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.
Category: Animal Health
Does length of prepartum energy supplementation impact colostrum quality and quantity?
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.
Canadian 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.
Ontario Animal Health Network Survey on Digital Dermatitis
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.
Ontario Animal Health Network Survey on Digital Dermatitis
A new survey on presence of digital dermatitis in Ontario feedlots … Are you a feedlot producer in Ontario? Here’s your opportunity to provide input on a growing issue on Ontario Feedlots: digital dermatitis. This article outlines the intent of a new survey launched by the Ontario Animal Health Network exploring digital dermatitis on Ontario feedlots and includes the link to participate.
Trace mineral monitoring in beef cattle herds
Assessing mineral status in Ontario beef herds…Season after season, the topic of mineral supplementation tends to be central to beef cow nutrition outreach campaigns – for good reason. Since trace minerals are critical to physiological functions, including those related to growth, health, and reproduction, effective mineral supplementation practices are important to herd productivity and profitability. A recent Bovine Ontario Animal Health Network survey took a closer look at mineral status in beef herds across Ontario and this article details the results of the study and take-aways for Ontario beef producers and their advisors.
Weak Born Calf Syndrome
One of the goals of any beef cow herd should be for every cow to wean a healthy calf, and that starts with a healthy newborn. Cynthia Miltenburg, OMAFRA Lead Veterinarian, Animal Health and Welfare, discusses some of the potential reasons that newborn calf health can be compromised
When fibre is more than just filler
Maintaining a minimum fibre level in feedlot diets is common industry practice, but should we be paying more attention to the specific type of fibre? Graduate student Amber Zupan and professor Dr. Katie Wood describe results of their current research at the University of Guelph, examining the importance fibre type.
The importance of consistent feed intake
Do your cattle tend to have an empty bunk overnight? Did you know that prioritizing the consistency of feed intake in the herd will help to maximize feed efficiency and reduce health issues by: Improving digestion: Consistent feed intake will improve digestion and nutrient uptake as it helps to maintain a balanced microbiome in the [...]
Disease in feedlots from the perspective of the epidemiological triangle – Virtual Beef Newsletter Winter 2023
Disease in a feedlot is usually a result of a combination of the environment and the animals and can cause severe economic repercussions. Havie Carter, OMAFRA beef cattle specialist describes additional factors that may be increasing the risk of disease in a feedlot and how to prevent them.
Dairy and Beef Cattle Production 