Innovation

Low-Stress Restraint

The use of mechanical restraints for routine handling and treatment of cattle requires an understanding and application of behavioral principles to ensure safe and humane handling of cattle [1]. As cattle move through a chute system toward a restraint such as a squeeze chute, they can be kept calm by [2]: Ensuring visual contact with […]

Low-Stress Restraint Read More »

Handling Facilities

Well-designed facilities are essential to reducing cattle injury and stress during handling or treatment. Ideal facilities have: Good lighting without shadows, Ample space to reduce crowding, Working chutes that are curved and sufficiently narrow to maintain forward movement and prevent cattle from turning around, Dry and level ground conditions. An animal standing in the crowd

Handling Facilities Read More »

Movement Of Cattle

What is it? Principles of cattle movement is one of the key areas to be considered in low stress animal handling. Cattle move smoothly and more willingly for handlers with calm and quiet handling techniques and an understanding of cattle behavior related to herd instinct, flight zone and points of balance, and reactions to wind,

Movement Of Cattle Read More »

Vaccine Delivery

Delivery Methods Traditional vaccine delivery is by means of a needle and syringe, administered by hand, usually into a large muscle group. Alternate delivery methods have been developed to reduce the labor required, increase the efficiency and accuracy of dosing each animal, and explore different methods of introducing antigens into the body. Timing Because it

Vaccine Delivery Read More »

Vaccine Development

Challenges Vaccines may have limited efficacy, limited duration of immunity, and potentially severe side effects [1]. Field strains of pathogens evolve quickly and may not be matched by the vaccine strain, resulting in limited efficacy [1]. Some vaccines are not effective on the field strains present in Canadian herds. There is limited commercial interest in

Vaccine Development Read More »

Animal Handling

What is it? Animal handling principles are meant to support and facilitate the movement of livestock in a safe and minimally stressful way. By understanding how livestock naturally behave, handlers can work with the animal to get them where they need to be, while reducing the risk if injury to both the animal and the

Animal Handling Read More »

Economics Calculators

Solution Notes This resource compares the costs associated with different preconditioning practices. This calculator helps project the price of either a heifer or a steer based on their weight and sale date. This calculator helps you assess your on-farm water needs and the estimated costs. This resource includes information on feed testing and how to

Economics Calculators Read More »

Preconditioning

What is it? Preconditioning is a management practice that provides a significant health advantage to young calves. Definitions vary, but it usually includes: Keeping the calves for a minimum of 45 days after they’ve been weaned. Ensuring the calves are “bunk broke”, or used to eating food out of a bunk, before leaving the ranch.

Preconditioning Read More »

Virtual Auctions and Direct Sales

What is it? Virtual auctions are services that connect buyers and sellers through the internet to facilitate the direct sale of goods – in this case, livestock. Like traditional auctions, multiple bidders can submit bids on livestock over a set time period. Virtual auctions may be performed live or may take place over several days.

Virtual Auctions and Direct Sales Read More »

Telemedicine

What is it? Telemedicine consists of medical assessment and advice administered remotely. A virtual platform for veterinary examinations can be necessary to maintain contact, such as in remote areas or in the winter months. While assessing the body condition score (BCS) of cattle visually is not as ideal as putting actual hands on the body,

Telemedicine Read More »