This is the 2022 Alberta Farm Animal Care Annual Report. Here you can find all the info on what AFAC did in 2022 including workshop recap, our extension activities, info on our 2022 Livestock Care Conference and more.
By Kendra Juurlink, B.Sc (Agr), Alberta Farm Animal Care
Consumers’ perspective of animal welfare across the world is an important topic for producers. Consumers have beliefs of what they consider as the ideal method of raising animals for meat consumption. Research has been done in Europe and the United States about this topic however, Australia presents an important area of concern from an economical and cultural perspective of agriculture.
A research study, Values of Australian Meat Consumers Related to Sheep and Beef Cattle Welfare: What Makes a Good Life and a Good Death? | SpringerLink, was completed to analyze the attitudes of participants regarding the animal welfare of beef and sheep being raised for meat consumption. A qualitative study was done using open-ended questions for focus groups to obtain responses from participants in the research study.
One finding of the study included the relationship between the producer and animal was an indicator of animal welfare. Another finding of the study was that participants avoided the topic of slaughter. One reason for this was that participants had limited knowledge about slaughter and were not interested in learning more about slaughter practices. Participants believed that animals should have a good life but also a “good death” and a right to do so.
Participants also believed that stress on the animals had an impact on animal welfare and meat quality. The participants believed that animals that travel long distances are placed under an extreme amount of stress which can result in poorer meat quality. This can impact the nutritional value of meat and the quality of life for the animal during transportation.
The study also addressed the beliefs of consumers regarding Halal slaughter which is a ritualistic method of slaughter according to some cultures which does not including stunning the animal prior to slaughter.
This research study is important for the economic benefits of production for producers. If consumers have negative perceptions of animal husbandry practices, then it could have negative implications for producers attempting to sell their products. Good animal welfare practices are also important for the overall well-being of farm animals.
Submit articles to Kendra Juurlink at [email protected]. If you have any questions, please e-mail Kendra, or call the Alberta Farm Animal Care office at 403-652-5111
By Kendra Juurlink, B.Sc. (Agr), Alberta Farm Animal Care
The condition of calves at a feedlot is an important consideration for producers. The calves experience various stressors, including weaning, transportation and adapting to new environment and feed sources. This can result in calves developing various health conditions including, bovine respiratory disease (BRD).
A research study published in January 2023, in the Applied Animal Behaviour Science Journal, Feeding behaviour and activity of beef calves during the first week at the feedlot: Impact of calf source and commingling ratios – ScienceDirect examined the impact of calf source and commingling ratios on feeding behaviour
The calves were brought from three sources including auction-derived, preconditioned and ranch-sourced calves. Preconditioned calves were those that had gradual weaning strategies, early castration and pre-exposing calves to a feedbunk. The calves behaviour was examined throughout the study. Level of activity, eating and time ruminating was examined. The calves were placed in pens based on where they were sourced from and in different ratios.
Some of the key findings from the research study included, preconditioned calves that had been exposed to a feedbunk had increased time eating. As well, pens that had higher proportion of preconditioned calves had increased time eating.
“Variables that may explain differences in feeding behaviour may include changes in the structure of social groups within commingled pens. “-Abigail Hodder
These findings are significant for producers because poor feed intake can result in morbidity and mortality at a feedlot. If calves are preconditioned to feedlot conditions, the more likely they are to maintain feed intake and level of activity which is important for producers from an economical standpoint and consumers from a consumption standpoint.
Submit articles to Kendra Juurlink at [email protected][email protected]. If you have any questions, please e-mail Kendra or call the Alberta Farm Animal Care office at 403-652-5111
By Sarah Linde B. Sc (Agr), Alberta Farm Animal Care
Considering broiler farming is becoming one of the fastest growing sectors in the agriculture industry consumer perspectives on animal welfare practices are often as important if not more important than product quality. In a recent study in Poultry Science, outlined four husbandry factors which influence animal welfare and how they relate the meat quality in broiler birds.
The key areas of husbandry that were explored were: diet, enrichment, stocking density and genetics. Notably, diet was the most heavily researched area of husbandry, as it has the clearest relation to meat quality and animal welfare. Pasture and forage availability has shown a remarkable change in birds antioxidant system as well as a darker more intense colour in meat.
Enrichment was an interesting area to look at, enrichment methods including outdoor access and perches were both studied. While enrichment tools didn’t overall have positive effects on meat quality, enrichment was identified as an important welfare factor for the consumer. This should be considered as a vital key for the social acceptability of broiler farming. Consumer buying power is becoming more focused on how that animal was cared for through their full life cycle.
Stocking density and genetics have expected research results. Lower stocking densities directly resulted in an increase in meat quality as well as welfare. New and evolving genetics have also been introduced to the market which show increases in meat quality for the consumer.
Overall, broiler husbandry and meat quality show a strong link throughout the lifecycle of the bird. These results should be a significant indicator for producers in their management practices not only for meat quality but for the consumers opinion on animal care and welfare.
Submit articles to Kendra Juurlink at [email protected]. If you have any questions, please e-mail Kendra or call the Alberta Farm Animal Care office at 403-652-5111
CALGARY, ALBERTA: Beginning March 1, 2023, Alberta Farm Animal Care’s current Extension Coordinator, Dr. Melissa Moggy, will be on maternity leave. Filling the role in her absence will be Sarah Linde. Sara began the interim Extension Coordinator position on February 13, 2023, to allow time to learn the ropes from Dr. Moggy and ensure a seamless transition into her new role.
Sara comes to Alberta Farm Animal Care with an extensive history in the Agriculture and Livestock sector, including experience working with Ag For Life and the Calgary Stampede. Since 2019, Sara has also been a Coordinator for the AFAC ALERT Line, responding to calls regarding animal welfare issues and providing information to inquiring callers. She brings her understanding of AFAC operations, mission, and values to this crucial organizational role.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Alberta Farm Animal Care team in an expanded capacity as Extension Coordinator,” said Linde. “Working as an Alert Line Coordinator for the past three years has given me an appreciation for the work being done by the AFAC team, and I am excited to leverage my industry experience supporting and developing extension programming throughout Alberta.”
While Dr. Moggy does leave big shoes to fill while she is gone, we wish her the best in the expansion of her family. AFAC looks forward to seeing the positive additions that Linde will make in her interim role as well as her leadership on the new initiatives and public outreach planned for 2023. Extension Coordinator duties will be in excellent hands.
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Founded in 1993 by Alberta livestock producers, Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) has become the collective voice of the industry on matters pertaining to livestock welfare. Through collaboration and with the support from our members, AFAC promotes best practices in the care and handling of farm animals for a thriving agricultural sector. Together, we work towards continual improvement in responsible livestock management by engaging the public and building trust through transparency. To learn more about becoming an AFAC member or supporter, click here.
For more information contact:
Kaylee Healy, Executive Director
Alberta Farm Animal Care
[email protected] | 403.652.5111
CALGARY, ALBERTA: After five eventful years as Executive Director of Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), Annemarie Pedersen will be stepping down from the organization. Taking the helm effective January 1, 2023, is AFAC’s Marketing and Communications Lead, Kaylee Healy.
Raised on farms of varying sizes across the province, Healy’s introduction to Alberta’s agricultural sector began at a young age. In her early career, Healy worked in the oil and gas industry, with a focus on safety and emergency management services. A subsequent move to rural Vulcan provided Healy with the opportunity to return to her roots. Combining her project management expertise and passion for agriculture, she launched BAB Technical, which provides administrative and technical support, including digital platform and event management, to small businesses in rural communities and agriculture.
Healy joined the AFAC team in the fall of 2019 as a Marketing and Communications Intern thanks to a grant from the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP). Her first task was transitioning AFAC from a physical workspace to a virtual operational model. Little did Healy and the AFAC team know at the time, the transition would prove critical in the face of a pandemic that no one saw coming.
Like so many organizations at the onset of COVID, AFAC was faced with adapting to a world of virtual programming and events. Healy’s proficiency with digital platforms proved particularly valuable in March 2020 when the first pandemic lock-down was announced. The AFAC team had only five days to transform their annual Livestock Care Conference from an multi-day, in-person symposium to a completely virtual seminar.
“Supporting the organization through the transition to a digital operating approach, gave me a first-hand look at what this small-but-mighty team can accomplish when faced with challenges,” recalls Healy. “When the pandemic hit a few short months later, it was our collective skills, expertise and tenacity that enabled us to pivot quickly and effectively, particularly when it came to the (Livestock Care) Conference.”
As Healy’s YESP-funded contract came to a close, and recognizing the leadership skills she brought to the team, AFAC was determined to retain her services, officially offering Healy the role of Marketing and Communications Lead.
As the world emerges from three unprecedented years to a new post-pandemic norm, Healy is now ready to usher AFAC into the next era. “It’s an honour to be stepping into the role of Executive Director. I’m keenly aware of both the challenges and opportunities that exist within the livestock sector and the unique needs of the communities that utilize AFAC’s resources. I’m looking forward to tackling them head-on,” says Healy.
“There is no doubt that the landscape has changed, and the sector continues to evolve quickly. Now more than ever, it’s important that we lean into our strategic partnerships and really look to our members for direction, so we can continue to build on AFAC’s 30-year mission of advancing farm animal welfare in support of a thriving agricultural sector.”
As for next steps for Pedersen, she’s excited to re-focus her energy on her company, Annemarie Pedersen Communications, which is the culmination of a 20-year communications career specializing in both livestock and crops. Still, Pedersen admits the transition will be bittersweet. “Five years with AFAC have flown by, and we have accomplished so much. It has been a true pleasure collaborating with the staff and board members at AFAC and I’ll miss working with them. But it’s important for organizations like AFAC to leverage new ideas and perspectives. I have no doubt the organization will continue to succeed and thrive under Kaylee’s leadership.”
Founded in 1993 by Alberta livestock producers, Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) has become the collective voice of the industry on matters pertaining to livestock welfare. Through collaboration and with the support from our members, AFAC promotes best practices in the care and handling of farm animals for a thriving agricultural sector. Together, we work towards continual improvement in responsible livestock management by engaging the public and building trust through transparency. To learn more about becoming an AFAC member or supporter, click here.
For more information contact:
Kaylee Healy, Executive Director
Alberta Farm Animal Care
[email protected] | 403.652.5111
By Kendra Juurlink, B.Sc. (Agr), Alberta Farm Animal Care
A recent Canadian study examined the impact of providing group-housed sows with enrichment on their welfare. Sow welfare can be measured by observing animal behaviour and the animal’s appearance (e.g., skin lesions).
Swine producers aim to reduce or eliminate aggression and the occurrence of skin lesions in their animals. Sows are known to be aggressive toward their pen mates if they are bored in their environment. Therefore, researchers wanted to examine the benefit of offering different enrichment treatments to the group pen.
The study compared four treatments. The first treatment was constantly offering the sows wood on a chain hanging in the pen. The second treatment was rotated offering three enrichments options (rope, straw, and wood on a chain). The third treatment rotated through the three enrichment options but associated offering the enrichment with a stimulus (e.g., a bell or whistle). The fourth treatment was a control where no enrichment was offered.
The study’s results indicated that sows were more interested in the rotate and stimulus treatments than the constant treatment. Researchers found that there was a “significant reduction in pen mate biting behaviour and wounds compared to presentation of a chain enrichment only.” The researchers discovered that there was greater interest with enrichments on the first day they were offered and decreased over time. It was suggested that rotating enrichments maintained their novelty to the sows.
The researchers concluded that social hierarchy and dominance was a crucial component of sows interacting with the enrichments. This is important research for swine producers to ensure the health and welfare of their animals which will have economic benefits as well.
By Kendra Juurlink, B.Sc. (Agr), Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC)
Overwintering cattle can be challenging for producers in Canada due to the climate. Especially with the concern of feed shortages during the winter months. Therefore, it is recommended that producers plan for potential feed shortages as best they can.
Research is being done across Canada that examines efficient crop management strategies. With the goal to ensure adequate growth of cattle over the winter and to minimize the economic impacts of feed shortages on the producer.
It is important that producers ensure that their cattle have adequate nutrients based on the stage of production. Some solutions to use feed more efficiently include grinding, using feed bunks to reduce waste, proper feed storage to reduce loss, and balancing nutrition for cattle.
In a recent Canadian Cattlemen’s article, Dr. Hushton Block was quoted saying “using a feed bunk instead of feeding on the ground can reduce feed waste from 25 per cent or higher to as low as 10 per cent”-
It is recommended that producers routinely sample and analyze the nutritional value of their feed to ensure proper nutrition for their cattle. Protein is an important component in the diet that must meet both the rumen microbe’s and animal’s needs.
The rumen of the animal is important in the breakdown of protein. When the animal has low levels of rumen-degradable protein (e.g., soybean, alfalfa), it results in decreased energy and microbial protein that the animal receives from the rumen microbes. This can impact the health and performance of the animal.
Another factor for ensuring enough feed is crop selection. Winter cereal crops (e.g., rye, wheat) have been shown as a viable option for forage in winter. Another recommendation is that producers secure alternate feed or additional feed supplies at a reasonable price. Having animals in good condition prior to the onset of winter can also reduce feed requirements.
Overwintering is an important component of livestock production. Producers can alleviate stress by planning ahead using various suggestions as outlined in this article. These suggestions can benefit the producer economically and optimize performance of their cattle during the colder months.
By Kendra Juurlink, B.Sc. (Agr), Alberta Farm Animal Care
Grazing is an important aspect of livestock management and behaviour. Farmers aim to reduce the economic impact on their production system as much as possible. Cow-calf operations tend to keep their livestock in small areas and provide supplemental feed (hay or silage). This is a costly strategy for producers and accounts for two-thirds of the costs of production.
A recent study was completed on the Sieben Livestock Company Ranch (located in the Montana Big Belt Mountains) to explore the most efficient type of grass and legumes to grow over the fall and winter for grazing livestock.
“It is estimated that grazing versus feeding cattle during the winter can save 42% to 70% of the yearly input costs in the western United States and Saskatchewan, Canada” – Chase Hibbard.
The study began by switching the cows to calve in late spring. This allowed the cows to be in the second trimester of pregnancy during the winter which allowed the farmers to maintain the cows on stockpiled winter forage of lesser quality.
The species of grasses examined included meadow bromegrass, intermediate wheat grass, tall fescue, orchard grass, and crested wheatgrass. As well, alfalfa, sainfoin, and burnet were used as legumes.
The size and soil type of the location in the study was 10.6 ha, Monad Loam. There was no irrigation or fertilizer, except for manure from grazing cows, applied to plots. Resulting in less cost in forage production. For reference, Central Alberta is mostly lacustrine soil or black chernozem whereas in other places the soil is covered with debris that the glaciers left behind. This is an important consideration when comparing plant species grown in the Alberta region.
This research is important for producers to adjust management strategies by considering replacing harvested forage with stockpiled forage to be grazed post-grazing season. By improving grass mixture for stockpiled winter forage allows for a longer grazing season. The research has shown that the economic return is greater than the initial cost of changing forage species which is beneficial for producers.
Resource:
Hibbard, C., Hibbard, C., Larsen, R., Feuz, R., Rigby, C. W., Jensen, K. B., & Larsen, R. (2021). Potential to improve winter grazing pastures: Sieben land and livestock study. Rangelands, 43(3), 100-110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rala.2020.12.007
Heather Smith Thomas – Bulls are a big investment so it pays to keep them functional for as long as possible.
From fencing to feed to foot rot, there are a lot of variables producers have when caring for their bulls through the winter.
There are big changes coming to LCC. The pandemic created new challenges for an organization like ours to host a conference. After delivering the conference virtually for three years, our team and our board unanimously decided that in order to deliver the conference to the best of our ability, we needed to take a step back in 2023.
We are going to take this next year to talk to our stakeholders and also evaluate what the livestock industry wants to see from us in this fast evolving industry. We look forward to the triumphant return of LCC and hope to see you all there in the future.
Even though the 2023 conference is on hold, we will still be hosting the Student Program! Keep an eye on our website and our social media channels for updates on the program and how it will look this year.
You can read the full media release here:
Tim Parent – Every year, it provides scholarships, bursaries, and awards to students enrolled in agricultural or agri-business-related programs at a university, college or trade school in Canada, awarding seven $2,500 scholarships to Canadian students.
This program is dedicated to supporting the next generation of agriculture by providing funding in various agricultural programs.
James Snell – Research on virtual fences for livestock is gaining momentum in Western Canada.
A technology that is gaining popularity in Europe is now also being studied in Western Canada and is showing promise in making rotational grazing easier and more cost effective for ranchers.
Dave Bedard – A relatively quiet summer for highly pathogenic avian influenza in Canada has turned for the worse, with outbreaks on commercial poultry farms in all four western provinces in the past week alone.
In this article you can find news on the latest outbreaks of Avian Influenza across Canada and also updated numbers. With fall migration in full swing it is important to remember there is again a big risk of AI.
Samantha Johnson – When cattle, goats, sheep, swine, chickens, or other types of livestock are overheated, it can cause many negative effects. The animal can stop eating, eat much less, drink less and not want to move around much.
In this article, AFAC extension coordinator Dr. Melissa Moggy talks about the signs of heat stress and the affect hot weather can have on your livestock. She also offers suggestions for what you can do to help your animals and poultry through those hot days.
Alexis Kienlen – Bees produce billions in benefits for Prairie farmers, but they face a host of challenges.
This article focuses on the challenges that bee producers are facing on the prairies and the efforts of Dr. Sarah Wood, who is the new pollinator research chair at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, to find solutions to these challenges.
Real Ag – A Saskatchewan horse has tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA), a viral disease that attacks horses’ immune systems and that is transmittable through bodily fluids.
Find out all the details and specifics on the horses location HERE
Jasmine Vickaryous – H5N1, a strain of the avian flu, is on the rise in the province and conservationists are urging Albertans to help limit the spread.
This article covers the growing concern that Avian Influenza is becoming Alberta and people can do to help the limit the spread to both wild birds, and their backyard flocks. Annemarie Pedersen from AFAC and Mark Boyce, Chair of Fisheries and Wildlife for the Alberta Conservation Association, both weigh in on the the issue and what practices should be implemented.
AgForLife – The Urban Hen Program is here in Calgary! As “eggs-citing” as this may be, many city-dwellers have no idea where to begin when starting a coop of their own.
This article interviews Cassandra Kirkpatrick, who is the instructor for all of the AFAC Urban Hen and Backyard Chicken programs. Here you can learn more about what to expect with urban chicken farming, how to care for your chickens, tips for building a coop, and more.
Doug Ferguson – Jody Wacowich, executive director of AgSafe Alberta, says the organization wanted to provide a less intimidating place for farmers to learn about dangers on the farm.
This article tells readers all about the new AgSafe program, FARMERS CARE, which is aimed at teaching producers how to identify hazards and manage the risks associated. The goal of this program is to help reduce the number of farm related injuries and deaths that occur every year.
Alex McCuaig – Planning and education for a catastrophic incident are key, whether it’s disease or a natural disaster.
“Arranging a plan just before a disaster is somewhat better but producers can find themselves up against others in the same boat, all attempting to get supplies such as generators at the same time.
There are some simple steps for planning for the worst-case scenario well in advance, said Husted, who emphasized the importance of contacting local fire chiefs or emergency managers to understand regional responses to disasters.”
On March 24, 2022, AFAC hosted a Technical Large Animal Emergency Response (TLAER) webinar to teach emergency responders more about equipment used during large animal rescues and how it can be adapted to different scenarios. Attendees of the event had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Rebecca Gimenez Husted, who is the owner of TLAER inc., and has over 25 years of experience instructing about large animal emergencies. Dr. Husted was joined by Victor MacPherson who has an extensive background in emergency care for both humans and animals, instructing, and fire and rescue.
(more…)March 16, 2022 (Calgary, AB) – The Livestock Care Conference kicked off this week with three engaging sessions on Tuesday. Starting with a highly interactive student workshop, our featured keynote speaker and rounding the afternoon off with three speakers from the agriculture ministries in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
- Brad Andres, Director – Emergency Management Services, Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development,
- Graham Knox, Director – Climate Action and Emergency Management, (Ministry of Agriculture) Government of British Columbia
- Trent Catley, Director of Emergency Response and Inspection, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
These three speakers provided great insight into how their provinces are effectively implementing new strategies for emergency preparedness and response protocols. Discussing the importance of shelter in place plans, such as being able to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours, and what that looks like in the event of an emergency, such as washed-out highways.
This session dove into the many facets that surround livestock emergencies, and how the provincial governments are working with farm/ranch owners to better communicate and handle emergencies. The importance of mass carcass disposal planning guides, relocation of livestock and even what to do during extreme weather events.
B.C. saw two extreme weather events this past year, the heat dome which helped to fuel summer wildfires and the mass rainfall and flooding last fall. Disasters like these show the incredible importance of collaboration between governments, emergency responders and farm/ranch owners.
Those who are interested in how each province addresses emergencies and what they are doing to further mitigate emergencies, predict them and respond quickly, can watch the recorded session through their conference link for up to three months.
(March 15, 2022) The first day of the 2022 Livestock Care Conference was a resounding success! Our keynote speaker Dr. Rebecca Gimenez Husted, owner of Technical Large Animal Rescue Inc., set the tone for the conference with a presentation about how the livestock industry can use the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the B.C. floods to plan for future disasters.
“We know that the responsibility for the animals ultimately aligns with their owner, whether it’s a business or an individual,” said Dr. Husted. “So, people really need to start educating themselves and plan how they could handle things in the face of disaster.”
Dr. Husted explained that many people fail to plan until an actual disaster occurs. However, following the events of the past two years, the livestock industry has learned about the importance of planning and sharing information about emergency preparedness with each other.
Dr. Husted mentioned that individuals can prepare for future events by developing organized and devoted emergency efforts. These efforts can include attending local planning meetings, discussing emergency plans with fire chiefs, emergency managers and other community members, taking stock of critical infrastructure and creating biosecurity and safety measures.
“It does take effort. It does take realizing it could happen to you,” said Dr. Husted. “But we find that when people plan, it’s almost like a disaster is a non-disaster.”
Another lesson the livestock industry learned from the B.C. flood disaster was the importance of creating a variety of emergency plans. Dr. Husted mentioned that while some people had created a shelter in place plan during COVID-19, many did not have a plan for moving large animals in the event of a flood.
“That requires a lot of coordination with your local fire department, but it can be done and it has been done,” said Dr. Husted.
Throughout the session, Dr. Husted also talked about the importance of asking for help and using the internet to communicate with others during disasters to avoid personal and financial loss.
“The modern livestock person is connected,” said Dr. Husted. This is especially important in emergency situations because it can save the lives of humans and animals. “For example, many of the stranded farmers in B.C. were unreachable to the outside world and were basically on their own for several days or up to a week later.”
While mentioning the benefits of being connected during an emergency, Dr. Husted gave a nod to AFAC and Alberta’s Emergency Livestock Equipment Trailer program. With 19 trailers, Alberta is currently the most equipped province when it comes to livestock emergencies such as cattle liner rollovers and barn collapses.
“I’m really proud of the effort that your province has made to deal with not only livestock wrecks, but rescue situations where animals are in mud holes and things like that,” said Dr. Husted. “It really makes a difference, and it’s a huge part of emergency planning in Alberta.”
The main takeaways from Dr. Husted’s session were: prepare for emergencies by creating a variety of plans, share emergency plans, communicate with emergency managers and build a community of knowledgeable people to lean on in case of a livestock emergency.
If you missed this session and would like to watch it, a recording will be available for three months following the conference. We’re looking forward to hearing from more experts about PREP (prepare, respond, evaluate, progress) for Livestock Emergencies in the coming days!
March 17, 2022 (Calgary, AB) – Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) is announcing Dr. Brenda Ralston, a livestock research scientist at Lakeland College in Vermilion, AB, as the recipient of the 2022 Award of Distinction. The annual Award of Distinction recognizes one individual or group who has made exceptional contributions to the field of livestock welfare, through either leadership, innovation or communication.
“Dr. Ralston’s dedication to Alberta’s livestock industry is inspiring,” said Nick Allan, president of Chinook Contract Research Inc. “Through her extensive and impressive research career, she has shown a personal and professional commitment to welfare and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives in the animal food production industry.”
Dr. Ralston began her 35-year career with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development as a district agriculturist, moving to the role of beef specialist in 1994. During this time, she received her B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Alberta, M.Sc. in Veterinary Parasitology from the University of Calgary and a Ph.D. in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences from Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. She is also a cattle producer and works with her family on their century farm, Twin Lakes Ranch.
Aside from her nomination from Lakeland College, AFAC received a number of other glowing recommendations from industry groups and fellow veterinarians. This is a testament to Dr. Ralston’s commitment to applied research and to her collaboration with private industry, producer groups, universities, government and most importantly the producers themselves. “Dr. Ralston’s research results in products producers can use to improve animal care practices. We can’t think of a more worthy candidate,” said Annemarie Pedersen, AFAC executive director.
Over her career, Dr. Ralston has supported and conducted multi-disciplinary livestock research for the poultry, dairy, lamb, horse and pork industries in the areas of pain control and pathogen mitigation. Most notably, she has helped bring livestock pharmaceuticals that address animal welfare issues related to management procedures to market, including:
- The Care-Ring anesthetic elastrator band to reduce the pain of castration.
- Oral Meloxicam for the beef, dairy and equine industries.
- An anti-bloat agent used to reduce animal discomfort when grazing alfalfa and enhance gains.
- Practical solutions to address antimicrobial resistance at the farm level for targeted selection of antibiotic groups for better animal outcomes and enhanced antibiotic stewardship.
One of her colleagues and nominators said it best. “As a result of her contributions, the way we think of pain in cattle has changed and now pain mitigation is common practice on farms and ranches across the province and the country,” said Dr. Denis Nagel.
For more information about the Award of Distinction, visit our website
On August 18, 2021, Alberta Farm Animal Care, in partnership with Alberta Pork Producers and Prairie Swine Health Services, hosted a Small-Scale Swine Webinar for individuals interested in small-scale pig farming. During the webinar, Dr. Kelsey Gray from Prairie Swine discussed various aspects of starting and operating a small-scale pig farm.
First, she discussed three Acts related to raising pigs which include the Animal Protection Act, the Alberta Water Act, and the Agricultural Practices Operations Act. These legislations are important to know for every small-scale pig farmer as they cover animal protection from abuse and neglect, water licensing, manure management, and finally deadstock management. Next on the list were the importance of traceability and having a PID (Premises Identification Number) for an operation. Dr. Gray outlined the various traceability programs in Canada and Alberta, including Alberta Traceability and PigTRACE, which is mandatory for all pork producers in Canada.
Dr. Gray then discussed the steps one should take when considering starting a small-scale pig operation. These steps include:
(more…)The Lakeland College experience is one for doers.
Many post-secondary institutions promise a hands-on education, but Lakeland College goes far beyond expectations, providing truly immersive experiences that shape futures and prepare students for the real world.
New agriculture programs debut this fall
This September, Lakeland will become the first post-secondary institution in Canada to offer an agriculture technology degree. Created for people with skills in ag production and management, this degree program will help them to understand and work with cutting-edge technology and its data, ensuring higher productivity and better industry innovation.
Craig Lester – As the mercury in the thermometer soars into the mid-to-high 30s (Celsius) this week it’s important to keep a sharp eye on your livestock for heat stress.
Dr. Melissa Moggy is the Extension Coordinator with Alberta Farm Animal Care.
She says there are a few symptoms you should watch for including the animals breathing faster.
“We call this an increased respiratory rate and so that might just be that their sides are moving faster or you might actually see that their mouth is open and they’re open mouth breathing,” Moggy said.
She says they often see that in birds, as they will open their mouths and their whole body will be moving as they try to expel the hot air and cool down. Moggy adds you may see that the animals don’t want to eat or drink.
Dianne Finstad – Sure, a lot of ranch work really is pandemic friendly, like feeding cows, baling hay, fixing machinery.
But let’s face it. Raising cattle, and in fact all of agriculture, is really a people business. Time and again you will hear it’s the people, plus the animals, that make this a special way of life.
So what happens to the social aspect when the whole world goes into a lockdown? Well, there’s been a whole lot of ‘try’ for new ways of meeting, sharing information, and doing issues work.
One of the first agriculture organizations to face the challenge was Alberta Farm Animal Care, with its annual Livestock Care Conference scheduled for Olds on March 19, 2020 – just a week after the first COVID-19 related lockdown. Speakers were coming from California, Georgia and B.C.
AFAC renews small flock webinar series
May 13, 2021
As urban and rural communities alike trade restaurants for coops and crowds for flocks, AFAC is excited to announce new sessions for its 2021 backyard chicken webinar series featuring hen expert Cassandra Kirkpatrick. Running from spring to fall, workshops cover a wide range of material that includes: coop design, breeds and flock behaviour, home care versus vet care and more. Registrants can expect to learn about bylaws and costs as well as obtain the certification needed to own backyard chickens in some municipalities.
The renewed interest in small flocks inspired programs that provide individuals with the tools and knowledge to care for their hens and provide the highest standards of animal welfare.
(more…)On this episode of Emergency Preparedness in Canada (EPIC) Podcast, Dr. Melissa Moggy joins Grayson Cockett and Dr. Joshua Bezanson to chat about the complexities of managing livestock during disaster, and the risks and resilience associated with rural emergencies.
By Linda Greening, Hartpury University
Sleep reportedly regulates a range of internal processes, plays a part in memory consolidation, and is governed by homeostatic and circadian processes. Thus, sleep is considered a critically important part of both mental and physical wellbeing for all mammals, with ‘sleep debts’ occurring when an individual fails to achieve an ‘optimal’ amount of sleep. The horse is no exception. Described as a polyphasic sleeper, the horse on average engages in several short sessions of sleep interspersed with longer periods of wakefulness resulting in a total of 3-5 hours sleep per 24 hours. Most commonly, equine sleep is observed between midnight and dawn, which is considered an evolutionary adaption by reducing the risk of attack at a time when the horse is most vulnerable. In a recent questionnaire-based study of nearly 600 horse owners, 29% reported never considering the amount of sleep their horse achieved, suggesting consideration of equine sleep may be under-prioritised when evaluating equine welfare within normal husbandry practices.
(more…)By Dr. Roy Lewis, DVM
We, veterinarians, are using more and more non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). One of the big areas to focus on is the pain associated with calving. You, together with your veterinarian, should develop a plan for when it comes to calving this spring. There are several choices out there in the injectable, oral and pour-on formulations to consider.
(more…)A new survey is being performed at the University of Guelph to investigate stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, suicide ideation, substance use, resilience, and coping in farmers across Canada. The survey take about 20 minutes to complete and will be open until May 7th. Participants will also have the opportunity to enter their name to win one of 5 draws for $200. The chances of winning one of the draw prizes are approximately 1 in 1000.
(more…)Doug Ferguson – The provincial government plans to allow consumers to buy animals directly from livestock producers for on-farm slaughter.
New provincial rules that allow Albertans to buy live animals directly from local producers for slaughter on farms will help ease a processing bottleneck made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, said a beef producer.
“I think this new regulation creates a great opportunity for farmers,” said Blake Hall of Prairie Gold Pastured Meats near Red Deer. “As consumers become more interested in local food and farmers become more interested in direct marketing their animals, I think that this regulation helps marry those two nicely.”
He spoke at a recent webinar on the new rules hosted by Mountain View County north of Calgary. It was held in partnership with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, along with the Young Agrarians, Grey Wooded Forage Association and Alberta Farm Animal Care.
By Dr. Melissa Moggy
Rocky View School students have a unique opportunity to close the gap between the public and agriculture through attending class at The Farm. Grade nine, 10, and 11 Rocky View School students can apply to the program, and 40 students are selected. Students are taught their curriculum from an agricultural perspective in a portable classroom on The Farm. Relationships with the community and partners anchor the program. AFAC is a member of The Farm’s advisory committee and has had the opportunity to see this program grow.
(more…)By Dr. Karin Orsel, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), accounts for most of the disease and deaths in Alberta feedlots and feedlots in North America. Although BRD is a multifactorial disease, it is mainly associated with bacterial pathogens. Therefore, BRD is treated using antimicrobials, potentially playing a role in the development of antimicrobial resistance.
(more…)By Dr. Melissa Moggy, Alberta Farm Animal Care
As many of us have heard, recent amendments to the Humane Transportation of Animals regulations took effect on February 20th, 2020. Regulations can be difficult to interpret and understand. We can’t all read legalise!
(more…)Alberta Farm Animal Care has been very pleased to work with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Alberta livestock associations to bring the transport webinars to life.
The amendments to the Transportation of Animals requirements under the Health of Animals Regulations improve the well-being of animals during the entire transportation process, keeping in mind Canada’s geographic size and the time required to travel between locations.
The changes are science-based and are the result of consultations with the entire supply chain, from primary producers and veterinarians to scientists and associations. There are prescriptive and outcome-based requirements, which take into account international standards while allowing for ongoing innovation.
The webinar series has also been a team effort, with every session designed specifically for particular species, highlighting issues identified in meetings with each group. The first two sessions this fall had strong attendance from both the pork and beef industries- including primary producers, industry partners, government and livestock carriers from Alberta and beyond.
The next session is with the dairy industry on December 10 and more are being planned for the new year including ones for livestock marketers, small ruminants, egg farmers and livestock carriers. The sessions start with a presentation from the CFIA which will address questions submitted in advance, followed by ample time for a live Q&A session.
Common areas of interest have included changes to rest periods and travel times as well tracking the transfer of care and feed, water and rest intervals.
The opportunity to learn about the changes to the regulations- from experts within the CFIA – and to ask questions specific to individual operations is timely. The changes went into effect in 2020 but there is a two-year adoption window to allow everyone to make any adjustments necessary.
For more information on the transport webinar series, see the Event page on AFAC’s website. To request a webinar for your sector or association, email [email protected].
With the transition to more of an agency model for AFAC HR needs, we have opened up the opportunity for more collaboration and building of expertise among existing contractors and some new faces.
In early 2020, Kristen Lepp moved on to new opportunities with her own communications consulting business – one of her clients continues to be AFAC and we are thrilled to be able to bring her expertise back to the table for various projects.
In early 2020, Kristen Lepp moved on to new opportunities with her own communications consulting business – one of her clients continues to be AFAC and we are thrilled to be able to bring her expertise back to the table for various projects.
Sharron Johannasen has been with AFAC for over a decade in a variety of roles including, and most importantly, as Financial Officer. Her deep knowledge of the business and people in the livestock sector have been invaluable and we hope to keep her engaged well into her retirement as an ad hoc advisor!
Thank you to Sharron and the “Kristens” for all of your passion, hard work and dedication over the years. You will always be honourary AFAC family members!
Kaylee Sheets has been the voice behind every virtual call, workshop and meeting in 2020. What began as an internship through the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) has become a permanent (we hope!) contract with AFAC. Besides being our Zoom pro she is also very skilled at all things admin and project management related- we are very lucky to have her.
Dr. Melissa Moggy is a veterinarian and the AFAC extension lead – and the constant amid all the changes this year. If there is a project or resource you need, talk to Melissa. Thank you Melissa for all your efforts in 2020.
Maria Swan has joined us in the role of bookkeeper. With over 20 years’ experience ranging from controller to bookkeeper with both not-for-profits and in the energy sector, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insights that will serve AFAC very well. You can reach Maria at [email protected] with any financial questions.
In early 2020, Makenna Moore participated in a student project for AFAC with her Mount Royal University communications class. She joined us in the role of social media coordinator in the summer and has been doing such a great job ramping up our presence and engagement on our social media channels, we decided to keep her on!
Please join us in welcoming Maria and Makenna to the AFAC family.
It’s been a long day and anxious to get home, you’re driving along your normal route when suddenly you spot some black shapes alongside the highway. As they seem to be moving in your direction, you hit the brakes (safely, of course) and slow to a stop to take a closer look. When the shapes start to wander onto the pavement, you realize that a herd of cattle has gotten loose and there is no farmer or vehicle in sight. With the light fading and your growing concern about other motorists or the cattle potentially getting injured, the long day seems as though it’s about to get longer. What’s a motorist to do?
(more…)Winter in Alberta is a different experience every year. Alberta farmers are used to the unpredictable winter weather conditions and begin to prepare well in advance. When it comes to animal care, preparations must also be made.
This winter will be the first for many that entered the industry this year (lots of new small chicken flocks this year!) and for new backyard livestock producers. We welcome these newcomers and offer the following advice on caring for livestock throughout the Alberta winter.
(more…)If you have attended one of AFAC’s backyard chicken webinars then you will most likely recognize the name Cassandra Kirkpatrick. While most regard Cassandra as the expert in all backyard chicken-related matters, she wasn’t always as involved as she is today. In fact, Cassandra didn’t even like chickens initially; however, it is safe to say that she loves them now! Currently, Cassandra juggles her time between managing her company Jungle Out There pet services, caring for her chickens and teaching workshops with AFAC.
(more…)
The Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC) has launched an online training program in an effort to increase awareness around nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of equines.
(more…)Recent amendments to the Humane Transportation of Animals regulations took effect on February 20th, 2020, with two years to fully phase-in enforcement. These regulations impact everyone that is involved in transporting livestock, including producers, transporters, auction markets, abattoirs, etc.
Click image to view full screen. Image credit to CFIA.
In an effort to inform and clarify these regulations for stakeholders, Alberta Farm Animal Care will be hosting webinars with Anne Allen, a CFIA Veterinary Program Officer/Analyst. Each session will focus on a specific species or will apply to specific stakeholder, such as transporters.
The first two sessions have been scheduled for:
- Wednesday, September 9th in partnership with Alberta Pork
- Tuesday, September 22nd in partnership with Alberta Beef Producers
Other sessions are in the planning stages and will be announced as they are confirmed. Webinars are free, and will be open to producers and other stakeholders. We hope to see producers from across Canada join. These regulations apply to everyone and we must all be aware of them.
More information and registration is available at https://www.afac.ab.ca/programs-and-events/events/
Virtual Workshops on Backyard Chicken/Small Flock Care a Huge Success!
2020 has forced all of us to adapt our lives and shift the way in which we communicate information. In recent years we have seen increasing interest from individuals and communities on keeping their own chickens. Since the pandemic the level of interest has soared with families having more time at home and a heightened awareness of food security, with a desire to have their own source of eggs. Many hatcheries in North America reported record breaking numbers of orders this year, and chicken keepers have reported difficulties sourcing adult birds due to this increased demand.
AFAC has been delivering Urban Chicken/Small Flock care resources since 2016. Our focus has always been to ensure that individuals keeping backyard chickens or small flocks are well equipped to care for these birds and have access to accurate resources and expertise when needed. Workshops have been delivered in-person with a hands-on training component. Due to health regulations, we discussed how we could transition from in-person workshops to a virtual format that would still accommodate various learning styles. By March, we had already received numerous inquiries about a virtual workshop as more and more people were looking to keep chickens.
In April we hosted our very first 3-part virtual series on keeping backyard chickens! Cassandra Kirkpatrick was the facilitator with Kaylee Sheets as our technology guru. This series presented the same information as the in-person workshops including time and financial commitment, building a coop, biosecurity and diseases, chicken behaviour, etc. Links were provided to useful resources including the PDF manual developed in 2016 for the project. Training videos and demonstrations were given throughout the presentations, and each evening concluded with a 30 minute Q&A session where participants were encouraged to interact with the facilitator and other participants. It was a huge success with over 50 attendees from all over Canada! Feedback was very positive with participants commenting on the informative sessions and how much they enjoyed the videos and Cassandra’s live from-the-coop demonstrations.
With the positive reaction to the first series, we hosted a second introductory level series in June and started a monthly ongoing “Questions from the Coop” session. The end of June/beginning of July saw us host a virtual workshop specific to the counties of Leduc and Wetaskiwin which was tailored to their region to cover bylaws, climate, predator risk, etc. We also heard from participants who attended our introductory level workshops that they would like more advanced chicken keeping information, so we hosted an Advanced Chicken Care webinar series in July that covered topics such as monitoring bird health, advanced coop design, biosecurity, etc. Dr. Margaret Fisher with River City Chickens, who has previously helped us with this project, joined as a guest speaker to talk about different diseases and vet care.
We are so excited about how well the workshops were received this summer, and will be continuing with the momentum this fall as we host another introductory level series, another Advanced Chicken Care webinar series on four different topics, and continuing our “Questions from the Coop” monthly sessions. Let’s get cracking!
AFAC was pleased to be able to host the first Western Canada Livestock Welfare Summit on Friday, August 28. The Summit was originally planned as a networking session during the Livestock Care Conference in March, but when the world went virtual that month, the Summit was postponed.
Despite- or maybe because of- the virtual nature of the session, there was a broad range and variety of participants. Representatives from all livestock sectors and industry stakeholders included: primary producers; livestock carriers; industry associations; and veterinary, government and research organizations. There were representatives from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The morning started with virtual breakout sessions where four groups discussed the main issues facing their sector and region. The learnings were brought back for a full group discussion, facilitated by Dr. Duane Landals, Alberta SPCA president and veterinarian.
Not surprisingly, there were a number of common themes across all sectors and sessions.
Transport
The new regulations and how to ensure proper understanding and adoption, proper training of staff and others involved in livestock transport, as well as ensuring animals are in the proper condition to ship were a few of the areas covered in the most discussed topic of the morning.
Communication
Whether communicating directly with the public or looking for new channels and opportunities for reaching consumers, finding ways to share the facts about animal care was high on the list of priorities. Ag in the Classroom programming came up in multiple groups, as did the limited funding for these programs.
Training and animal care programs
Overwhelmingly, the group felt that training and the development of credible animal care programs was an industry responsibility, and recognized the value of existing Codes of Practice and programs such as ProAction, Pig Safe, and VBP+ among others. However, there was also a common theme that individuals in the industry needed to work together – that animal welfare was everyone’s responsibility.
Mental health, activism and access to veterinarians were other common themes. There is a significant understanding that mental health issues are commonly behind animal welfare issues and a recognition, as above, that everyone has a role to play in aiding that situation. Additionally, after a discussion about how to address outliers and bad actors, a suggestion was made to put the spotlight on more of the positive outliers who demonstrate the values in the livestock sector.
One quote from the day summed-up the general discussion well, “There is no finish line. We are always improving and evolving.”
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Western Canada Livestock Welfare Summit. Stay tuned for more information from the day and plans for next steps.
Barb Glen – New transportation rules require producers to document the last time cattle were given feed, water and rest, and give info to truckers
More record keeping and attention to feed, water and rest requirements are the biggest changes for cattle producers and truckers arising from new federal livestock transportation regulations.
The new rules came into effect in February and began with a two-year grace period during which the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said it would focus on education rather than hard enforcement.
AFAC works with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to deliver a webinar series on the updated humane transport regulations.
Multi-stakeholder partnership brings livestock transport regs to producers
Aug 25, 2020
Calgary, ALBERTA — A presentation from this spring’s Livestock Care Conference (LCC) has led to a new webinar series, to be offered by Alberta Farm Animal Care with technical expertise provided by the CFIA.
During our LCC in March, Nancy Simmons, a CFIA Meat Hygiene Inspector with a focus on humane transport, made a presentation on some of the key changes to transport regulations that will impact all livestock transportation in Canada. “The questions afterwards highlighted the great demand producers have for this information,” says Annemarie Pedersen, AFAC Executive Director.
They both saw the opportunity. A lot of information is specific to certain livestock sectors. “There are differences even between dairy and beef cattle for example. So why not provide specific sessions focused on each species separately? These AFAC webinars allow us to work with the industry directly and reach the producers and others involved in livestock transportation,” says Simmons.
“The series will include a CFIA presentation on the updated regulations and an extensive questions and answer period. We want to hear from the people who have to deliver on these changes and have a real discussion,” says Pedersen.
The first two sessions have been scheduled:
- Wednesday, September 9th in partnership with Alberta Pork
- Tuesday, September 22nd in partnership with Alberta Beef Producers
Other sessions are in the planning stages and will be announced as they are confirmed. Although the Alberta associations are collaborating on this series, it will be relevant and open to producers and stakeholders across the country. “Registration for this virtual webinar is free and we are very grateful for our provincial partners and the support of the CFIA for helping make this series a reality. We hope we will see producers from across Canada join as well. These rules and changes are the same for everyone,” says Pedersen.
More information and registration is available at https://www.afac.ab.ca/programs-and-events/events/
By Dr. Melissa Moggy
Recently, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry reviewed and amended the Meat Inspection Regulation. Some amendments were focused on enabling innovation and change by removing red tape, improving clarity, and changing to a more outcome-based regulation. What that means is that the regulation now specifies a desired outcome that must be met, rather than giving instructions on how that outcome is reached.
The Meat Inspection Regulation also includes updated definitions on meat by-products and inedibles, categories of salvage, and directions on collecting, handling, storing, shipping, and labelling different categories of salvage. These changes will help abattoirs to salvage more meat by-products, improve access to specialty ethnic markets, and increase access to animal food. However, these products cannot enter the food chain if they are not inspected but may be used by the owner of the animal.
There is also a new license under the Meat Inspection Regulation. The Uninspected Slaughter Operation Licence is for anyone who owns land where on-farm slaughter occurs. This licence allows producers to sell a live animal to a customer and offer on-farm slaughter and processing services to the customer. Again, the meat is uninspected and is not for sale, but is for the consumption of the customer, who is the owner of the animal.
The final thing to change in the Meat Inspection Regulation is the future allowance of Meat and Dairy Inspection Section inspectors to perform video ante-mortems. This change will be finalized after the government has completed its research on video ante-mortem inspections. It will allow inspectors to perform their ante-mortem inspection, which is needed to sell the meat, from a real-time ante-mortem video of the animal prior to slaughter. This is ideal for animals that are unfit for transport, in emergency situations, or as approved by the Director. The carcass of the animal must be transported to a licensed abattoir within two hours to complete the slaughter process and to complete a post-mortem inspection. The inspected meat can then be sold for public consumption.
Please see the factsheets below for more information: