WESTERN PRODUCER — A University of Saskatchewan veterinarian is looking to give cattle producers a new tool to better understand animal health with the launch of the Beef Cattle Health and Nutrition podcast.
“We’re trying to aim it at producers, so you want to make it as practical as possible and get the information that we learn from research out into the communities,” said Dr. John Campbell, researcher at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon.
Campbell launched the podcast late last year with the idea of giving cattle producers a Canadian perspective of issues within the industry.
“There’s a number of good beef cattle podcasts out there but there is nothing focused on animal health and nutrition in Canada,” said Campbell. “I’m hoping to fill that gap.”
The range of topics covered since the launch of the podcast in late October runs from feed testing, extended grazing systems along with a recent episode looking at copper deficiency in cattle.
Campbell said while podcasts like those hosted by Verified Beef or Cows on the Planet view the industry through an environmental lens, Beef Cattle Health and Nutrition is focused on beef cattle nutrition with a Canadian perspective.
“There are so many resources out there — BCRC (Beef Cattle Research Council) has a great website and webinars. I think this is just supplemental to all those other resources,” said Campbell. “But everybody is busy and the one advantage of podcasts is you can listen anywhere.”
The podcasts are produced weekly and run about 30 minutes, each recruiting experts in their field of expertise from other animal research universities or in the field.
“There are so many things to talk about, focusing on health and nutrition and mostly for cow-calf producers but they’ll be a variety of things but mostly interviews with veterinarians, researchers and nutritionists about various topics,” said Campbell. “Sometimes it’ll be current research, sometimes just the basics.”
The podcast will be focused on the practical application of research, Campbell emphasised.
Campbell is also a regular contributor to The Western Producer, writing a regular column on cattle health.
The podcast is available through Spotify, Apple, Google and other podcast providers.
Funding for the podcast was provided by Beef Cattle Research Council and Alberta Beef Producers.
