Building consumer confidence by reducing antibiotic use continues to be a top priority for a cattle producer in Southern Alberta.

Stephen Hughes told fellow beef producers and industry stakeholders at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary about the management strategies implemented on his operation, Chinook Ranch, near Longview.

Hughes says there's lots of pressure around antimicrobial resistance in people.

"I probably believe that's more of an issue of people over using antibiotics, but we make sure our house is in order, we make sure we're doing the best we can for the food we're producing and our custumers, the consumer."

At the same time, Hughes stresses they will not withhold treating sick animals, as leaving the animal in that state becomes a welfare issue.

Getting back to the basics with nature has played a key role in the extremely limited use of antibiotics on Hughes' operation.

He says cattle tend to be healthier centering management decisions around the natural rhythm of the seasons.

"It comes down to calving in the spring, calving on grass, rotational grazing, a sound nutrition program, a sound vaccination program to prevent disease outbreak," Hughes says.

he goes on to say, sound environmental management and a strong cross-breeding program with heartier, more productive cattle are among the numerous steps taken to build up his cattle operation.

Hughes explains calves are administered an eight-way vaccine in June to protect against clostridial diseases, and are rounded up and vaccinated against respiratory disease and bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) about a month before weaning.

"We'll redo them at weaning time. I feel that four or five weeks maximizes your immunity. The calf's system is more ready to utilize the vaccine because he's older."

Hughes says it's important for producers to continually look for improvements in their antimicrobial uses to build consumer confidence in the safe, quality beef produced.

Read more: Beef Producers Encouraged To Reduce The Need For Antibiotics

 

Send your news tips, story ideas and comments to jgiles@goldenwestradio.com

Follow on Twitter @GoldenWestABAg @JessicaR_Giles