Sales and Transport

Chuteside Diagnostics

What is it? Chuteside diagnostics are tests that can be performed while the cattle are in the chute. These rapid diagnostics tests typically use body fluid samples, such as blood, urine, or saliva to detect infections or diseases [1]. They typically provide fast and accurate results and are easy to use requiring little on-site equipment […]

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RFID Tags

What is it? RFID (radio frequency identification) tags are a tool used to support the traceability of livestock in Canada. They are regulated by the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA). RFID tags may also be referred to as animal indicators.   A tag is placed on a calf’s ear prior to leaving the cow/calf ranch and

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Composting

What is it? Composting is the process of recycling organic matter into a usable product that can return nutrients to the environment.   The composting process involves microorganisms breaking down the material and consuming oxygen, which creates water vapour, carbon dioxide, and heat [1]. This heat, which can cause the compost to reach temperatures of over

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Transport Considerations

What is it? Nearly all beef cattle will be transported at some point in their lives, whether it be to an auction mart, a new farm, or the abattoir. As transport is an important part of the livestock industry, the welfare of cattle during transportation is a highly regulated process and certain considerations must be

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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