University of Guelph researchers are seeking ways to select cattle for greater heat tolerance. A research team from the Department of Animal Biosciences recently investigated the association of milk production traits with weather data to identify heat-tolerant cows. Why it matters: Projected climate changes will influence livestock production, an important issue for the dairy industry. […] Read more
Tag Archives animal welfare — page 5
Heat stress a growing factor on dairy farms
New research is underway to select cattle with high milk production and resilience to heat
Does Ontario need a separate livestock welfare enforcement system?
Recent court cases have highlighted gaps, lack of transparency in current animal welfare policy
The establishment of a provincial animal welfare enforcement agency in 2019 was greeted with cautious optimism by some farm groups. Recent cases involving livestock, however, have highlighted problems with the framework, including a lack of due-process guarantees, insufficient training for inspection officers and a general lack of transparency. Why it matters: The Provincial Animal Welfare […] Read more
PAWS regulations updated for dogs
New standards of care for outdoor dogs come into effect July 1
Owners of outdoor and Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) have more to keep track of this summer. The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS) has updated standards of care for outdoor dogs and they come into effect July 1. They may require some producers to adjust their animals’ housing and care regime. Why it matters: The […] Read more
Icahn drops proxy fights with Kroger’s, McDonald’s
Reuters — Billionaire investor Carl Icahn is dropping a proxy fight focused on the treatment of pregnant pigs at Kroger Co. after losing a similar fight with McDonald’s Corp last month, the Wall Street Journal reported Sunday. “I congratulate the McDonald’s team on their victory in this proxy engagement and, after much contemplation, given the […] Read more
Play may be important part of animal welfare
Short- and long-term benefits can be realized if animals given opportunity to play
We’ve all seen exuberant play behaviours in various animal species. Puppies roughhouse, fight, gnaw and gnash their teeth. Dogs bow to initiate play. Kid goats leap off structures and butt heads. Kittens chase anything that moves. Foals buck, nipping and kicking at their herd mates. You get the idea. Why it matters: Fostering play in […] Read more
NFAHW Council now Animal Health Canada
The National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council formally changed its name to Animal Health Canada (AHC) Jan. 10. Animal Health Canada’s new vision and mission will include increased collaboration between industry and government groups, building upon the success of the NFAHW Council while shifting to a more collaborative model of governance and clarification of […] Read more
Genetic editing in livestock faces strong headwinds
University of California, Davis professor says lack of acceptance of gene editing stifles potential gains in livestock sector
Regulations on gene editing of animals are contributing to negative public perceptions of the technology and stifling innovation in the livestock sector, according to Alison Van Eenennaam of the University of California, Davis. A veteran science communicator and cooperative extension specialist in animal genomics and biotechnology, her professional and personal experience led her to believe […] Read more
Maple Leaf hits sow stall phase out ahead of schedule
Company expects to have stalls removed by end of 2021
Glacier FarmMedia – Gestation stalls will be gone from Maple Leaf Foods’ barns by the end of December. Maple Leaf, which produces about 40 per cent of the pigs it uses in its company-branded meat, says its pregnant sows will all live in open housing systems it has been incorporating since the mid-2010s. Why it […] Read more
Draft updated to dairy cattle Code of Practice
New draft released for public comment, closes Jan. 27
A draft update to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle is now open for public comment. The public comment period allows all stakeholders to provide their input on the proposed updates to the 2009 Code. The draft Code and the online platform to submit comments are now accessible at […] Read more
Province to include border shutdowns among animal health ‘hazards’
Proposed amendments would allow Chief Veterinarian to act
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is proposing a new regulation in the province’s Animal Health Act (AHA) that will add to the definition of “hazards” to better prepare the province should an animal health emergency occur, and better support animal health. The new regulation will prescribe that a provincial surplus […] Read more
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