Applying the Principles of Marginal Gains Theory to Beef Production Systems

Using marginal gains theory to make improvements in beef production systems…Marginal gains theory has been used across many different sectors and facets of life to make impactful improvements, hit targets, and ultimately to achieve success. In this interesting take, OMAFRA Beef Cattle Specialist James Byrne describes how the principles of marginal gains theory can be applied to beef production systems to drive improvement of production and economic performance.

Feeding the Beef Cow in Late Pregnancy

Developing an effective feeding program for gestating beef cows… Are your beef cows in late gestation on a feeding program that will set them up for success during lactation, for rebreeding, and beyond? In his article “Feeding the Beef Cow in Late Pregnancy”, OMAFRA Beef Cattle Specialist James Byrne outlines some important considerations for effectively feeding beef cows in late gestation and the lasting impact of feeding decisions made during this time.

Benefits of feeding an oral larvicide in comparison to Fly Tags to control Horn Fly Populations on Grazing Cattle

Evaluating fly control strategies...Horn flies are a pest that cow-calf producers grapple with every grazing season. Horn flies are blood-feeding and are not only irritating to cattle but can also cause changes in grazing patterns and reduced weight gain. In her article, OMAFRA summer student Isabella Principe describes the project she and OMAFRA Beef Cattle Specialist, James Byrne, undertook in cooperation with Algoma Community Pasture to assess and compare strategies for horn fly control on pasture.

Decisions around Creep Feeding

To creep feed, or not to creep feed… In his article “Decisions around Creep Feeding”, OMAFRA Beef Cattle Specialist James Byrne outlines some key decision-making criteria for creep feeding practices.

Managing Heifers for Breeding

Replacement heifers are the foundation of a productive cow herd. James Byrne, OMAFRA Beef Cattle Specialist, outlines important considerations for successfully developing heifers into productive mature cows

Benefits of Compact Calving – Virtual Beef Newsletter Winter 2023

Reducing the spread of the calving season can be advantageous for both cattle and producers. James Byrne, OMAFRA beef cattle specialist outlines why a compact calving season is beneficial and how it can be achieved.

Management of Beef Cattle when it’s cold

Beef cows wintered outdoors sheltered by trees, Val Gagné, Ontario. Note dry clean winter coat and good body condition of beef cows. Temperature at time of photograph was minus 31 °C. Picture: James Byrne, OMAFRA Winter in Ontario brings freezing temperatures, frequent wind chills and, usually, lots of snow. But good winter management will ensure [...]

Some Thoughts on Production Efficiency

James Byrne, Beef Cattle Specialist Cows with calves at foot grazing in an Algoma pasture. Picture: James Byrne, OMAFRA.  Improving production efficiency is often described as doing more with less. In reality, it means getting more out of what we currently have. One simple example of this is making sure beef cows waste less hay. [...]

Preparing your beef cattle for winter

Wintering beef cows outdoors. Picture: James Byrne OMAFRA Wintering beef heifers indoors. Picture: James Byrne OMAFRA Winter is fast approaching. With a few weeks to go, now is the time to start getting your beef cattle ready. Below are the top 10 tips for getting winter ready: Body condition scoring. This is a great time [...]

Winter Management of Beef Cattle Virtual Beef December 2021

What you need to know for effective management during the winter feeding period … Winter weather has arrived in Ontario! A change in seasons brings new management considerations for feeding beef cows. In this article, James Byrne, Beef Cattle Specialist (OMAFRA), outlines key management considerations to ensure cattle remain healthy and productive throughout the winter feeding period.