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Livestock Technology Achievement Report 2006-07
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Message From The DirectorI am pleased to present the 2006-07 Livestock Technology Branch Achievement Report, highlighting the branch's accomplishments over the past year. Livestock Technology Branch bases its success on innovation, commitment to service and collaborative relationships with our partners in the animal agriculture and food sector. Some specific highlights of our successes this past year include:
The achievements in this report are organized under the following areas:
As you may know, the Ministry undertook a review of its structure to examine and redefine OMAFRA's role in fostering a stronger agri-food sector and more prosperous rural communities. Our goal is to align ministry resources with priorities of our government and to ensure that OMAFRA provides efficient service delivery to clients. As part of this review the Livestock Technology Branch, Crop Technology Branch and Business and Organizational Management Unit were combined into the Agriculture Development Branch of which I am now the Director. You can be assured that this new branch will continue to provide you with the service and programs you expect. We look forward to continuing to work with you and your organization in the coming year. Sincerely, Aileen MacNeil | Top of Page |
Strategy for Success 2006-07Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)Vision: A strong agri-food sector that is integral
to Ontario's economy and contributes innovative solutions to protect
the environment, to provide safe and nutritious food, to promote the
bio-economy and to support the health and well being of Ontarians. Innovation and Competitiveness DivisionVision: Ontario's agriculture and food sectors
are thriving, sustainable, market-responsive and internationally competitive. Livestock Technology BranchVision: A diverse and prosperous Ontario livestock sector
that is responsible and sustainable. Strategic Goals:
Activities:
| | Achievements- Ontario Livestock Sector is Competitive and Achieves Maximum Market ReturnsBenchmarking Cost of Production for VealCost of production information provides an excellent benchmarking tool for producers. Knowing the bottom line is an important step in maintaining or improving farm viability. For smaller livestock sectors, such as veal, compiling this data is very difficult. That was the challenge our Provincial Veal Specialist took on in trying to provide valuable information for veal producers. Working with veal producers and using existing sources, a current Ontario cost of production report was developed. The summary, distributed through the provincial veal association, allows producers to compare the efficiencies of their own operation to sector benchmarks. A spreadsheet is also available through the Ministry's website. User-Friendly Resource Created for GraziersProperly managing pastures can lower feed costs and increase animal performance. A variety of good information exists on pasture management, but is not easily accessible for graziers. Compiling the information into one user-friendly resource was the objective of our Provincial Grazier Specialist who partnered with the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Program for Canadian Agriculture (championed by the Canadian Cattlemen's Association) to produce an informational CD. Topics include forage quality, harvest, storage and feeding, pasture management, corn silage management, annual forages and information about insects and diseases. Content for the CD came from OMAFRA and the Manitoba Forage Council. This resource is available free of charge from the Ministry. Large Herd Operators Learn About New Act in a Mysterious WayEnsuring the safety of workers on Ontario farms has always been important.
On July 1, 2006, farming operations and farm workers became subject
to the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
As with any new legislation, the challenge was to help producers understand
their obligations under the Act and how it affects their operations.
A novel approach was used by Livestock Technology's Dairy The poultry industry uses a large number of workers for loading chickens. To raise industry awareness of the Act, Livestock Technology's Poultry Specialist included this topic as part of his fall and spring poultry producer updates. Issues raised by industry resulted in staff coordinating several meetings among industry representatives to move discussion forward on specific labour safety issues. | Top of Page |
Functional Foods Conference Promotes Value Added OpportunitiesLivestock producers, in an effort to increase their returns, are
investigating and taking advantage of value-added opportunities and
developing niche markets for their products. There are many opportunities
for new product development, markets and partnerships along the value
chain as demographics and food markets change over time. Increased
interest by consumers in purchasing organic products and functional
foods of animal origin provide new markets. Supporting initiatives
to meet this growing demand improves sector competitiveness. | Top of Page |
Organic Dairy Day Links Producers and InformationResearch suggests that only 70 per cent of the market demand for organic milk and milk products is currently being met. Based on the number of farms currently in transition to organic milk production and the demand trends, future supplies will not keep pace with consumer demand for the product. This has created considerable demand in the dairy industry for information about organic milk production. More than 130 producers attended an organic milk production information day coordinated by the Dairy Cattle Production Systems Program Lead, with support from Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Organic Meadow Dairy and Harmony Organic Dairy. The program targeted conventional dairy producers with an interest in switching to organic milk production. New interest stimulated by the meeting will be a first step in attracting more herds to the transition process this spring. Organic dairy production was also a featured topic on our Maxville and Kemptville Dairy Day programs. Tag on the Value Promotion Shows Producers Benefits of RFID TechnologyOne tag - many uses. That was the key message of the coordinated extension efforts of the beef, sheep and dairy teams at the 2006 Canada's Outdoor Farm Show (COFS). The use of ear tags for traceability purposes has obvious benefits for emergency management, food safety and meeting domestic and export market requirements. "So what is the advantage for the livestock producer?" was the question the teams were trying to answer. When partnered with the right software, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag can provide producers with management information that could improve their bottom line, such as managing inventory and herd health data. Hands-on sorting and handling demonstrations allowed producers to "kick the tires" of RFID equipment and see how the technology could streamline handling of livestock. The technology integrates the information (ear tag number with weight) and can improve efficiency and accuracy of information collected (using a reader to scan the tag vs writing the number down). Staff efforts resulted in an entire beef tent being devoted to RFID technology exhibits. Coordinated signage identified locations throughout the show where information on RFID technology could be found. On the dairy farm, labour is the largest single input cost. Traditional methods of labour saving, by mechanization, has lead the industry toward much larger farms. New "precision management" tools, such as robotic milking, are well adapted to moderate size family farms. Understanding these tools and employing them to best advantage will be important to the Ontario dairy industry, as it addresses growing labour issues in the future. Livestock Technology's dairy exhibit at COFS linked RFID technology
through the use of precision management technology to reduce labour
costs and improve cow management. A large screen television displayed
management information available such as breeding date, date calved
and date due for the cow being milked. A skywalk railing over the
dairy barn explained the relevance of the technology visitors were
seeing. Dairy Team staff were available to answer questions from producers
and discuss individual needs and opportunities. Molds and Mycotoxins Create Feeding ChallengesA wet fall in 2006 created harvesting difficulties and corn quality concerns. As a result, an OMAFRA response team was created with the Livestock Technology's Feed Ingredients and By-Products Specialist and Dairy Cattle Nutritionists included as part of the team. Sampling of the corn crop identified the extent and severity of ear molds and mycotoxins within the crop. Ears and/or harvested grain were assessed for visual mould growth and for deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) and Zerealenone levels. More than 90 fields were sampled from across southern Ontario. This survey, combined with other extension efforts, such as the review and development of print and web material, media articles and interviews, and presentations at industry meetings delivered critical information to the Ontario livestock industry. Recommendations for harvesting, drying and storage techniques to mitigate the problem associated with high mycotoxin corn were provided. The project also conducted research relating to mitigation techniques that will improve future recommendations. Livestock and Crop Technology Branch staff identified feeding concerns for livestock producers, suggested herd health symptoms to watch for, and gave recommendations for sampling and testing for mycotoxins in grain and feed. Safety precautions, particularly for those with prolonged exposure such as those working in the grain handling sector, were recommended. Creating Options for ProducersA case of H5N7 Avian Influenza, in 2004 in British Columbia, demonstrated a need to be ready to deal with the mass disposal of poultry in the event of an emergency. Lessons learned from the B.C. experience can be applied here in Ontario. Livestock Technology's Provincial Poultry Specialist, Animal Care Specialist, Poultry Structures and Environment Engineer and Regulatory Affairs Specialist partnered with industry, University of Guelph and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, to apply some of those lessons. Multiple caged bird depopulation and disposal projects were conducted in the last year with producers and our partners. The birds were humanely euthanized with carbon dioxide, using gassing chambers and whole barn gassing techniques. The resulting deadstock were composted using multiple techniques. These trials provide information that will help producers appropriately destroy and dispose of deadstock on the farm of origin if needed. On-going research will yield additional information to help the poultry industry be prepared to deal quickly and humanely with an emergency. | Top of Page |
Carcass Evaluation Workshop Helps Beef Producers Sharpen Their SkillsMarketing fed cattle that are too heavy, too fat or over 30 months of age can result in severe discounts that reduce the return to the producer. Helping producers understand how carcasses are graded and discounts applied was the goal of a one day hands-on workshop developed by our Beef Feedlot Specialist in partnership with staff at the University of Guelph. More than 60 beef producers from southwestern Ontario tested their knowledge by viewing a video and still photos of five market ready animals. They had to take their "best guess" at each animal's quality grade (marbling), lean yield grade, dressing percentage and the purchase price they would pay. Producers were then allowed to see and touch the actual beef carcasses. An official grader led them through a discussion on how and why each carcass was graded the way it was. Producers then compared their evaluation of the carcass to the actual evaluation. One particular animal was over thirty months of age and a very heavy carcass. This resulted in discounts of 40 cents per pound or more than $400 in lost revenue. Today the discount would even be higher on this animal. Producers also learned the importance of proper handling and minimizing animal stress to reduce discounts and increase returns. One carcass had severe bruising which was cut out resulting in fewer saleable pounds of meat. Another carcass was close to being a dark cutter which is stress related and subject to discounts. The message was very clear to producers that good management practices can make the difference between profit and loss. Overfinished cattle tend to be very inefficient in terms of feed conversion and average daily gain and can be very costly particularly with higher corn prices. Producers need to be very careful about the economics of over finishing their cattle. The results of this workshop were developed into a table top display and exercise that has been presented at a number of beef meetings across the province. Livestock Technology staff develop and deliver leading-edge information to help producers remain competitive and contribute to the Ontario economy. Some highlights include: Focusing on Commercial Flock Management at Sheep SeminarsGood animal husbandry practices and farm management skills are key elements to operating a successful flock. Approximately 175 producers attended annual seminars held in Napanee and Atwood in November to improve their operations. Speakers from Canada and the United States addressed issues such as finishing lamb health, integration of RFID technology, cost of production, grazing annuals, guardian dog nutrition and accelerated breeding practices. Challenges and Opportunities in the Pork IndustrySwine team staff helped coordinate the program and made presentations at the seventh annual London Swine Conference. The program focused on "Today's Challenges, Tomorrow's Opportunities". Speakers, challenged the more than 300 conference participants on topical industry issues such as workplace safety, animal health, nutrition, benchmarking, management and genetics. Equine WorkshopsEffective delivery of horse health and management information was the goal of our Veterinarian Disease Prevention: Equine. During 2006-2007, a broad program of extension was conducted, with more than 844 horse owners and veterinarian practitioners attending 23 workshops to enhance their understanding and skills. The most popular topic requests were hay quality for horses, strangles, nutrition and ration evaluation, common poisonous plants and trees, and molds and mycotoxins in feed. | Top of Page |
What Ontario Hog Producers Need to Know"What Ontario Hog Producers Need to Know" was the focus at this year's Shakespeare Swine Seminar. Coordinated by Livestock Technology's Lead Veterinarian Disease Prevention: Swine. This annual workshop focused on ongoing disease issues such as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Porcine Circovirus Associated Disorders (PCAD), marketing and finishing market hogs in the U.S. and the uses of livestock traceability. Southwestern Ontario Dairy SymposiumAn agenda featuring quality speakers on timely topics and more than 60 exhibitors was a formula that attracted 518 participants to the Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium. Livestock Technology's Dairy Cattle Systems Program Lead partnered with 12 county milk committees to stage the event. With 95 percent of the evaluations rating the event as very good or excellent, it is on the planning schedule for next year. "The Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium offers practical new technology we can take home, as well as insight into industry issues. Attendance goes up while producer numbers are in decline, so it is clearly filling a need in the industry." "This is by far the most informative and inspiring one day
dairy meeting in the country. Although I am not from the area, I have
made it a point to attend this meeting for several years and each
year I go home with new information and enthusiasm." Swine Liquid Feeding Association SeminarThis workshop, coordinated by our Feed Ingredients and By-Products Feeding Specialist in partnership with industry, attracted approximately 120 feed industry and producer participants. A major topic of discussion was the increased levels of mycotoxins in the corn distillers solubles coming from ethanol plants. Participants were also updated on the latest in research and practical feeding tips. "Excellent well organized seminar" 12th Year for Dairy Housing Design SeminarDescribed as the best "practical course on building for dairy producers", the tie stall and free stall design seminars have consistently attracted large numbers of participants. Almost 200 dairy producers considering expanding or building new barns attended the 2006-07 series of seminars. For the first time, simultaneous translation into French was provided for Francophone producers. "A Lait Coûte"Approximately 150 Francophone dairy producers were able to learn about new quota transfer rules, alternative crops, future of the dairy industry, WTO Doha round update, feeding systems and the milk paycheque at the 2006 "A Lait Coûte" workshop held in St-Isidore, in Eastern Ontario. For the eighth year, OMAFRA staff partnered with University of Guelph, the Union des cultivateurs franco-Ontariens and 30 agri-businesses, to develop a program focusing on improvements to cow health and farm efficiency. With representatives from French media outlets in attendance, information reached hundreds of producers in Ontario and Quebec. "Every year, I can bring something back to the farm to improve my operation. Thanks." "We (dairy producers) of this area are very fortunate to have an event of this caliber along with great speakers year after year." | Top of Page |
Achievements - Ontario Livestock Products and the Choice of Domestic and International CustomersChronic Wasting Disease SurveillanceAlthough Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has not been diagnosed in farmed or wild cervids (deer and elk) in Ontario, the fact that it has been found in nearby states and two provinces has had a devastating impact on the industry. The presence of CWD in farmed and wild cervids in Alberta and Saskatchewan has virtually eliminated all inter-provincial and international markets for live cervids, velvet antler and meat, regardless of the province of origin. In order for the Ontario cervid industry to access
these markets in the future, it will be necessary to demonstrate
that CWD does not exist in Ontario. Livestock Technology's Alternative
Livestock Specialist and Lead Veterinarian Disease Prevention: Equine
and Alternative Livestock are working with the Ontario deer and
elk farming industry to increase voluntarily CWD surveillance of
farmed cervids. OMAFRA launched the CWD surveillance project on April 1, 2006. This project included a sampling allowance for producers and covered the cost of laboratory testing of samples for CWD. All 431 cervids tested were negative for CWD. This complemented the testing of 1451 samples of wild deer conducted by the Ministry of Natural Resources which were also negative. Livestock Border Closure Contingency Plan Stage One CompleteEmergency preparedness is vital to reducing the impact on and supporting the sustainability of the Ontario livestock sector in the event of an emergency such as extreme weather, serious animal disease or trade related challenges. The closure of the U.S. border to Canadian beef and live cattle following the finding of a Canadian case of BSE in 2003 resulted in an immediate increase in the inventory of animals and beef, and large economic losses for producers, processors and the associated industries. In the event of a border closure that halted the export of swine to the U.S., Ontario's swine industry would be faced with an even more dramatic back-up of animals in the hog industry and pork processing sector. Emergency preparedness and contingency plans coordinated with the relevant industry plans are the best defense and critical to the sustainability of the livestock sector in Ontario. The first stage of the Livestock Border Closure and Contingency Plan has been completed. It includes sector specific analysis as well as a review of existing plans, background information and assessment of the potential impacts of a border closure. A number of recommendations arose from Stage One. Those recommendations were shared with industry representatives for feedback and identification of priorities. Stakeholders provided excellent input and indicated strong support for the project including a willingness to collaborate on the plan. By planning now for this possibility, industry impacts can be mitigated. Stage Two will focus primarily on the beef and swine sectors. The plan will outline strategies to mitigate impacts along the entire value chain. The direct outcome of the two-stage Livestock Border Closure Contingency Plan Project will be a formal action plan to be implemented in the event that the border between Canada and the U.S. or another significant trading partner is closed to the export of livestock and livestock products from Ontario. The goal of the final plan will be to help maintain infrastructure and maximize the sustainability of the pork and beef production and processing sectors during any disruption to border traffic. | Top of Page |Year Two of Johne's Disease Prevention Project Reaches More Veterinarians and their Dairy Producer ClientsImproving heifer raising practices on dairy farms can prevent the transmission of Johne's disease (JD) within and between farms. Decreasing the level of Johne's disease in Canadian dairy herds enhances productivity. It has now been shown that in Ontario cows that tested positive for Johne's produced on average, 3.4 kilograms of milk less than their test negative herd mates on Dairy Herd Improvement test day. Livestock Technology Branch's Animal Health and Welfare Veterinarians, working with industry partners, have almost completed a two year project that helps private veterinary practitioners implement a standard farm management program. The program involves changes to herd management practices that will reduce the spread of contagious diseases, such as Johne's, to young dairy calves. About 120 Ontario veterinarians have completed training as part of the project, and through them, close to 400 dairy producers have received herd consultations, testing and management recommendations. A similar project is also running in the four western Canadian provinces where CanWest DHI also offers the Johne's milk ELISA testing program. Provincial co-coordinators and trained veterinarians are currently in the process of enrolling up to 300 additional Canadian herds in the project. On enrolled farms, producers and their veterinarians form teams to analyze heifer management and to recommend practical changes to limit disease spread. The project also collects information about the farms and, in conjunction with university researchers, will look at how these characteristics relate to the occurrence of JD. With the Ontario dairy industry's strong animal identification system and the willingness of producers to implement good management practices, there are opportunities to produce high quality, safe milk and to market high health status breeding stock domestically and internationally.
| Top of Page | Achievements - Ontario Livestock Operations are Managed ResponsiblyNew Tool to Help Producers Assess Animals at RiskLivestock producers work hard to ensure their animals are properly cared for throughout the animal's life. Unfortunately livestock can become injured or ill to the point where they are unable to stand or move without assistance. The Health of Animals Act states that it is a violation to load, or cause to load, any animal that is sick, injured or would suffer unduly if transported. Caring for Compromised Cattle is a new booklet developed by our Animal Health and Welfare Specialists and Beef Cow/Calf Specialist in partnership with the Ontario Farm Animal Council (OFAC). The booklet provides producers with information on how to assess the state of health of their animals prior to making a decision to transport the animal. Also included is advice on how to prevent and deal with compromised animals. Providing tools for producers to assist them in managing their animals responsibly is key to helping maintain a healthy, viable livestock industry. Feeding Calves Nature's WayNature's way of feeding calves and kids includes free access, nursing until satiated, frequent meals per day and suckling. Conventional rearing systems usually limit access, restrict milk intake per meal, encourage rapid feeding or provide milk in pails (no-suckling). As Ontario dairy farms continue to increase in size, producers are looking at alternatives to reduce labour devoted to feeding individual calves in hutches. Through on-farm pilot projects, Livestock Technology's Lead Veterinarian Disease Prevention: Ruminants, continues to work on alternative methods of calf feeding that more closely mimic nature. Innovative producers have adapted free-access feeding to calf housing
in greenhouse barns and cold environments. They are finding ways to
prevent freezing of milk while taking advantage of superior air quality
and respiratory health in their housing system. Recent pilot projects
are focusing on applying the feeding system to automation of milk-feeding
in red veal operations. The system has been adopted by Ontario producers
with herds of 30 to 420 milking cows and Building Understanding of Livestock ProductionFor the second year, training and tours were provided for inspectors and agents of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). Six days of training led by staff from Livestock Technology Branch focused on modern farming practices and optimal animal housing. OSPCA agents and inspectors are the first point of contact for concerns regarding animal welfare. Ensuring they have a good understanding of agriculture helps to ensure accurate investigation of complaints. On-Farm Demonstration to Determine Manure and Nutrient Output from
Mink Farms Nutrient Management Case Studies Series CompletedLivestock Technology staff worked with other OMAFRA staff to complete
the final two nutrient management case study books for this series
- a riding horse establishment and mixed farm example. Targeted at
producers planning to expand a livestock operation or build a new
barn, these case studies focus on the requirements, adaptations and
decisions that need to be considered by a "typical" farmer.
Livestock Technology staff provided the technical expertise needed
to develop Providing Support for Environmental Farm PlansEnvironmental Farm Plans (EFP) are assessments voluntarily prepared by farm operators to increase their environmental awareness in up to 23 different areas on their farm. Livestock Technology Branch staff contributed 35 days for training to support this program. Through the EFP local workshop process, farmers highlight their farm's environmental strengths, identify areas of environmental concern, and set realistic action plans with timetables to improve environmental conditions. The program is delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. | Top of Page |
Staff Awards and RecognitionIndustry AwardsLivestock Technology's Bilingual Livestock Specialist, Mario Mongeon and other staff in our Alfred Field Service Office received a provincial award for Excellence for Services in French. Through the development and delivery of new French language programs and opportunities such as A Lait Coûte and Beef Up Your Business, staff have consistently shown initiative and resourcefulness, anticipating Francophone customers' needs, matching them with available or customized public services. Dr. Robert Wright, Lead Veterinarian Disease Prevention: Equine and Alternative Livestock, received an award for dedication to the Ontario horse industry. It was presented by Paul McGuire, President of Can-Am All Breeds Equine Emporium, at this year's show. John Forsyth, Manager Sustainable Production – Dairy Cattle, Swine and Poultry, received the B.W. Kennedy Memorial Award from the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement Inc. The award recognized his contribution to swine improvement programs through his work as the OMAFRA representative on the board of directors of the Ontario Swine Improvement Inc. from 1995 to 2005. BRAVO to our Livestock Technology StaffThe BRAVO Excellence Awards is the formal recognition component of the Ministry's employee recognition program. It is designed to recognize and thank the individuals and teams whose special contributions and accomplishments have set new standards of excellence for OMAFRA. Livestock Technology Branch had a number of staff recognized for their contributions under this program, including: Innovation - Tag on the Value Promotion - Nancy
Noecker, Brian Lang, Jack Rodenburg, Blair Murray, Anita O'Brien,
Ellie McLean, Betty Summerhayes for challenging producers at the 2006
Canada's Outdoor Farm Show to "Tag on the Value". | Top of Page |
Getting the Message OutPublications, Factsheets and Commodity Articles Published in Commodity Magazines Choice Cuts Ruminations Horse News and Views Pork News and Views Ontario Sheep News Ontario Beef Magazine Newsletters and E-letters What's New on the Livestock Technology Website Ceptor Weekly Hog Market Facts & Comments Livestock Technology Website | Top of Page | OMAFRA - We're at Your ServiceAgricultural Information Contact Centre Hours of operation: Telephone: 1-877-424-1300 Northern Ontario Regional Office Hours of operation: Telephone: 1-800-461-6132 Publication Order Centre and OMAFRA Resources Centre
Hours of operation, Guelph ServiceOntario Centre: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Telephone: 1-888-466-2372 or call the AICC at OMAFRA Website Hours of operation:
| Top of Page | For more information:Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300 Local: (519) 826-4047 E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca |
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