This article was originally written by Joel Bagg in 2013. It was edited May 25th, 2022 by Christine O'Reilly to reflect current insecticide options to control alfalfa weevil. Alfalfa weevil can be an issue in Ontario, particularly in south-western parts of the province. While outbreaks tend to be isolated, they can be severe and dramatically [...]
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.
A promising new technology to develop genetic evaluation systems…When it comes to genetic evaluation systems, the technologies backing these systems have a big impact on outputs generated for genetic improvement at the herd and sector levels. Researchers from the University of Guelph and University of São Paulo in Brazil, in collaboration with AgSights, have tested out a new computer programming language called Python that holds great potential to improve the development of genetic evaluation systems. This article provides a line of sight into how new technologies used to develop genetic evaluation systems are assessed and how they can be utilized to support genetic improvement in the beef sector.
Considering bunchgrass management as a pasture management strategy…As we draw closer to spring turn-out, it’s a good time to think about strategies to improve grazing and pasture management for optimized cattle performance. Using recent research investigating factors that influence dry matter intake, OMAFRA Forage and Grazing Specialist Christine O’Reilly explains why the amount the of forage and types of plant structures (notably bunchgrasses) are important factors to consider when managing pastures. Read on to learn more about how bunchgrasses can be managed to optimize intakes on pasture.
Nurturing new arrivals to the feedlot… Have you reviewed your receiving program lately? The spring cattle run is upon us, marking a great time to review and reflect upon practices that set cattle up for success in the feedlot from the start. This article by OMAFRA Beef Cattle Specialist, Megan Van Schaik, highlights some key practices to consider as part of a receiving program that can help achieve a smooth transition for new arrivals.
Beyond baking bread: exploring the role of yeast in feedlot rations… Yeast has long been explored as an additive to livestock rations to enhance gut health. Through her research at the University of Guelph, Dr. Melissa Williams has investigated how yeast plays a role in feedlot rations, most recently exploring the impact of yeast supplementation to beef cattle fed high-grain diets with monensin and how yeast affects gut wall permeability. Read on for more details on the study design and findings.
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.
Exploring the effects of over-supplementation on colostrum quality…‘Tis the season to discuss the value of colostrum to newborn calves and the factors impacting colostrum quality and quantity. Madi Lewis and a team of University of Guelph researchers have investigated how over-supplementing energy in the ration of late gestation cows affects colostrum production and performance of the calf and dam. Find out what this research uncovered and what it means.
Have your say! … There are a number of current and upcoming opportunities for Ontario beef producers to provide input as part of provincial and national surveys. Have your say in these important initiatives. It’s an opportunity for you to benchmark your practices against those of other producers. It’s also important to have Ontario representation in these datasets to inform outreach activities, policy initiatives and further research. Learn more about how you can contribute to the Benchmark Study of the Canadian Feedlot Industry, the OAHN Survey on Digital Dermatitis, and the BCRC National Cow-Calf Survey.
Have your say! … There are a number of current and upcoming opportunities for Ontario beef producers to provide input as part of provincial and national surveys. Have your say in these important initiatives. It’s an opportunity for you to benchmark your practices against those of other producers. It’s also important to have Ontario representation in these datasets to inform outreach activities, policy initiatives and further research. Learn more about how you can contribute to the Benchmark Study of the Canadian Feedlot Industry, the OAHN Survey on Digital Dermatitis, and the BCRC National Cow-Calf Survey.
Dairy and Beef Cattle Production 