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        Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The primary objective of backgrounding is to provide optimal growth and development of the muscle and frame of the calf, while avoiding excess fat deposition.

Beef backgrounding facilities are used to grow calves(400-600 pounds) until they are ready to be put on a finishing ration in the feedlot (800-900 pounds).
This factsheet provides information to help livestock producers select the most efficient beef cattle feeding system for their operation. However, not all systems are described.

Handling facilities are an essential part of any cattle operation. Well-built, functional facilities contribute much to easy, safe and rapid handling of cattle.

This publication discusses components and alternatives to be considered when establishing a beef cattle facility.

A weekly update of what is happening in the Saskatchewan beef markets.

The Canada Plan Service is a co-operative provincial network of agricultural engineers, design draftspersons and livestock specialists. It is concerned with the planning, design and construction of modern farm buildings to serve the needs of Canadian agriculture. The Service gathers ideas from across the country and develops these as engineered construction and management recommendations. This makes the latest building technologies and farmstead management practices available to all Canadian farmers

A severe frost during the growing season, or wet, humid weather during harvest can result in an abundance of crops unfit for human consumption.

This bulletin is intended to provide ideas, suggestions and alternatives which you may incorporate in your livestock operation to get you through a feed shortage and to plan for the next one.

Estimates the time, machinery and material requirements to build a fence.

Animals have specific requirements for minerals. These requirements are based on the type, weight and age, as well as the rate of performance (weight gain, level of milk production, pregnancy, etc.) expected of the animal.

Death of animals is a normal occurrence and represents a loss to the operator. Even the best livestock producers will have losses between two and three per cent, but higher rates can occur. There are several options for managing livestock mortalities.

(Alfalfa Dehy, Suncure, Grain Screening Pellets, Canola Meal and Pellets)

Can green flax be used for livestock feed? What is prussic acid and how is it formed in green flax? What levels of prussic acid are toxic to livestock? What are the symptoms of prussic acid poisoning? Can harvest and feeding management influence prussic acid levels? Are nitrate levels a concern in feeding flax straw?

Feed value is an important factor when buying or selling hay. Buyers and sellers require an accurate and effective way of communicating the quality of hay using a method that best describes the feed value to livestock.

Trace minerals are essential to maintain animal health, production and reproduction, but are required in trace or minute amounts.

Any time you can get your cows to feed themselves (winter range, swath grazing, crop aftermath, etc.), it reduces winter feeding costs and improves your bottom line. 



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