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 [...]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dairy and Beef Cattle Production 