Farms.com Home   News

Feed often the culprit in disease cases

Producers are reminded to be careful this winter when choosing alternative or new feeds and are urged to test their feed

What could kill eight cows within 10 minutes?

That is one mystery the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s disease investigation unit faced last winter.

Dr. John Campbell, a long-time professor and head of the unit, said he had never seen a situation like that.

“It was a bunch of cows dying suddenly in a cow-calf herd where the producer got a new delivery of some flax screenings,” he said during an October Saskatchewan Agriculture webinar.

The screenings had come from a local seed grower, and Campbell said the producer fed six pails to 40 cows.

“Within five minutes it was pretty obvious something was wrong. A lot of these cows began to show clinical signs. They went down, weak in their back legs, twitching their eyelids.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Grow Your Future with Digital Agriculture Fundamentals

Video: Grow Your Future with Digital Agriculture Fundamentals

Ready to launch your career in digital agriculture? Meet Morag Morison, the Program Manager for Palette Skills’ Digital Agriculture Fundamentals Program. This hybrid upskilling program is designed for mid-career professionals looking to break into the Prairies' rapidly evolving agri-food sector.

In just 150 hours of live training, you’ll gain essential skills in digital agriculture, explore cutting-edge industry trends, and build job-ready expertise—all while connecting with top employers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Industry experts deliver hands-on learning to ensure you’re prepared for in-demand roles in this growing sector.