Jennifer M. Latzke is not afraid to talk about breast cancer, advancements in early detection methods and methods of treatment and the importance of screening for women and men. Source: KansasFarmer, November 1, 2024. Link. Improvements in early detection and treatment contributed to a 44 percent decline in breast cancer death rate in the U.S. between 1989 and 2022.” … [Read more...]
Bird flu mutating and reassorting with seasonal flu could create a pandemic-causing virus
Commentary It is NOT time to panic. Experts are studying the potential for H5N1 to mutate and reassort with seasonal influenza. They indicate humans and pigs could both serve as mixing vessels for a bird flu–seasonal flu hybrid. The article by Tanya Lewis provides a situation analysis, food for thought and reinforces the importance of: seasonal flu vaccination for … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 31, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 24, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the October 24th AHD Bulletin – Study: dead animal disposal practices can put swine farms at PRRS risk. Link. Pet industry adapts to economic challenges, new trends. Link. Cattle traceability rule set to take effect November 5th. Link. Image … [Read more...]
First case of H5N1 in swine found in Oregon backyard farm
No concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply but a reminder of what can happen when livestock and poultry share water sources, housing and equipment. Source: National Hog Farmer, October 30, 2024. Link. USDA and ODA remind all farmers that strong biosecurity is critical to eradicating this virus and to protecting the health of farmworkers, farmers and their … [Read more...]
Toys, materials for pigs offer physical enrichment
There have been promising welfare results when physical enrichment is provided for pigs. While researchers found straw to meet most of the pigs’ behavioral needs, its use in modern facilities is challenging. This article summarizes the welfare effects when using a rope, balls, burlap bags and toys compared to pigs with no enrichment. A chart shows enrichments that improved at … [Read more...]
The deep impact of protein formulation in calf starter feed (video)
Includes Commercial Content Choosing the right proteins in calf starter feed is essential for optimizing rumen fermentation and developing healthy digestive function. Until weaning, liquid milk feed provides most of the protein supply in calf weaning plans in the first half of the initial growth phase. These proteins are essentially of dairy origin. During the second half of … [Read more...]
Review: 3 keys to lameness prevention
Hoof care requires diligent efforts to avoid lameness in dairy animals. Properly maintained footbaths are critical along with regular hoof trimming and scraping multiple times per day. Jason Hartschuh shares the importance of footbath depth and solution options, including copper sulfate, formalin and zinc sulfate. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, October 28, 2024. Link. Barn … [Read more...]
Improving deer health on cervid livestock farms
The cervid livestock business is one of the fastest-growing industries in rural America, writes Brian Consiglio. He shares what University of Missouri researchers are doing to improve deer health so cervid farm managers can make better-informed decisions on antibiotic use and disease management practices. Source: Show Me Mizzou, October 30, 2024. Link. Infections, such as … [Read more...]
Pekin ducks, a turkey alternative
Rumors of turkey shortages due to flocks being euthanized because of HPAI may make the Pekin duck an option. A Pennsylvania family has developed a substantial commercial duck business featured in the article here. While the Pekin duck is a famous icon for AFLAC, it’s all-dark meat may become a favored alternate choice for the holidays. Source: American Agriculturist, … [Read more...]
It may be fall, but mosquitoes are still buzzing
While fall tends to reduce mosquito populations, days above 50oF will prompt activity by those genera that hibernate. Emily Singler, VMD, says the uptick of heartworm-positive cases in unusual locations makes educating and encouraging clients about year-round heartworm prevention more important than ever. Source: AAHA NEWStat, April 9, 2024. Link. Related: 10 cases of … [Read more...]
Debunking 3 top misconceptions about HR
Cheryl Swirnow addresses persistent misconceptions and clarifies HR’s critical role in modern organizations in this article. Asserting HR plays an increasingly strategic role in shaping company culture, driving DEI initiatives and managing flexible work policies, she focuses on these three myths: Myth 1: HR is all about micromanagement Myth 2: HR is responsible for … [Read more...]
FDA: Aspirin use in dairy cattle and other food animals is now prohibited
Citing HPAI infections in dairies, drug residue risks and concerns about protocol drift, the FDA has reversed its stance on using aspirin, which was never approved for use in cattle. Protocol drift is a real thing . . . there are approved drugs with labeled indications, those should be our first line of treatment.” - Alison Vander Plaats, DVM Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, October … [Read more...]
Dairy biosecurity starts with mentality change
Biosecurity consultant Dan Hougentogler shares the challenges of improving biosecurity practices on dairies, especially those with multiple species on the farm. One of the bigger issues is to get producers to take biosecurity seriously. Source: American Agriculturist, October 21, 2024. Link. Changing the mentality is really about managing people to reduce our potential for … [Read more...]
Study shows dead animal disposal practices can put swine farms at PRRS risk
“When it comes to dead animal handling, we know what we should do, but we aren’t able to do it adequately,” shared Igor Paploski, PhD, referencing discoveries from a study evaluating dead animal disposal practices and the associated risk of PRRS. The article offers tips for producers to minimize the risk of disease spread from dead animal handling practices. Farms that perform … [Read more...]
Building a profitable relationship with veterinarians (podcast)
Includes Commercial Content Randall Spare, DVM, shares his experiences with herd health consultations, problem-solving with producers and how understanding genomics can increase the value of replacement heifers. Source: Angus at Work, August 28, 2024. Link. [26:52] The opportunities today when we genomically measure heifers and we know exactly what’s underneath that hide … [Read more...]
Setting up the newborn calf to respond to spring vaccinations
Producers often “set it and forget it” when turning out cows for the fall and winter. Research has shown that calves born to cows with a body condition score of 5 or 6 have more immunoglobulin G in their blood serum after consuming colostrum than calves from cows with a 4 or lower score, writes Karla H. Wilke. She focuses on the importance of keeping cows healthy and in good … [Read more...]
Cattle traceability rule set to take effect November 5th
Cattle ranchers and dairy farmers will be required to use electronic identification for their cows in certain cases under a disease traceability rule set to take effect November 5, 2024. Producers have long expressed concerns about cost and data privacy. In May, Congress approved $15 million to help producers comply with the rule and farms can receive electronic tags for free … [Read more...]
Leave the leaves!
Leaves, brush piles, fallen logs, plant stems and flower heads might not be growing anymore, but they aren’t trash. They are natural homes that support pollinators and other invertebrates and provide them with the shelter they need to survive the winter. Source: Xerces Society, October 5, 2024. Link. The authors share tips for autumn cleanup that still leaves space for … [Read more...]
Water-soaked hay improved asthma in horses
Hay and bedding are a common source of airborne particles in horse barns. In a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, researchers found that soaking hay with water before feeding was effective in reducing the clinical signs of asthma. To be effective, a specific protocol must be followed. The hay must be soaked for 45 minutes and any dried hay that … [Read more...]
Research: Cushing’s treatment improves quality of life, but does not prolong life
Research by Hal Schott, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, provides evidence that long-term treatment of PPID with pergolide, an oral medication, over a period of five years or greater produced clinical improvement in nearly all affected horses. His study examined 15 PPID positive horses over 9.5 years, with seven of those receiving a dosage increase from years 1.7 to 4.7. His research showed … [Read more...]
Mizzou’s Mule-lennials
The Missouri mule team has been a fixture at the University of Missouri since 1984. To be considered a mule has to be a cross between a draft horse and a mammoth donkey, the world's largest breed of ass. This specific cross creates what is known as a Missouri Mule. Honoring National Mule Day taking place on October 26th, Brian Consiglio shares seven facts about Mizzou’s equine … [Read more...]
Horse Week is happening now
Complimentary Sponsored Content Horse Week is a free weeklong online film festival dedicated to horses. It takes place October 20–26, 2024. Films range from documentary features to quick training tips and include a lineup of brand new exclusives and award-winning favorites. Source: RIDE TV. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 17, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 10, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the October 10th AHD Bulletin – How to stop making excuses. Link. Larval therapy decreases layup time for coffin bone infection. Link. Oak mites join chiggers, mosquitos . . . big annoyance for pets, humans. Link. Explaining why cats chatter. Link. … [Read more...]
Farmers told to bolster biosecurity as HPAI spread “by no means on the downward trend”
Experts have warned dairy producers to assume the worst when taking steps to secure their premises against HPAI infections. Source: Dairy Reporter, October 10, 2024. Link. . . . almost a third of all cases since the inception of this event have occurred within the last 30 days.” – Alex Hamburg, DVM … [Read more...]
Preventing inflammation in transition cows
Barry Bradford, PhD, recommends sound transition cow management steps to prevent acute inflammation. This article is a good reference when working with dairy producers and their herd teams. His five steps are: Manage body condition score Transition cow housing Antioxidants Anionic diets Tweaking immunity/inflammation: remember, the use of NSAIDs to treat … [Read more...]
Facial recognition app recognizes cow from 50 feet
Complimentary Commercial Content 406 Bovine leverages facial recognition technology to create ‘digital twins’ of cattle, enabling producers to pull up wellness, movement and treatment data by simply taking a photo of their animals’ heads. Source: Dairy Reporter, July 22, 2024. Link. RFD TV, August 15, 2024. Link. Video [13:13] Facial recognition is the newest form of … [Read more...]
Key technologies revolutionizing the dairy farm
Automation, robotics and AI in dairy farming are taking off. As sustainability, efficiency and consumer transparency become more critical, technological advancements targeting automation, data decision-making, animal welfare and more shape the future of modern dairies. It’s a game changer, writes Andrew Hunt. Source: The Bullvine, October 10, 2024. Link. Key … [Read more...]
Allogrooming serves an important function in horses
It’s believed that grooming areas on the body that they can’t reach establishes and maintains social relationships, and may also foster trust and cooperation in horses. It also helps remove sweat, dirt, mud, lice, fleas and ticks and distributes natural oils throughout the coat. Sources: More than scratching an itch, The Paulick Report, October 4, 2024. Link. A … [Read more...]
Simon Sinek: What Noah taught me about leadership (true story)
Simon Sinek shares a true story of his experience with a barista named Noah which taught him an interesting lesson about leadership. In under three minutes, Sinek shares the importance of leadership creating the right environment. Throughout the day managers will walk past me, ask me how I am doing and if I need anything . . .” Source: Live2Lead, YouTube, Simon Sinek, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 9, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 3, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the October 3rd AHD Bulletin – “Social license to operate” topic drives equine gathering agenda. Link. Probiotics, prebiotics for feline digestive health. Link. Non-antibiotic approaches to canine recurrent UTIs. Link. Plain speak matters. Link. … [Read more...]