Source: Alberta Farm Animal Care
Antimicrobials have been widely used in livestock since the 1950’s (1). Food animal production has steadily increased over the years, requiring better disease management on farms. More than 75% of antimicrobials in Canada have been...
Source: Dairy Research and Extension Consortium of Alberta
Why is this important?
During the transition period, dairy cows experience reduced feed intake, negative energy balance and reduced immune function leading to a high incidence of disease around the time of calving....
Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Fact Sheet written by: Peter Doris
Livestock grazing on lush green pastures is a pleasant picture for farmers and people driving through the countryside and an integral part of many livestock farms....
Source: National Farm Animal Care Council Code of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals – Dairy Cattle, Section 4.9
Claws grow about 1/4in (5-7mm) per month (73). However, the walking surface affects the rate of growth and location of...
Reproduction is one of the most important aspects to any dairy operation. However, many dairy farms struggle to hit their herd’s reproductive goals. Reproductive performance and farm economic efficiency are related to uterine health status. Studies show that there...
Source: Ontario Farm Animal Council
PAIN:
An unpleasant sensation occurring in varying degrees of severity as a result of injury or disease. Signs of pain and suffering may include one or more of the following:
Unwillingness to rise to its feet
...
Source: Manitoba Agriculture Food, and Rural Initiatives
The answer is yes! Almost everyone has had experience with cows scouring when placed on pasture or if fed a high protein forage. Of more importance, however, is the effect that high dietary protein...
Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Fact Sheet written by: Vanessa Taylor - Milk Quality Assurance Program Lead/ OMAFRA
Progressive dairy farmers aim to increase herd milk yield while improving production efficiency. However, zero payments for over-quota production,...
Source: Ontario Farm Animal Council
Cattle can sometimes be difficult to move and handle. Aggressive, stubborn, frightened or stressed cattle can all be unique challenges!
It has been proven that people who invest in learning proper cattle handling techniques can save...
Source: proAction
Hock Injury Scoring
Condition of the hocks can be an important indicator of the abrasiveness of the resting surface, stall design, and cow comfort. Score only the tarsal joint but not the point of the hock.
Knee Injury Scoring
Knee health...
