Publications

Farm water supply requirements

Description

All farms in Alberta require a safe and dependable supply of good water. To accomplish this goal requires some planning. Start by estimating the average daily water requirements and annual water... More ≫

Description

All farms in Alberta require a safe and dependable supply of good water. To accomplish this goal requires some planning. Start by estimating the average daily water requirements and annual water requirements.

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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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Bladder-worm (beef measles) in cattle

Description

In cattle, the parasite Cysticercus bovis is commonly called bladder-worm or beef measles. This parasite is actually the larvae of the human tapeworm, Taenia saginata. The prevalence of... More ≫

Description

In cattle, the parasite Cysticercus bovis is commonly called bladder-worm or beef measles. This parasite is actually the larvae of the human tapeworm, Taenia saginata. The prevalence of cysticercosis in cattle in Canada is very low. When outbreaks occur, they are usually associated with a human carrier who has had close contact with cattle or cattle feed.

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Mange in cattle : demodectic mange

Description

Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic mite, Demodex bovis, which lives in hair follicles and associated glands of cattle. Infestation with Demodex is common in cattle. Some 10 to 15 per cent... More ≫

Description

Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic mite, Demodex bovis, which lives in hair follicles and associated glands of cattle. Infestation with Demodex is common in cattle. Some 10 to 15 per cent of the cattle in Alberta have Demodex, but most do not develop signs of mange.

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Protecting livestock from predation with electric fences

Description

Electric fences are an important tool for protecting livestock in Alberta. Such fences have been used in the province to protect livestock from predators for more than two decades. Predators such... More ≫

Description

Electric fences are an important tool for protecting livestock in Alberta. Such fences have been used in the province to protect livestock from predators for more than two decades. Predators such as coyotes, wolves, bears and domestic dogs are shocked when they try to penetrate an electric fence. For the most part, electric fences have been used to protect pastured sheep; however, these fences do have other applications. They can be used around birthing yards to protect newborn calves or lambs, or they can serve to protect poultry and farmed deer.

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Water requirements for livestock

Description

Water is the main constituent of the animal’s body, constituting 50 to 80 percent of the liveweight, depending on age and degree of fatness. An animal can lose almost all of its fat and about 50... More ≫

Description

Water is the main constituent of the animal’s body, constituting 50 to 80 percent of the liveweight, depending on age and degree of fatness. An animal can lose almost all of its fat and about 50 per cent of its body protein and survive. However, the loss of 10 per cent of its body water can be fatal. Therefore, a successful livestock enterprise requires a good water supply. A good water supply is defined both in terms of quantity and quality of the water. A good water supply is important to the livestock manager because total water intakes are positively related to feed dry matter (DM) intakes.

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Sarcoptic mange in cattle

Description

Sarcoptic mange, or barn itch, is a disease caused by the parasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. Mange produced by this mite can be severe because the mite burrows deeply into the skin, causing... More ≫

Description

Sarcoptic mange, or barn itch, is a disease caused by the parasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. Mange produced by this mite can be severe because the mite burrows deeply into the skin, causing intense itching. Cattle affected by sarcoptic mange lose grazing time and do not gain weight as rapidly as do uninfected cattle.

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