Health & Production

Whether beef cattle producers retain females from within their own herd or purchase them, replacement heifers come at a cost and are an investment into the future herd. Selecting the right animals and proper management is necessary to meet on-farm goals and improve the longevity of heifers as future breeding cows. A recent analysis of 63 farms…

Is your pasture really ready for cattle? Spring grazing is much more than a simple seasonal shift—it’s a strategic decision that can make or break the health of your pasture, the well-being of your herd, and your bottom line. In Episode 8 of The Bovine, brought to you by Alberta Beef Producers, host Kara Mastel…

Diseases caused by the bacteria called Histophilus somni are a silent killer increasing in occurrence in Alberta feedlots. Prevention through good animal husbandry is the first line of defense, both on the ranch and in the feedlot. Some feedlots in Alberta have seen a rising number of deaths caused by histophilosis in recent years. “Histophilosis…

In late November 2024, a six-year-old cow infected with bovine tuberculosis (bTB) was detected at slaughter. This animal was traced back to a premise in Saskatchewan, where more positive animals were detected. As part of rigorous eradication protocols, a thorough disease investigation must occur to maintain Canada’s current international trade opportunities. Updates on the current…

As we dive into bull sale season, cattle producers face a critical question: how do you find the right herd bull to meet your operation’s goals? In Season 3, Episode 3, of The Bovine podcast, brought to you by Alberta Beef Producers, host Kara Mastel is joined by Dr. Carling Matejka, a veterinarian with Veterinary…

ABP is excited to feature the writings of Barry Yaremcio, ruminant nutritionist and production management consultant. Barry is a trusted voice in cattle nutrition and forage production, operating Yaremcio Ag Consulting Ltd. This article was originally published on his BYOB Blog, which can be found on his website. When hay is carried over the winter, bales lose weight…

Weaning weights, crop yields, pie à la mode… bigger is always better, right?! It’s an easy decision when pie is involved, but the answer to everything else is a resounding “maybe.” Annual reports from the Canadian Cow-Calf Cost of Production Network and a recent article from the Beef Cattle Research Council (Big Cows and Big…

This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website. Calves born unassisted and uncompromised will typically stand and nurse from their mothers within one to two hours after birth. However, calves that experience a difficult or prolonged birth, have a swollen tongue, experience hypothermia or are a twin may be less vigorous…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) investigation and testing following a November 29, 2024, case of bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) has detected the disease in the birth herd of the infected animal. There have been three additional confirmed cases in the animals tested to date. All animals over twelve months of age will be tested to determine…

This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website on January 30, 2025. Do you know the cost of producing the forage you feed? For beef cattle producers, optimizing forage crop production is essential for financial sustainability. However, estimating the costs associated with forage production can be challenging. The new BCRC Forage…