Lethbridge Research Centre

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National Beef Science Seminar
Lethbridge Research Centre
P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1
Phone 403 327-4561 Fax 403 382-3156
Email: lethbridge@em.agr.ca
Web site: http://res2.agr.ca/lethbridge

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National Beef Science Seminar reports available

Lethbridge, Alta., Jan. 2, 2002: Beef producers interested in the latest research developments can now get free copies of a special magazine summary of presentations at the recently concluded National Beef Science Seminar. They can also buy the full proceedings from the conference for $10.

The special magazine-style reports are available on-line through the Lethbridge Research Centre (LRC) website (www.agr.gc.ca/science/lethbridge), as well as in hard copy and CD-ROM editions.

The National Beef Science Seminar held in Lethbridge, Alberta, tackled research and developments in four of the most pressing concerns in the industry, including health and disease, environmental issues, improving production methods, and the latest developments in beef cattle genetics.

Head of the conference organizing committee Dr. Brian Freeze says the Seminar's key goal is to link cattle producers to the latest in research. "Most of the new opportunities in beef production will be driven by science, and one of the best things about this event is that it allows producers to learn first hand from researchers working in the field," he said.

The more than 20 presentations at the Seminar included reports from top researchers from Canada and around the world. Of particular interest are papers presented on the highly emotional and potentially devastating issues surrounding infectious diseases, such as BSE and Foot and Mouth Disease. Protocols for handling diseases amid increasing global trade and travel were also addressed.

Sessions that looked at the aftermath of Canada's highly publicized E. coli O157:H7 water contamination disaster and what it means for the livestock industry were also presented. Speakers also focused on the environmental challenges confronting the industry, including greenhouse gases and nutrient management.

New studies on animal behavior assess the effects of management practices on cattle stress, and new ways to measure that stress were discussed, as well as a series of presentations detailing the leading edge of ruminant nutrition research.

Sessions on genetics and reproduction gave producers a glimpse into the future of the industry, including genomic studies leading to new frontiers in beef reproduction.

To order copies of the magazine reports or proceedings, contact Jennifer Squires, NBSS c/o the Lethbridge Research Centre, P.O. Box 3000, phone (403) 317-2297, fax (403) 382-3156, or e-mail NBSS@em.agr.ca. Details are also available on the Lethbridge Research Centre Web site at www.agr.gc.ca/science/lethbridge.

The National Beef Science Seminar was hosted by the Lethbridge Research Centre, national headquarters for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's beef production and efficiency research.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Lethbridge Research Centre has a mandate to promote innovation for growth, maintain security of the food system and protect the health of the environment.


For further information contact:
Dr. Brian Freeze
Phone: (403) 317-2241
Fax: (403) 382-3156

Dr. Glenn H. Coulter, Assistant Director
Phone: (403) 317-2210
Lethbridge Research Centre,
Phone: (403) 327-4561
Web site: www.agr.gc.ca/science/lethbridge


Premier Seminar Sponsors:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada Alberta Beef Industry Development Fund, Canada-Alberta Livestock Research Trust Inc., Meristem Information Resources Ltd., Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited

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LETHBRIDGE RESEARCH CENTRE
P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4B1
Phone: (403) 327-4561 Fax: (403) 382-3156
Email: lethbridge@em.agr.ca
Web site: www.agr.gc.ca/science/lethbridge

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Research lays groundwork for determining stress levels in cattle

Lethbridge, Alberta, Jan. 29, 2002: Science-based strategies to measure stress in cattle will help producers and their industry take a more proactive stand in animal care issues and, in the process, realize the full economic potential of their stock, says Dr. Gerry Mears, a beef scientist at the Lethbridge Research Centre.

Ongoing research at the Centre and other institutions is helping lay the groundwork for stress-reduction strategies, says Mears. An initial study has confirmed transportation as a major contributor to stress in cattle - researchers found that plasma cortisol concentrations and heart rates were higher in cattle after a three-hour trip than they were before loading, and loading itself resulted in a 50 percent increase in heart rate. Further research will add depth by developing objective means to measure stress and help build the basis for effective animal care protocols.

Stress contributes to reduced growth and reproductive performance in cattle, as well as increased health problems and reduced carcass quality, says Mears. "The ability to objectively measure stress in cattle would allow producers to cut production costs and losses associated with stress, by altering management practices to minimize stressful situations."

The growing public concern over animal welfare is lending urgency to finding an objective means to assess the behavioral and physiological responses of cattle to standard beef industry practices, he says. Fast-food giant McDonalds, for one, has corporate guidelines to ensure its beef products are derived from cattle raised and slaughtered in a less stressful environment. In Europe, legislation has been enacted that contains strict farm animal care practices all livestock producers must follow.

Mears believes that unless proactive steps are taken, it will only be a matter of time before similar animal welfare legislation occurs in Canada. "An objective means of measuring stress would allow cattle producers to be proactive in identifying and rectifying practices detrimental to animal well-being."

Research at the Centre is assessing stress in cattle during routine management practices, including weaning, relocation, diet changes, transport, castration and branding. This research is supported by the Canada Alberta Beef Industry Development Fund.

Mears says with continued support from the beef industry, researchers can further examine stress factors in cattle management to help producers meet reasonable societal expectations for animal care.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Lethbridge Research Centre has a mandate to promote innovation for growth, maintain security of the food system and protect the health of the environment.


For further information contact:
Dr. Gerry Mears
Phone: (403) 327-2238
Dr. Glenn H. Coulter, Assistant Director
Lethbridge Research Centre
Phone: (403) 327-4561
Fax (403)-382-3156
Web site: www.agr.gc.ca/science/lethbridge

Acknowledgement: Communications sponsored in part by
The Canada Alberta Livestock Research Trust Inc.
 

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