crossbreds
The revolutionary ramifications of breeding beef genetics to dairy cows are remaking supply chains. That brings new opportunities and challenges. The University of Guelph’s Dr. Michael Steele got the attention of attendees at the recent Dairy Cattle Industry Forum when he showed a line of antibiotic treatments used at one farm that raises weaned dairy […] Read more
Cow mattress has cooling potential
Single-chamber waterbed uses conductive energy to keep cows cooler
Holstein heifers at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) had the comfort of new waterbeds which, according to manufacturer Bioret, allow the animals’ body heat to dissipate more effectively than other bedding or surfaces in the industry. Why it matters: With Ontario’s hot summers, heat stress in dairy cattle has the potential to impact milk yield […] Read more
VIDEO: Improving immunity in dairy cows
Nitric oxide levels in cows have a significant impact on their immunity. Researchers have shown that two per cent of cows have serious health impacts due to their nitric oxide levels. Semex is working with the University of Guelph to integrate nitric oxide measurements into its immunity genetic index. In this video, Steven Larmer, Director […] Read more
Ambitious plan aims to add 300 biodigesters
DFO vice-chair hopes to see Danish model for renewable natural gas adopted across Canada on dairy farms
A co-operative-style company founded by Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) vice-chair Nick Thurler has taken its first step toward a goal of gaining access to 80 per cent of the country’s dairy manure for conversion into renewable natural gas (RNG). Thurler officially launched GET Corp,– and the sustainable agriculture program that forms its centrepiece, through […] Read more
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