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.
Category: housing
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.
Finding the ideal proportions in mixed hay
Mixed hay is one of the most common stored forages used in beef production in Ontario. Christine O’Reilly, OMAFRA Forage and Grazier specialist, reviews the advantages and disadvantages of varying proportions of alfalfa and orchardgrass
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.
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.
Understanding Cattle Prices – Virtual Beef Newsletter Winter 2023
Understanding the factors that affect price determination is critical to maximizing sales price. In his updated article “Understanding Cattle Prices”, Steve Duff, Chief Economist with OMAFRA, covers the difference between price determination and price discovery and discusses the drivers of supply and demand, basis calculation and the price discovery formula, and key information that can be tracked to manage price expectations.
We’ve got the beef!
Have you listened to our new podcast? Monthly episodes are released to help producers navigate best practices for their production system through information updates and timely tips for the upcoming season. Each episode will feature a conversation with an OMAFRA specialist, a beef researcher, an industry expert, or a local producer. Listen two the last [...]
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 [...]
Dairy and Beef Cattle Production 