Health & Production

With a smaller cow herd in both Canada and the United States, the demand for calves in the fall of 2024 will be high. Reducing the number of open cows could have financial benefits. Breeding season starts approximately 81 days after calving. At this point in time, cows are just past peak lactation (56 days…

The American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) has decided to refer to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV). Although caused by the same virus as HPAI, the disease presents differently in cattle compared to poultry, which is why the AABP has requested the name change. In the letter, the…

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger: If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide: If you need support, but don’t know where to go: 211 Alberta / 211 Canada Counselling Alberta More Mental Health Resources 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Alberta Addiction Health Line Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence…

In recognition of National Tick Awareness Month, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and Merck Animal Health are advising Canadians to stay vigilant because tick control may be needed when you least expect it. Dr. Trevor Lawson, CVMA president says that it is their responsibility and privilege as veterinary professionals to spread this knowledge to…

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. If feed supplies are getting low, there are some options…

This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website on February 28, 2024. Beef producers will soon be making grazing plans for turning their herds out to spring pastures. While drought planning should be a routine part of the development of short- and long-term grazing plans, many beef cattle herds have withstood successive years…

The Government of Canada has announced funding of up to $1,697,850 to Animal Health Canada to support their role in foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness efforts in Canada, including for African swine fever (ASF) and Food and Mouth Disease (FMD). Animal Health Canada brings together the agriculture industry, and federal, provincial, and territorial partners…

Worldwide, it is estimated that approximately 60 per cent of infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and people. There are a number of different ways zoonoses can be spread between humans and animals, including direct and indirect contact, foodborne, inhalation, and vector borne. You may be familiar with some of…

All living creatures and plants contain protein. Plants take in nitrogen to produce protein. Some animals, including cattle, consume plant material. During digestion of the forage, the plant protein is broken down into amino acids. Rumen bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses rebuild the amino acids into proteins that are required by the animal. Microbes that…