Publications

Value-based marketing of cattle : more than just carcass quality

Description

Beef producers must remain competitive in strong protein markets and knowing the costs of production is essential to being competitive. Value-based marketing (VBM) is a tool that allows beef... More ≫

Description

Beef producers must remain competitive in strong protein markets and knowing the costs of production is essential to being competitive. Value-based marketing (VBM) is a tool that allows beef operations to be paid based on the quality of product being produced, rather than a daily price average. Premiums and discounts vary from one packing plant to another and change depending on the time of year. They can even change on a daily basis. Pricing on the grid does not mean you can discard your marketing skills. You still need to be a knowledgeable, efficient and effective marketer of your cattle. Some substantial rewards and losses may occur with the use of grid-pricing. To reduce your risk, know your cattle before you jump into this game.

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Calving

Description

A description of the stages of labour for cattle and how to correct problems.

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Selecting a custom feedlot

Description

Many producers want to retain ownership of their calves through to slaughter, or want to feed out purchased calves. Unfortunately, producers may lack the feeding or marketing expertise to make... More ≫

Description

Many producers want to retain ownership of their calves through to slaughter, or want to feed out purchased calves. Unfortunately, producers may lack the feeding or marketing expertise to make this happen. An alternative to doing it yourself is to use a custom feedlot. When choosing a custom feedlot there are numerous factors to consider. This fact sheet is designed to help you work through the process of finding the right custom feedlot for your needs.

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Managing feedlot shutdowns

Description

Any uncovered, outdoor livestock feeding facility left unused for any period of time requires proper shutdown. Following the outlined procedures will minimize the risks to people, the environment... More ≫

Description

Any uncovered, outdoor livestock feeding facility left unused for any period of time requires proper shutdown. Following the outlined procedures will minimize the risks to people, the environment and neighboring livestock. These procedures also help to ensure that the livestock industry is viewed as a good environmental steward and a good neighbor. Many of the procedures for temporary shutdowns are very similar to the procedures used for a functioning feedlot on a routine basis. Thus, a feedlot operator practising due diligence will find little difference between the way he manages the operating feedlot and the way he shuts down the lot. Permanent decommissioning requires notification of the permitting authority.

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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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Breeding soundness evaluation of bulls

Description

Breeding success depends on the reproductive health of both the cow and the bull. Because a bull is expected to service a number of cows, determining the potential fertility of the bull is much... More ≫

Description

Breeding success depends on the reproductive health of both the cow and the bull. Because a bull is expected to service a number of cows, determining the potential fertility of the bull is much more important than determining the fertility of any individual cow. It is essential to evaluate bulls every year before breeding starts because the fertility of an individual animal can vary from year to year. Surprisingly, only about 28 per cent of bulls in Alberta are evaluated for reproductive fitness.

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Warble control in Alberta

Description

The warble is a major economic pest of cattle in Alberta. Warble grubs, which are the larval stage of the "heelfly," spend over nine months in cattle as internal parasites. During this period they... More ≫

Description

The warble is a major economic pest of cattle in Alberta. Warble grubs, which are the larval stage of the "heelfly," spend over nine months in cattle as internal parasites. During this period they damage the meat and hide of infested animals and are responsible for reduced milk production in lactating cattle and lower weight gains in calves. Both cattlemen and packers incur severe economic losses in the absence of a warble management program. In Alberta, there is a province-wide organized warble control program helping Alberta cattlemen and the packing industry. According to the Agricultural Pest Act, all Alberta producers must take active measures to control warbles in their cattle. To manage warbles at the farm level, it is necessary to understand the biology of the insect and the method of action of the various pest control products.

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Body condition : implications for managing beef cows

Description

Body condition, or the amount of body fat an animal is carrying, is one management indicator that can be used to predict herd fertility and determine feeding programs. This fact sheet is intended... More ≫

Description

Body condition, or the amount of body fat an animal is carrying, is one management indicator that can be used to predict herd fertility and determine feeding programs. This fact sheet is intended to make producers aware of the condition scoring system, what effects various condition scores will have on herd fertility, and to offer some management strategies regarding feeding and when to condition score to optimize both fertility and economics.

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