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Prevalence of Streptococcus agalactiae in Alberta dairy herds

Description

Streptococcus agalactiae is on cause of contagious mastitis in dairy cattle. This type of mastitis spreads easily from cow to cow and producers may not be aware their cows are infected, since the... More ≫

Description

Streptococcus agalactiae is on cause of contagious mastitis in dairy cattle. This type of mastitis spreads easily from cow to cow and producers may not be aware their cows are infected, since the milk from infected dairy cows usually appears normal. However, while the milk appears normal, cows infected with S. agalactiae have reduced milk production and milk of inferior quality. This paper reports on results of a one-year project to test a new technique developed to improve the identification of S. agalactiae in dairy herds. The final result of the project was that the prevalence of herds infected with S. agalactiae decreased from 11 to six per cent.

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Hog lagoon odour control

Description

The ability to control odours from agricultural waste storage has always been a problem for the agricultural industry. This update summarizes findings of a series of five projects to develop... More ≫

Description

The ability to control odours from agricultural waste storage has always been a problem for the agricultural industry. This update summarizes findings of a series of five projects to develop effective odour controlling coverings for hog manure lagoons. Studies were conducted on the effectiveness of supported and unsupported covers, with emphasis on cover durability, straw type, odour reduction period, and management problems. In the final project, several straw types were used in full scale tests on lagoons.

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Sod seeding techniques

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This research update is a summary of results encountered throughout the course of three studies conducted between 1985 and 1992 to investigate effective sod seeding techniques for the successful... More ≫

Description

This research update is a summary of results encountered throughout the course of three studies conducted between 1985 and 1992 to investigate effective sod seeding techniques for the successful establishment of productive pasture.

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Spread pattern of air seeder seed boots part II

Description

Seed boots on an air seeder are used to place the seed and fertilizer in the soil after the soil opener. These seed boots are designed to mount on the back of cultivator shanks. This report... More ≫

Description

Seed boots on an air seeder are used to place the seed and fertilizer in the soil after the soil opener. These seed boots are designed to mount on the back of cultivator shanks. This report summarizes tests to evaluate the performance of various seed boots from three different manufacturers.

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Choosing a water pump

Description

Provides an overview of the different types of water pumps available and their advantages and disadvantages. Also includes factors to consider when determining the size of water pump to choose.

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Corrals for handling beef cattle

Description

This comprehensive guide features information on cattle behavior, handling techniques, corral design corral geometry and corral components. It's packed with over 60 designs and corral plans. It... More ≫

Description

This comprehensive guide features information on cattle behavior, handling techniques, corral design corral geometry and corral components. It's packed with over 60 designs and corral plans. It has been reviewed by industry experts including Temple Grandin, the internationally recognized expert on cattle behavior from Colorado State University.

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Using electric fences to protect stored hay from elk and deer

Description

Alberta landholders in the natural range of elk have occasionally suffered substantial losses of stored hay during winter. Depredation of hay and greenfeed bales by elk is worst when snowfall... More ≫

Description

Alberta landholders in the natural range of elk have occasionally suffered substantial losses of stored hay during winter. Depredation of hay and greenfeed bales by elk is worst when snowfall occurs early and the snow is deep. Fencing hay yards with 2.1 m high mesh wire has been an effective, but expensive, way to keep elk away from stored hay. A more economical way to prevent elk and deer damage employing electrified fencing is being used by farmers in British Columbia. To test the effectiveness of this kind of fencing in Alberta, an electric fence was built around a one acre hay yard near Niton Junction. Elk had been responsible for serious hay depredation at the farm in the previous winter. Elk were unable to penetrate the electric fence. Not only was the fence effective, but the electric fence cost much less to build than a comparable fence using barrier mesh. The material cost for building an electric fence is about half the cost of a mesh fence.

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Wheat streak mosaic in Alberta and its control

Description

The information in this fact sheet was prepared five decades ago by Dr. J.T. Slykhuis and Dr. J.E. Andrews at the Agriculture Canada, Lethbridge Research Station. With a few minor revisions, all... More ≫

Description

The information in this fact sheet was prepared five decades ago by Dr. J.T. Slykhuis and Dr. J.E. Andrews at the Agriculture Canada, Lethbridge Research Station. With a few minor revisions, all their virus control information is as valid now as it was then. Wheat streak mosaic, which is probably native to southern Alberta, was first recognized here in 1952. In both 1952 and 1953, wheat streak mosaic caused severe damage to a number of winter and spring wheat crops. It did so again on winter and spring wheats in 1992 in the Claresholm to Mossleigh area. This disease can be controlled or reduced to a minimum by following certain cultural and agronomic practices. The following information is provided to answer some of the questions being asked by farmers about wheat streak mosaic and to suggest methods for its control.

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Black fly control

Description

Black flies, which number about 100 species in Canada, occur in varying abundance in all parts of the country. Adult females feed on blood, causing irritation and discomfort to humans, domestic... More ≫

Description

Black flies, which number about 100 species in Canada, occur in varying abundance in all parts of the country. Adult females feed on blood, causing irritation and discomfort to humans, domestic and wild mammals and birds. Apart from the annoyance and discomfort, black flies cause economic losses through reduced beef and milk production, reduced efficiency of agricultural and industrial workers, and spread of diseases. In Canada, black flies transmit blood-borne parasites to turkeys, geese, and ducks. Naive cattle (not previously exposed) have died following a heavy attack by black flies in Alberta.

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Winter cereals for pasture

Description

Livestock producers can use winter cereals to produce pasture in the same year that it is needed. Winter cereals can supplement perennial pasture or increase the carrying capacity of a livestock... More ≫

Description

Livestock producers can use winter cereals to produce pasture in the same year that it is needed. Winter cereals can supplement perennial pasture or increase the carrying capacity of a livestock operation. Winter cereals are the first choice for growing annual pasture because seed is readily available and the crop is easy to establish. The best cereals to use are fall rye, winter wheat and winter triticale. They may be fall seeded and fall grazed, or overwintered and grazed in the spring. Winter cereals may also be seeded in the spring and used in the year of seeding.

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