Source: Catherine Lang, BSA, AAg, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist, Watrous, October 2019 After the early snow and a month of wet weather in Saskatchewan, many acres of annual grain crops could not be harvested. There are growing concerns regarding sprouted and unsaleable grain. It is possible to salvage these crops as forage for livestock,… Continue reading Salvaging Cereal Crops as Forage
Tag: Livestock Nutrition
Managing winter feeding with alternative feed sources
Source: Murray Feist, M.Sc., P.Ag., Provincial Livestock Specialist, Livestock Branch; and Jenifer Heyden, M.Sc., P.Ag., Livestock & Feed Extension Specialist, Regional Services Branch, September 2019 Back-to-back years of cool springs and dry summers have reduced feed stockpiles and increased pressure on pasture and hay land. The resulting adverse growing conditions drive up the cost of… Continue reading Managing winter feeding with alternative feed sources
Nutrition needs to be vital part of winter feeding
Source: Barbara Duckworth, Producer.com, September 26, 2019 A beef specialist urges producers to test their feed, especially in a year like this when forage crops are lower quality Nutrition and animal performance go hand in hand. This year forage crops have lower energy and protein levels so rations may need extra attention to ensure livestock… Continue reading Nutrition needs to be vital part of winter feeding
Animal nutrition needs to account for future weather
Source: Barbara Duckworth, September 12, 2019 The Prairies and the British Columbia Interior are likely to see more drought in the future as predicted changes to weather patterns take effect. Drought management is needed before disaster strikes, said John McKinnon, professor emeritus from the University of Saskatchewan and head of JJM Nutrition Services. “The writing… Continue reading Animal nutrition needs to account for future weather
Management Strategies when Pasture Supplies are Low
Source: Jenifer Heyden, PAg, Regional Livestock & Feed Extension Specialist, North Battleford, June 2019 Pasture management may not be the most exciting activity, but it needs to be addressed and actions taken as conditions change. We may have a plan set out in the spring, but often times mother nature throws a wrench in those plans… Continue reading Management Strategies when Pasture Supplies are Low
Feed tests needed for top nutrition
Source: Barbara Duckworth, Producer.com, January 10, 2019 Getting a feed test done and knowing what they have on the farm will allow producers to balance their rations Feed testing is the best way to ensure cows are getting a balanced diet. “Just visually looking at it isn’t going to give you those values of energy… Continue reading Feed tests needed for top nutrition
Conditioning cows before winter important
Source: Jeremy Simes, Producer.com, October 4, 2018 Beef specialists say cattle producers still have a number of options available to get their animals in condition before winter strikes. Some cows might be thin this year, particularly in the southern parts of the Prairies, due to reduced pastures caused by dry conditions. To help get thinner… Continue reading Conditioning cows before winter important
The Cost of Overgrazing – Why it doesn’t pay to push your pasture
Managing pastures for maximum productivity is a long term goal, but weather fluctuations, fire, insect or wildlife damage, and any other unforeseen circumstances can quickly create a complex balancing act. During times of dry conditions, the urge to use as much as possible of what little forage growth there is, may be overwhelming. Before doing… Continue reading The Cost of Overgrazing – Why it doesn’t pay to push your pasture
Cow nutrition’s effect on calves studied
Source: Barbara Duckworth, Producer.com, May 11, 2018 Research in Florida, where grass quality is poor, is focusing on year-round supplements of energy and protein EDMONTON — A pregnant cow is eating for two and the quality of nutrition throughout gestation can affect how well the calf develops. The concept of fetal programming is fairly new and… Continue reading Cow nutrition’s effect on calves studied
Leafy Spurge – A Real Threat
Weed infestations are a cause for increasing concern. The need for action to contain and control these infestations is real. These weeds are often perennial and hard to control plants. As a weed infestation increases in size and severity, the cost of control can increase exponentially. In forage stands, the loss of forage production from… Continue reading Leafy Spurge – A Real Threat