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Residual feed intake (net feed efficiency) in beef cattle

Description

Improving the feed efficiency of a beef cattle herd can mean big savings for producers. One way to achieve this goal is to select breeding bulls that are naturally feed-efficient, since 80 to 90... More ≫

Description

Improving the feed efficiency of a beef cattle herd can mean big savings for producers. One way to achieve this goal is to select breeding bulls that are naturally feed-efficient, since 80 to 90 per cent of the genetic improvement in a herd comes through the sires.

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Feed waste management

Description

W hen feed costs rise, the issue of feed wastage becomes more important in cattle operations. There are two main areas of feed loss: the first is the physical loss of feed itself and the second is... More ≫

Description

W hen feed costs rise, the issue of feed wastage becomes more important in cattle operations. There are two main areas of feed loss: the first is the physical loss of feed itself and the second is when feeding the wrong combination of feeds, a combination that does not meet the needs of the animal.

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Grass seed residues for beef cattle feed

Description

Grass seed straws are effective feed alternatives for reducing ration costs for cows in the second to early third trimester. Depending on feed quality, straws are best suited for mature cows that... More ≫

Description

Grass seed straws are effective feed alternatives for reducing ration costs for cows in the second to early third trimester. Depending on feed quality, straws are best suited for mature cows that have good body condition scores. Using straw rations for growing and/or thin animals will result in animals that are nutritionally deprived, which may affect calving and re-breeding success. When using grass seed straw as feed, consider the following: Take the time to ensure rations are balanced. Pay careful attention to the levels of digestible intake protein and minerals. Remember that once the cows have calved, the proportion of the grass seed residues in the ration will have to be reduced to meet the cow's increased energy and protein requirements. Work with a nutritionist or local feed company to get a better idea of the proportion that can be included.

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Direct marketing meats : selling freezer beef

Description

The basis of farm direct marketing is the trust relationship that develops between producers and consumers. Successful farm direct marketing depends on providing quality products in a clean and... More ≫

Description

The basis of farm direct marketing is the trust relationship that develops between producers and consumers. Successful farm direct marketing depends on providing quality products in a clean and customer-friendly environment. Farm-direct marketing requires a substantial time commitment. Agripreneurs need to devote long hours, seven-days-a-week to produce and market their products. Considerable time is also needed to develop the close relationships with consumers. In addition, agripreneurs need to be able to manage their time very efficiently in order to sell their products at multiple locations, such as at the farm gate and at farmers' markets.

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Cattle wintering sites : managing for good stewardship

Description

It's up to you to keep your landscape healthy. Environmental issues are becoming paramount in how you manage your operation. By understanding how your operation fits into the bigger environmental... More ≫

Description

It's up to you to keep your landscape healthy. Environmental issues are becoming paramount in how you manage your operation. By understanding how your operation fits into the bigger environmental picture, it becomes necessary to look for problems and apply common sense solutions. This publication gives you practical solutions to choosing those management practices that best suit your land, cattle and operating budget. It's important to remember that no two wintering sites are the same. Manure management problems are different for every operation. The ultimate goal for any livestock operation is to improve the health of your landscape, and increase productivity. It all comes down to good stewardship for future generations.

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Beneficial management practices : environmental manual for Alberta cow/calf producers

Description

Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Alberta Cow/Calf Producers was developed to inform and educate producers on beneficial management practices (BMPs) that can enhance soil,... More ≫

Description

Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Alberta Cow/Calf Producers was developed to inform and educate producers on beneficial management practices (BMPs) that can enhance soil, water, air and biodiversity. These BMPs protect the environment while keeping production practical and within the law. The manual should be considered general and not specific to any operation. As every operation is unique, BMPs should be applied and modified based on the specific operation.

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Swath grazing in western Canada : an introduction

Description

Swath grazing is a management practice that can be used to extend the grazing season and to reduce feed, labor and manure handling costs for cattle producers in western Canada. The practice may... More ≫

Description

Swath grazing is a management practice that can be used to extend the grazing season and to reduce feed, labor and manure handling costs for cattle producers in western Canada. The practice may also eliminate or reduce the costs for corral cleaning, manure spreading and feed handling. Annual cereals are seeded in mid-May to early June and swathed from late August to mid-September when the crop reaches the soft to late dough stage and before killing frosts. The swaths are left in the field for the cattle to graze during the winter.

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Beef ration rules of thumb

Description

This fact sheet can both guide producers through a feed test and help them understand the results. With a feed test in front of you, look at the following rules and compare them to the feed test.... More ≫

Description

This fact sheet can both guide producers through a feed test and help them understand the results. With a feed test in front of you, look at the following rules and compare them to the feed test. Remember, these are rules of thumb, which means they hold true most of the time, but variations in management and cow type will affect the end result. These rules of thumb should not be considered a replacement for balancing rations with proven software, but rather an aid to understand the feed and where it fits in the management.

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Beef cow body condition management

Description

Recognizing and managing the fall body condition of beef cows can add value to any operation. Winter feed costs can vary significantly depending on the body condition of the cows in the fall. Cows... More ≫

Description

Recognizing and managing the fall body condition of beef cows can add value to any operation. Winter feed costs can vary significantly depending on the body condition of the cows in the fall. Cows that are fatter in the fall will cost less to feed over winter than thin cows. When the winter feed costs for thin cows are compared to those for fat cows, the significance of body condition becomes clear. One body condition score on a cow going into the winter season can mean an extra cost or a saving of $35-60/cow, depending on feed costs and cow size.

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Bloat in cattle

Description

This publication provides information on the causes, control and treatment of bloat in cattle and is intended for livestock producers, veterinarians, and agrologists. The authors have observed... More ≫

Description

This publication provides information on the causes, control and treatment of bloat in cattle and is intended for livestock producers, veterinarians, and agrologists. The authors have observed bloat produced under experimental conditions by feeding fresh alfalfa and bloat-causing feedlot diets. Bloat has also been observed under grazing conditions on alfalfa pastures. Although the information in this publication is oriented around livestock production in western Canada, the general principles are widely applicable, and the publication should provide valuable information for other regions. Bloat is a complex disease that is difficult to predict under field conditions. As a result, field observations have led to varied and conflicting theories about its causes. This publication presents well-established facts and consistent field observations based on collective experience. Recommendations are made on this basis and on research reports, general observations and on the experience of...

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