Creep Feeding Calves in the Fall
Feed quality on pasture declines when forages mature and go dormant in the fall. Lower protein and higher fibre content reduces the...
- Sep 6
Safe Storage of Grain Harvested in Hot Conditions
Grain that was harvested in 30 degrees Celsius conditions can create problems during storage even if the grain was dry. After the bin is...
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- Aug 10
Calculating the Value of Silage Based on Moisture Content
When harvesting silage, moisture content changes with plant maturity, weather, wilting time and how well the product is packed and...
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- Jul 25
Reducing Weed Seed Viability
Dr. Robert Blackshaw and Dr. Lyle Road, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge conducted research in 1991 to evaluate weed...
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- Jul 18
Rapidly Growing Forages and Atypical Interstitial Pneumonia
Cattle that are moved off a dry, sparce pasture onto one that has abundant lush growth can cause atypical interstitial pneumonia (AIP). ...
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- Jul 6
Ergot in Crops, Hayfields, and Pastures
Ergot is a fungal disease that can infect open pollinated grass species. It is commonly found in cereal crops such as rye, triticale,...
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- Jun 28
Forage Growth and Quality Changes as Plants Mature
Plants grow and develop a viable seed head to improve the longevity of the forage stand. With cool and dry conditions this spring, plant...
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- Jun 8
Molasses Based Products on Pasture
Pasture growth is slow in many parts of the province. Last year’s dry conditions and grazing programs left many pastures in poor...
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- May 25
Poisonous Plants on Pasture
There are many plants that are poisonous to animals. When forage is plentiful, animals avoid these plants because they may taste bad,...
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- May 11
Know What is in the Pasture
With the dry conditions, plant growth has been minimal in many areas. Limited new growth forces animals to find and consume old forage...
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- Apr 11
Feed Cows Well Between Calving and Breeding Season
With limited feed supplies this winter, some cows have come through the winter in thin condition. Low cow condition prior to calving...
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- Apr 6
Water Quality and Availability
Depending on where the ranch or farm is located, dugouts may have recharged with spring runoff. Northern parts of Alberta had...
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- Mar 21
Screening Pellets in Cattle Rations
Screening pellets can replace cereal grains in rations. Before purchasing pellets, there are quality concerns to consider. There are...
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- Feb 28
Quantifying Silage Losses
In the previous article, Value of Covering Silage, discussion focused on how uncovered silage quality is negatively impacted during the...
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- Feb 21
Value of Covering Silage
Covering a silage pile or pit with plastic requires a lot of manpower and supplies. It is an expense that some producers do not want to...
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- Jan 31
Benefits of Bedding Cattle
There are benefits to cattle having access to a bedding pack as compared to animals laying on snow or frozen ground. When bedding is...
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- Jan 17
Adjusting Rations with Temperature Changes
The lower critical temperature for mature beef cattle is -20 degrees Celsius. This is the point where the heat produced when consumed...
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- Jan 4
Comparing Oats and Barley for Cattle Rations
High prices and low hay supplies have some producers changing to a straw and grain ration prior to calving. The question then becomes: ...
146 views
- Dec 28, 2021
Feeding Cattle in Cold Temperatures
The current cold snap occurring across the province is a concern for humans and livestock. Reducing the stress on cattle created by cold...
154 views
- Dec 1, 2021
Buying Grain Screening Pellets
This fall, hay, grain, and silage supplies are limited for many farms and ranches. Generally, extra energy and protein are needed to...
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