Consider and share these basic principles of horsemanship regarding water: Depending on body weight, in a moderate climate will drink five to 15 gallons per day Variations in water intake for individual horses may occur from day to day Diet affects water consumption Well-fed mature horses spend only five or six minutes a day drinking water in several visits … [Read more...]
Equine laminitis and black walnut wood residue
Very small quantities of black walnut wood residue in shavings can cause laminitis in horses. As little as 10 percent of the total shavings, by weight, may result in clinical signs of toxicity in horses. These signs generally occur within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to the contaminated shavings. The symptoms frequently begin with mild laminitis and swelling of the legs and … [Read more...]
Finisher sites are the weak link in swine disease biosecurity
The constant movement of pigs, people and equipment creates significant pathways for disease transmission in multi-site swine production. Recent research showed finisher sites were the most vulnerable, with an 82.4 percent outbreak rate, compared to wean-to-finish (66.7 percent) and nurseries (33.3 percent). Source: PORK, March 23, 2026. Link. The study suggests prioritizing … [Read more...]
We measure milk. The cow measures time. Management defines both.
Complimentary Content The recent heat wave across the West and Midwest is a reminder of the effects of heat stress on cows. The farms that succeed are not just cooling cows. They are managing time, environment and consistency as one system, explains Muhammad Wasim Iqbal, DVM, MS, PhD. The graphic from Dr. Iqbal’s post is saved here as a poster to use when communicating … [Read more...]
The greening of America, potential dangers are hidden, inherent
Correctly managing spring grass growth isn’t easy, but having an effective plan in place will optimize both cattle and grass production for the remainder of the season. Don’t be too early; overgrazing slows subsequent growth and pasture resilience Early grass is water-laden; consider energy and/or dry matter supplements Hay boosts daily dry matter intake. Source: … [Read more...]
Chronic conditions dominate Nationwide’s most common pet health problems
More than one million Nationwide-insured dogs and cats generated 3.3 million pet insurance claims in 2025, revealing that pets’ health is shaped by ongoing, chronic conditions. Canine trends: Allergies top the list again and chronic issues dominate the top 10 Feline trends: Digestive issues lead again with chronic conditions climbing Source: Nationwide, March 5, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 26, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 19, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 19, 2026 AHD Bulletin – All work and no play? Link. Active listening: 6 strategies so others feel seen, heard, understood. Link. Understanding your window of tolerance. Link. ========================== Study: Humans preferred for empathy, but AI … [Read more...]
Lessons learned from 2025’s EHV-1 outbreak
Article by Merck Animal Health The 2025 EHV-1 outbreak in Texas exposed event-wide risks of inadequate biosecurity. As horse travel and events ramp up again in 2026, equine health experts are urging owners and organizers to apply lessons learned last year. With collaboration between owners, event organizers and veterinarians, outbreaks can be avoided. Source: Paulick … [Read more...]
Grand champion lamb sells for $1M
The grand champion market lamb sold for a record $1 million March 13th at the Junior Market Lamb Auction at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 13-year old Reagan Miller of Seagraves, Texas, exhibited the lamb. Paizlee Akins of Whitesboro, Texas, raised the grand champion market goat, which sold for $450,000, setting another Rodeo record. Miller will earn a guaranteed … [Read more...]
Avian flu strikes more Indiana poultry facilities
In the past 30 days, APHIS has confirmed 77 avian flu outbreaks that affected 41 commercial farms and 36 backyard flocks, with 13.98 million birds affected. Indiana had eight outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu in the past week in three counties: including 20,600 birds on a commercial turkey meat farm and 3 outbreaks on duck meat farms Wisconsin reported two major … [Read more...]
Be cautious with chickens as pets in the house
Easter is April 5th this year and farm stores are already stocking baby chicks, some of which may become pets. Janet Garman shares considerations for would-be chicken owners and guidance if the chicken is going to be in the home, sanitation being a top priority. Source: Backyard Poultry, August 1, 2022. Link. Also see: Common concerns with backyard or urban poultry … [Read more...]
Evaluate cow and bull body condition throughout the year
Year-to-year variations in forage quality and weather stress can show up in body condition scores even when what’s being fed appears to be the same diet. Robert (Bob) L. Larson, DVM, PhD, shares the importance of BCS checks throughout the year to support and maximize cow and bull outcomes. Source: BEEF, February 10, 2026. Link. When determining BCS, it is important to … [Read more...]
Managing large litters; 13.9 functional teats for 15.7 piglets
With larger litters and limited teat capacity, many producers have increased interest in management strategies such as split suckling and teat optimization, writes Abigail Jenkins, PhD. Sharing modern research trial perspectives, she notes there was no improvement in growth performance and inconsistent effects on mortality when split suckling was practiced. Teat loading … [Read more...]
Cows have routines, too
Circadian rhythm research shows that behavioral data contains insights beyond reproduction and health alerts. Understanding how cows structure their day may help dairies implement better management systems that work with cows’ biological clocks. The analysis of more than a decade of cow behavior data showed examples of strong circadian rhythms, or predictable 24-hour cycles … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 19, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 12, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 12, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Imposter syndrome (video). Link. Low-stress handling isn’t just for animals. Link. 2026: What’s next in the pet business? Link. Livestock care during wildfire season. Link. Webinar TODAY!: The Untapped Feline Patient: … [Read more...]
Low-stress handling isn’t just for animals
Commentary Don’t let the cowboy hat and big beard fool you. Ashley Nicholls is an Australian turned Canadian and 2026 Nuffield Scholar <Link>. He says the ways we’ve learned to work with animals may be the missing framework for team cohesion and communication. The concept of low-stress people handling Nicholls promotes is based on the work of Temple Grandin, a renowned … [Read more...]
Shoeing the road horse
Complimentary The American Farriers Journal shares insights from hoof-care professionals to help the horses that run the roads in the new Shoeing the Road Horse report. Offered free as a downloadable PDF <Link>, it can also be found in the AHD library at the link below. Source: American Farriers Journal, March 2026. Link. Images: Link. … [Read more...]
Vaccination time: spring check-ups for horses
While a standard vaccination program for all horses does not exist, spring vaccinations are an important component of ensuring horses’ immune systems are optimized during the highest risk period for disease exposure. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners vaccination guidelines, the five core vaccinations that all horses need include: West Nile virus, … [Read more...]
Livestock care during wildfire season
Benjamin Franklin’s warning, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is relevant for cattle producers as wildfire season has already begun <Link>. Dean Ruhl offers tips for handling animals before a fire and caring for them afterward in this article. He reminds us that preparation is key. Maintaining property, like mowing fencelines and creating fire breaks, is … [Read more...]
Beware the mud
Justin Waggoner, PhD, shares how muddy conditions change how cattle gain: 4 to 8 inches of mud reduces gain by approximately 14 percent 12 to 24 inches of mud reduces gain by approximately 25 percent He calculates that for every four days cattle have to slog through hock-deep mud, producers will need to add another day and 20 pounds of dry matter feed to reach finish … [Read more...]
Barn monitoring could reduce insurance risks
Commercial Content Distynct and Pledge Insurance Advisors announced a joint program designed to reward livestock customers who invest in barn monitoring and proactive risk reduction. The program recognizes the role continuous monitoring plays in reducing the risk of catastrophic livestock losses and improving long-term operational resilience. Source: Feedstuffs, March 3, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 12, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 5, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 5, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Scoring system reveals parasites affect equine skin, coat condition. Link. Practicing radical acceptance. Link. Short online programs for overcoming depression led to improvements. Link. You are in charge. Link. Review: The … [Read more...]
GPS collars transformed goat grazing into a stress-free, eco-friendly moneymaker
This story adds to other posts featuring the use of goats as an alternative for controlling weeds and overgrowth <Link>. In this article, Mindy Ward features Margaret Chamas, who has added virtual fencing as a management tool to her goat leasing service. Chamas rents out goats for brush control on properties that include city parks, conservation areas and private … [Read more...]
Theileria orientalis is moving westward, now in 60 Missouri counties
The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is the primary vector for Theileria orientalis ikeda, and it transmits the organism through its saliva while feeding on cattle. This disease has been reported in multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West … [Read more...]
Failing forward: Why swine vets look at obstacles as opportunities
Learning from failure and not avoiding it was the context of the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians annual meeting. Jennifer Shrike captures the various perspectives of speakers in this article. Many of the comments could be applied to other species, such as: “Don’t be afraid to fail because of uncertainty; it’s always present. It’s not about getting it … [Read more...]
PAC Beef Summits planned for April
Complimentary, Commercial Bringing producers and veterinarians into a room for half a day for joint benefit has value and two opportunities are coming soon. The PAC Beef Summit is where feedyard professionals, veterinarians and industry leaders come together for real conversations and forward-thinking solutions. PAC personnel say these are more than meetings. They’re … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 5, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 26, 2026. Link. Most read posts from February 26, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Most common Gen Z, Gen Alpha terms now circulating in workplaces. Link. Is staffing eroding customer experience? Link. Designing the visit before the patient arrives. Link. Decision goals. Link. Start NOW to reduce … [Read more...]
Filly or colt? How a mare’s age may influence the gender of her offspring
A study from Brazil suggests a possible correlation between a mare’s age and the gender of her offspring. Analysis of the combined data showed that mares older than 15 were more likely to deliver fillies than were younger mares. On the other hand, the age of the sire seemed to have only a minor effect on gender ratios. Source: EQUUS, December 1, 2026. Link. Image: … [Read more...]
Mobile coops, aka chicken tractors, make sense
With Easter chick eggs soon to be in incubators, backyard poultry raisers will value the chicken tractor potential. Mobile coops provide flexibility, healthier yards and easier management, making them a smart choice for raising chickens. Reducing clean-up is a major benefit. Consider this article for poultry raisers new and old. Source: Acreage Life. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Avian flu outbreak crisis in Pennsylvania; snow geese blamed, bovine spillover concerns
Top ag officials in Pennsylvania are calling the current avian flu outbreak unprecedented and “a crisis.” More than 7 million birds from 11 commercial flocks and nine backyard flocks have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, since early February. Wild birds, including snow geese that are overwintering in the area, are believed to be the source of … [Read more...]