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...]
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...]