Limousin Voice Winter 2014

Limousin Voice The Bull Issue 2014  1

Limousin Voice The Bull Issue 2014  2

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Publisher & Advertising Sales: Todays Publishing # 4 3342 Millar Avenue Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 7G9 Ph: 306-934-9696 E-mail: info@tbarc.com

Editor:

The Bull Issue 2014 Vol. 10 No. 1

Official Publication of the Canadian Limousin Association

Bryan Kostiuk Ph: 306-934-9696 Fax: 306-934-0744 E-mail: bryan@tbarc.com

Features

Advertising Rates:

(All ads will be in full color) One Page One Half Page One Quarter Page Annual Card Rate Inside Front and Inside Back Cover Outside Back Cover All Prices Plus GST

$855.00 $495.00 $315.00 $250.00 $950.00 $1050.00

Yearly contract discount 10% (Card Ads Exempt)

Publication Deadline Dates: Winter (Herd Bull Issue) Ad bookings by Ad copy by

January 15 January 25

Summer (Early Sale Issue) Ad bookings by Ad copy by

July 15 July 25

Fall (Show Preview/Late Sale Issue) Ad bookings by October 1 Ad copy by October 10 Christmas (Herd Bull Issue) Ad bookings by Ad copy by

November 20 December 1

Cover Photo taken by Barb Jack, Manitoba

Elite Limousin Dams 2013 A Vision for Future Opportunities From Plate to Pasture Canadian Junior Limousin Association Commercial Profile Meet the Canadian Limousin Association President Beef Cattle Research Council Research Facts Ractopanine - What Producers Need To Know Limousin - Working With Natural Genetic Advantage Managing Cold Stress In Newborn Calves Feed Efficiency Elite Limousin Herds 2013 2013 Fall Sales Media Release

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CLA Update The Real World Manitoba News Quebec News Alberta News The View Through My Windshield Saskatchewan News A Breeders…Veterinary Perspective Subscription Card

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In Every Issue

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20 Red Angus

31 Black Angus

26 Limousin

RJG 737Z

RJG 244Z

RGA 203Z

RJG 797Z

RJG 101Z

RGA 878Z

SELLING RED & BLACK TWO YEAR OLD ANGUS BULLS Bulls sired by Locust Grove Networth, Cresecent Creek Emblazon 109X and Red Nordal Aviator 389X. These bulls are a combination of low birth weight, calving ease and performance with high maternal traits.

SELLING TWO YEAR OLD RED & BLACK POLLED LIMOUSIN BULLS Bulls sired by Wulf Unfathomable and Wulfs Tuxedo.

These bulls are a combination of low birth weight, performance and heavy muscle.

View the catalogue online at www.BuyAgro.com Box 85, Simpson, SK S0G 4M0 Rob Garner: 306-836-2035 Cell: 306-946-7946 Email: nordallimousin@sasktel.net

View videos at www.nordallimousin.com Limousin Voice The Bull Issue 2014  5

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HELLO FROM THE CANADIAN LIMOUSIN ASSOCIATION;

BONJOUR DE L’ASSOCIATION!

For many of our Limousin breeders, the bull sale season represents the time of year when they reap the benefits of their breeding program. It’s also the time when they reconnect with the commercial sector. We at the CLA, try to keep that connection going year around via our communication tools and our newly formed Commercial Liaison Committee. The formation of this committee is another direct action following the Spotlight on Limousin Forums that were held in December 2012. We hope that, all who have a vested interest in the Limousin breed have found our endeavors useful such as our feeder calf listing and our buyers email notification. We always welcome feedback.

It is a great time to be in the cattle business. Demand for Limousin genetics is second to none as proven by record breaking prices paid the week of January 20th. A group of 88 straight Limousin steers averaging 650 lbs sold in Alberta for $202.50/100lbs. Congratulations to the Barclay family for topping the market.

Best of luck with your bull selling or buying; whatever the case may be. For your convenience, Canadian Limousin Herd Statuses are published in this issue of the Voice. It offers a snapshot of the amount of performance data that each Limousin breeder provides on their animals.

Canadian Limousin Association Update: • Many CLA members have inquired about the upcoming proposed by-law change regarding Proto testing of donor dams.

The proposal does not include a retroactive action for embryos already produced. The Board of Directors is looking for some input whereas when the implementation of the proposed bylaw should take effect.

• Earlier in January, CLA members received a quick guide to DNA testing informing them of various options available. The same information is posted on the CLA website (DNA tab) along with some links of interest.

Since then, another change has arisen. You will find in this issue of the Voice a press release announcing that Quantum Genetix has purchased GenServe (the livestock division of the Saskatchewan Research Council Laboratories). We are excited to be working with Quantum Genetix as it represents new opportunities for Canadian Limousin breeders. The new procedures will be communicated to the membership at a later date. However, the CLA website is always the best source of current association news and information.

• The Canadian Limousin Association Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, July 26th in Saskatoon, SK. The exact location is yet to be determined, but the meeting will take place in the morning prior to the Canadian National Junior Limousin Conference conformation show.

• If you are in the mood for travelling outside the country and wish to combine business and pleasure, perhaps you should consider the International Limousin Conference in Argentina, November 2-9. Details are posted on the CLA website. If you do not have internet access, give us a call at the office.

La saison des ventes de taureaux représente le temps de l’année où les éleveurs récoltent leurs labeurs investis dans leur programme d’élevage. C’est aussi le temps de prendre connaissances des exigences du secteur commercial et des attentes des producteurs vache-veaux qui se procurent des taureaux Limousin. Au niveau de l’Association Canadienne Limousin, les échanges avec les producteurs de bœuf se font tout au long de l’année. Récemment, nous avons formé un comité commercial qui a pour objectif de conseiller l’association au niveau de nos programmes qui s’adressent aux éleveurs vache-veaux en but de mieux situer la race Limousin et nos membres dans une position désirable aujourd’hui et dans l’avenir.

Présentement nos profitons de prix extraordinaires pour les animaux d’engraissement. La demande pour les bovins Limousin s’est bien fait sentir lors d’une encan de veaux d’embouche en Alberta la semaine du 20 janvier. Un groupe de 88 bovillons Limousin pesant 650 lb en moyenne a obtenue $202.50 par 100 lb. Un prix record sans doute pour la famille Barclay qui était le vendeur.

Nous souhaitons prospérité aux vendeurs tout autant qu’aux acheteurs de taureaux Limousin. Nous vous invitons aussi à prendre connaissance des identifications des niveaux d’élite des troupeaux Limousin canadiens tel que publiés dans les pages qui suivent de la revue. Ces niveaux d’élite représentent la quantité de données de performance remise à l’association pour leurs sujets pur-sang.

Mise à jour sur certaines activités de l’Association: • Nous rappelons aux membres qui prévoient récolter des embryons, de faire tester les vaches donneuses pour le Proto en prévision des changements de règlements possibles.

• Le laboratoire d’ADN officiel de l’association a été récemment vendu à une compagnie privée qui se nomme Quantum Genetix. Celle-ci se situe aussi à Saskatoon en Saskatchewan.

Ceci amènera certains changements au niveau des procédures de testage d’ADN des animaux Limousin qui seront communiqués avec les membres un peu plus tard.

• Nous vous invitons à assister à l’Assemblée Générale Annuelle de l’Association Canadienne Limousin qui aura lieu le 26 juillet à Saskatoon. Cet événement fait parti du programme de la conférence annuelle pour les membres juniors.

• Si vous avez envi de voyager et de joindre l’utile à l’agréable, la conférence international Limousin aura lieu du 2 au 9 novembre en Argentine. Un groupe de canadiens prévoit y participer. Les détails sont affichés sur le site de l’association, ou téléphoner à Anne pour en discuter.

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The Elite Dam award objective is to identify high producing cows in terms of traits of importance such as birth weight, weaning weight, milk production and docility. The ideal female is described as one that calves every year without assistance, weans a big calf thanks to her high milk production and possesses a temperament that makes her pleasant to work with.

Once a Limousin cow is designated Elite or Super Elite, that recognition stays with her forever. The complete list is posted on the Canadian Limousin Association website www.limousin.com (Elite Programs/Dams) Congratulations to the owners of the newest Limousin females inducted into the Elite Dam List in 2013.

Owners EDEN MEADOWS FARM,ZEHNER, SK EXCEL RANCHES,WESTLOCK, AB EXCEL RANCHES,WESTLOCK, AB IVY LIVESTOCK, DUCHESS, AB JAYMARANDY LIMOUSIN, ROBLIN, MB R & R ACRES, AIRDRIE, AB R & R ACRES, AIRDRIE, AB R & R ACRES, AIRDRIE, AB R & R ACRES, AIRDRIE, AB R & R ACRES, AIRDRIE, AB PAYNE LIVESTOCK, LLOYDMINSTER, SK J. YORGA FARMS LTD, FLINTOFT, SK J. YORGA FARMS LTD, FLINTOFT, SK J. YORGA FARMS LTD, FLINTOFT, SK

Elite Dam EMF STONES THROW EXCEL POLLED UNI EXCEL POLLED YOUNG ULTIMA IVYS UNIQUE PERFECTION 3U LNA USUALLY COOL 812U R & R MILKMAID 52T R & R MILKMAID 70T R & R MILKMAID 71T R & R MILKMAID 77T R & R MILKMAID 92T RPY PAYNES GEMINI 4U TMF MISS 108U TMF TRICK 264T TMFS MISS 100U

Tattoo THE 29S XLR 883U XLR 807U HTZ 3U LNA 812U RRA 52T RRA 70T RRA 71T RRA 77T RRA 92T RPY 4U TMFS 108U TMF 264T TMFS 100U

We would also like to recognize two Elite Dams who have achieved Super Elite status in 2013.

Congratulations to R & R Acres of Airdrie, the owner of both cows: R & R MILKMAID 44R and R & R MILKMAID 30S.

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By: Chris Poley

Mother Nature has been less than nurturing so far this winter, from extreme cold and snow in the west to ice storms in the east. This morning on the way to the office the radio reported we are fifteen degrees colder than seasonal. I understand how this type of weather can question the mind of a beef producer, especially one who has been doing it for 30 or 40 years. Last winter was no picnic either and pushed several producers to the point where they decided enough was enough and the cows were sold. This winter could have the same effect on some; however the prices in 2014 will make it harder to walk away from your beef cows.

All indicators are the prices experienced through the fall are merely the infant start of what is to come.

The cow/calf producer was able to sell calves this fall at a sustainable profit and equally importantly the guy buying them is able to feed them at a much lesser cost of gain than last year and all indications are he will be able to pad his bank account a little on this turn of calves, I’m sure most of them need a little padding after having the stuffing beat out of them a few times over the past several years.

Things have not looked this positive in the Canadian beef industry in the last twelve years, when you combine the lowest inventory in a half century, the cheapest feed grains in several years and the loonie getting smothered by the green back. The chartists say the course is set to stay the same in the predictable future, feeder and fat cattle futures have not yet broken through the top and grain and the Canadian dollar have not hit bottom yet.

They say history repeats itself and that everything is cyclical and I’m becoming a believer as I have experienced it myself in my short career. Grain farming from 1994 to 2004, the years when I had good crops, I had trouble getting them to market and marketing them for a profit was rarely in the cards.

The years when frost and excessive moisture effected

crop quality the buyers did not want it either and if had not been for the cows at home to add value to excessive, tough or frozen grain through those years, the soup would have gotten awful thin. Of the farmers who did not own cows in those years, many bought some or custom feed feeder cattle in trade for the grain inventories they had backlogged in their yards. I know the years during BSE were the opposite for many producers when their beef cows became worth significantly less and world grain inventories dipped giving rise to commodity prices. However, the cycle has started to change again and the profits are starting to shift towards beef production, grain is abundant and just an average crop next year will keep it that way. The cost of production and risk associated with grain farming will test many younger producers’ grit and credit, especially the ones who tore out dad’s or grandpa’s fences on the marginal land because they did not want to feed cows on these frigid winter mornings. For those of you who have stuck with your cows, like your wife, for better and for worse, will get a warm and tingly feeling when you sell cattle in 2014 and you will not have to wait long. If you background your calves or even just the heifers you will be glad you did.

As we move into bull sale season remember the thing that can have the quickest and deepest impact in your calves and wallet is the quality of the herd bulls you select. Good quality bulls are not an expense, they are an investment! You cannot grow a bumper crop without quality fertilizer.

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QUEBEC LIMOUSIN BULL SALES Quebec Limousin bulls will be offered at two auction sales this year. The first one is at the St.Martin Bull Test Station, where the sale is held on Feb. 22. The second auction sale is April 12 for the Limousin Test Station. The sale is at St.Hyacinthe.

Both sales are broadcast online at www.liveauctions.tv. If you wish to register as an on-line buyer, we suggest that you contact LiveAuctions a few weeks ahead of the sale. All bull performance results are posted at www.agrireseau.ca.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Please note that the Quebec Limousin Association AGM will take place on Sunday, May 4, 2014 once all the bull test station sales are over. An invitation will be sent once the time and place are confirmed.

FIELD DAY 2014 We are still looking for a host for our annual field day.

Traditionally, the Quebec Limousin Field Day is the second Saturday of August, therefore on the 9th this year. If you are interested in hosting, please contact our secretary as soon as possible.

LIMOUSIN TEST STATION – 2014-15 ENTRY We will welcome bulls of all breeds again next Fall. Bulls must be born between February 1 and April 30.

Happy calving, Diane Joly, Secretary (450) 454-6456

ASSEMBLÉE GÉNÉRALE ANNUELLE À tous les membres de l’Association, notez que notre assemblée générale annuelle se tiendra le dimanche, 4 mai prochain, suite aux encans des centres d’élevage bovins (CEB)-multisources (stations). Un avis de convocation parviendra à chacun précisant la date, l’heure et le lieu de l’assemblée.

STATION UNIQUE LIMOUSIN Pour sa saison 2014-2015, la Station Unique Limousin conservera les mêmes dates de naissance pour les taurillons de toute race, soit du 1er février au 30 avril inclusivement. Pour les éleveurs qui utilisent l’insémination artificielle, afin d’éviter les retards dans la livraison de vos semences de taureaux, nous vous recommandons de placer vos commandes dès maintenant.

JOURNÉE CHAMPÊTRE 2014 Un petit rappel pour la journée champêtre Limousin 2014. Les éleveurs intéressés à recevoir les familles d’éleveurs Limousin sur leur ferme n’ont qu’à contacter la secrétaire. Comme par le passé, cette journée se déroulera le deuxième samedi du mois d’août, soit le 9 août 2014.

CONGRÈS INTERNATIONAL LIMOUSIN Le XXI Congrès International de la race Limousin se tiendra du 2 au 9 novembre 2014 en Argentine. Cet important défi permettra à l’Association de l’Argentine de vous présenter avec fierté le Limousin Argentin et la production de leurs magnifiques campagnes des provinces de Buenos Aires, Santa Fé et Cordoba. Surveillez la sortie du programme complet sur leur site à l’adresse : www.limousin.org.ar DATES IMPORTANTES Dates importantes à retenir : 22 février 2014 : Encan Station St-Martin. 12 avril 2014 : Encan Station Unique Limousin. Les deux encans seront diffusés en direct sur www.liveauctions.tv.

Pour ceux qui ne pourront se rendre à l’encan et qui désireraient acheter par internet, prévoir de vous inscrire auprès de Live Auctions au moins un mois avant l’encan. Afin de vous aider à mieux faire vos choix de taureaux avant la tenue de l’encan, tous les résultats sont disponibles sur le site www.agrireseau.ca.

4 mai 2014 : Assemblée générale annuelle de l’Assocation Limousin du Québec. Bonne saison de vêlage, Limousinement vôtre, Diane Joly, secrétaire (450) 454-6456

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Happy New Year The ALA along with the Limousin Bonanza Association hosted the National Show and Sale at Farmfair this past November. The last issue of the Voice included all the show highlights but on behalf of the ALA I would like to extend another thank you to all the exhibitors, show officials and committee members for making it a very successful show.

The ALA looks forward to seeing everyone back at Farmfair next year for another Bonanza Gold Show!

During Farmfair the ALA held their Annual General Meeting. Although the crowd was small business was taken care of and we are all set for another exciting year. We would like to welcome Tiffany Richmond and Colin Verbeek to the ALA board and thank Jackie Payne and Mark Porter for taking on a second term. As we welcome new directors we thank Brittany Papenhuyzen and Amanda Matthews for their time served on the board.

The 2014 ALA executive is as follows:

President – Mark Porter

Vice President – Jackie Payne

Secretary – Barb Miller

Treasurer – Carla Dejager

Past President – Carriann Johnson

Directors: Colin Verbeek, Donna Olson, Donna Rowe and Tiffany Richmond The ALA board will be meeting in the near future to assign committee chair roles and plan out our 2014 year.

During the Champions Reception at Farmfair the 2013 ALA Commercial Breeder of the year was also recognized, congratulations to the Ziegler Family from Colinton. Raymond and Nella and family primarily use Limousin bulls on Charolais based cows. They are strong promoters of the advantages of using Limousin and annually showcase a group of 10 heifers at the Nilsson Bros Pen of 10 Heifer Show at Clyde, AB each March. The Ziegler family often takes home top honors in this People Choice judged show.

The ALA is proud to present the Ziegler Family as the Commercial Breeder of the Year.

In other news, the 2014 ALA calendars were mailed out in November so hopefully you all received your copy. There are some still available so if you haven’t picked one up yet email albertalimousin@gmail.com to get your copy.

As the new year is upon us, I am sure the majority of you are all in the middle of calving season and preparing to either buy or sell bulls. Wishing all healthy calves and high sale averages!

Carriann Johnson Past President

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“The year 2013 could well be called “The Year of the Bull!”...the next decade will, most definitely, be extremely bullish in the industry of beef production. As supply tightens due to a shrinking North American cow herd and changing consumption patterns in the Middle East and Far East, coupled with a slower rebuilding/restocking process, demand for beef will reach all-time levels.”

Winter Bull Issue, February 2013, Limousin Voice In that editorial, I mentioned the opportunities that were ahead for those who want to be and are progressive in the breed. Although the bull never truly appeared until last August, he has been roaring loudly ever since. The question most people will ask is “How long will this strong market last?” Both the technical and fundamental factor bode very favorably for a long and strong growth in the market.

Technically, the cattle charts are as bullish a chart as I have seen in a long time. Thanks to a late, great friend, Keith Blair, who taught me to analyze commodity charts (their direction and movement), I try to research the charts at least weekly and for all those who are skeptics...commodity charts do not lie. In addition to watching the bullish feeder and cattle futures, the other side of the coin shows the futures charts for corn and the Canadian Dollar...as very vulnerable. What makes things exciting... are that the fundamental and technical, both share the same strong direction!

The fundamentals are simple... the lowest cow herd numbers in North America dating back to the early 50’s, fewer cattle on feed, huge corn crops with plunging prices and a strengthening United States economy. Add in the factors of the aging rancher, torn-out fences, due to past years of record grain prices, increasing consumption in third world and Asian countries and the scenario for red meat, points upward.

In the seed stock sector, the number of purebred breeders has declined in all breeds. Since these purebred breeders are primary suppliers of improved genetics and phenotypical quality, for commercial producers through sires, we must look at the situation through the distaff side of the industry. Fewer breeding females, means less bulls required for the short term, but as heifers are retained to increase cowherd inventories, easy calving sires for these young females will become much more important and sought after.

Over the next few years, we must think “totally maternal.” Unlike the poultry or the swine industry, the gestation period of a bred female is two hundred and eighty three days; therefore the restocking process will not happen overnight, but over a decade. The demand for quality “one-iron” females will be centre stage. Our friends to the south will have to cool off their “COOL” rules and requirements as they’ll need to use Canadian females to expedite inventory growth process. We must remember that in their economy, they need to keep their processing plants operating.

For all of you who have stuck with your cows over the past decade, you are on your way to just reward. For those who are looking at slowing down and have no children that wish to carry on your lifetime effort, there will be many opportunities to cash-in ... but plan ahead; supply your cow herd with top quality sires, adding marketing advantage to your program ... think of it like fertilizer. Since maternal factors will take a dominant role in the next few years, selection of your next herd sire requires calving ease and high maternal values...plan to see the mother, before you buy the bull.

It’s bull season... think muscle... think maternal... think Limousin!

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Bull Sale season is upon us and Saskatchewan offers a tremendous offering of Limousin Bulls. You can find breeders all over Saskatchewan that will provide you with the quality you seek. Be sure to check the ‘Events Page’ and Ads in the Voice to see when/where Saskatchewan Limousin Bulls are available!

2014 is a big year for the Saskatchewan Limousin Association. We play host to the CJLA Conference in July as well as the Canadian National Limousin Show in November. All roads lead to Saskatchewan for Limousin events this year!

2014 CJLA Conference-Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK July 24-26, 2014 Be sure to follow the CJLA facebook page, CLA site and the Voice to keep up to date on the conference.

Need a heifer to show at the Conference? Be sure to contact a Saskatchewan Limousin Member to help assist in finding one.

If there are any questions regarding the CJLA Conference you can contact any of the committee members: Chair: Lee Carpenter-306/544/7890 CJLA Adult Advisor: Eric Boon-306/280/8795 Jay Bohrson-306/544/7500 Bev Bohrson-306/270/1141 Jeff Yorga-306/531/5717 Dana Carpenter-306/544/7885

Sask Limo Bulls The CJLA donation heifer from B Bar Cattle totalled just over $17,000 between the two sales.

• The lucky winner of the heifer was Red Maple FarmsHollingsworth Family from Ontario.

• We would like to thank Bohrson Marketing for allowing us to run this through their two sales.

• Last but not least we would like to thank each and everyone one of you that supported by purchasing tickets.

It is great to see support for the future of the Limousin Breed and Cattle Industry.

2014 Canadian National Limousin Show Where: Canadian Western Agribition, Regina, SK When: November 24-29, 2014 We will continue to provide information as we move forward planning for this event.

2013-2014 SLA Board of Directors: President-Kevin Rea Vice-President: Terry Hepper Secretary: Eric Boon Treasurer: Janet Hale Lee Carpenter Jeff Yorga Rhett Jones Chris Qually Bob Turner

CJLA Donation Heifer Limousin Voice The Bull Issue 2014 51

Sask Limo Bulls

Biography: Dr. Colin Palmer is an Associate Professor of Theriogenology (Animal Reproduction) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Nova Scotia, Dr. Palmer worked in mixed practices in Ontario and British Columbia and has owned/operated a practice in Saskatchewan. Dr. Palmer along with his wife Kim and children Lauren, Emily and Carter run a herd of purebred Red Angus cattle under the KC Cattle Co. name.

Dystocia - Prevalence and Risk Factors Ask any question about calving and bred cow management and there will be no shortage of old wives tales, conjecture, and opinions. From time to time I like to review the literature to see if there have been any scientific studies to support or refute what we believe.

You might be surprised at what I find.

Dystocia means difficult calving which can range from a very prolonged spontaneous calving to prolonged or severe assisted extraction. Any calving requiring a calf puller or a caesarean section would certainly qualify as a dystocia. We all know that assistance in the form of a light pull is often provided when it would have normally not been required - perhaps someone was there, or there was a reason for speeding up the process. These cases are more appropriately called assisted calvings rather than dystocias.

The number one cause of dystocia in cattle is fetomaternal disproportion (aka. feto-pelvic disproportion) and is the primary reason caesarean sections are performed. Heifers are more likely to experience this cause of dystocia than all other age groups combined.

The two determinants of feto-maternal disproportion are calf birth weight and maternal pelvic size with calf birth weight being the most significant contributor.

Birth weight accounts for 50% of the variance in dystocia, whereas pelvic size accounts for only 5 - 10%.

These numbers seem reasonable since it is widely accepted that measuring the pelvic width and height (pelvimetry) is probably only useful for culling the very smallest heifers. Pelvimetry has fallen out of favour as a management practice largely due to an inability to predict dystocia. Small heifers may have small calves and large heifers may have large calves. Pelvic area at calving has been shown to be more predictable of dystocia than a pre-breeding measurement. Effective pelvic area can increase by as much as 15% at calving in heifers due to increased mobility of iliosacral joints, pelvic ligament relaxation, abdominal straining and changes in posture.

However, using pelvimetry at calving as a replacement selection tool seems pointless. These facts support the position that reducing calf birthweight is a more effective way to reduce dystocia then selecting heifers based on pelvic size.

The occurrence of dystocia in beef cattle is declining

in Canada as evidenced by the substantial decrease in c-sections performed by veterinarians today compared to 15-20 years ago which was, in turn, modest in comparison to the 1970’s and 80’s. Calf birth weight can be influenced by many factors: gestation length, age of the cow, sex of the calf, sire, strain, breed, nutrition and climate; however, genetics accounts for 60% of the variation in birth weight. The use of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) to select sires with more modest birth weights deserves most of the credit for the reduction in dystocia. Calf birth weight is greatly influenced by gestation length. Two-thirds of calf birth weight is accrued during the last trimester with an estimated increase in calf birth weight of 0.3 – 0.4 kg/ day during the last month of gestation. Typically, male calves weigh 9% more than females; single calves 8% more than twins and calves from cows can weigh a whopping 15% more than those from heifers - average calf birth weight is reportedly highest at the third calving in Holsteins.

Reduced feeding during the last trimester will result in a negligible reduction in calf birth weight, but may increase the occurrence of dystocia due to insufficient uterine contractions and inadequate relaxation of pelvic ligaments. Calves may also be stillborn or too weak to stand; especially, when protein has been inadequate.

I often hear of newborn calves apparently suffocating due to membranes over their nose. It is my opinion that these calves were most likely stillborn with poor third trimester nutrition being the suspected cause when there are a few to several occurrences within a herd.

Cold weather (< - 5oC), made even worse by wind chill, during the last trimester has been shown to increase calf birth weight and dystocia in cattle. Increased feed intake, increased thyroid hormone concentration, increased blood and nutrient flow to the uterus, and increase gestation length are all linked to cold climatic conditions.

I suspect that we may see slightly higher average birth weights on the Canadian prairies this spring.

Fetal malposition occurs relatively infrequently (<5% of calvings), but is the number 1 cause of dystocia in all age groups of cattle with the obvious exception of heifers.

Malpresented calves are at a 5 times higher risk of stillbirth probably because they are not noticed until it is too late. Herds that have a higher occurrence of twin

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The Canadian Limousin Elite Herd Program aims at rewarding and recognizing herds that submit performance data and are supporters of the Whole Herd Enrolment.It identifies herds that do total reporting of information for their animals and truly contribute to the advancement of the Limousin breed.

Elite Herd Awards are divided in 4 categories: • Platinum: herds that submit their BW, CE, WW, Docility on every calf weaned, YW, SC , Ultra sound or carcass • Gold: herds that submit their BW, CE, WW, YW and docility • Silver: herds that submit BW, CE and WW • Bronze: herd on Whole Herd Enrolment+ Based on information submitted in 2013, this year’s Elite Herds are:

2013 Platinum Elite Herds

(LISTED BY CLA# AND BY PROVINCE) 11583 7928 139043 139978 7200 16772 24174 26513 3723 4318 5615 7429 5689 7456 6865 23132 5328

BLUE DIAMOND LIMOUSIN FRITZ & SANDRA OTHBERG FERME J.P.E.R. FERME SDJ POLLED LIMO KOYLE FARMS POSTHAVEN LIMOUSIN ALLAN & DOROTHY MARTIN TOP MEADOW FARMS W GLEN CAMPBELL & SON L&S LIMOUSIN ACRES DIAMOND T LIMOUSIN AMAGLEN LIMOUSIN J. YORGA FARMS LTD B BAR CATTLE IVY LIVESTOCK R & R ACRES BLUEBERRY FARMS TRUST

MCKAY SIDING SUMMER FIELD L’ILE-AUX-NOIX NAPIERVILLE IONA STATION ALMA LISTOWEL CLARKSBURG MINTO KENTON KENTON DARLINGFORD FLINTOFT LUCKY LAKE DUCHESS AIRDRIE FORT ST. JOHN

NS NB PQ PQ ON ON ON ON MB MB MB MB SK SK AB AB BC

139240 19557 16187

ROCKY VIEW LIVESTOCK PINNACLE VIEW LIMOUSIN HI-VALLEY LIMOUSIN

ROCKY VIEW QUESNEL 100 MILE HOUSE

AB BC BC

2013 Silver Elite Herds

(LISTED BY CLA# AND BY PROVINCE)

6432 FERME DES PEUPLIERS SENC ST-GABRIEL PQ 7052 FERME MCDUFF ET FILS SENC MANSONVILLE PQ 9473 FERME A.T.J.C.L.A. ST-HYACINTHE PQ

138381 YVES TREMBLAY ST-CHRYSOSTOME PQ

139958 FERME JEAN PELLETIER NOTRE DAME-DE-STANBR PQ

2773 CEDAR PATCH ACRES LISTOWEL ON

5580 RIVERBANK FARMS WOODSTOCK ON 16839 MAPLE KEY FARMS (EMBRO) INC EMBRO ON 21934 BEAR CREEK FARM MOORETOWN ON

24350 DENISON LIMOUSIN KINGSTON ON 27889 ELM GROVE LIMOUSIN ELORA ON 137337 WILD WAY FARM CARP ON 2013 Gold Elite Herds 138538 KAREN & BETHANY STOREY NAPANEE ON (LISTED BY CLA# AND BY PROVINCE) 140007 DARLING FARMS CASTLETON ON 7383 HOCKRIDGE FARMS DAUPHIN MB 91447 BALAMORE FARM LIMITED GREAT VILLAGE NS 1079 E M TEDFORD & SONS ESTEVAN SK 13379 LUC FORCIER YAMASKA PQ 6661 BAR 3R LIMOUSIN MARENGO SK 3438 RUNNYMEDE FARMS MATAPEDIA PQ 8056 DALE TURNER SASKATOON SK 140563 DENIS GRAVEL VAL DES MONTS PQ 10103 SHORT GRASS LIMOUSIN SWIFT CURRENT SK 8556 PINCH HILL LIMOUSIN STITTSVILLE ON 13962 ANNE DYCK SWIFT CURRENT SK 18424 BEE ZEE ACRES GLENCOE ON 15023 HI-WAY LIMOUSIN BETHUNE SK 18678 HOLLEE LIMOUSIN JANETVILLE ON 25558 JL LIMOUSIN MACKLIN SK 28756 BENNVILLE FARM HAGERSVILLE ON 1848 CAROLE BARCLAY ERSKINE AB 28654 FERME J.L. & S. MAINVILLE FARM CURRAN ON 2413 COMBEST LIMOUSIN FARM ERSKINE AB 28850 J-STAR LIVESTOCK BEACHBURG ON 3880 HANSEN’S LIMOUSIN ENTWISTLE AB 28896 NEW LIFE LIMOUSIN HANOVER ON 5493 TERRY BARCLAY ERSKINE AB 138764 NEW FRONTIER LIMOUSIN AILSA CRAIG ON 5594 HILLVIEW FARMS STURGEON COUNTY AB 136650 EMILY GIBSON RIPLEY ON 6156 RICKY BARCLAY ERSKINE AB 137792 RAIL LINE FARMS LUCKNOW ON 10177 D C FARMS BARRHEAD AB 138328 CARLSRUHE CATTLE COMPANY HANOVER ON 11032 HUDSON LIMOUSIN HARDISTY AB 140196 HAYSTACK ACRES HARROW ON 15864 WILLOWCREST LIMOUSINS LAC LA BICHE AB 28338 JAY-DEAN & TODD SMYTH ROBLIN MB 16948 PRAIRIE PRIDE STOCK FARM VEGREVILLE AB 15179 CHERWAY LIMOUSIN SANFORD MB 25241 GOLDEN HARVEST RANCHES CALGARY AB 8445 JAYMARANDY LIMOUSIN ROBLIN MB 28135 TIM MATTHEWS OLDS AB 6467 TWIN OAK STABLES TREHERNE MB 133399 PLAINS LIMOUSIN WAINWRIGHT AB 3617 EDEN MEADOWS FARM ZEHNER SK 133412 KRISTINE PAUL-BARCLAY ERSKINE AB 12094 JAY & BEV BOHRSON HANLEY SK 140581 TRIPLE HERD LIMOUSIN BENTLEY AB 133748 LAZY A LIMOUSIN CANDO SK 2013 Bronze Elite Herds 136560 CARPENTER CATTLE CO HANLEY SK (LISTED BY CLA# AND BY PROVINCE) 137807 DANA CARPENTER HANLEY SK 4749 PAYNE LIVESTOCK LLOYDMINSTER SK 138790 BLACK RIVER LIMOUSIN SCOTSBURN NS 1087 HIGHLAND STOCK FARMS BRAGG CREEK AB L. & S. CRAIG & FAMILY NORTH TYRON PE 1452 ANDREW RANCHES TILLEY AB 13421 10820 ANDRE DAVIAU ST-VALERIEN PQ 4435 HIGH CATTLE COMPANY AIRDRIE AB 12135 RICHARD PLANTE ST-BARTHELEMY PQ 5941 RICHMOND RANCH LTD RUMSEY AB 13193 FERME BOUVILLON ST-HONORE PQ 10402 NORTH SLOPE FARMS CZAR AB 18299 NORMAN GARNEAU BOUCHETTE PQ 13535 EXCEL RANCHES WESTLOCK AB 18659 MCNEIL LIMOUSIN ST-MARC FIGURY PQ 17863 FOUILLARD LIMOUSIN THORSBY AB 19192 MARIO SIMARD STE-SOPHIE-DE-LEVRAR PQ 20270 VENTURE LIVESTOCK ENTERPRISES CARSTAIRS AB 24164 FERME GISY FERME-NEUVE PQ 25311 ADELE & SHAUN WALSH BON ACCORD AB FERME TI-NOEL COLOMBOURG, ABITIBI PQ 28960 RUNAWAY RANCH BENTLEY AB 25391 27263 FERME EDPA INC. DE NAPIERVILLE PQ 133408 DIAMOND C RANCH PONOKA AB 133978 JEAN-PIERRE CHARLEBOIS MONTEBELLO PQ 138272 HORIZON LIMOUSIN ROCKYVIEW AB 138675 PEPINIERE JANELLE & FILS INC. ST-GERMAIN GRANTHAM PQ 138846 JACOB DE JAGER ROLLING HILLS AB

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3138 JOHN F. MCKEE & SONS LISTOWEL ON 4384 MERLIN J. REDMOND HARTINGTON ON 4847 SMART LIMOUSIN MEAFORD ON 5327 TRIPLE D FARM ENTERPRISE THORNDALE ON 6028 GLEN IRVINE SMITHS FALLS ON 6102 RAYMOND & KATHLEEN SMART MEAFORD ON 6592 AFTER HOURS LIMOUSINS TARA ON 6847 ALBERTVIEW LIMOUSIN FARMS MOUNT ALBERT ON 8310 STONERIDGE MEADOW ORO STATION ON 8829 ALLEN DOUGLAS PETROLIA ON 9267 CORAD FARMS PAKENHAM ON 9720 BOOTHVILLE FARMS MARKDALE ON 11704 LESLIE & DEB FALCONER CLINTON ON 13747 G.SMART & T.ALEXANDER MEAFORD ON 14834 JR’S LIMOUSIN PLYMPTON-WYOMING ON 15218 W.R. BLACK STITTSVILLE ON 16151 TRIPLE A FARMS ARNPRIOR ON 16891 PINE HAVEN FARM CARP ON 17100 MARIAN HOLBEIN ARNPRIOR ON 20365 GIBSON FARMS RIPLEY ON 20368 Y2K LAND AND CATTLE CO CALEDON EAST ON 22098 LAKERIDGE LIMOUSIN ROSENEATH ON 23096 ORBIT VALLEY LIMOUSIN INVERARY ON 24190 ALEXANDER DAVENPORT MELBOURNE ON 25367 CHAD HUNT PAKENHAM ON 25630 NEIL BROWN LITTLE BRITAIN ON 26211 LOYAL LINE LIMOUSIN GODERICH ON 27292 CORY & GLENNA HUNT PAKENHAM ON 133337 RED WING CATTLE COMPANY ARNPRIOR ON 134745 LONELM FARM NEW HAMBURG ON 135779 JADE LIMOUSIN GUELPH ON 135862 CJC CATTLE COMPANY CARP ON 136050 PRESTON ACRES LIMOUSIN PONTYPOOL ON 136141 BOULDER LAND & CATTLE CO OMEMEE ON 136176 HAL BOOKER SHUNIAH ON 138198 HAWKEYE LAND & CATTLE NORWICH ON 138301 ARRANHILLS FARMS TARA ON 138312 RED MAPLE FARMS ORONO ON 138623 RAILWAYCREEK FARMS MADOC ON 138642 WINDY GABLES LIMOUSIN WARKWORTH ON 138754 STOREYLAND CATTLE CO SELBY ON 138884 CASSIDY DENVER TWEED ON 138893 JOEDY AITCHISON THORNLOE ON 138895 A-J’S ACRES NEW LISKEARD ON 138924 ROANNA LIMOUSIN JANETVILLE ON 139052 SUNSET FARMS PICTON ON 139987 ANNAMARIE & ELISABET STUDER CLIFFORD ON 139603 BIT BY BIT FARM INVERARY ON 25558 CLARK CATTLE PORT HOPE ON 139654 JORGE & LUCY FRANCISCO ERAMOSA ON 140325 SPARE TIME LIVESTOCK OXFORD MILLS ON 140807 GRANT LIVESTOCK CO MARKDALE ON 2331 COCHRANE STOCK FARMS ALEXANDER MB 6657 HIDDEN VALLEY LIMOUSIN ALEXANDER MB 7390 PINE CREEK LIMOUSIN KENTON MB 12144 TRIPLE R LIMOUSIN MACGREGOR MB 20580 JAKO FARMS ELKHORN MB 21825 OAK RIDGE LIMOUSIN MORDEN MB 24491 ELLEN MCPHERSON SANFORD MB 24928 JLB LIMOUSIN ASHERN MB 29019 WRIGHT WAY LIMOUSIN BOISSEVAIN MB 135117 MITCHELL FARMS VIRDEN MB 135305 LG LIMOUSIN VIRDEN MB 136441 ROARING RIVER LIMOUSIN SWAN RIVER MB 137929 FORT ELLICE LIMOUSIN ST-LAZARE MB 138655 TWIN MEADOW LIVESTOCK FARMS TREHERNE MB 138917 ASHLEE MITCHELL VIRDEN MB 140299 SHANNILAND CATTLE CO MINITONAS MB 139680 SHANIA JACK PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE MB 1896 WILLIAM KARWANDY PENNANT SK

2763 WEDRICK STOCK FARMS GULL LAKE SK 3526 GREENWOOD LIMOUSIN LLOYDMINSTER SK 4009 NORDAL LIMOUSIN SIMPSON SK 5497 SCOTT & JACKIE PAYNE LLOYDMINSTER SK 5792 EDWARDS LIMOUSIN CRAIK SK 7343 HEWSON LIMOUSIN LASHBURN SK 7990 ROB & CINDY GARNER SIMPSON SK 8057 LEACH FARMS WADENA SK 8530 DAVID HAGEL CABRI SK 10343 KRIS & BRENDA SPRINGER LESLIE SK 13561 KEN-DOC LIMOUSIN SASKATOON SK 17152 RAYMOND GUTEK HENDON SK 18741 ALVIN QUALLY ROSE VALLEY SK 19197 JEFFREY GUTEK HENDON SK 20339 MATTHEW GUTEK HENDON SK 22603 CARLTON TRAIL LIMOUSIN DUCK LAKE SK 23229 MERV & DIANE SPRINGER LESLIE SK 23329 GERRY VILLENEAU KELLIHER SK 26623 JONES CATTLE CO MORSE SK 133940 LAIRD EDWARDS CRAIK SK 134678 4B RANCHING LTD LLOYDMINSTER SK 136548 ROCKY BAR LIMOUSIN ESTERHAZY SK 139032 ERIC MARTENS STRASBOURG SK 139423 NORTH PLAINS LIMOUSIN BETHUNE SK 139212 CALLIN COUNTRY LIMOUSINS YORKTON SK 139692 CRIPPLE CREEK RANCHES MELFORT SK 140619 JL LIMOUSIN MACKLIN SK 140672 RCN LIVESTOCK PARADISE HILL SK 1083 STEWART FARMING LTD STETTLER AB 1756 NORTH SLOPE FARMS INC BAWLF AB 5102 SOUTHBRIDGE LIMOUSINS LETHBRIDGE AB 5370 MARK SUGIMOTO LETHBRIDGE AB 7061 BUCK CREEK LIMOUSIN DRAYTON VALLEY AB 7716 ALTABARR FARMS VERMILION AB 8192 LAKE ROAD LIMOUSIN WORSLEY AB 8571 COTTAGE LAKE LIVESTOCK STONY PLAIN AB 8577 LAKESIDE LIMOUSIN YELLOW HEAD COUNTY AB 9640 EMPIRE LIMOUSIN BLUFFTON AB 10896 SHOOTING STAR LIMOUSIN BLUFFTON AB 12174 BERCOL LIMOUSIN LEGAL AB 13116 LAZY S LIMOUSIN RIMBEY AB 13868 JAMES & WANDA LABIUK KITSCOTY AB 16455 SCOT BARR VERMILION AB 18460 MARK & DORIS PAYNE L LlOYDMINSTER AB 21522 MOUNTAIN PARK RANCH TURNER VALLEY AB 23029 LOST POINT LIMOUSIN GIBBONS AB 25285 ALEXIS BARR VERMILION AB 26619 BRITTANY PAPENHUYZEN STONY PLAIN AB 26620 JOEY & MARCI LABIUK KITSCOTY AB 27193 JANELLE LABIUK KITSCOTY AB 27413 VERBEEK’S LIMOLEAN FARM CALAHOO AB 28793 KATRINA PAPENHUYZEN STONY PLAIN AB 133371 BRIAN MURPHY CAROLINE AB 133596 MURPHY RANCH ALTARIO AB 133832 CRESTHILL CATTLE CO PROVOST AB 137114 IVY RANCH DUCHESS AB 140250 ROCKIN 2D LAND & CATTLE LLOYDMINSTER AB 139564 VYKKI JOHNS RIMBEY AB 140446 NITH VALLEY LIMOUSIN AIRDRIE AB 139608 KEVLON LAND & CATTLE TABER AB 139502 MATTHEW CASSIDY OLDS AB 4697 LAURKEL LIMOUSIN PRINCE GEORGE BC 8518 DRY CREEK RANCH CECIL LAKE BC 8539 LISA ANN REAY TELKWA BC 8543 DARVIN KERR TELKWA BC 26375 ZAMORA RANCH ROCK CREEK BC 29207 LINDA SUE KERR TELKWA BC

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