livestock feeding Archives

Hustler’s Series 2 Combi RX2 Multi-Feeder wagons include a number of design updates over the original models and are available in 14- and 17-tonne capacities.

Hustler updates its Combi Multi-feeder wagons

The new Series 2 models incorporate changes from customer feedback

By Scott Garvey June 20, 2024

New Zealand-based Hustler Equipment has introduced its Series 2 updated line of Combi RX2 Multi-Feeder wagons. Since introducing the first series in 2019, the company says it has taken user feedback to heart and made several asked-for changes fine-tuning the design. “The RX2 is our latest series,” Hustler’s country manager for North America, Lance Paskewitz, […] Read more

A new model of the trailer-style Hustler bale processor on display at the 2023 Ag In Motion Show. The processor comes in various sizes from single bale up to six and eight bale capacity. The single bale processor can attach to the tractor with a patented snap-lock system as well as trailer style.

Cattleman’s Corner, Equipment, Hay

Gentle hay handling does make a difference

Feed, and feed value, can be lost with flail-type bale shredders

By Lee Hart November 28, 2023

Jonathan Karsin figures a Hustler bale unroller has easily paid for itself by more efficient use of hay. Karsin is one of the principals of Karsin Farms Simmentals at Newton, about 20 km southeast of Portage la Prairie, Man. He says they have been able to save at least one large round bale per head […] Read more

Canola meal, the byproduct of oil extraction from the popular prairie oilseed, is now a good fit in Canadian dairy cow diets.

Dairy Cattle, Livestock, The Dairy Corner

Canola meal makes milk on Canadian dairy farms

Dairy Corner: It’s readily available and priced better than some other proteins

By Peter Vitti November 24, 2023

If there is anything that defines a truly Canadian crop, it’s canola. Much of its intense breeding work started in the mid-60s by Drs. Downey and Stefansson. By the late 1970s, they successfully eliminated high levels of anti-nutritional components from rapeseed oil and turned it into a valuable food for humans. Likewise, canola meal, a […] Read more

After a summer of pretty good grass, this cow has a body condition score in the five to six range indicating she's heading into winter in pretty good shape.

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Start planning a proper winter ration now for your cattle

Feed requirements are fairly low in fall, but it's not the time cut corners on nutrition

By Peter Vitti October 19, 2023

After spring calves are weaned, early-gestation beef cows require the lowest amount of nutrients compared to the rest of the year. Some see this as a sign to save money by putting them on low-quality pastures or other poor feeds. Rather, it should be seen as a springboard to map out a good winter-feeding plan, […] Read more

Creep feeding is a good way to bridge this nutritional gap.

Columns, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Creep feeding shows a profit in 2023

It may be well worth your while to get an extra 60 pounds of gain on this year’s calves

By Peter Vitti July 4, 2023

Spring on the Prairies is a great time, because the snow has disappeared and pastures are turning green. Whenever I drive past the occasional drylot, I see a lot of beef cows waiting to be released on pasture. It reminds me that with record cattle prices on the board, it might be a time to […] Read more

One producer uses this automatic robot feed-pusher to keep feed in front of his dairy cows. It is is programmed to move along the feed-bunk, where it then augers newly dumped feed, remixes it and pushes it up, every 2 1⁄2 hours.

Cattleman’s Corner, Dairy Cattle, Livestock

Dairy cattle can be picky eaters

Dairy Corner: Keep a properly mixed ration ‘pushed up’ in front of the cows throughout the day

By Peter Vitti April 19, 2023

As a dairy nutritionist, I often bag a TMR sample from the feed bunk and then later Koster-test its moisture, which should be about 50 per cent. I also do a shaker box test with a three-screen Penn State Particle Separator. I like to see 15-20 per cent long-stem particles in the top-screen, 35-40 per […] Read more

For optimum rebreeding performance cows need a proper body condition score and also a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals. When comparing "vit-min" products be sure to read the label for feeding level. The feeding rate of loose mineral or mixed into the beef cows’ diet is between 100 – 300 grams, per head, daily.

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

A balanced mineral-vitamin program is a good investment

The key is to be raising healthy animals in good condition and ready for breeding

By Peter Vitti April 18, 2023

Spring is a good time to review your cow herd’s mineral-vitamin program, as nursing cows (and bulls) should be in good mineral and vitamin status that drive a solid return to active reproduction by the breeding season. In order to do so, beef producers often collect and review several commercial feed labels. Most list the […] Read more

Fortunately, a cow herd can acclimatize to cold weather but their feed intake will increase in order to stay warm.

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Increase in open cows blamed on poor diet

Start with a decent body condition after summer grazing and keep it maintained through to calving

By Peter Vitti January 5, 2023

Many beef producers this fall confirmed a surprising number of open cows after they brought them home. I speculate that not enough feed last winter, a record-breaking cold winter and a wet spring failed to prepare many beef cow herds for good conception rates. Fortunately, most producers now have good feed inventory, which I am […] Read more

Dairy producers need to ensure that rations include adequate zinc levels as it performs so many different functions in dairy cows, in so many different ways.

Cattleman’s Corner

Don’t overlook zinc in a well-balanced dairy cattle diet

It’s a mineral that plays an important role in so many aspects of livestock production and growth

By Peter Vitti April 22, 2022

Zinc is one of about a dozen trace minerals essential to the good life and productivity of dairy cattle. Yet unlike some of the other essential trace minerals, zinc is not easily forgotten in a well-balanced dairy diet because it performs so many different functions in dairy cows, and in so many different ways. Much […] Read more

Alberta Crop Report: Higher-than-average yields expected

U.S. livestock: Tight cattle supply helps CME futures rebound from collapse

U.S. grains: Soy futures post weekly loss on expectations for big U.S. crop

GFM Network News