News
Scientists work toward goal of saving bison, one problem at a time
By:Nolan Kennedy
How can a bison cow have a calf sired by a bull from the opposite side of North America? The collection, disinfection and freezing of semen using novel technologies can make this f...
Understanding the genetics behind antimicrobial resistance in beef cattle
By:Elaine Bird
Researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are investigating antimicrobial resistance by establishing relationships between antimicrobial resistance genes in ...
Register now: LFCE Summer Field Day presented by Canadian Western Agribition
By:Lana Haight
We are excited to host our annual summer field day on June 20 at the University of Saskatchewan's Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence.
USask study finds bulls’ breeding soundness unaffected by ergot-contaminated feed
By:Jessica Colby
A study conducted by a team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers confirms that bulls can eat feed contaminated with ergot alkaloids — toxic compounds produced by a pla...
USask study aims to gain understanding of finishing diets for bison
By:Jessica Colby
A team of researchers from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are gearing up to explore the impact of starch concentration in the finishing diets of bison — a specialized lives...
New USask researcher focuses on growing forage production
By:Lana Haight
Dr. Breeanna Kelln (PhD) loves to connect the dots, even when the dots are scattered and seemingly unrelated.
USask scientists study space and sickness in feedlot cattle
By:Avery Chora
As researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) study the impact of stocking density and feed bunk space allowance on the...
New members welcomed to the Strategic Advisory Board
By:Lana Haight
The new chair of the Strategic Advisory Board of the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence is eager to ensure the voice of producers continues to b...
Cattle producers and scientists “rub shoulders” at forum with the goal of improving research
By:Lana Haight
Livestock and forage scientists at the University of Saskatchewan seeking to refine their research met with producers and industry leaders at the sixth annual Beef and Forage Resea...
Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence joins Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network
The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) has joined the Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network.
New project has big impact on bison genome biobank’s development at USask
Researchers’ aim of developing the world’s first bison genome biobank at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) received a critical boost on July 14 with Genome Canada’s funding an...
WCVM hires pollinator health research chair
By:Jeanette Neufeld
A new University of Saskatchewan (USask) research chair position at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will focus on the health of pollinators that play an integral ...
Investment in USask project aims to give ag producers better access to data
In an environment where the complexity of agriculture-related technology is ever increasing, producers face the challenge of interpreting and selecting data that are most useful to...
Time is money: rapid diagnostic testing for bovine respiratory disease
By:Morgan Lehmann
A multidisciplinary research team is working to develop rapid genomic testing methods that will change the way feedlots make decisions about antimicrobial use and ultimately improv...
USask research aims to help cows, forage plants deal with stresses
Two University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded $322,000 in total by a federal agency for developing drought and salinity-tolerant forage crops, and reducing h...
USask selects new Beef Industry Integrated Forage Management and Utilization Chair
By:Brett Makulowich
Bree Kelln has been selected as the new Beef Industry Integrated Forage Management and Utilization (IFMU) Chair for the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
What’s the best approach to boosting calves’ immune response?
By:Jessica Colby
A Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) study co-led by Drs. Nathan Erickson and John Ellis is investigating whether different vaccine prime-boost approaches can help calve...
WCVM scientists aim to disrupt growth of bovine pathogen
By:Jessica Colby
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team is evaluating how a panel of drugs might affect Mycoplasma bovis — a bacterium that’s responsible for causing serious health issu...
USask and Olds College sign agriculture and livestock research MOU
Two of Canada’s leaders in agriculture and agri-food education and applied research, Olds College and the University of Saskatchewan (USask), signed a memorandum of understanding (...
Reducing calves’ castration pain drives research
By: Jessica Colby
Reducing or mitigating the pain of castration for male beef calves is one of the main animal welfare concerns in the beef cattle industry today.
Forage study aims to measure nutrition, animal growth, methane release and more
By: Joanne Paulson
Dr. Bart Lardner (PhD) has preliminary findings from his ongoing forage study: legumes in beef cattle forage bring benefits. Many of them.
LFCE summer field day returns
By:Jessica Colby
After a one-year hiatus, the annual Summer Field Day at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) took place earlier this summer on ...
Premature calf provides a learning opportunity to veterinary students
By:Nykole King
During the first ever calving rotation held at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) this spring, senior veterinary students were met with a challenging calving.
Bison calves leading the way to biobank creation
By:JESSIE HELLQUIST
The wood and plains bison are majestic creatures weighing 1,200 pounds, but their conservation could depend on single-celled gametes (reproductive cells) that are measured in micro...
LFCE progress report - May 1, 2018, to April 30, 2021, now available
The Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence progress report covering May 1, 2018, to April 30, 2021, is now available online and in print.
New research chair at USask will help maximize environmental, economic benefits of forage crops
A new Beef Industry Integrated Forage Management and Utilization Chair will be established at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to connect the study of soils, plants, animals,...
Summer field day at USask’s LFCE scheduled for July 20
By:Lana Haight
Planning for the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence Summer Field Day presented by Canadian Western Agribition on July 20 is in full swing.
New study evaluates importance of forage for animal health and beef quality
By:Joanne Paulson
Beef producers have been raising animals in feedlots for decades and they continue to ask an important question: how much forage do beef cattle need to both stay healthy and build ...
On-site calving rotations mark a first for USask
By:Nykole King
For the first time, senior veterinary students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are participating in calving rotations at a University of Saskatchewan (USask) f...
USask Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence hires new director
Dr. Scott Wright (PhD) has been selected to lead the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence as director, effective May 19.
Boosting beef production through better biology approaches
By:USask Research Profile and Impact
A multi-agency research team led by University of Saskatchewan (USask) veterinary reproductive biologist Dr. Gregg Adams (DVM, PhD) aims to make rapid strides in improving the prod...
USask animal scientists extend winter grazing by feeding corn and corn residue to beef cattle
By:Lana Haight
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are exploring new ways to extend the winter grazing season for cattle by using what’s left after farmers harvest corn.
USask awarded $6.76M to help revive North American bison population, strengthen Canadian cattle industry
By:Greg Basky for USask Research Profile and Impact
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has been awarded $6.76 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to help conserve bison and other threatened animal species and...
Annual research forum highlighted producers’ perspectives on science at the farmgate
By:Lana Haight
Beef and forage scientists connected with farmers and ranchers via a virtual platform this week to increase their understanding of how to improve the beef and forage industries usi...
USask is seeking a new director for the LFCE
The University of Saskatchewan is seeking a Director for the LFCE to provide administration of LFCE research, teaching and outreach programs and oversight of financial and physical...
USask researchers put forages to the test in intensive grazing trial
By:Lana Haight
A University of Saskatchewan graduate student is combining her love of cattle and her keen interest in forages as she seeks to answer questions many producers are asking about new ...
Improved triticale variety offers another option in crop rotation for cattle producers
By:Lana Haight
Cattle producers looking for silage to rotate with barley may want to consider a newer variety of triticale, according to research conducted at the University of Saskatchewan.
LFCE moves into next stage of development with new appointments as senior leaders retire
By:Lana Haight
The University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence is moving into its third year of operation with three new leaders eager to transition the centre into the...
SaskTel and USask collaborate to foster and support innovation in agriculture
SaskTel and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) announced today that they are partnering to launch a “living laboratory” at the university’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excel...
Bison calves born after new in vitro fertilization technique is successful
By:Lana Haight
It’s a rare privilege to welcome newborn bison calves into the world. It’s even more rare when those calves are the fruit of your labour.
Burglar bees help spread of honey bee infection
By:ALEXANDRA WENTZELL
It may sound like a tall tale, but burglar honey bees raiding nearby hives is contributing to the spread of a disease called American foulbrood (AFB) in Saskatchewan.
Annual polycrop is compared to barley in a USask research study
By:Lana Haight
Growing an annual polycrop for beef cattle isn’t a silver bullet to extend grazing, but producers may still see some benefits when the crop is managed properly, according to resear...
Termuende and Goodale animals calving at new home south of Clavet
By:Lana Haight
Calving at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence is close to hitting the half-way point after about three weeks of calving.
Beef cattle water sulphate study shows more research is needed
By:Lana Haight
Scientists at the University of Saskatchewan are surprised that research they published today shows beef cattle can tolerate higher concentrations of sulphates in drinking water th...
UPDATE: June 23 LFCE Summer Field Day presented by Canadian Western Agribition postponed
The LFCE’s second annual summer field day for producers was scheduled for June 23. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have postponed the field day.
Scientists pitch ideas at third annual beef and forage research forum
By:Lana Haight
Scientists from the University of Saskatchewan and other institutions are gaining a better understanding of the priorities of those who fund beef cattle and forage research.
New drug protocol may reduce pain during castration
By:Amanda Loeffen
A Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) researcher and his team are looking into new options for pain management during castration of beef calves.
Researchers seek to provide accurate picture of beef cattle’s impact on GHG emissions
By:Lana Haight
Eat less beef…save the planet! It’s a common theme on social media and among celebrities. Yet, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are working to show that beef cattle in...
New $2.35-M USask research chair targets improved health and productivity in beef herds
By:USask Research Profile and Impact
With $2.35 million from the federal government and the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), University of Saskatchewan (USask) veterinary researcher Dr. Cheryl Waldner will underta...
USask livestock and poultry researchers awarded nearly $7M
By:USask Research Profile and Impact
Twenty University of Saskatchewan (USask) projects have been awarded nearly $7 million through a joint federal-provincial government funding program to advance cattle, swine and po...
LFCE joins Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
By:Lana Haight
The Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence is demonstrating its commitment to advancing the livestock industry by joining the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.
Two new members join LFCE’s Strategic Advisory Board
By:Lana Haight
The members of the Strategic Advisory Board of the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence welcomed two new board members at their fall meeting.
‘Why wait?’ researchers work toward bison biobank
By:Victoria Wallace
The day begins beautifully. The sun is shining and the vivid blue sky stretches out over the never-ending prairies. I’m at the Specialized Livestock Research Centre — part of the U...
Canadian Western Agribition contributes $100,000 to USask Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence
Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) announced today a contribution of $100,000 over the next decade to the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFC...
Research from the ground up
By:Rigel Smith
After a successful first year, the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) continues to provide unique research opportunities for live...
New USask Beef Industry Chair aims to improve sustainability and profitability
Gabriel Ribeiro, the new Saskatchewan Beef Industry Chair at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), will be developing nutritional strategies to improve health, performance and pr...
Successful calving seasons start with balanced nutrition
By:Lana Haight
The 2019 calving season at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence began long before the first calf hit the ground this spring.
WCVM researcher receives beef industry award
By:Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC)
Dr. John Campbell, a leader in beef animal health and welfare, has been awarded the 2019 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. Campbell was honoured...
WCVM researchers receive $5.6-million for advanced diagnostics research
The future of diagnostic testing for livestock disease could fit into the palm of your hand.
Large crowd gathers for first annual summer field day for producers
By:Lana Haight
Facts, friends and food - and lots of each – combined for a hugely successful first annual summer field day for producers at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence.
Veterinarian looking at ways to manage TB in northern bison herd
By:Lana Haight
A Parks Canada scientist is conducting research on bovine tuberculosis in bison to improve diagnosis of the disease and to develop better vaccines. This research is conducted in co...
Merck Animal Health announces $250K investment to advance livestock and forage research
The University of Saskatchewan today announced details of a 10-year, $250,000 investment from Merck Animal Health for its Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) – a visio...
Researchers studying barley processing options in feed trial at the LFCE
By:Lana Haight
Steamed or soaked? Mid-flake or coarse-flake? These are the questions that University of Saskatchewan researchers are exploring as they determine how best to process barley for cat...
Triticale silage the focus of LFCE feeding trial
By:Lana Haight
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are evaluating triticale silage as a potentially viable option for feeding steers compared to barley silage.
LFCE receives payment for sustainability
By:Lana Haight
The Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence has received its first payment as part of the Canadian Beef Sustainability Acceleration pilot project.
Scientists pitch research to funding agencies
By:Lana Haight
It wasn’t quite the Dragon’s Den, but beef and forage scientists participated in a day-long pitch party with funding agencies this week.
Water quality research first project in state-of-the-art metabolism barn and labs
By:Lana Haight
The first scientific study in the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Metabolism Barn at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence will identify how different levels of sulpha...
Boehringer Ingelheim forges partnership with LFCE
The University of Saskatchewan has announced a five-year partnership and $250,000 contribution from research-driven pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. that w...
U of S Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence celebrates grand opening
By:U of S Communications
Today the University of Saskatchewan and its partners launched the $38-million Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE), a world-class complex of field and science laborato...
U of S appoints new director for its Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence
By:U of S Communications
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) has appointed Kris Ringwall as the new director of its Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE), a powerhouse for innovative researc...
Rangeland ecologist's work a balancing act
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
It’s possible you’ve never heard of leafy spurge. But if you live in the Prairies, you’ve likely seen its lanky stalks and mustard-yellow buds standing out amongst the endless fiel...
Sleeping with the devil or a new beginning — you choose!
By:John McKinnon
Many of you may be aware of a recent donation of $5 million by A&W to the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence.
Farm Credit Canada makes investment in the future of agriculture
By:U of S Communications
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has committed $100,000 towards the construction of the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) — a world-class facility that will unite livestock ...
Moya targets better welfare, productivity balance for beef cattle
By:Kathy Fitzpatrick
In January, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will welcome its new beef cattle ethologist — Dr. Diego Moya — to the college’s team of large animal specialists.
U of S searches for centre director
By:WCVM Today
The University of Saskatchewan is searching for the right person to lead the new Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence.
A&W advances the U of S global leadership in beef and forage research
By:University Communications
A&W has made a substantial investment in the Canadian beef industry with a $5-million donation toward the University of Saskatchewan’s (U of S) Livestock and Forage Centre of Excel...
Federal funding for livestock-forage research centre
Government of Canada invests $4.47 million for U of S Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence
Teamwork will bring better health to cattle
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
Dr. Nathan Erickson wants to breathe new life into cattle disease control — literally.
LFCE offers a reproductive network
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
You might not think it to look at them, but cows can provide an excellent parallel to a woman’s reproductive system.
Next generation will have field day with LFCE
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
With years of experience behind their names, Bart Lardner and Paul Jefferson are seasoned pros in their fields.
LFCE will secure future of cattle production
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
When Ryder Lee talks about the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE), what gets him most excited about the project is how it will affect the bottom line of cattlemen acr...
New centre expands circle of contact
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
Joe Stookey loves talking to beef cattle producers – anywhere and any time. If there are beef cattle in the background, he loves it even more. And if he’s going to have coffee, he ...
Research key to weathering market changes
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
In a lifetime worth of work in cow-calf and cattle feeding research, John McKinnon has watched time and again as the beef industry has ebbed and flowed.
Students see value in LFCE
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
When Cassidy Maidment first came to the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), she was planning on chasing her dream career in veterinary medicine. But once she got to campus, a whol...
LFCE’s uplifting effect on research
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
Bill Biligetu is always looking for ways to improve his research. What’s even better is when he can do so while simultaneously lifting up the work of his peers.
World's first IVF bison calves born at WCVM
By: Jeanette Neufeld
The four wood bison calves grazing beside their protective mothers look just like any other bison — but what makes these animals unique is the way they came into the world.
New centre to create lasting legacy
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
For Janice Bruynooghe, the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) isn’t just about research. It’s about creating a network between all facets of livestock industry and re...
Discovering manure’s massive potential
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
When your average person looks at manure, it’s possible they will get a little queasy about seeing it as anything more than animal waste. But for soil scientist Jeff Schoenau, with...
LFCE "a fantastic resource"
By:HenryTye Glazebrook
Veterinary researcher Dr. John Campbell shares his enthusiasm for the new Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).
Unravelling a mystery
By:Glenn Cheater
The moment of conception is a surprisingly mysterious affair, but solving this puzzle has big implications.
What's the best spot for a feedlot?
By:Jeanette Stewart
Environmental testing at the future LFCE feedlot site will allow U of S researchers to determine what makes the best site for intensive livestock operations.
Cattle health economics
By:Elad Ben-Ezra
A new economic model could help determine the cost-benefit of preg-checking for cattle producers.
Redefining what it means to be a vet
By:Taryn Riemer
Being a veterinarian for most people means saving the lives of animals that are sick or in distress. For Dr. Brittany Wiese, being a veterinarian is that and so much more.
The grass can be greener
By:Glenn Cheater
Forage breeding doesn’t get much love, but Bruce Coulman knows it is key to healthy ecosystems and feeding the world.
Definitive diagnosis
By:Jair Gobbett
A U of S research team is working to develop a test that will allow veterinarians to make a definitive diagnosis of ergot poisoning in live animals.
A green manure machine
By:Federica Giannelli
U of S student Jennifer Town has found a more reliable way to make green energy from manure.