This article was originally published in 2021 in the Milk Producer Magazine produced by Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Written by Michelle Linington Providing proper care and nutrition to transition cows ensures a problem-free lactation and herd. The transition period occurs between late gestation and the onset of lactation. This is the time when there is [...]
Tag: beef
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.
Improving herd genetics in beef cattle: The promising role of Python computer programming language in genetic evaluation systems
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.
Beef up your forage intake rates on pasture
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.
Managing seeding rate to reduce the risk of sorghum species affecting other crops
This article was originally published in 2021 in the Milk Producer Magazine produced by Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Written by Christine O’Reilly Sorghum species—including forage sorghum, sudangrass and especially their hybrid sorghum-sudangrass—are gaining popularity in Ontario as forage crops. To increase palatability and digestibility in sorghum species, many producers have been increasing the seeding rates [...]
We’re Hiring! Summer Research Assistant – Grazing
OMAFRA Summer Research Assistant – Grazing Number of Positions: One (1) Location: Lindsay, ON Contract Length: 6 – 18 weeks, starting May 1, 2024 (start date negotiable) Salary: $17.40/hour (Level 2), based on a 36.25-hour work week Job Description: Are you interested in grazing ruminants (beef, sheep and/or organic/grass-fed dairy) and are looking to develop transferable skills, support your career [...]
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.
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.
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 [...]
Dairy and Beef Cattle Production 