Charolais Connection Fall 2019

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

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contents

The Charolais Connection 124 Shannon Road Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 5B1 Ph. (306) 584-7937 • Fax (306) 546-3942 Home Page: http://www.charolaisbanner.com email: charolaisbanner@gmail.com ISSN 0824-1767 Helge By, Manager/Publisher Candace By, Managing Editor charolaisbanner@gmail.com Cell 306-536-3374 @ByCandace

FALL 2019 • VOL. XXXVI, NO. 3

Susan Penner, Production/Design charolais.susan@sasktel.net Dalyse Robertson, Web Design pdmrobertson@gmail.com

From the Field ..........................................................................................8 Canadian Charolais Association ............................................................14 De L’Association de Charolais Canadien ................................................18 dans nos champs ....................................................................................20 Profile – Fraser & Ellefson Families ........................................................22 Yeast for Your Profitability ....................................................................34 Herd Health ............................................................................................38 The Red Meat Allergy ............................................................................40 Advantages of Crossbreeding ................................................................44

Sarah Wright, Admin Cell (306) 831-6332 charolaisbanner2@gmail.com FIELDMEN: Helge By Res (306) 584-7937 • Cell (306) 536-4261 charolaisbanner@gmail.com @CharolaisBanner Jon Wright Cell (306) 807-8424 charolaisbanner2@gmail.com Robbie Chomik Cell (780) 336-6424 charolaisbanner3@gmail.com

CCYA News ..............................................................................................48 Charolais Success ....................................................................................51 Calendar of Events ..................................................................................60 Index of Advertisers ................................................................................62

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $9.45 per year $25.20 – 3 years (Prices include 5% GST) The Charolais Connection is mailed to over 8,000 cattlemen nationwide. Those cattlemen include all purebred Charolais breeders, buyers of purebred Charolais bulls from the past six years and all subscribers to the Charolais Banner.

No material contained in the Charolais Connection may be reprinted without the permission of the Charolais Banner. The publishers reserve the right to refuse any advertisements.

The material produced in this publication is done so with the highest integrity, however, we assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. We are responsible for only the value of the advertisement.

On the cover…

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Animals in the photographs in the Connection have not been altered by computer enhancement or mechanical methods according to the knowledge of the publisher.

A Charolais bull breeding yearling heifers is becoming a more common sight.

Photo taken at Diamond K Ranch.

Printed by Print West, Regina, Saskatchewan Publications Mail Agreement No. 40047726 Postage paid at Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Photo: Bryce Weiss Design: Susan Penner

Published by the Charolais Banner, Regina, SK (3 times per year - February, March and Fall)

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

Postmaster: Please return undeliverable publications (covers only) to: Charolais Banner, 124 Shannon Road, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 5B1, Canada.

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POINTS TO PONDER

From the Field Helge By

I am writing this at the beginning of September as harvest is well under way in parts of the west and most areas are getting enough feed gathered up. There are still some pockets of inadequate moisture and feed stuffs but, hopefully, there is some available not far away and not at an extremely high price. I have heard of some larger than normal numbers of cows heading to town early because the pasture is finished, and hay is in very tight supply.

In the east, the drought has definitely hit the yields of the corn and soybeans. Having just spent a week across Ontario and Quebec, the wet spring with a dry summer and fall is the reverse of the west with the dry spring and good summer moisture in most areas. In most cases it seems the first cut was good in Ontario, but the second cut is not.

Candace and I attended the World Charolais Technical Conference in Ireland at the beginning of August and the beef producers there are feeling a tight market right now. There are predictions of the beef cow numbers being drastically reduced, while the number of dairy cows increases. Ireland is a major exporter

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of beef to the EU and in particular England. There is uncertainty with Brexit as to what will happen to their biggest beef market. Visiting with cattle producers from around the world, the environmentalists and anti-animal agriculture activists are really a concern.

It seems every day there is another article on why people should eat less meat to help the environment and the people in the beef industry are competing against better funded organizations than ours. That, combined with the vegetable products calling themselves meat, will add some pressures in time if the trend continues. I hope this is a bit of a fad, but who knows.

It is important to be an advocate for your industry. Knowing what to say to tell the beef story in a positive, truthful way has never been more important. There are a number of resources available to assist you, but the Agvocate program through www.agriculturemorethanever.ca is a good place to start. Be informed.

There are people out there trying to speak up, they just need their message carried further. We all have to do our part.

The biggest questions on most producers’ minds right now is what

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

the calf market will be this fall and winter.

The early sales the end of August look promising with the heavy calves bringing nice money. I have seen reports in Alberta of seven weight steers bringing between $1,500 and $1,600 and the six weights $1,300 to $1,400. I hope this can hold as the feeders are buying at a loss right now.

The feeders experienced a tough go, at the expense of the record profits the packing industry had the past couple of years. With the largest supplies for several years, we are at the top of the production number cycle.

Thank goodness the demand for beef has also been increasing on both sides of the border or it would not be very pretty for anyone in the production chain.

I hope your breeding season went well and the number of opens is minimal.

There are a number of female sales this fall. If you are considering buying some purebred females, quality and quantity are available.

I wish you all the best in your marketing this fall and winter and look forward to seeing many of you down the trail.

Until next time, Helge

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FROM THE CANADIAN CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION

Why We Do What We Do CANADIAN CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION 2320, 41st Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6W8 403.250.9242 F 403.291.9324 www.charolais.com @canCharolais www.facebook.com/cdncharolais

PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVES: ALBERTA President: Stephen Cholak, Lamont Secretary: Jocelyn O’Neill, Innisfail SASKATCHEWAN President: Kelly Howe, Moose Jaw Secretary: Saskatchewan Livestock Assoc., Regina MANITOBA President: Jeff Cavers, La Riviere Secretary: Rae Trimble, Portage la Prairie ONTARIO President: Josh Taylor, Dunsford Secretary: Doris Aitken, Mount Forest QUEBEC President: Mathieu Palerme, Gatineau Secretary: Chantal Raymond, Sainte-Eulalie MARITIMES President: Jason Ringuette, Bridgetown, NS Secretary: Nancy Milton, Nine Mile Creek, PEI STAFF: General Manager: Craig Scott Registry: Lois Chivilo Registry/Member Services: Haylea Jones French Membership: Bernard Dore 514-910-4935 • bernarddore@videotron.ca EXECUTIVE: PRESIDENT: MIKE ELDER Box 216, Coronach, SK S0H 0Z0 306.267.5655 C 306.267.7730 mjelder@sasktel.net 1st VICE-PRESIDENT: KASEY PHILLIPS Box 420, Waskatenau, AB T0A 3P0 780.358.2360 C 780.656.6400 kphillips@mcsnet.ca 2nd VICE-PRES: SHAWN AIREY Box 639, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 204.328.7704 C 204.724.8823 htacharolais@hotmail.com PAST PRESIDENT: DARWIN ROSSO 78 325 4th Ave SW, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 5V2 • 306.693.2384 rosso.c@sasktel.net DIRECTORS: ROGER MALONEY 2420 Jermyn Line Indian River, ON K0L 2B0 705.295.6439 C 705.761.7316 malrog64@hotmail.com MATHIEU PALERME 814 Pink Rd., Gatineau, QC J9J 3N2 819.682.2723 C 819.213.3143 matpalerme@yahoo.ca JIM OLSON Box 882, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3C3 204.252.3115 C 204.856.6357 lejcharolais@gmail.com LORNE LAKUSTA Box 37, Andrew, AB T0B 0C0 780.365.2079 C 780.719.0264 spruceviewcharolais@gmail.com RYAN NESBITT 17100 Cedardale Rd, Nestleton, ON L0B 1L0 905.242.2046 ryan@cedardalefarms.ca ROD MCLEOD 293113 Twnshp Rd 263, Rocky View County, AB T4A 0N5 403.540.7986 rodmcl@telus.net

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Craig Scott, General Manager

While attending the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary, I was reminded of the importance of keeping up with science and technology.

The purebred beef associations, along with their members are entrusted with the genetic improvement throughout the beef industry. Purebred stakeholders have responded by spending millions of dollars on genetic research used to advance the beef industry. This has provided us with the very best tools, all of which are useless, if not utilized.

Retail giants such as Costco are demanding that as an industry we improve. Costco is matching their demand with action including progressing prime grading from 1% to 5% within four years.

Some of the technologies utilized to achieve this include: Pre-harvest identification of cattle via genotyping Implementation of new management and feeding protocol Ultrasound verification of grade.

We, as producers, need to be very mindful of what retailers want, and then do everything in our power to produce it.

We have a lot of tools in our toolbox; let’s use them. The advancement of genomic information available, the accuracy of EPDs, plus ultrasound data are some of the most significant tools we have. A lot of this information can be difficult to understand, but most purebred producers have an understanding and not only can, but want to answer your questions and concerns.

These tools are important for the seedstock producer, but equally if not more valuable for the commercial breeders. At the end of the day we are all working together for better beef.

The Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) gives breed associations an avenue to work together, and it is crucial that we continue to work together. One of the projects that is being developed is the Canadian Beef Innovation Network project (CBIN), which is a platform for genetic innovation and technology adoption that leverages data science to advance outcomebased decision-making tools that further Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

enhance sustainable beef production in Canada. CBIN will facilitate research, development, and utilization of innovative genetic improvement technologies for the benefit of all segments of the Canadian beef supply chain from primary production through to consumer. It seems like a mouth full, but the ultimate goal of CBIN is to ensure directed and optimal genetic improvement of the Canadian beef herd.

This will include providing genetic evaluation and performance prediction data points for outcome-based breeding decisions, lead innovative genetic research and technology transfer programs, and enhance data capture and management systems to assist with implementation of processes that will accurately and consistently yield animals specifically designed for targeted retail programs and/or specific performance parameters valued by stakeholders within the beef value chain.

The beef industry is under the public eye specifically various environmental, health and social groups. We as producers, know that we are doing a great job of being stewards of the land and environment, but we might not be doing a good job of telling our story. One of the keynote speakers at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference was Professor Timothy Caulfield, an unrivalled communicator who debunks myths and assumptions about innovations in heath care. Part of Professor Caulfield’s message was that we live in a world of fear and misconceptions, where today’s society is more likely to believe a celebrity’s endorsement over a scientific explanation.

A study was conducted on the 100 most trustworthy people in the US and the top 3 were all Hollywood actors! How do we compete with that? We compete by supporting our Provincial and Federal organizations in the beef business that are doing a great job telling our story and getting the true facts out to consumers about what we do. We need to work with these organizations to give them the tools they need to continue to take our great message forward.

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DE LA CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE

CANADIAN CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION 2320, 41st Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6W8 403.250.9242 F 403.291.9324 www.charolais.com @canCharolais

Pourquoi nous faisons ce que nous faisons Craig Scott, directeur général

www.facebook.com/cdncharolais

PROVINCIAUX REPRÉSENTANTS: ALBERTA Président: Stephen Cholak, Lamont Secrétaire: Jocelyn O’Neill, Innisfail SASKATCHEWAN Président: Kelly Howe, Moose Jaw Secrétaire: Sask. Livestock Assoc., Regina MANITOBA Président: Jeff Cavers, La Riviere Secrétaire: Rae Trimble, Portage la Prairie ONTARIO Président: Josh Taylor, Dunsford Secrétaire: Doris Aitken, Mount Forest QUEBEC Président: Mathieu Palerme, Gatineau Secrétaire: Chantal Raymond, Sainte-Eulalie MARITIMES Président: Jason Ringuette, Bridgetown, NS Secrétaire: Nancy Milton, Nine Mile Creek, PEI PERSONNEL: Directeur général: Craig Scott Registry: Lois Chivilo Registre/Services aux membres: Haylea Jones Composition française: Bernard Dore 514.910.4935 • bernarddore@videotron.ca EXÉCUTIF: PRÉSIDENT: MIKE ELDER Box 216, Coronach, SK S0H 0Z0 306.267.5655 C 306.267.7730 mjelder@sasktel.net 1er VICE- PRÉSIDENT: KASEY PHILLIPS Box 420, Waskatenau, AB T0A 3P0 780.358.2360 C 780.656.6400 kphillips@mcsnet.ca 2e VICE- PRÉSIDENT: SHAWN AIREY Box 639, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 204.328.7704 C 204.724.8823 htacharolais@hotmail.com ANCIEN PRÉSIDENT: DARWIN ROSSO 78 325 4th Ave SW, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 5V2 • 306.693.2384 rosso.c@sasktel.net ADMINISTRATION: ROGER MALONEY 2420 Jermyn Line Indian River, ON K0L 2B0 705.295.6439 C 705.761.7316 malrog64@hotmail.com MATHIEU PALERME 814 Pink Rd., Gatineau, QC J9J 3N2 819.682.2723 C 819.213.3143 matpalerme@yahoo.ca JIM OLSON Box 882, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3C3 204.252.3115 C 204.856.6357 lejcharolais@gmail.com LORNE LAKUSTA Box 37, Andrew, AB T0B 0C0 780.365.2079 C 780.719.0264 spruceviewcharolais@gmail.com RYAN NESBITT 17100 Cedardale Rd, Nestleton, ON L0B 1L0 905.242.2046 ryan@cedardalefarms.ca ROD MCLEOD 293113 Twnshp Rd 263, Rocky View County, AB T4A 0N5 403.540.7986 rodmcl@telus.net

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Pendant que j’étais à la Conférence sur l'industrie canadienne du bœuf à Calgary, que je suis rappelé l'importance de rester à jour avec la science et la technologie. Les associations de race, ainsi que leurs membres, se voient confier l'amélioration génétique pour l'ensemble du cheptel bovin. Les intervenants au niveau pur-sang ont réagi en investissement des millions de dollars envers la recherche pour une génétique qui fera progresser l'industrie du bœuf.

Cela est soutenu par les meilleurs outils, qui sont tous inutiles, s’ils ne sont pas utilisés.

Les géants du commerce de détail comme Costco exigent que, en tant qu'industrie, nous nous améliorions continuellement. Les actions de Costco correspondent à la demande, y compris la progression de la classification Canada Prime de 1% à 5% au cours des quatre prochaines années. Voici quelques exemples de technologies qui peuvent contribuer à atteindre cet objectif : L'identification des bovins par génotypage avant l’abattage Mise en œuvre d'un nouveau protocole de gestion et d'alimentation.

Vérification de la classification par ultrasons En tant que producteurs, nous devons être très conscients de ce que les détaillants veulent, puis faire tout ce qui est en notre pouvoir pour le produire.

Nous avons plusieurs d'outils dans notre coffre; faisons-en sorte de les utiliser!

L'avancement de l'information disponible grâce à la génomique, l'exactitude des EPD, ainsi que les données d'échographie sont quelques exemples d’outils des plus importants que nous avons. Parfois toutes ces données peuvent être difficiles à comprendre, mais la plupart des éleveurs pur-sang les comprennent bien et peuvent répondre à vos questions et préoccupations. Ces outils sont importants pour le secteur pur-sang, mais aussi, sinon plus, pour les éleveurs commerciaux. En fin de compte, nous travaillons tous ensemble pour améliorer le bœuf.

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Le Conseil canadien des races de bœuf (CBBC) donne aux associations de races un moyen de travailler ensemble, et il est crucial que nous continuions à le faire.

L'un des projets en cours d'élaboration est la fondation du Réseau canadien d'innovation du bœuf (CBIN), qui est une plate-forme d'innovation génétique et d'adoption de la technologie qui tire parti de la science des données pour faire progresser les outils décisionnels axés sur les résultats qui améliorent davantage une production de bœuf durable au Canada.

Le CBIN facilitera la recherche, le développement et l'utilisation de technologies novatrices d'amélioration génétique au profit de tous les segments de la chaîne d'approvisionnement du bœuf canadien; de la production primaire jusqu'au consommateur. Ça semble être une grosse bouchée, mais l'objectif ultime de CBIN est d'assurer une amélioration génétique dirigée et optimale pour le cheptel de bœuf canadien. Il s'agira notamment de fournir des points de données d'évaluation génétique et de prévision du rendement pour les décisions de sélection axées sur les résultats, de diriger des programmes novateurs de recherche génétique et de transfert de technologie, et d'améliorer les systèmes de saisie et de gestion des données pour aider à la mise en œuvre de processus qui donneront avec précision et constance des animaux spécialement conçus pour des programmes de vente au détail ciblés et/ou des paramètres de rendement précis évalués par les intervenants de la chaîne de valeur du bœuf.

L'industrie bovine est sous l'œil du public, en particulier divers groupes environnementaux, de santé et sociaux. Il est bien compris par nous, que nous faisons un excellent travail en tant guardiens de la terre et de l'environnement, mais nous manquons d’habilité à raconter notre histoire. L'un des conférenciers principaux à la Conférence de l'industrie canadienne du bœuf était le professeur Timothy continued on page 20

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POINT A SURVEILLER

Dans nos champs Helge By

En écrivant ces quelques lignes, la saison des récoltes de Septembre est déjà entamée pour l’ouest du pays et le rendement semble être bon. Il y a tout de même certaines régions touchées par un manque d’humidité qui causent un manque de fourrage. Nous espérons que vous serez capable de vous procurer dont ce que vous avez besoin à un prix abordable autour de chez vous. J’ai entendu que le nombre de têtes en direction de l’abattoir est plus élevé qu’à l’habitude pour cette page de notre calendrier. Certains n’ont pas le choix car le champ est complètement rasé et le foin est difficile à trouver.

Dans l’est du pays, la sécheresse a réussi à faire monter le rendement du maïs et du soya. Après avoir passé une semaine entre le Quebec et l’Ontario, on me rapporte un printemps mouillé, suivi par un été sec et le contraire pour l’ouest. Un printemps sec suivi d’une saison estivale assez humide pour la plupart des régions. En général, la première coupe de foin fut très bonne pour l’Ontario et des moins bons résultas pour la deuxième.

Candace et moi ont participé au congrès mondial technique Charolais qui a eu lieu en Irlande au début du mois d’août. Les producteurs sentent un marché très serré. On prévoit une réduction drastique de bovins de boucherie mais une hausse de bovins laitiers. L’Irlande représente un

exportateur important de boeuf parmi l’union européenne, en particulier l’Angleterre. Avec l’annonce du retrait de possible de l’accord Brexit, ceci vient déstabiliser les marchés de boeuf. En visite auprès des producteurs de boeuf, nous retrouvons une inquiétude à propos des groupes d’activisme et environnementaliste contre la production animale qui menacent leur savoir vivre.

Il semble qu’à chaque jour, nous remarquons un nouvel article qui vante les bienfaits d’une alimentation contenant moins de viande. Ce choix, proposent-ils, serait bénéfique pour l’environnement. N’oublions pas que l’industrie du boeuf compétitionne contre des organismes mieux subventionnés que la nôtre. Cette opinion, ajoutée au nouveaux produits végétaliens qui s’identifient comme des produits de viande, vient ajouter une certaine pression si la tendance se maintien. Espérons que cette mode sera de courte durée.

Il est important de rester des partisans de notre industrie. Trouver les bons mots pour décrire l’élevage de notre boeuf dans un format positif et honnête est clé et n’a jamais été aussi important. Il y a plusieurs ressources à votre disposition mais je vous suggère de consulter le site www.agricultureplusquejamais.ca pour vous aider. Soyez informé. Il y a des gens qui essaient de prendre la parole et qui ont besoin de votre aide pour répandre leur message. C’est à

nous de faire notre part.

La plus grosse incertitude, en ce moment, est le prix des veaux d’embouches pour cette automne et hiver. Les ventes hâtives d’août promettent avec des plus gros veaux qui ont été payants. Dans un rapport de vente de l’Alberta, des bouvillons ont rapportés entre $1500 et $1600 dans la force des prix et entre $1300 et $1400 pour la moyenne. On espère que le marché se maintiendra pour les parcs d’engraissement car ils achètent à perte en ce moment. Les parcs d’engraissement ont souffert, au dépend des profits record enregistrés par les compagnies d’emballage et de distribution. Nous avons atteint un nouveau record d’approvisionnement depuis plusieurs années, nous sommes au sommet de la production.

Heureusement que la demande pour le boeuf est en croissance des deux côtés de la frontière. Si cela n’était pas le cas, il y aurait un bris certain dans la chaîne de production.

J’espère que les gestations se portent bien et que les pertes sont minimes.

Plusieurs femelles pur sang seront offertes cette automne à différentes ventes pour ceux qui souhaite ajouter de la qualité à leur troupeau.

Je vous souhaite du succès lors de votre marketing et j’espère vous croiser d’ici peu. À la prochaine, Helge

DE LA CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE, SUITE DE LA PAGE 18

Caulfield, un communicateur inégalé qui démystifie les mythes et les hypothèses sur les innovations en matière de soins de santé. Une partie du message du professeur Caulfield était que nous vivons dans un monde de peur et d'idées fausses, où la société d'aujourd'hui est plus susceptible de croire l'approbation 20

d'une célébrité sur une explication scientifique. Une étude a été menée sur les 100 personnes les plus dignes de confiance aux États-Unis et le top 3 étaient tous des acteurs d'Hollywood!

Comment pouvons-nous rivaliser avec cela? Nous appuyons nos organisations provinciales et fédérales dans le secteur du bœuf qui font un Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

excellent travail en racontant notre histoire et en faisant connaître les vrais faits aux consommateurs au sujet de ce que nous faisons. Nous devons travailler avec ces organisations pour leur donner les outils dont elles ont besoin pour continuer à faire passer notre excellent message.

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4-H banners of steers the Frasers and Ellefsons have purchased hang with pride in the entrance of the Ellefson home

they are going to ranch. For as long as they are running commercial cows and are being paid by the pound for 32

their calf crop, they will continue to use and benefit from Charolais bulls in their programs. As a family, they Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

are going to keep ranching and showing the fourth generation how to appreciate the ranching way of life.

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NEWS

Yeast Doesn’t Just Make Your Bread Rise‌ but Also Your Profitability!

M.S. Williams and Dr. K.M. Wood

This article was originally published in OMAFRA Virtual Beef Newsletter (April 2019) http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/beef/news.html Background Maintaining gut health is an important part of ensuring feedlot health, good animal performance, and efficient feed conversion. Metabolic disorders like ruminal acidosis and associated secondary disorders like liver abscesses and laminitis not only decrease feedlot performance, but also can impact carcass value and net economic returns.

Research suggests that the period of highest risk of ruminal acidosis for feedlot cattle occurs in the second half of finishing period. In-feed antibiotics have historically been a method to improve these outcomes. However, new Canadian legislation effective December 1st, 2018 has resulted in changes to the access of antimicrobials used for controlling disease in animal production and improving feed efficiency, many of which are now under veterinary prescription. In addition, consumer preference for antibiotic-free products will continue to push research in the sector of alternative 'natural' feed additives. Direct-fed microbials like Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) have been extensively studied as a natural feed additive and have shown promise as an antibiotic alternative to reduce risks of animal health disorders, such as ruminal acidosis in dairy cattle. The effectiveness of direct-fed microbials at an increased dose rate to reduce digestive upsets and improve animal health is not well established for beef feedlot cattle.

The Experiment This experiment aimed to assess the effectiveness of yeast fed at double dose in the late finishing phase on cattle performance and to assess rumen pH, gut health, and carcass characteristics. The yeast in this study is a live active dry Saccharomyces cerevisiae product developed for use in cattle, pig, horse, sheep, and goat feed (Vistacell, AB Vista, Marlborough, UK). The original recommended dose of this product for feedlot cattle is 1.5 grams per head per day which was established based on research in dairy cattle. For this study, 3 grams per head per day of the product was added to the fed ration providing a high dose with a minimum of 60 billion colony forming units (CFU).

Fifty-four steers were split up into 3 pens depending on weight and were randomly assigned to control (CON) groups, which were fed the finishing diet (60% high moisture corn, 20% dried distillers' grains with solubles, and 17% alfalfa haylage), or the yeast (YST) group, which had the same diet with the yeast added.

Measurements Every 28 days, each steer was weighed, blood sampled, and ultra-sounded for backfat and rib fat thickness.

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Additional body weights and blood samples were collected three to five days before slaughter. Feed intake and feeding behaviour were recorded for each animal using individual RFID tags that corresponded to the Figure 1. Reticulo-ruminal assigned Insentec feeder pH probe.

(Insentec B.V., Marknesse, The Netherlands) that recorded each feeding event. Rumen pH was measured using ruminal data loggers, which were set up to record pH every five minutes for three weeks.

Hot carcass weight, grade fat, ribeye area, liver and kidney weights, and liver abscess scores were measured and recorded at the time of slaughter. Afterwards, the entire digestive tract was dissected and rumen samples collected. The rumen was separated, emptied, and lightly rinsed with water and dissected as seen in Figure 1. Once dissected, a specimen of the rumen wall was obtained from the caudoventral sac for histology analysis. The rumen wall was then photographed, and health scored on a scale of 1 to 5 as seen in Figure 2. This scoring system focused on the visual appearance of the rumen papillae, specifically regarding coloration. Healthy papillae are free from pink or light grey to white discoloration and are uniform in colour and physical appearance.

Figure 2. Rumen dissection technique and papillae sampling location. Red dotted line is place of incision for dissection.

Figure 3. Rumen health scores 1 (left), 3 (middle), and 5 (right). continued on page 36

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YEAST DOESN’T JUST MAKE YOUR BREAD RISE… CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

Six to ten papillae removed from the rumen wall were fixed and stained for viewing on a microscope. The outer skin of the rumen papillae is made up of strata layers, responsible for absorbing nutrients while keeping unsafe molecules out of the system. Measurements of each strata layer; corneum, granulosum, spinosum, and basale (seen in Figure 3) were completed for each animal. Sloughing of the outer most layer, the corneum, was scored on a scale of 1 to 5.

Table 1. Feeding behaviour measurements of control and yeast treated steers.

Item

Dietary Treatment CON (n=27) YST (n=24)

Time at feeder, min/d

73

61

Visits to feeder, visits/d

37.4a

27.3b

Time per visit, min/visit

2.20

2.48

Visit size, g DM/visit

330

304

Number of meals, meals/d

10.0

8.8

Time per meal, min/meal

6.3

5.7

Meal sizez, g DM/meal

1227a

946b

Eating rate, g DM/min

221

179

z

Meal is defined as any eating period with breaks no longer than 7 minutes.

Different letters indicate significant differences between groups.

Figure 4. Rumen papillae strata layers.

Image taken at 40X magnification, black line represents 25 μm.

Results Performance results seen in Figure 4 show a 31% decrease in dry matter intake (DMI) for yeast-fed steers, while average daily gain (ADG) and ultrasound measurements were the same between treatment groups.

This translated into improved feed conversion ratios (FCR) for the yeast-fed steers in comparison to the control steers.

Additionally, the individual variation in DMI was less in Figure 5. Performance of control and yeast treated steers.

Different letters indicate significant differences between groups. yeast-fed steers than control steers. This suggests that yeast can reduce daily variation in feed intake, which may help reduce the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis in feedlot cattle.

There were significantly fewer visits to the feeder per day and smaller meal sizes for the yeast-fed steers when compared to the control steers (seen in Table 1). All other feeding behaviour parameters remained the same between treatment groups. No differences were found between the control and yeast-treated steers for rumen pH measurements, carcass traits or rumen papillae strata thickness.

36

Figure 6. Steer 128E using Insentec feeder.

Conclusions & Implications The results of this experiment suggest that added yeast (60B CFU) to the diet in the later finishing period significantly decreased DMI and improved feed efficiency, while having no impact on carcass traits or average daily gain. Although added yeast reduced feed intake variability, there were no statistically significant improvements in rumen pH or rumen health scores. The ability of added yeast to improve feed efficiency while maintaining gains has excellent potential to reduce feed costs to producers without loss in productivity. Given the cost-effectiveness of yeast and the observed improvement in animal efficiency, the addition of yeast to feedlot diets three months before slaughter has the potential to improve feedlot operators' bottom line.

Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from AB Vista, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, K. Wood start-up funds, and the Department of Animal Biosciences.

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

37

HERD HEALTH

Lapses in Vaccination Programs Roy Lewis, DVM

We must, as veterinarians and producers, be constantly reviewing our vaccination protocols to check for lapses in either booster shot administration, missing certain antigens in our vaccines, and new or emerging diseases to which there are vaccines. Cattle being transported into other areas where other diseases are more prevalent have often been the cause of outbreaks to such things, redwater disease or anthrax being two good examples. With more and more pressure to use less antimicrobials, there is a greater need to vaccinate as maximally as possible in non-stressed cattle so the biggest protection against disease challenge is garnered.

Vaccination will not ever be able to prevent everything, but it definitely can get the majority of the population immunized to reduce outbreak situations. Pharmaceutical companies are developing more comprehensive vaccines to keep most vaccine shots down to two or three at the very most.

More and more intranasal vaccines are being developed which can eliminate needling. Intranasal vaccines are becoming more broader spectrum. There are even oral vaccines on the market so producers have a vast repertoire of choices. This can sometimes make it difficult and confusing to make a choice and depending on our management level groups of cattle can get missed. Every time you process cattle one needs to consider if there are any vaccines you are missing or that need a booster.

Are the vaccines stored properly and given properly?

Veterinarians need to be consistent at the clinic level in vaccine suggestions otherwise further confusion ensues. Your herd veterinarian knows your herd the best so depending on past history and disease challenges in the past, recommendations may vary slightly from herd to herd. I like to use the 38

concept of the core vaccines given pretty much across Canada. Other more specific vaccines or time intervals for vaccines will vary depending on when the disease challenge comes and geographically what is unusual is in the specific area.

Are there new advancements and health nutrition and parasite status?

Core vaccines recognized by most veterinarians and producers, I would say are as follows. The five way viral vaccines (IBR, PI3, BRSV, and BVD types one and two). These are given to the calves often along with at least Mannheimia and often Pasteurella as the pneumonia preventing vaccine.

These often come together in one shot.

These vaccines are often given at two to three months of age and again at or ideally before weaning. If producers have pneumonic issues in calves prior to the two to three months, that is where commonly the viral and bacterial intranasal vaccines are given.

The intranasal vaccines are also finding a place on entry to the feedlot where quick immunity is paramount.

Later in the feedlot finishing period many veterinarians recommend boostering with IBR specifically at reimplant time. This helps prevent the severe pneumonias and tracheitis IBR can cause late in the finishing period.

These are examples of where a respiratory protection gap is most commonly noted. The five way viral component is given as a follow up yearly to the mature cattle and heifers ideally before breeding to prevent the reproductive diseases. In some dairy and beef herds especially in the east if pneumonia has been a problem in mature cattle Mannheimia are Pasteurella can be added to the mix.

Histophilus is the other agent causing pneumonia, arthritis, heart and brain issues so it is often combined with the clostridial vaccines in one needle. Some veterinarians have removed it because they weren’t seeing any cases or felt were still seeing brain issues. The fact is the Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

vaccine has worked well for decades and we don’t see cases because we do vaccinate. There are many other causes of brain disease so one must get a proper diagnosis before jumping to conclusions. It is one disease that starts with stress so preconditioning programs are the one way to significantly prevent cases.

Vaccination upon entry to the feedlot is often too late for cases initiated at weaning. This is where reliance on the cow calf producer for giving the priming shots for histophilus BVD and others can avert big problems in the feedlot. With the purebred herds where preimmunization ahead of weaning is a wise decision and weaning as stress free as possible.

Clostridial disease is another that still occurs in outbreak form in unvaccinated cattle or some of the multivalent vaccines lack tetanus, clostridium hemolyticum (redwater) or clostridium sordelli. Lots has been written about clostridial disease so I will say nothing more. There is no excuse for not using this vaccine. If you are worried about lumps, which rarely happen, vaccinate show cattle on the non-show side (left ) and you can even hide the vaccine behind the elbow. They are more sensitive here but it gives you an option. Lumps are a little more common with the clostridial vaccines.

One must carefully follow which vaccine is given for scours as time before calving is critical and with some protection wanes after about 90 days, so later calving cows may need to be given a booster vaccine. I think it is imperative, that the larger herds get vaccinated especially. If we can prevent that first case of scours from developing we avoid contamination of the calving grounds and an outbreak.

Remember the other species on your farms and ranches. The good working dogs and barn cats all have preventable diseases of which there is a vaccination. This includes continued on page 42

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

39

RESEARCH

The Red Meat Allergy: A Canadian Perspective www.beefresearch.ca This article was written by Shaun Dergousoff, PhD, a research scientist at AAFC Lethbridge focused on tick populations and arthropod vectors of livestock disease.

Recently, a connection between the bite of the lone star tick and allergies to red meat products was established.

The “red meat allergy” is often framed as an emerging and alarming public health issue. Although the allergy symptoms can be severe, the incidence is relatively low, even throughout the southeastern United States where the lone star tick is well established (meaning a presence of reproducing populations).

The red meat allergy was first identified in Australia with several hundred cases diagnosed since 1985, and was recognized in thousands of people in the southeastern United States over the last couple decades.

This allergy also occurs in people from several other countries around the world. Based on reported cases, it appears that allergy to red meat in the USA is about as common as allergy to peanuts, occurring in only 0.1% of the population. Those who are affected can have very serious and even lifethreatening anaphylactic reactions after eating red meat products.

The source of the red meat allergy was a mystery until 2007 when doctors realized that a large proportion of the people that were diagnosed also reported tick bites weeks or months prior to experiencing symptoms.

When a tick attaches to a person or animal (“host”), it will feed on blood 40

for several days if not removed.

During this time it injects saliva directly into the host’s bloodstream.

Ticks have a few tricks up their sleeves and some of the salivary compounds act as an anaesthetic so the host cannot feel the tick bite.

Other compounds injected by the tick alter the host’s immune response.

Susceptible people produce antibodies to carbohydrates (sugars) in the tick’s saliva that are different than the types of carbohydrates found our bodies.

One to three months after being exposed to the tick, the host’s primed immune system can produce antibodies to a similar carbohydrate called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, more commonly called alpha-gal, which is found in cells of non-primate mammals. The production of antibodies to alpha-gal can lead to allergic reactions in people (“alpha-gal syndrome”).

The allergic reaction occurs 2 to 10 hours after eating red meat (beef, pork, and lamb, but not chicken or fish), or other animal products, such as gelatin and milk. This is generally much longer delay than most allergic reactions, which are typically more immediate. Symptoms can be relatively mild with hives and swelling but can also end up as a severe anaphylactic reaction that requires a shot of epinephrine. To confirm that the allergy is to red meat, doctors use a test that detects antibodies to alpha-gal. For some people, the reaction can become less severe or even be eliminated over time if they prevent further exposure to tick bites.

Almost all cases of alpha-gal syndrome in the USA occur in areas where the lone star tick is present.

None of the tick species that are currently established in Canada appear to cause the allergy.

The increase in the number of red meat allergy cases, which spurred the Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

recent media reports, may be partly due to changes in lone star tick populations. In some regions the ticks are becoming more abundant. They are also spreading into new areas, with increasing reports of individual ticks and established populations the in northeastern states, including Michigan, Minnesota and New York.

So, it’s likely that the tick will continue to move northward, but this would be limited by the availability of suitable habitat for tick development and survival. A recent study1 predicts that the most southern parts of Ontario and Nova Scotia may have suitable habitat to support lone star tick populations in the next few decades.

It is important to also be aware of the lone star tick because it actively seeks out hosts and can also transmit a long list of human and animal pathogens, including those that cause serious diseases, such as Heartland virus disease, Bourbon virus disease, southern tick-associated rash illness, ehrlichiosis, rickettsiosis, tularemia, and theileriosis. Fortunately, these pathogens are relatively rare and the bacteria that causes Lyme disease cannot be transmitted by the lone star tick.

Several provincial and national surveillance programs are monitoring the presence of ticks in Canada. Lone star ticks are generally collected in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and more commonly in Ontario; the majority are from people or dogs that spent time in areas of the USA where this tick normally occurs.

Occasionally, single lone star ticks are collected directly from the vegetation, or from animals or people. These ticks most likely hitched a ride on migrating birds and fell off a few days after attaching.

There still is no evidence that the lone star tick has become established continued on page 50

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

41

HERD HEALTH, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

distemper, parvo and rabies for dogs among others. Distemper and rabies for cats as well as influenza, rhino, and tetanus as well as a few neurological diseases for horses.

Again, your herd veterinarian can best advise what vaccines to use for all these other species on your farm.

Different areas of the country may have other vaccinations necessary such as leptospirosis, vibriosis, anthrax and rabies for livestock in some areas. Certain herds may need to vaccinate for pinkeye, footrot or

corona virus depending on risk levels.

We are fortunate in Canada to be free of diseases like brucellosis or foot and mouth where vaccines are available, but because we are free are unnecessary or not allowed.

Again no vaccines are 100% but clostridials are close and with other vaccines herd immunity is considered when we get 80% protectivity. Many things confound the ability of vaccination to give good immunity.

That subject has been written about many a time but we always want to

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Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

look after nutrition, parasites, minimize stress, plus store, handle and administer vaccines properly to maximize protection. Always ask about new developments or ways to increase immunity in the herd.

Pharma companies are always adding new vaccine antigens to make your life easier. Together good vaccination strategies will go along ways to minimize these preventable diseases on our cow calf, feedlot and purebred operations.

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

43

MANAGEMENT

Advantages of Crossbreeding Heather Smith Thomas

Many commercial stockmen take advantage of heterosis (hybrid vigor) by crossbreeding. Research in the early 1900s demonstrated the benefits, which include breed complementation (combining some of the desired traits from 2 or more breeds, to gain characteristics that were lacking in one of the parent breeds) and heterosis. With careful crossbreeding you can add traits you want from a different breed, and overcome some of the weaknesses of each breed, producing animals that exhibit more of the desired qualities and less of the weaknesses. The crossbred animal will benefit from heterosis—the performance advantage that enables the crossbred to exceed expectations of the parent breeds. Heterosis beneficially influences many traits that are important for increased beef production, including fertility and reproduction, calf survival (hardier calves), maternal ability, growth rate of young animals, efficiency and longevity.

The crossbred animal has several advantages, especially in traits important to the commercial cattleman. These include increased fertility, longevity, feed efficiency and disease resistance—which are all part of the phenomenon we call hybrid vigor.

Research studies have reported up to 25% improvement in pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed to a bull, when crossbred cows produce crossbred calves. Crossbred calves demonstrate increased weaning weights and yearling weights when compared with the average of the parent breeds.

Maternal heterosis, seen in the crossbred cow, increases her performance and that of her calves.

She reaches puberty earlier, rebreeds quicker after calving, has greater survival rate in her calves, stays in the herd longer, and produces more 44

pounds of calf during her lifetime.

Buddy Westphal, a Charolais breeder (Valley View Charolais Ranch, near Polson, Montana), has been intensely interested in cattle genetics for a long time. “It’s amazing to me that more ranchers haven’t taken advantage of hybrid vigor. When I was in college 50 years ago, that was the ‘new’ thing. In fact, this is what got me into the Charolais business.

Research studies have reported up to 25% improvement in pounds of calf weaned per cow…

My genetics teacher talked about hybrid vigor and stated that the Charolais cattle being imported from France in the mid 1960s would be the breed that would most compliment the British breeds for crossing,” says Westphal.

“The key to hybrid vigor is that it maximizes traits; it’s the increase in growth and carcass yield over what the parents can produce. The more

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

unrelated the parents, the more kick you get from hybrid vigor. The European cattle brought into North America during the 1960s were totally unrelated to the British breeds already here,” he says.

Westphal is still convinced that the Charolais has the most potential for crossing because so many breeders of other European breeds have changed their animals.

Limousin, Simmental, Chianina, Gelbvieh, and many others are now black—becoming more of a composite animal. Many breeders have infused Angus into these breeds to make them black, so these animals are no longer straight bred and are not as unrelated to the British breeds as they once were. “They won’t give you as much kick with hybrid vigor if you use those ‘black’ versions for crossing with British breeds.”

Many people do not understand that the composites becoming so popular already have their “kick” from crossing, and will pass on a lower percent of hybrid vigor. “They are not as unrelated as crossing an animal of one breed with an animal of a different breed,” he says. With composite cattle you get some desirable traits, blended from 2 or

more breeds, but you can’t get as much hybrid vigor when you breed animals within that composite group.

If you want to maximize hybrid vigor and the advantages of crossing, you need a complete outcross.

weaning weight.

The second cross (breeding back to Charolais) would also be better than a straightbred, but only give you about 75 more pounds rather than doubling the 50 extra pounds, because you

…you could increase the pelvic measurement by 30 square centimeters–from 235 to 265 – with crossbred heifers.

“One of my classmates, Larry Rice, invented the Rice Pelvimeter, to measure cows’ pelvic area. One of the things we learned about crossbred cattle was that you could increase the pelvic measurement by 30 square centimeters—from 235 to 265–with crossbred heifers. It didn’t matter if you were using Hereford bulls on black cows, or using a Charolais bull, the daughters gained that extra pelvic measurement,” he explains.

“We found that these F1 females were great mothers. It was also a big plus to take a black baldie cow (resulting from a Hereford-Angus mating) and breed her to a Charolais bull. The crossbred cow had hydrid vigor and then the outcross to the Charolais (creating a 3-way cross) would give you maximum heterosis in those calves.”

When he first got into the Charolais business in 1969, the Charolais association had a breeding up process, where breeders could produce a half bred, then a ¾ cross, 7/8 and so on. “We found that the first cross would gain 50 pounds more in

weren’t getting as much hybrid vigor,” says Westphal.

The crossbred female has some great advantages, however, no matter what breed bull she is bred to (one of the parent breeds or another outcross) because she has increased fertility and longevity. She will stay in the herd longer than a straightbred cow.

Conformationally, crossbred animals tend to have more structural strength. “Some of the longevity comes from the fact that the crossbred cow often has a more solid udder that doesn’t break down as readily.

Especially when using Charolais genetics in crossing, the crossbred animals have bigger foot size and their feet stay sound longer. You generally don’t need to worry about trimming feet or having sore-footed cattle,” he says.

Crossbred calves tend to be stronger and more vigorous. They get right up and nurse soon after birth.

The health of the calves is better than that of straightbred animals in similar conditions. The crossbred animal has a stronger immune system, regaining

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

whatever was lost through the many generations of inbreeding and linebreeding that occurs in any “breed” with a limited gene pool.

Inbreeding and linebreeding are tools used by breeders to “fix” certain traits and make a breed consistent and dependable in certain traits (to always breed true), but it also limits genetic potential.

“The characteristic of greater health and immunity makes a big difference in number of calves weaned. You also gain in growth (increase in weaning weights), so it’s a definite plus,” says Westphal. There’s a huge advantage, in that first generation, and also in the next (using crossbred cows). Over the lifetime of a crossbred cow, for instance, you can figure that she’ll wean off more pounds of calves than a straightbred cow. This is maximized if you breed her to a third breed, but even if you don’t, she’ll still produce more pounds of calves than the average straightbred cow.

“With crossbred cattle, performance in the feedlot is also much better than average. When you are buying corn today, feed efficiency in the cattle is much more important than quality grade. Some breeds are better than others in feedlot performance.

My Charolais cattle will use about 5 pounds of feed for a pound of gain.

It’s common for some cattle to use another 50 percent more feed. This is a huge factor in whether or not the cattle show a profit in the feedlot,” he says.

“Because of this, feed-efficient crossbred calves are bringing more money when sold to the feeder. We saw this recently when one of my

45

customers sold his calves, not even pre-weaned, and the price spread between the steers and heifers was only $1.50.

This is because the Charolais cross heifers will put on a very efficient gain in the feedlot, performing closer to what steers will do. This is a huge factor, especially when you see other cattle that are not crossbred selling with a 5 to 8 cent spread between steers and heifers,” he explains.

“Hybrid vigor makes the crossbred calves worth more because of their feed efficiency. We started seeing this efficiency in trials at the Miles City (Montana) and Clay Center (Nebraska) research stations many years ago and there is lots of data that shows this factor, but many cattlemen didn’t pay attention,” he says. There’s been a long-time myth that a purebred or straightbred animal was always the best. You didn’t want to produce ugly “mongrels”.

“One of the advantages of using Charolais genetics in crossing, is their identity. I am so glad that this breed never went away from white color genes because you can always tell a Charolais cross calf.” It doesn’t matter what color the other breed is, the crossbred Charolais calves are a smoky or buff/tan color. The buyer knows he’s getting a crossbred that’s

part Charolais, and knows it will do well in the feedlot, producing higheryielding carcasses.

“We’ve known for a long time that by having the parents as unrelated as possible, you gain more advantages in the calf. Yet the industry didn’t follow the advice of our genetics teachers and reproductive physiology teachers.

I was fortunate when I attended

Crossbred calves tend to be stronger and more vigorous.

Colorado State University to have Dr. Sutherland, Dr. Wiltbanks, and other leaders in the field, showing us what we could do with the new breeds and the crossbreeding. The research we were doing in the late 1960s, measuring pelvic area and feed efficiency, and realizing crossbreeding was better, was enlightening. It didn’t matter the cross—you could use a Longhorn bull on a Jersey cow and still gain hybrid vigor—and the further unrelated they are, the better the hybrid vigor. Using black Simmental or black Limousin on Angus will not give you the same heterosis kick, because there is

already some Angus in those ‘breeds’ now,” he says.

An outcross gives you the most benefit. “Most people are looking for growth when crossbreeding. Part of that benefit is higher percentage of weaned calves (less death loss) as well as higher weaning weights. Hybrid vigor affects health of those calves as well as the growth. Another factor we’ve seen is longevity of the crossbred cows.

You often get a little more milk, and quality of milk, from the crossbred female.”

She is also more fertile, reaching puberty at an early age, and will breed back under harsh conditions, even while producing the extra milk.

By contrast a straightbred highmilking female may come up open under those same harsh conditions. A crossbred cow may stay in better body condition because of her feed efficiency. Even if she does lose weight, she will still be productive at a low body condition score; if you have a bad year due to drought or a harsh winter, crossbred cows tend to handle it better and remain in the herd whereas more of the straightbreds will wash out and come up open or be late calving. “In my herd, I love to see a good soundtraveling teenage cow, still with a continued on page 48

46

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

47

CANADIAN CHAROLAIS YOUTH ASSOCIATION NEWS

2019 Conference a Success Megan Perih, Director

This July, another successful CCYA Conference and Show was held, in Weyburn, Saskatchewan.

The show ran from July 24 to the 27.

We had an excellent turn out with 83 participants, 9 internationals and about 80 head of cattle. To start the conference, on Wednesday each member participated in individual judging and oral reasons. To end the day, all youth members and even the parents took part in our Barn Yard Olympics. This fun and exciting mixer was put on by our National Board Members!

Thursday morning participants where busy with team judging and marketing events. After lunch, our CCYA NATIONAL BOARD charolaisyouth@gmail.com President: Keegan Blehm keegb34@yahoo.ca Vice-President: Reegan McLeod Reeganmc11@gmail.com Treasurer: Tyson Black blackbern@hotmail.com Secretary: Haley Rosso hrosso25@gmail.com

team grooming, and individual marketing competitions took place.

Following this was International Grooming. In the evening, our Keep and Cull activity was held. Five pairs of cattle were brought to the grounds for us to evaluate.

Friday was a busy day of group pictures and our highly competitive Showmanship competitions, International Showmanship and a surprise Alumni Showmanship class.

This was followed by educational seminars. There were three stations; one station was held at Western Prime Meats. Here the kids where able to analyze the carcasses of the steers they judged earlier in the week. The other stations were to educate members about certain health procured to help

cattle and the safety of using social media. At the end of the day, we had our Provincial meetings.

Our final day of the conference started with the AGM and our closing ceremonies. Our Conformation Show then took place. The evening was wrapped up with a banquet, awards presentations and a dance. This was a great way to end our busy week.

Our Conference and Show would not have been possible without everyone’s helps. We would like to send out a huge thank you to all the judges, sponsors, volunteers and parents that make our conference and show possible. We really appreciate all your support! I hope everyone had an amazing time during the “White Out in Weyburn” conference!

Director: Evan Jamieson evanjamieson31@gmail.com Director: Megan Perih perihmegan@yahoo.ca Director: Calina Evans calinae13@gmail.com Director: Bradley Fergus bradleyfergus3@gmail.com

Vice-President: Logan Jamieson Treasurer: Robyn Young Secretary: Evan Jamieson CCYA Provincial Advisors SK: Jill Debenham kidsandcows@sasktel.net ON: Karen Black blackbern@hotmail.com MB: Jeff & Jackie Cavers tobbagirl@yahoo.ca AB: Kasey Phillips | kphillips@mcsnet.ca

2020 CCYA Conference & Show Executive President: Reegan McLeod

Youth Coordinator: Shae-Lynn Evans shaelynnevans03@gmail.com

CROSSBREEDING, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

good udder, still producing a good calf,” says Westphal.

“Hybrid vigor seems to maximize traits like fertility, growth and health.

An example of the stronger immune system is that the calves, like those of my customer who recently sold his calves right off the cow, not preweaned, stay healthier under stressful conditions than do calves from straightbred cows, and buyers know that,” says Westphal.

“His steers weighed 825, and the heifers weighed 775. This is proof of what Charolais cross calves will do,” says Westphal. These calves do well enough that buyers want them (and know that the heifers will gain, grade and yield right along with the steers), 48

and generally are not worrying about whether or not those calves are preweaned before they go to the feedlot.

The crossbred animal is more feed efficient and grows more quickly – and puts the extra growth into muscle, not fat. “The 800 pound weanlings are able to go directly from

the cow into the feedlot, gain 5 pounds per day, and be hanging in the cooler at 365 days of age. This is a great advantage because the younger an animal at slaughter, the more tender the meat,” he says.

It doesn’t matter what color the other breed is, the crossbred Charolais calves are a smoky or buff/tan color. The buyer knows he’s getting a crossbred that’s part Charolais, and knows it will do well in the feedlot, producing higheryielding carcasses.

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

49

THE RED MEAT ALLERGY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

in Canada, and it is only occasionally reported on animals or people. This difference between reported occurrences of a tick and establishment of a population is very important when considering the level of risk to people and how to manage it.

So, what does the “red meat allergy” mean for the Canadian public and beef industry? Currently, the chance of encountering a lone star tick is extremely low. Also, a relatively small proportion of the human population is susceptible to developing an allergy to red meat and few ticks are infected with pathogens. Awareness and tick bite prevention continue to be the most important steps to take in response to ticks while enjoying the great outdoors.

For more information and images of the lone star tick see the Tick Encounter website: www.tickencounter.org/ tick_identification/lone_star_tick For information on prevention of tick (and mosquito) bites, refer to this article from the Canadian Paediatric Society: www.cps.ca/en/documents/ position/preventing-mosquito-and-tick-bites The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has more information on the red meat allergy: acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/ types-foodallergy/meat-allergy References : 1. Raghavan, R. K., A. T. Peterson, M. E. Cobos, R. Ganta, and D. Foley. 2019. Current and Future Distribution of the Lone Star Tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) in North America. PLOS ONE. 14: e0209082.

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Services

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Alberta Breeders

Barry & Lee-Ann Kaiser & family 403.787.2489 Box 209, Hussar, AB T0J 1S0 Barry 403.334.2489 Lee-Ann 403.334.2155 kaiserbarry@gmail.com

Kasey, Arlana, Kord & Peri Phillips Box 420, Waskatenau, AB T0A 3P0

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caught you looking!

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British Columbia Breeders

Manitoba Breeders SADDLERIDGE CHAROLAIS

Ralph Retzlaff 403.793.0794 Leonard Retzlaff 403.501.9333 Rosemary, AB • www.saddleridgecharolais.com

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Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

Ontario Breeders

Kevin, Crystal, Kory & Shaylin Stebeleski P/F 204.234.5425 Cell 204.365.6010 Box 266, Oakburn, MB R0J 1L0 | happyhavencharolais@gmail.com

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Quebec Breeders

Rollin’ Acres Charolais Full French Charolais 598516 2nd Line, Mulmur, ON L9V 0B6 chester.tupling@premierequipment.ca Chester Tupling 519.925.2938 C 705.627.0672

“Breeding the Cattle that Work in Both Rings.”

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Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

Saskatchewan Breeders

Wendall & Leanne Weston Box 206, Maidstone, SK S0M 1M0 • wlweston@sasktel.net

Tel 306.893.4510 • Cell 306.893.7801

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

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IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES IN OUR INDUSTRY

Calendar of Events

USA Breeders

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September 20 Classic Heritage Beef Show, Windsor, NS (A BOSS Show) September 20 Lindsay (ON) Fair Charolais Show (A BOSS Show) September 28 Mack Charolais & DanG Charolais Production Sale, 7:00 p.m., Hoard’s Station, Campbellford, ON October 5 Ranch Ostiguy Charolais Complete Dispersal Sale, 1:00 p.m., at the farm, St-Cesaire, QC October 11-13 Expo Boeuf Charolais Show, Victoriaville, QC (A BOSS Show) October 18 Uppin’ the Ante Charolais Sale, 7:00 p.m., Maple Hill Auction, Hanover, ON October 19 Autumn Prestige Sale, 6:30 p.m., Hoard’s Station, Campbellford, ON October 20 M&L Cattle Company Open House, Beef Day & Female Production Sale.

Lunch & Seminars 12 noon.

Sale 3:00 p.m.

October 25 Ag-Ex Charolais Show, Brandon, MB (A BOSS Show) November 1 Canadian National Charolais Show, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON (A BOSS Show) November 1 Canadian National Charolais Sale, 7:30 p.m., Exhibition Place, Toronto, November 7 Charolais Players Club, 6:00 p.m., at Farmfair International, Edmonton (AB) Northlands Hall B November 8 Farmfair International Charolais Show & Pick of Heifer Calves, 1:00 p.m., Edmonton (AB) Northlands (A BOSS Show) November 9 Atlantic Elite Sale, 1:00 p.m., Atlantic Stock Yards, Truro, NS Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

November 15 Maple Leaf Charolais Complete Female Dispersal Sale, 1:00 p.m., Stettler (AB) Auction Mart November 18 Turnbull & Wrangler Charolais, Sharing Our Genetics Sale, 1:00 p.m., Olds (AB) Cow Palace November 21 Ossim Livestock Complete Charolais Dispersal Sale, 1:00 p.m., Innisfail (AB) Auction Market November 28 Canadian Western Agribition Charolais Sale, 3:30 p.m., Regina, SK November 29 Canadian Western Agribition Charolais Show, 2:00 p.m., Regina, SK (A BOSS Show) December 4 Genetic Edge Sale, 2:00 p.m., Olds (AB) Cow Palace December 6 Sterling Collection Sale, 1:30 p.m., Saskatoon (SK) Livestock Sales December 9 Diamond K Cattle Co. Bred Heifer Sale, 2:00 p.m., at Bircham Ranch, Piapot, SK December 10 No Borders Select Sale, 1:00 p.m., Heartland Livestock, Virden, MB December 12 Alberta Charolais Association Annual Meeting, 4:00 p.m., Red Deer, AB; Western Grounds December 12 ACA Individual Bull Show, 7:00 p.m., Red Deer, AB; Western Grounds December 13 ACA Pen of 3 Bull Show 11:00 a.m., Red Deer, AB; Western Grounds December 13 Alberta Select Sale 1:30 p.m., Red Deer, AB; Western Grounds December 14 Transcon’s ”Working Girls” Charolais Female Sale, 1:00 p.m., Innisfail (AB) Auction Market

December 16 Wilgenbusch Charolais “Volume III” Female Sale, 1:00 p.m., at the ranch, Halbrite, SK December 18 Steppler Farms “A Piece of the Program” Female Sale, 1:00 p.m., at the Steppler Sale Barn, Miami, MB December 20 Char-Maine Ranching “Heart of the White Herd” Female Sale and 15th Annual Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Southern Alberta Livestock Exchange, Fort McLeod, AB December 28 Premier Livestock & Guests Falls View Production Sale, Niagara Falls, ON 2020 February 18 Rawes Ranches 37th Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Strome, AB

March 20 High Bluff Stock Farm Annual Bull Sale, at the farm, Inglish, MB March 21 Pleasant Dawn Charolais 18th annual Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., at the farm, Oak Lake, MB March 23 TRI-N Charolais Farms 5th Annual Bull Sale, on the farm, Lenore, MB March 24 Diamond W Charolais, Red & Black Angus 18th Annual Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Minitonas, MB March 25 HTA Charolais & Guest Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., at the farm, Rivers, MB March 26 Elder Charolais 10th Annual Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., at the farm, Coronach, SK

February 21 Muscle Up at Stephen Charolais & Guests 3rd Annual Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Whitewood (SK) Auction Mart

March 27 McTavish Farms & Guest 9th Annual Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., at the farm, Moosomin, SK

February 22 SanDan Charolais & Springside Farms Bull Sale, at SanDan Farms, Stettler, AB

March 28 Coyote Flats Charolais 5th Annual Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., at the farm, Coaldale, AB

February 22 Myhre Land & Cattle Co./Bar J Charolais Bull Sale (Denbie Ranch & Guests), Ste Rose, MB

April 2 Hunter Charolais 8th Annual Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., at the farm, Roblin, MB

February 26 Beck Farms & McCoy Cattle Co. Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., at the farm, Milestone, SK March 8 Steppler Farms Ltd. 9th Annual Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m. DST, Steppler Sale Barn, Miami, MBN March 9 Palmer Charolais Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., at the farm, Bladworth, SK March 13 CK Sparrow Farms Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., at the farm, Vanscoy, SK

April 6 North of the 49th 17th Annual Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., at Wilgenbusch Charolais, Halbrite, SK April 7 Cedarlea Farms “Git ‘R Done” Bull Sale, at Windy Willows Angus, Hodgeville, SK April 9 Sliding Hill Charolais Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., at the farm, Canora, SK April 18 Brimner Cattle Co. & WRAZ Red Angus, Cornerstone Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., Whitewood (SK) Auction Mart

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LOOKING TO FIND SOMEONE?

Advertisers Index Alberta Charolais Association .....................27 Alta Genetics Inc. .........................................54 Amabec Charolais ...................................31,57 Annuroc Charolais........................................57 B Bar D Charolais..........................................57 Baker Farms ..................................................57 Bar H Charolais .............................................58 Beck Farms...............................................10,58 Be Rich Farms ...............................................55 Blackbern Charolais .....................................57 Bob Charolais ...............................................55 Bogart Cattle Company ...............................50 Bo Jan Enterprises ........................................58 Borderland Cattle Co. ..................................59 Bow Valley Genetics Ltd. .............................54 Bricney Stock Farms .....................................59 Bridor Charolais............................................57 Brimner Cattle Company ........................11,59 Buffalo Lake Charolais ................................55

By Livestock ..............................21,23,25,31,43 Campbells Charolais .....................................59 Carey, Brent ..................................................54 Cedardale Charolais .....................................57 Cedarlea Farms..........................................7,59 Charla Moore Farms.....................................59 Char Lew Ranch ...........................................55 Char Maine Ranching .............................23,55 Charolais Journal..........................................54 Chartop Charolais ........................................59 Charworth Charolais Farms .........................55 Chomiak Charolais ......................................55 Circle Cee Charolais Farms ...........................55 Cline Cattle Co.........................................35,56 Cockburn Farms............................................58 Cougar Hill Ranch ........................................57 Coyote Flats Charolais.............................33,55 Creek's Edge Land & Cattle Co. ...................59 C2 Charolais..................................................57 Davis Rairdan ...............................................54 Demarah Farms ............................................59 Diamond K Cattle Co. ..................................29 Diamond W Charolais .............................32,59 Dorran, Ryan ................................................54 Double P Stock Farms ..................................57 Dowell Charolais ..........................................55 Dubuc Charolais ...........................................58 Dudgeon Snobelen Land & Cattle ..............58 Eaton Charolais ............................................60 Echo Spring Charolais ..................................58 Edge, Dean ...................................................54 Elder Charolais Farms................................9,59 Fergus Family Charolais ...............................58 Fischer Charolais...........................................55 Flat Valley Cattle Co.....................................55 Fleury, Michael .............................................54

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Flewelling, Craig ..........................................54 Footprint Farms ...........................................55 Future Farms.................................................55 Gilliland Bros. Charolais ...............................59 Good Anchor Charolais................................55 H.S. Knill Company Ltd. ...............................54 Happy Haven Charolais................................57 Harcourt Charolais .......................................59 Hard Rock Land & Cattle Co. .......................57 Harvie Ranching ..........................................55 HEJ Charolais ...............................................55 Hicks Charolais .............................................58 High Bluff Stock Farm ...............................5,57 Holk Charolais ..............................................55 Hopewell Charolais ......................................59 Horseshoe E Charolais..................................59 Howe Family Farm .......................................59 HTA Charolais Farm ..................................3,57 Hunter Charolais ...................................57,IBC JMB Charolais ..............................................57 Johnson Charolais ........................................55 Johnstone Auction .......................................54 June Rose Charolais .....................................59 Kaiser Cattle Co............................................55 Kay R Land & Cattle Ltd...............................55 KCH Charolais ...............................................56 Kirlene Cattle ..........................................31,58 La Ferme Patry de Weedon .........................58 Lakeview Charolais ......................................55 Land O' Lakes Charolais ..........................31,58 Langstaff Charolais ......................................58 Leemar Charolais..........................................55 Legacy Charolais...........................................55 LEJ Charolais.................................................57 Lindskov Thiel Charolais Ranch ...................60 M & L Cattle Co. ........................................8,58 Mack's Charolais...........................................58 Maple Leaf Charolais ..............................21,55 Martens Cattle Co. .......................................59 Martens Charolais ........................................57 McAvoy Charolais Farm ...............................59 McKay Charolais ...........................................57 McKeary Charolais .......................................56 McLeod Livestock .........................................54 McTavish Farms........................................15,59 Medonte Charolais.......................................58 Miller Land & Livestock................................58 Mutrie Farms ................................................59 Myhre Land and Cattle ...........................25,57 Nahachewsky Charolais ...............................59 Norheim Ranching .......................................54 Ossim Livestock ............................................47 P & H Ranching Co. ......................................56 Packer Charolais ...........................................58 Palmer Charolais ................................16,17,59

Charolais Connection • Fall 2019

Parklane Charolais .......................................56 Phillips Farms................................................59 Pleasant Dawn Charolais ..........................6,57 Potter Charolais.......................................31,58 Prairie Cove Charolais ..................................56 Prairie Gold Charolais ..................................59 Pro Char Charolais .......................................56 Qualman Charolais ......................................59 R & G McDonald Livestock...........................57 Raffan, Don ..................................................54 Ranch Ostiguy ..............................................21 Rawes Ranches ........................................37,56 Reeleder, Andrew.........................................54 Rollin' Acres Charolais .................................58 Ross Lake Charolais ......................................56 Rosso Charolais.............................................59 Royale Charolais ...........................................58 RRTS Charolais ..............................................56 Saddleridge Farming Co. .............................56 SanDan Charolais Farms ..............................56 Saunders Charolais .......................................58 Serhienko/Voegeli Cattle Co........................60 Sharodon Farms ...........................................58 Skeels, Danny ...............................................54 Sliding Hills Charolais..............................39,60 Southside Charolais......................................56 Southview Farms ..........................................58 CK Sparrow Farms .......................................IFC Springside Farms .....................................19,56 Spruce View Charolais..................................56 Stach Farms Charolais ..................................56 Stephen Charolais Farm ..........................42,60 Steppler Farms Ltd. ...........................12,13,57 Stock, Mark...................................................54 Sugarloaf Charolais ......................................56 Sunshine Oak Charolais ...............................57 T Bar C Cattle Co. ...............................47,54,61 Taylor Farms..................................................31 Temple Farms................................................60 Thistle Ridge Ranch......................................56 Transcon Livestock Corp...............................54 TRI N Charolais ........................................41,57 Turnbull Charolais ...................................25,56 Twin Anchor Charolais .................................56 Wendt & Murray Farms Ltd. ........................56 Western Litho Printers .................................54 White Lake Colony .......................................56 White Meadow Charolais Ltd......................57 WhiteWater Livestock..................................58 Wilgenbusch Charolais ........................60,OBC Wilkie Ranch.................................................56 Windyview Farm ..........................................31 Wood River Charolais ..................................60 Wrangler Charolais .................................25,56