Posts tagged “insights”

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

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