AgBoost, a leading provider of data-driven solutions for cattle producers, proudly announces the successful closing of a $500,000 investment round and the signing of a strategic licensing agreement with MedIrAlis, an animal health company in Australia. This step accelerates AgBoost’s mission to empower ranchers with cutting-edge technology to optimize genomic data for breeding, … [Read more...]
Factors affecting early pregnancy loss in cattle
This article references a review that highlights factors contributing to pregnancy loss and the rapidly evolving methods used to predict pregnancy failure. Bob Larson, DVM, and Brad White, DVM, review the study compiled by researchers at Texas A&M University. In what seems a bit like Murphy’s Law, the veterinarians say early pregnancy loss is due to issues with the … [Read more...]
Setting up beef-on dairy-calves up for success
The first few days are make-or-break for setting up beef-on-dairy calves for success, shares Gail Carpenter, DVM, PhD. She offers five key priorities so farmers can give their calves the best start possible, making sure they stay healthy and strong for their next chapter of life: Breed for the right calves Prioritize maternity management Ensure proper colostrum … [Read more...]
Habitat a priority in saving honey bees but there’s more species to consider
As seasonal plants arrive in local garden and hardware stores, consider the opportunity to support pollinators. Beyond honey bees, there are more than 4,000 species of bees in the U.S that help pollinate flowers, plants and crops. As few as three or four pots of the right plants can attract bees and butterflies on city streets, balconies and decks. We’re sharing three … [Read more...]
How to make an outdoor cat an indoor cat
Last week we offered an article on the pros and cons of allowing indoor cats to experience the outdoors <Link>. In the article here, LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP, offers ways to help an outdoor cat transition indoors. She emphasizes it will take planning, consistent effort and time. Source: Preventive Vet, November 11, 2024. Link. Use a gradual process, slowly keeping … [Read more...]
Rendering important in today’s pet food supply chain
The research arm of North American Renderers Association, in partnership with IFEEDER, AFIA and the Pet Food Institute, released new research highlighting the essential use rendered ingredients have in pet food. In 2024, the U.S. pet food industry reached $51.7 billion in sales and produced 9.8 million tons of pet food. More than 600 safe, nutritious ingredients included over 4 … [Read more...]
Protein, not fur, causes allergies to cats
While cats produce at least eight allergens, it is Fel d 1 protein studies have shown to be the leading cat allergen. Fel d 1 is produced in cat saliva and skin glands and sticks to clothing and other surfaces. It can also remain airborne for long periods of time, making it easy to inhale. Source: AVMA Smartbrief, The Conversation, April 7, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Leave BUT out of communications
One word that often sneaks into our sentences and quietly undermines our intentions is “but,” writes Steve Keating. When used, the conjunction causes people to focus on what follows “but” because it signals contrast or contradiction. They ignore the first portion of the sentence. The brain latches onto the exception, not the rule. Swap out the “buts. “ Try different … [Read more...]
Recruitment expert shares when last-minute interview prep helps (and when it hurts)
Senior recruitment consultant Julia Yurchak says that despite the clear advantages of early preparation there are specific situations where strategic last-minute prep can benefit candidates. Source: Keller Executive Search. Link. The most successful candidates strike a balance between thorough advance preparation and strategic last-minute review.” … [Read more...]
Don’t assume, check to be sure
Every communication in your practice tells your story. Is that how you want your practice to be perceived? If you don’t share your story, people will fill in the gaps with assumptions that may not be accurate, writes René Rodriguez. He shares tips that can help you and your team create a better picture. Source: René Rodriguez, LinkedIn, March 13, 2025. Link. By refining … [Read more...]
National Pet Day is April 11th
Founded in 2006, National Pet Day is one of many designated days to celebrate the human-animal bond. The website’s content shares a plethora of pet statistics animal health pros will find interesting including: 22 percent of Americans are attracted to people whose pet is treated like family 94 percent of families with an autistic child benefit from having a pet 44 … [Read more...]
Handling the existing and looming threats of feral swine
Called wild, feral, pigs, boars, swine or hogs, these adaptable animals are an invasive species steadily encroaching into more than 35 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces writes Bruce Derksen. Wild pigs cause direct physical damage to pastures, forage fields, fences and crops and like deer are a direct competitor in pasture-based livestock management … [Read more...]
Stockmanship and Stewardship events dates set for 2025
We’ve often asserted that events like these are excellent opportunities for veterinarians to attend with their producer clients. The dates are set for the regional Stockmanship and Stewardship events beginning in Watertown, South Dakota June 26-28. Stockmanship and Stewardship is a unique two-day educational experience featuring low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, … [Read more...]
CSU avian influenza expert discusses how H5N1 affects wild and domestic animals
Understanding how the current H5N1 virus is affecting wild and domestic animals is a mission of the Colorado State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The VDL runs as many as 600 samples on a busy day, including a growing number from cats. The VDL has detected outbreaks in commercial poultry and backyard poultry flocks, dairy cattle, domestic pet cats, wild birds and … [Read more...]
Orthobiologics in an equine veterinarian’s day-to-day practice
Orthobiologics are becoming more mainstream in everyday practices with PRP and stem cell therapies being among the more recognizable <Link>. Orthobiologic treatments still require repetition and experience, especially given the variability of individual animals. Stephanie Ruff shares orthobiologic information from a January 2025 seminar in this article. We noted the … [Read more...]
Should indoor cats experience the outdoors? 20 pros and cons
Edie Williams provides excellent contrasts between indoor and outdoor access decisions cat owners face. Risk mitigation is well-represented in her article which is a good resource to share, especially with first-time cat owners. Source: Cats Chef, March 11, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Earn CE online: A Guide to Proper Hoof Function and Form
Horse health begins where the hoof meets the ground. Certified Master Hoof Care Professional Steve Hebrock, MSC, will explore equine hoof function and form in this online CE course. The curriculum includes: Differences between biologically normal and common, typical hoof form Functions of the foot, the characteristics of a properly balanced foot and the optimal hoof … [Read more...]
A case study in failed leadership
Wendy Hauser, DVM, applies the untoward experiences during a tour in New Zealand to the challenges of leadership in a veterinary hospital. She describes an intensely uncomfortable situation where leadership was broken and absent resulting in conflict and damaging the customers’ experience. From her observations, Hauser offers four strategies to fix leadership mismatches: … [Read more...]
Considerations for refrigerators and freezers
Includes Commercial Content Summer temperatures often bring questions about refrigerator temperatures. Whether in the feedlot drug shed, a retail location or the veterinary clinic, many animal health products require temperature-controlled environments. We downloaded the refrigeration guide linked here from The Scientist. It provides expert advice on choosing the right cold … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 27, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 20, 2024. Link. Most read posts from March 20, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Ego management. Link. 3 phrases no one should ever say in a negotiation. Link. A new approach to deworming. Link. Dog breeds being banned in the U.S. (slides). Link. AKC names Pet Honesty as official multivitamin … [Read more...]
Preventing canine-transmitted neosporosis in cattle
Neosporosis-related losses cost the beef industry an estimated $111 million annually, writes Lindsay Waechter-Mead. The disease is transmitted through Neospora caninum an intracellular parasite. Canines that feed on infected cattle carcasses or placenta become infected and become a host where the parasite multiplies in the intestinal tract. Stable neospora oocytes are shed in … [Read more...]
Lactation station: Tips for optimizing sow diets during nursing
Swine producers expect a lot physically from sows. They often must feed more piglets than they have nipples, maintain their own condition and recover after piglets are weaned to be in shape to quickly breed again. Nutritionist Casey Neill addresses the challenge of feeding sows and the transitional nutritional needs of piglets in the nursery. Source: National Hog Farmer, … [Read more...]
Preventing mastitis in pregnant heifers
Ben Enger, PhD, describes the significant udder tissue growth and development required for an animal to enter lactation. He shares the importance of avoiding infections, especially in the last four months of pregnancy noting that immune factors to fight infections will also damage the growth of developing cells. He recommends udder health surveillance in first-lactation animals … [Read more...]
Beware of the mud
Curt Arens calls mud the bane of existence for horse owners and livestock producers alike. In this article, he reviews the effects of mud and options for keeping horses out of muddy areas. He stresses the importance of regular inspection of animals during wet periods to maintain their health and hygiene. Source: DakotaFarmer, March 26, 2025. Link. As a general rule, too … [Read more...]
Spring health checklist promotes consistent routine for horse care
Spring brings new riding activities, fresh grass, mud and weather fluctuations that affect animals daily. Busy schedules and economic challenges frequently delay adherence to wellness exams, fecal testing and vaccinations. Horse owners will appreciate having reminders and checklists like the ones in this article to help manage their horses’ wellness. Consider sending the … [Read more...]
As National Pet Poison Month ends, the daily risks remain
Sponsor Content Each year, veterinary teams treat unfortunate animals that get exposed to toxic household substances and foods. When an accident happens, it’s a reminder to take steps to help pet owners prevent poison exposure. Education, preparation and action are critical to diagnosing and treating the exposed animals quickly. Providing pet owners with emergency phone … [Read more...]
Lessons from ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’ can help you break out of the “Nice Guy” trap
Complimentary Commercial Content Reading the book, “No More Mr. Nice Guy” by Dr. Robert Glover, was a huge eye-opener, Alex Mathers writes. He shares that a considerable proportion of men live in quiet desperation and find themselves stuck in behavior patterns that feel noble but lead to frustration, resentment and dissatisfaction. He shares 11 insights he took from Glover’s … [Read more...]
Why Americans are working less
Full-time employees in the U.S. have been working fewer hours per week for the past five years. The average hours worked have dropped progressively since 2019. The decline in hours worked is more pronounced among workers younger than 35 than workers aged 35 and older. Between 2019 and 2024, older employees saw an average reduction of just under one hour per person per week, … [Read more...]
Beyond features, functions and benefits; the battle for the consumer mind
Somewhere beyond features, functions and benefits is the potential to elicit an emotional bond, writes Robert Wheatley*. Discussing brand positioning, his article examines the importance of occupying a space in the consumers’ minds. He refers to the brain’s Limbic system and the role of emotion in decision making and asserts the importance of an emotional bond that can support … [Read more...]
Dog breeds being banned in the U.S. (slides)
Breed-specific legislation continues to affect many dogs and their owners. Advocates of breed-specific legislation emphasize public safety, while opponents highlight the importance of responsible ownership and training over targeting specific breeds. The U.S. list is included in a related slide show by the author, who shares 13 breeds banned or heavily restricted in certain … [Read more...]