Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast

Episode 39: Analyzing Lameness in Cattle

Lameness is the second leading reason that feedlot cattle are pulled and given antibiotics. Understanding the cause of lameness is important to making appropriate treatment decisions.
 
Show Note links:
Lameness in Beef Cattle (webpage)
Transport (webpage)
Mycotoxins (webpage)

Episode 38: Beat Costs and Boost Yields with Bale Grazing

Bale grazing is a method of extensive wintering grazing. Cattle graze bales on pastures and hay fields, typically through controlled access by electric fence. Bales can be purchased or grown on-farm and placed strategically in cells or “bale pods.”
 
Show note links:
Beat Costs and Boost Yields With Bale Grazing (article) 
Extended Grazing (webpage)
Feed Quality, Testing and Analysis for Beef Cattle (webpage)
Winter Feed Cost Comparison Calculator (interactive calculator)

Episode 37: Producers weigh in on weaning, preg checking and more

Knowing which production practices producers are adopting in different regions of the country, which they aren’t (and why) helps us target our producer-focused extension efforts better. The official report isn’t out yet, but here’s a sneak peek at some seasonally relevant results.
 
Show Notes links:
Results of the Inaugural Canadian Cow-Calf Survey (article)
CowBytes ration balancing software

Episode 36: Tips for Starting Lightweight Cattle on Feed

Although many regions of Canada received rainfall this spring, there are still areas that are experience moderate to severe drought conditions. The following tips and considerations can help to get lightweight calves started off on the right foot.
 
Show notes links:
Tips for Starting Lightweight Cattle on Feed (article)
Weaning (webpage)
Alternative Feeds (webpage)
Preconditioning (webpage) 
Stored Forages (webpage) 

Episode 35: Results of the Inaugural Canadian Cow-Calf Survey

The inaugural Canadian Cow-Calf Survey collected data from six hundred producers across nine provinces on the 2022 breeding season through the 2023 weaned calf crop, as well as reasoning and rationale for some practices. Results will be used to help the BCRC prioritize research and extension strategies funded by the research allocation of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off to support producers with different types of herds and operations in various regions.  
 
Show note links:
Results of the Inaugural Canadian Cow-Calf Survey (article)
https://www.beefresearch.ca/survey/
https://www.beefresearch.ca/tools/cow-calf-production-indicators-calculator/

Episode 34: Grazing Cattle on Cropland Can be Mutually Beneficial

When we hear stories of farms from previous generations, mixed operations are often the tradition, where people grew crops and had some cattle and other livestock as well. With economies of scale and farm size increasing, farms have generally become more specialized. However, recent rises in input costs and climate crises such as drought have many producers rethinking integrated farming operations.  
 
Show note links:
Grazing Cattle on Cropland Can Be Mutually Beneficial (article)
The Benefits of Bringing Cattle and Crops Together (article)
Grazing Crops (webpage)

Episode 33: Strategies for Fall and Winter Grazing

As we move into late summer, planning ahead for the coming fall and winter months is always time well spent, especially when considering the nutritional needs of the beef herd. Winter feeding can be costly and labor-intensive work.  
 
Show notes links:
Strategies for Fall and Winter Grazing: Eastern Canadian Perspectives (article)
Extended grazing (webpage)

Episode 32: Considerations When Using Alternative Feeds

Local alternative feeds can be effective and economical additions to beef cattle rations. However, careful management is required to avoid potential problems and to ensure the nutritional requirements of the type of cattle being fed are met.  
 
Show note links:
Considerations When Using Alternative Feeds – Have You Done Your Homework? (article)
Alternative feeds (webpage) 
Feed Quality, Testing and Analysis (webpage) 
Economic Value of Feeds (interactive tool) 
CowBytes (ration balancing software)
 

Episode 31: Genes Behind the Scenes

The cattle you raise and the beef they produce are the result of two factors – their genetic potential, and the environment they’re raised in.
 
Show note links:
Genomics and Genetic Testing (webpage)
EPDs: What Do All Those Numbers Mean?(article)
Beef Quality Grading (webpage)
Genomics 101 (webinar)
Genetic IQ: Defining Traits That Matter in Your Beef Herd (article) 
Genetics Record Keeping (webpage)
Genes Behind The Scenes (article)
 

Episode 30: Ergot in Feed: Is There a Safe Concentration?

Cattle that consume feeds contaminated with the plant disease ergot can have reduced feed intake, gangrene of extremities, lameness, loss of pregnancy and heat stress.
 
Show note links:
Ergot in Feed (article)
Mycotoxins (webpage) 
Feed Quality and Testing (webpage)