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Oilseeds finding high-value fit in feeder cattle rationsApril 11, 2005: Cattle feeders can have a first hand look this spring at the economic and environmental value of including prairie-grown oilseeds in feeder cattle finishing rations. More than 1,400 head of steers are on feed in Saskatchewan and Alberta feedlots in a project demonstrating how sunflower, flax and canola seed can play a greater role in rations to improve the performance of beef cattle, improve meat quality characteristics and also reduce methane gas production by cattle. Field days are being planned at the Pound-Maker Agventures feedlot at Lanigan, Saskatchewan and Claresholm Custom Feeders, south of Calgary. "Using more edible oil crops in feedlot rations not only benefits beef production, but also can increase market opportunities for oilseed producers,” says Vern Racz, director of the Prairie Feed Resource Centre (PFRC) at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. “It has to make economic sense to the feeder, but there are some years when due to frost or poor growing conditions, the oilseed doesn’t make the grade for human food consumption, but makes excellent livestock feed." The edible oilseed project shows the Canadian beef industry is committed to doing its part to help with reduction of greenhouse gas emissions," says Racz. "The industry, working through the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, is looking at ways to economically produce beef products with superior health benefits, while at the same time, ensuring environmental sustainability. Research shows rations with higher oil content significantly reduce production of methane, a greenhouse gas produced in the rumen of cattle." For more details on the test kits visit the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association website at www.cattle.ca. Protecting the rise of the mighty oatApril 11, 2005: Oat production in Manitoba and Saskatchewan has increased markedly, rising from just over 800,000 tonnes in the five-year period 1988-1992 to over 2,200,000 tonnes from 1998-2002. "This has been a good news story because the crop has provided an attractive, alternative choice for producers to gain often-higher returns," says Dr. Andy Tekauz, pathologist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Winnipeg. "But just the fact that oat is so prominent now in the high FHB risk zone makes it a much more exposed target." Tekauz and colleagues are working on a new project to boost genetic FHB resistance in oat varieties. More information in Western Grains Research Magazine. Bolder than bold?April 11, 2005: Exceptional straw strength is a key highlight of the latest new barley to emerge from Dr. Brian Rossnagel’s breeding program at the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre. The line "TR03373" was recommended for variety registration and is expected to get the official stamp of approval later this year. Rossnagel says the line has even stronger straw than CDC Bold and would become the strongest barley variety registered. "TR03373 has good adaptability across Western Canada. It has demonstrated top yield potential with excellent straw strength and good physical grain quality." More information in Western Grains Research Magazine. Reprintable with permission. Reproduction of this article - in whole or in part, in print or electronic - requires direct permission from Meristem Information Resources, Ltd. Contact Meristem directly to request reprint permission. |
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Livestock industry tackles new era in animal welfare 