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...]
Selecting cattle that maintain body condition and productivity on pasture
Not all cattle perform equally on pasture. Sam Wyffels, PhD, reviews the selection of cattle to match the forage resources and the environment of an operation in this article. He advocates keeping performance records and using data for selection as one of the best ways to improve herd efficiency over time. One of the most effective ways to improve herd efficiency is to cull … [Read more...]
A new approach to deworming
Elanco’s Wayne Ayers, DVM, shares the challenge of parasite control in different environments, young versus mature animals, deworming treatment product classes and timing. To avoid parasite resistance he stresses the importance of identifying the active parasites’ life cycles and adjusting deworming plans to reduce the environmental worm load. Source: Drovers, March 11, … [Read more...]
The critical need for a functional immune system
The absence of a vaccine to protect against avian flu is a factor in dairy producers’ heightened focus on strengthening the immune systems of their dairy cows. It should not take H5N1 to prioritize bolstering immunity given myriad morbidities known to challenge bovine health daily. Stephen B. Blezinger, PhD, PAS, discusses the critical interrelationship between nutrition and … [Read more...]
Reminder: Keeping BVD out of the herd
An effective BVDV prevention program is based on maximizing immunity and minimizing herd exposure to the virus, writes Maggie Malson. While veterinary teams, industry advocates and producers should know how to manage BVD risks, it takes discipline and consistency to prevent the virus causing BVD and BVD-PI (persistently infected) animals. Maintaining vaccination protocols is … [Read more...]
Peak migration is here
Every March, more than a million Sandhill Cranes gather along the Platte River Valley to rest and refuel before continuing their journey north to their nesting grounds. Rowe Sanctuary in Nebraska’s Platte River Valley is home to one of the most spectacular migration events. Witness the Sandhill Crane migration live through explore.org’s nature cameras. Source: National … [Read more...]
Veterinarians, honey bees and beekeepers
Jörg Mayer, DVM, MS, DABVP, DECZM, DACZM, discusses the role of veterinarians in supporting bee health and wellness since the Veterinary Feed Directive was implemented. Source: AAHA, YouTube, March 13, 2025. Link. We don’t think of the honey bee as a farm animal . . . but it is.” Also see: Search results for: bees, AHD Archives. Link. … [Read more...]
Goat meat gaining traction
Includes Commercial Content Goat is one of the more widely consumed proteins in the world and is gaining traction in the U.S. market. Some of the growth is a result of more consumer friendly packaging. Datassential reports that 76 percent of consumers are aware of goat and 28 percent say they’ve tried it. Source: Perishable News, March 13, 2025. Link. As more consumers … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Leptospirosis, the puddle pathogens
In the park, at the beach, in the backyard, along the sidewalk and in the lake, many serovars of Leptospira sp. bacteria can be found in soil and water. They are spread through the urine of infected animals, including wildlife and even birds such as starlings. Lepto is zoonotic, adding significance to reinforcing the benefits of vaccination and preventative measures. Recent … [Read more...]
Beyond paychecks: Building a culture of recognition in veterinary practice
Complimentary Commercial Content Randy Hall’s guidance here focuses on veterinary hospitals but can be applied in pet services businesses and retail settings. Money and the chance for stable employment may bring people to a veterinary practice, but they rarely keep them there long-term, writes Randy Hall. He says to build a habit of noticing good work, asserting that … [Read more...]
3 phrases no one should ever say in a negotiation
Negotiation is a reality for most in their work and personal lives. Lydia Fenet shares phrases that show a lack of experience or maturity during negotiations that will likely kill any potential to achieve a winning result. Source: Fast Company, March 5, 2025. Link. A negotiation is not done until the contract is signed—so make sure to take the initiative to follow up … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 13, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 6, 2024. Link. Most read posts from March 6, 2025 AHD Bulletin - Pork industry optimistic despite disease, labor challenges. Link. Save a swamp. Sauté a nutria. Link. A cat is a cat, BUT, lifestyles, environments, their natures are a conundrum. Link. S. heartworm risks increase as mosquito … [Read more...]
World Hereford Conference comes to America in October
Every four years, Hereford breeders from across the world gather to discuss the evolution of the breed and its role in the beef industry. The 2025 World Hereford Conference will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, October 23rd through October 26th <Link>. Source: Hereford World, March 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Polled cattle bring benefits to dairy producers
Most producers do not realize the polled gene is dominant in dairy cattle. Adrianne Trennepohl explains the importance of the polled gene and its benefits. Implementing the polled gene takes only one generation and reduces the effects of dehorning. The polled gene improves the safety, efficiency and overall management of a dairy farm, directly impacting … [Read more...]
Still growing, first calf heifers need feed, energy
First calf heifers need special attention. Simply put, Mother Nature tells the heifer to direct nutrients toward growth before nutrients are directed towards reproduction. Therefore first-calf heifers undergo an average three to four weeks longer period of postpartum anestrus than mature cows. Source: BEEF, February 25, 2025. Link. Don't short heifers on feed after … [Read more...]
Beyond plant milk: Real dairy proteins without the cow
Lab-grown milk is no longer science fiction. The launch of Brown Foods’ UnReal Milk signals a new competitor for cow-derived milk. MIT-validated and launching by 2026, Brown Foods’ “UnReal Milk” contains all eight key dairy proteins while using 82 percent less carbon, 90 percent less water, and 95 percent less land. Scaling from the proof of concept lab to be commercially and … [Read more...]
New study shows H5N1 is more widespread in cows than reported to date
Researchers and scientists are ringing alarms after identifying a genetic mutation in four dairy cow herds. The change is one researchers dread because it is associated with increased mammal-to-mammal transmission and disease severity. It’s the mutation that was found in the first human case and is extremely pathogenic in ferrets. Finding the same mutation in cows is … [Read more...]
Cornell launches website for bird flu information
Seeking to aggregate up-to-date information on avian influenza, Cornell University has launched a one-stop clearinghouse for the most current and trustworthy information on bird flu. The new Avian Flu Resource Center provides reliable and accessible information for members of the public, farmers, wildlife professionals, state and public health agency partners, and … [Read more...]
AAHA working, assistance and therapy dog guidelines certificate
Working, therapy and assistance dogs have unique needs requiring individualized care. This specialized course will help veterinarians adjust wellness and treatment plans for the various roles and health requirements of dogs working with their human counterparts. Source: AAHA. Link. INSIGHTS: Working, therapy, and assistance nomenclature encompasses multiple breeds outside … [Read more...]
Menopause and veterinary medicine: Challenges, opportunities, and solutions (video).
Our January 15th post <Link> included this metric, “By 2025, there will be over 1 billion people worldwide experiencing menopause.” The topic has come of age in the female-dominated veterinary profession where addressing menopause and perimenopause is an important priority that affects all team members. Liz Barton, MA, VetMB, MRCVS, MCIPR, is championing the need for … [Read more...]
WashU engineers make microwave-size bird flu detector amid outbreak
Providing hope on the bird flu front, Washington University engineers have built a sensor that can detect the presence of bird flu particles within minutes. The proof of concept mini fridge-size machine detects viral particles in the air using so-called “wet cyclone” technology. It sucks in air, spins it in liquid to trap particles and sends an alert when it detects the virus. … [Read more...]
Pork industry optimistic despite disease, labor challenges
Speaking at the Minnesota Pork Congress, Brett Kaysen shared pork producers have put a lot of emphasis on prevention and preparedness for foreign animal disease but don’t want to lose sight of endemic diseases that hurt profitability. Pigs are the easy part. The people are the challenge.” Source: The Farmer, March 4, 2025. Link. Image: USSCMC … [Read more...]
Stocker producers face a tougher market
Producers who background cattle have provided basic production value for the cattle industry. They grow calves and lightweight feeder cattle to increase size and weight prior to feedlot placement. Derrell Peel shares why the current cattle market will squeeze stockers as feeders take on lighter calves. He shares a future opportunity to background heifers and explains the … [Read more...]
Beef-dairy crossbreds often heartier than purebreds
In a first-of-its-kind study published in the Journal of Dairy Science, a team led by Penn State researchers determined that by the age of eight months, on average, the hybrid calves that recovered from pneumonia achieved similar average daily growth to calves that never had pneumonia. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, February 2025. Link. Study researchers reported that pneumonia … [Read more...]
Footbaths need routine attention, management
Taylor Leach reviews key management practices that help producers keep their footbaths operating efficiently. Footbath solutions need to be changed when 150 to 350 cows walk through them, depending on the level of dirt on hooves. She covers bath dimensions, solution types and depth, pH and treatment frequency. Source: Dairy Herd Management, February 27, 2025. … [Read more...]
Enhancing biosecurity is key to help prepare for foot-and-mouth disease
In a February seminar hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Julia Hermann, DVM, MS, DACVPM, beef cattle specialist with NCBA, told participants about the absolute need for proactive biosecurity measures to ensure cattle health and others in its economic sector. She said FMD, which affects cattle, goats, pigs and sheep is “the most contagious viral disease of … [Read more...]
Save a swamp. Sauté a nutria.
In an effort to curb growing populations of invasive species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers a practical solution: Eat them. Nutria a large semiaquatic rodent whose population is increasing and disrupting marshland ecosystems, is the preferred menu item. Weighing 15 to 20 pounds each, they live along the Gulf Coast, in the Pacific Northwest and the Southeastern … [Read more...]
Mud is beneficial for horses’ hooves and skin? Yes or no?
Marcella Gruchalak curates various perspectives on mud, how much is too much, what else might be in the mud and what happens if mud remains on the horse too long. Source: Horse Nation, March 3, 2025. Link. Some mud is fine, but not in excess or for extended periods of time.” Also see: There’s nothing as helpful as picking out a horse’s feet daily, AHD Archives. … [Read more...]
U.S. heartworm risks increasing as mosquito populations, species more than double
One can imagine a forboding silence come over those listening to Susan Little, DVM, PhD, DACVM, as she shared an update on the growing prevalence of heartworm disease in U.S. dogs. She urged veterinary teams to be diligent in educating clients and assertive with their recommendations, noting DVMs have more powerful preventatives than ever at their disposal. Source: DVM360, … [Read more...]