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Cattle producers keep shrinking the national herd

Canada's cattle herd continues a gradual long-term decline, says the annual Livestock Inventory by Statistics Canada.

The national cattle herd of 11.7 million dropped 2.1 per cent ending 2022. Five years ago the herd numbered 11.67 million.

Within the national herd beef numbers declined 2.8 per cent to 9.39 million, cow calf herds fell to 6.27 million from 6.46 million.

The dairy herd declined 1.1 per cent to 1.89 million.

Saskatchewan herds followed the national trend except for the dairy herds, which increased six per cent from 51,200 to 54,400 animals.

The cattle herd in this province lost 20,000 head to 2.17 million while the number of beef cattle was 19,000 less at 2.12 million. These declines might be accounted for by drought in the southwest that forced sale of livestock n 2022.

Cow calf animals declined 4,000 to 1.84 million.

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Genetics Behind Swine Resilience - Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, explains how genetics can improve disease resilience in pigs. She explores how resilience differs from resistance, the role of genetic variation, and how breeding strategies can enhance health and performance under disease pressure. Dr. Dunkelberger also covers practical applications and future implications for swine production. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Controlled experimental trials confirm that differences in mortality and performance under disease pressure are linked to genetic background, even when environmental conditions remain consistent."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger / jenelle-dunkelberger-9200ab86 is a geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, where she leads the Global Health and Behavior Research Platform. She earned her PhD from Iowa State University, focusing on host genetics and disease response in pigs. Her work centers on improving swine health and performance through genetic selection for resilience and behavior traits.