Last week’s most read AHD post Relief Rover raises $10K from virtual 5K event benefitting NOMV. AHD, Link Last week’s Animal Health Digest Bulletin - August 5, 2021. Link. Scientists have worked out how to send viable mouse sperm on postcards Source: New Scientist, August 5, 2021. Link. This study raises the intriguing idea that human spermatozoa could … [Read more...]
Feed bait contraceptive may help reduce feral hog reproduction
A new hog contraceptive is being used to manage the feral hog population in Texas. The strategy is to provide an all-natural feed bait that is made of ingredients fed to cattle and deer but combined in such a way that it makes feral boars sterile. The non-toxic formula reduces the fertility of feral hogs within five days and maintains fertility interruption for at least 30 … [Read more...]
Pain management is quickest route to improved animal welfare
Pain management was pinpointed as one of the more accessible wins among animal welfare challenges and positive interventions identified during a recent Ruminant Health and Welfare workshop in the United Kingdom. Session attendees included veterinarians, researchers, farmers and other industry professionals. Widening the range of conditions where non-steroidals can be … [Read more...]
Pet owner support for pet insurance
The article isn’t as inclusive as its title, but Rebecca Jones provides sound information to support pet insurance decisions. She includes information from leaders of various pet insurance companies for a predominately female decision maker audience. Source: Her Money, July 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Covetrus issues inaugural environmental, social and governance report
Complimentary Commercial Content Covetrus released its first environmental, social and governance report last week. It affirms the company’s commitment to providing ethical and sustainable solutions that improve the lives of its employees, customers and partners, while positively impacting the communities it serves. Source: Business Wire, August 5, 2021. Link. In 2020, … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health announces new naming for cattle vaccine portfolio
Complimentary Commercial Content New packaging and naming will appear on cattle vaccines produced by Merck Animal Health soon. All cattle vaccines will lead with Bovilis followed by the current product name, such as Bovilis Vista, Bovilis Vision or Bovilis Guardian,” said Scott Nordstrom, DVM, director of livestock innovation and discovery, Merck Animal Health. “In … [Read more...]
Pet food draws big-name investment, private equity focus
The pet food and pet care markets have been attracting outside investment interest for well over a decade, writes Debbie Donaldson-Phillips. She says you know an industry has seized the spotlight when it earns the attention of a large and well-known investment firm like Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley recently released a report on the pet industry, predicting the U.S. market to … [Read more...]
Survey says U.S. producers are split over nationwide traceability system
Farm Journal conducted a survey to glean U.S. livestock producers’ thoughts about animal traceability. The top reason producers would participate in a traceability program is to track disease outbreaks. For those opposed, the second-highest reason would be to qualify for a premium or branded program. Traceability has two fronts: one to track diseases and one to address … [Read more...]
What is free-range chicken?
When individuals see free-range chicken at the supermarket, the assumptions include envisioning chickens free to roam grassy pastures. This is not always reality. This author attempts to explain the term and the difference between conventionally raised and free-range poultry. Source: The Outdoor Wear, July 29, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: We’re sharing this after visiting … [Read more...]
Important questions to ask dog breeders before deciding on a new puppy
The Muddy Paws team shares a list of questions potential owners should ask dog breeders. They should be able to easily answer these questions. Finding the right breeder can be complicated, however having meaningful conversations with then can be beneficial and help focus the puppy search. . . . a good breeder should be trying to improve the breed. A quality breeder should … [Read more...]
Are cats social eaters?
Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, has doubts that eating is socially facilitated or triggered by the sight of cats in their social group eating with others to signal a social bond. That is not to say that cats do not learn from other cats. Source: Tufts Catnip, November 20, 2020. Link. Cats are solitary hunters. Social eating among them is highly unlikely.” … [Read more...]
AAFP Cat Friendly Certificate Program wins the VMAE 2021 Best in Business Award
The Best in Business Award from Veterinary Medical Association Executives adds further credibility to the value of the Cat Friendly Certificate Program, which was awarded the 2021 Gold Circle Award from the American Society of Association Executives. The Cat Friendly Certificate Program consists of three uniquely designed certificates for each person in the practice: … [Read more...]
National Pork Board seeks producer input on survivability
Improving Pig Survivability is a 5-year project to reduce overall mortality in the U.S. commercial swine industry. The National Pork Board encourages producers to participate in the survey to generate information about the motivations and barriers to reducing pig mortality. The results will direct research and university extension efforts and producer training topics. Help … [Read more...]
New thinking about cribbing
Also called wind sucking, cribbing is a stereotypy, a repetitive, compulsive activity that serves no purpose for a horse and it poses health risks. Current thinking is that an individual horse might have a genetic predisposition to crib, but the behavior isn’t triggered until he is subjected to stressors related to his lifestyle. Source: EQUUS, July 20, 2021. Link. Horses … [Read more...]
That darned cat
Sharing some of the reasons a cat might display a little Jekyll and Hyde behavior, Pam Johnson-Bennett, CCBC, says to rule out pain or illness before assuming this is merely a behavior issue. She says to figure out the cause of the cat’s change in mood and don’t just label the cat as grumpy, moody or irritable. Don’t overlook pain or illness as a reason for a behavior change. … [Read more...]
NSAIDs, cats, and anesthesia. Are the kidneys at risk?
Although NSAIDs can alleviate postoperative pain in healthy cats, potential adverse effects on kidney perfusion often discourage use of them in analgesic protocols. Berit Fischer, DVM, DACVAA, CCRP, shares results of a study that examined the effects of preoperative NSAIDs on renal function. Source: Clinician’s Brief, April/May 2021. Link. The study authors concluded that … [Read more...]
Why dogs stare at you when pooping
Don’t you just love animal health topics? Amy Morford says dogs look at you when they’re pooping because they’re vulnerable, not because they are embarrassed. . . . they are counting on you to give them a heads-up to possible dangers should they arise during their pooping time.” Source: German Shepard Country. Link. … [Read more...]
Exploring differences between female and male dogs
Patricia McConnell, PhD, shares information gathered in her quest for discovering if significant sex-related differences exist in the training and performance of the domestic dog. It appears there’s no quantitative research, but it is an interesting subject as dogs become more integral in our daily human life experiences. Source: Dogster, April 2009. Link. … [Read more...]
50 most common interview questions
The average person changes jobs 12 times in a lifetime, according to 2019 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you have an upcoming interview, the experts at Glassdoor say preparation and practice are key to a successful one. They compiled the 50 most common interview questions to help job seekers prepare for the next opportunity. Source: Glassdoor, June 24, 2020. Link. So, … [Read more...]
Back to school, but with unprecedented challenges (podcast)
LaVerne Evans Srinivasan joins Mohamed Younis to discuss the barriers students and parents face when going back to school and the resources they can seek. Despite differences in the quality of educational opportunities, this is a unique moment where this disruption hit everyone. Pandemic recovery challenges will affect students in employee and client families alike." Source: … [Read more...]
Cows’ stomachs could hold the key to recycling plastic
Harvesting fresh rumen liquid from a slaughterhouse Australian researchers incubated it with samples of three types of plastic in powder and film form: polyethylene terephthalate which is the type of plastic that’s used in soda bottles, food packaging, and synthetic fabrics polyethylene furanoate, a biodegradable plastic that’s common in compostable plastic bags; and … [Read more...]
Think before raking the stalls
Longtime equestrians know lung health is crucial to a horse's athletic performance, but Susan J. Holcombe, VMD, MS, PhD, DACVS, DACVECC, presents some interesting numbers about the prevalence of airway disease and impact of reduced oxygen flow. She shares how bedding, raking, sweeping and even feedstuffs create dusty conditions that challenge horses’ and peoples’ … [Read more...]
Travel takes a toll on horses
Did you ever try to stand up in a pickup bed or wagon while going across a field or pasture? If so, you have a concept of what horses go through when being trailered. Christine Barakat and Melinda Freckleton, DVM, share thoughts about traveling with horses. A tired horse is more likely to be injured in a trailer as he struggles to stay on his feet, and fatigue can lower his … [Read more...]
5 steps to create a pet fire safety plan
Pets get harmed or affected by house fires each year. In addition to having a pet first aid kit, these five steps can help pet owners be prepared in case of fire. Take basic safety precautions Prevent pets from starting a fire Protect pets when left alone Plan escape routes Arrange for a place to stay Source: ASPCA Pet Insurance. Link. Also see: Pet … [Read more...]
Spotify’s pet playlists for music that owners and pets will love
Complimentary One of the more popular Spotify playlists is the Pet Playlist. Based on musicology research and a pet-focused survey Spotify conducted, the Pet Playlist generates a list of songs you'll enjoy. Plus, your pet might, too. Source: Insider, via IBPSA Fast Bites, July 19, 2021. Link. The playlist's songs are picked according to what kind of pet you have and their … [Read more...]
Still embarrassed about things that happened 10 years ago?
Most of us remember a red-faced moment that occasionally pops into mind and takes us right back there. An array of experts weigh in on what you can do to move past that moment and not let it embarrass you any longer. Embarrassment taps into dimensions of our core social identity, who we hope others see us as, and how we deviate from those aspirations.” - Dacher Keltner, … [Read more...]
Cattle save premature babies
A lot of useful products come from cattle beyond the beef. By far one of the most amazing is that their pulmonary surfactant is used to save premature infants lives. Everything but the Moo is collected at slaughter - nothing is wasted” Source: Farmer Girl, Facebook, July 12, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
How to recognize signs of heat stroke in horses
When outside temperature + relative humidity = <130, most horses can keep their body cool, with the exception of very fat or very muscular horses. When outside temperature + relative humidity = >150 or above, it's hard for a horse to keep cool because their ability to sweat is compromised — especially if the humidity contributes over half of the 150. Source: AAEP, … [Read more...]
Teach stationing for better dog control
“Go to your place,” “stand in front of me,” and using platforms are favorites with pro dog trainers. Karen B. London, PhD, shares why dog owners should add them to their training to-do list. Source: The Bark, January 2021. Link. Being able to send a dog to a place to relax and have that “place” be flexible offers a lot of options to make life simple and easy in a variety of … [Read more...]
Bridging the gap between vet techs and DVMs
Complimentary Content Join The Bridge Club for an exclusive event where Mark Cushing, CEO of Animal Policy Group, Dr. Stacy Anderson, dean of Lincoln Memorial and Dr. Jim Lloyd, former dean of University of Florida, talk about a new advanced degree option for veterinary technicians. Source: The Bridge Club. Link. The group will discuss how to bridge the gap between … [Read more...]