In its ongoing support of adoption efforts and general welfare, Subaru established National Make a Dog’s Day <link> that took place last Tuesday. However, the celebration goes through October 31. There’s still time to make a connection with a local dealership, make a contribution and make plans for next year’s National Make a Dog day. Source: Media Post, October 6, … [Read more...]
Land O’Lakes, American farmers treated well by CBS
The CBS program, 60 Minutes profiled Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford October 6. She is presented as the farmer’s advocate. The interview presents American farmers as the forward-thinking innovators they are. Source: 60 Minutes, October 6, 2019. Link. “A woman named Beth Ford has emerged as the farmer’s advocate. Last year, she became the CEO of Land O’Lakes. . . . But it’s also a … [Read more...]
Producers can reverse BRD trends
The severe stress calves experience stress during weaning and shipping is opportunity for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Despite producers’ and feedlot managers’ best attempts to manage the costly malady, mortality rates for feedlots continue to increase. John M. Davis with Beef Cattle Professional Services at Boehringer Ingelheim, suggests it is time to manage the disease … [Read more...]
October calves may come early
Warm temperatures can shorten the length of gestation for fall-calving cows and heifers. Oklahoma State University physiologists looked at two calving seasons’ worth of data on 60 Angus/Hereford crossbred cows calving in August and October. Gestation periods were nearly a full week shorter than normal for those calving in August the first year and four days shorter the second … [Read more...]
Banfield announces new suicide prevention training
Banfield Pet Hospital announced ASK (Assess, Support, Know), a program that helps veterinary professionals recognize and address emotional distress and suicidal thoughts in themselves and others. Observing that one in six veterinarians consider suicide, Banfield will complete these three efforts by January 6, 2020: Close schedules at all Banfield hospitals for two hours to … [Read more...]
SILO film highlights need for grain bin safety
As harvest gets into full swing, the dangers of grain entrapment in elevators and silos are ever-present. The independent film, SILO <Link>, is inspired by true events and portrays what happens when a teenage community member becomes entrapped in a 50-foot tall grain bin. Source: Progressive Farmer/DTN, September 5, 2019. Link. Let us not forget the guttural anguish of … [Read more...]
Feed tags offer nutritional information
Every bag of livestock feed and mineral sold has a tag attached that offers an analysis of the product, ingredients and feeding directions. This may seem like basic information. But, for youngsters or those starting out in the livestock business with no background, these labels are a good start to ensure their livestock get a sound nutrition regimen. Source: Noble Research … [Read more...]
USDA wants nominations for areas short on vets
Veterinarians who commit to practicing in areas short of veterinary services can get help from USDA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. It is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA identifies the locations in greatest need for veterinarians through a nomination process. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, September 3, 2019.Link. The … [Read more...]
Handle MLVs with care (includes video)
Modified-live vaccines must be handled and stored properly if they are to be efficacious. This article and a YouTube video cover basics that are helpful for newbies and old hands alike. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, July 3, 2019. Link. Incorrect storage, exposure to sunlight and delayed administration all can reduce or even eliminate the effectiveness of an MLV, cautioned New … [Read more...]
Plastic bags kill horses and cows
Single-use plastic bags can kill cows and horses if they eat them. Death can be slow or quick. Neither speed is pretty. The best bet is to not let them get loose in the first place. The second best bet is to pick up every one you see around corrals, stalls and pastures. Source: The Texas Tribune, August 14, 2019. Link. When West got to the pen, the colt had already swallowed … [Read more...]
Consumers not coming through with animal welfare cash
Consumers often say they are willing to pay more for meat from animals raised with heightened welfare standards. Reality proves otherwise. This was one key finding during the 12th Expert Forum on Animal Well-Being, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Participants also noted the likelihood that farm assurance programs did not meet consumers’ expectations for animal … [Read more...]
Gen Z decoded
Leah Halverson, owner of Ten Acre Marketing, offers one of the more succinct descriptions of a Gen Zer in her latest blog entry. By living the power of her 14-year-old niece who DoorDashed a Wendy’s lemonade “because I wanted one,” Halverson’s astonishment and realization of the gutsiness of Gen Z offers a wakeup call to any of us serving this market segment. Source: 11th … [Read more...]
CRISPR may add more humaneness to the livestock industry
Alison Van Eenennaam’s research may revolutionize how we select for preferable traits of livestock. The University of California – Davis animal scientist is using the gene editing process known as CRISPR < link > for a series of experiments, including helping cows deliver more male offspring. She sees her research as making changes in animals faster than producers can. … [Read more...]
Your pet’s health likely tattles about yours
Physician Daphne Miller explores the growing evidence that the status of a pet’s health may very well reflect that of its owner. She also considers the One Health initiative, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention effort in which physicians and veterinarians find commonalities in their work. Source: Washington Post, July 1, 2019. Link. “I see [pet-owner] connections … [Read more...]
More reasons not to feed Fido grain-free food
Spending $100 a month on food for a 12-pound dog gives The Atlantic staff writer Amanda Mull some degree of credibility to address pet food fads and trends. With the help of Christopher Lea, a veterinary medicine professor and director of the Auburn University Veterinary Clinic, and Lisa Lippman, the lead New York veterinarian for Fuzzy Pet Health, she details how grain-free … [Read more...]
Biosecurity tips for livestock exhibitors
Livestock show season is still in full swing and biosecurity protocols should be in full swing, as well. Worthwhile biosecurity tips to follow before, during and after a stock show are featured in this blog post. Source: Neogen Blog, May 22, 2019. Link. Careful vigilance is essential while the event is ongoing. This is where risk are highest, so act accordingly. Monitor … [Read more...]
Southern states vulnerable if AFS enters U.S.
African Swine Fever (AFS) is being transmitted in multiple locations worldwide and regions with feral pig populations must heed extra caution. Dr. Liz Wagstrom, chief veterinarian with the National Pork Producers Council, offers perspective of ASF progression with The Pig Site. Source: The Pig Site, June 27, 2019. Link. Includes video. Even in Belgium where they are fight … [Read more...]
6 minutes in a hot car kills a dog
The dreaded stream of summer stories about dogs dying from being left in cars on hot days is in full swing. They’re proof we must continue to remind people not to make this deadly mistake. The first article presents the science behind heatstroke and is easily shared via social media. The second offers two, free downloadable Animals in Hot Cars posters useful for social media, … [Read more...]
Amazon goes to the dogs
More than 7,000 dogs are registered to come to work at Amazon’s offices in Seattle. That’s 1,000 more than last year. They’re supported by Amazon policy, on-site dog parks, doggy day-cares and a multitude of pet-friendly bars and restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood. Dogs can even get flank steak or venison for lunch. Source: Los Angeles Times, June 21, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe on July 4th
Independence Day is one week from today. It’s a fun holiday, but the noisy festivities can really scare pets. Noisy fireworks can cause pets to run away, holiday food can be harmful and the heat can bring trouble. The AVMA has assembled common-sense tips to help prepare for the holiday and and to keep everyone and their pets as safe as possible. Source: AVMA. Link. Safety … [Read more...]
Middle-aged users drive social media use
You’re just as likely to use social media if you are 35 to 54 years old or if you’re under 35 years old. This shift and other insights in the Social Habit report from Edison Research, is important to practice marketers who promote their clinics via social media. Instagram and Snapchat users are typically younger, but those older than 34 outnumber youngsters on Facebook, … [Read more...]
Call the vet! Rural America needs help
Betsy Freese, executive editor of Successful Farming and a veterinarian’s wife, writes about the dearth of veterinarians in rural areas came to be and how we can fix the situation. From documenting the realities of underserved communities to 16 unvarnished trends about veterinary medicine, she puts the names and faces and with the intestinal fortitude it takes to be a … [Read more...]
Prison dogs do good
America’s largest maximum-security prison is in Angola, Louisiana. Dogs have always been here. They sniff for drugs, search for escapees and provide support to the sick and elderly. Two years ago, Major Keavin Tanner and his wife, Master Sgt. Sarah Tanner, created the Prisoners Assisting Warrior Services program (PAWS), a volunteer program that trains service dogs for veterans. … [Read more...]
Your dog feels your stress
It is proven that dogs and their owners can experience the same emotions and stress levels, especially during highly stressful or exciting activities such as competitions or police work. A new study suggests dogs may be highly sensitive to our stress. Source: NPR Shots, June 6, 2019. Link. “It was the owner’s personality that influenced the dog’s hair cortisol level, rather … [Read more...]
New York bans cat declawing
New York lawmakers passed a ban on cat declawing this week, making the state the first to outlaw the procedure if Governor Andrew Cuomo signs it into law. Despite opposition from some groups, including the New York Veterinary Medical Society, the bill sailed to approval. Source: New York Times, June 5, 2019. Link. New York State joins several cities in banning declawing, … [Read more...]
And on the 7th day, FedEx delivered
FedEx will start delivering packages seven days a week next January. It is also taking back nearly two million home deliveries currently handled by the post office. Source: Associated Press, May 30, 2019. Link. Consumers want packages over the weekend,” President and Chief Operating Officer Raj Subramaniam said in an interview. “As soon as we went to 6-day, we started … [Read more...]
Calf rescued from badger hole (includes ‘feel-good’ video)
In what he calls the most bizarre incident in his career, Brad Osadczuk, an Alberta, Canada, rancher rescued a calf that had fallen into a badger hole. The cow kept telling him something was wrong. Source: Drovers, May 21, 2019. Link. “She kept on going back to this spot. When you walk up, you couldn’t see anything. It just was prairie grass. I happened to walk up to a … [Read more...]
Texas Tech vet school off and running
The Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine is a big step closer to reality as of last Friday. The Texas Legislature’s Conference Committee for the state budget voted to include $17.4 million to establish the school at Texas Tech in Amarillo. The budget is now on its way the House and Senate before getting Governor Greg Abbott’s signature. Source: Lubbock … [Read more...]
Watch out for snakes! For you and Fido.
It is that time of year for exciting hikes and nature walks, but remember to watch for snakes. The number-one rule for hiking is for us and our dogs to stay on the trail, experts say. The snakes are waiting in the high grass where they’re harder to see. Rock climbers need to watch where they put their hands, too. Source: NPR Shots, May 12, 2019. Link. Like humans, dogs are … [Read more...]
Walmart opens news vet clinics, launches online pet pharmacy
Walmart is opening enough new, in-store vet clinics this year to grow its current 21 clinics to 100. The retail behemoth will also launch the online pharmacy, WalmartPetRx.com to rival Chewy.com. The company is also expanding online offerings for pet food, pet vitamins and supplements, including Walmart-branded products. Source: CNBC, May 7, 2019. Link. Walmart has seen a … [Read more...]