Using tools to improve pasture management … A study conducted by OMAFRA over the 2021 grazing season sheds light on how pasture management tools such as the rising plate meter and pasture wedge can help producers make better grazing decisions. Mary O’Connor, OMAFRA summer student, describes a project that she and James Byrne, Beef Cattle Specialist (OMAFRA), undertook this summer to demonstrate how these tools work and how they can be used to improve pasture management.
Month: October 2021
Bovine anaplasmosis: Preventing its introduction to Ontario beef herds Virtual Beef Fall 2021
Understanding the risks of bovine anaplasmosis… What is the risk of anaplasmosis to cattle herds in Ontario? In this article, Cynthia Miltenburg, Lead Veterinarian – Animal Health and Welfare (OMAFRA), describes how cattle become infected with anaplasmosis, what disease progression looks like, and why the risk of anaplasmosis to cattle herds in Ontario is on the rise. Read on to learn more about practices that help prevent anaplasmosis from introduction into Ontario herds.
Investigating the performance and environmental benefits from biochar supplementation to grazing beef cattle Virtual Beef Fall 2021
Investigating feed additives to mitigate GHG emissions from beef cattle… Graduate student Emily Conlin describes her work in Dr. Katie Wood’s lab investigating biochar supplementation for grazing beef cattle as an approach to reduce enteric methane emissions. In her article, Emily also explains how methane and carbon dioxide production by cattle is measured on pasture using a C-Lock GreenFeed trailer.
Is liquid whey a suitable feedstuff for beef feedlot rations? Virtual Beef Fall 2021
What’s old is new again: Utilizing whey as an alternative feed ingredient in feedlot rations … Feeding liquid whey in livestock rations is not a new practice, but how does liquid whey fit in a modern feedlot ration? A project undertaken by OMAFRA and the University of Guelph investigated the challenges and opportunities of feeding liquid whey to feedlot cattle. USEL student Jessica Kelly describes the project as well as practical considerations for feedlot producers.
Calling all interested project participants: trace mineral monitoring in beef cattle herds
Are you a cow-calf producer interested in participating in a study monitoring trace mineral status of beef cattle herds within Ontario? The OAHN bovine network has received concerns from veterinarians in the last 12 months regarding calf abnormalities and poor performance associated with trace mineral disorders. These disorders significantly affect herd productivity and viability. Currently [...]
Best Management Practices Website Launched
Just released, the virtual library of Best Management Practices (BMP) books, booklets, Soil Health infosheets and Environmental Farm Plan infosheets. This website contains all the BMP titles and is designed to make it easy to find the information you seek. The award-winning BMP series helps Ontario farmers and rural landowners find the best options for managing soil, water [...]
Dairy and Beef Cattle Production 