Too much stress when transporting cattle hinders the immune system, making them more vulnerable to disease. This article shares best practices from a cattle trucking company. Preweaning, prehandling and sorting, and being prepared before the truck arrives is prioritized to help the cattle remain calm, relaxed and load quietly onto the trucks. Source: Baldy Advantage, October … [Read more...]
Where farm expenses increased the most in 2024
It can be difficult to relate to our customers’ challenges and dilemmas. Having clues to their situations is important to provider-customer relationships. The rural economy affects more people than those running a tractor. Nathan Owens reports on the rising labor costs and other expenses as margins tighten. Source: Agricultural Dive, December 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Four critical takeaways, valuable insights into the evolving dairy industry
The 2024 Farm Journal State of the Dairy Industry Report highlights a sector poised for growth, adaptability and new opportunities. By fostering strong relationships, innovating profit streams and securing generational continuity, the dairy industry stands on the cusp of a promising future, writes Karen Bohnert. She shares four key insights: Embracing a growth mindset … [Read more...]
Don’t feed the wildlife
The intersection of wildlife and domestic pets gets closer to our back doors every day. The USDA recently updated its wildlife information, including signage for airports, parks and public places. Yet, the need for public education must extend beyond “don’t feed wildlife in your yard.” This coyote was photographed in a backyard a half mile from my home in Liberty, Missouri, … [Read more...]
“The tip of the iceberg.” Two cats die after drinking recalled raw milk.
Two cats have died after consuming recalled raw milk from Raw Milk Farms LLC, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated in a news release last Thursday. The two cats lived in the same household. After eating the product, they exhibited lack of appetite, fever and signs of neurological problems. Source: Los Angeles Times, December 12, 2024. Link. “I think this … [Read more...]
Gallup: 7 workplace challenges for 2025
Commentary This was a disheartening read. Sure, employers and managers can make a difference through communication and setting expectations. Yet, employees must come to grips with their own expectations and the continuous improvement necessary to remain successfully employed and contribute to a business’s objectives.* Issues with childcare, feedback and recognition are … [Read more...]
Open-source veterinary carbon calculator now available for use in the U.S.
A new tool is now available to help calculate greenhouse gas emissions are produced at a veterinary clinic. The Veterinary Carbon Accounting for Local Clinics tool is a U.S.–focused, open-access resource developed through a collaboration between Colorado State University Impact MBA students and the Veterinary Sustainability Alliance. There is mounting pressure on businesses to … [Read more...]
27 “strange” things highly sensitive people do
Commentary It helps to be sure we understand people around us, especially those who may react differently to situations than we expect. In her book, “Quiet,” Susan Cain reframes how we think about sensitivity and shines a light on the power of being highly attuned to the world. In the article here, writer Jenn Granneman shares perspectives on how highly sensitive peoples’ … [Read more...]
“Be Curious.”
Ted Lasso fans will recognize the title as a quote from the popular series of the same name on Apple TV. Curiosity is the key to understanding your customers better and increasing your opportunities to help them. Acknowledging is the genesis of curiosity. Source: Repertoire, August 2024. Link. …the point of talking with another person is to find out what they think as much … [Read more...]
Ours IS a people business
Commentary If people didn’t have pets or raise animals, would animal health pros have relationships with so many people? I say no and have asserted that VCPR really should have been CVRP <Link>. Clients are often frustrating, much like young students, distracted, too busy to listen, emotional, sometimes afraid and even apathetic. It's a lot when you think about … [Read more...]
USDA offers support to address rural veterinarian shortage
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently awarded more than two dozen Veterinary Services Grants totaling $3.8 million to universities and veterinary practices working to address shortages of food animal veterinary services across the nation in underserved areas. Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 9, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Updated Holstein USA Stature Scale may affect breeding programs
The Holstein Association USA has revised the stature scale that serves as a tool for measuring the size of Holstein cows in the Classification program. The changes ensure a fair representation of cow stature across the population, aligning the scale with average sizes in current herds and enhancing the precision of genetic and conformation evaluations. The old stature scale … [Read more...]
Bred heifers need more individual care, nutrition during winter months
Commentary: “Set it and forget it” herd management practices, especially with heifers, can cause great losses for cow-calf producers accustomed to managing cattle as a herd rather than individually. For veterinary teams and nutritionists, proactive communication as winter progresses can create value for the animals, the producer and for the animal health professional. The key … [Read more...]
Enhance reproductive success in the cow-calf herd
Reproductive technologies, when used appropriately, improve herd health, efficiency, genetics and overall profitability, writes Roselyn Biggs, DVM. Enhanced reproductive technologies exist for herds using bulls, as well as those using artificial insemination. She notes low percentage use of estrous synchronization, even though it can be effective and provide benefits in many … [Read more...]
What’s new with equine cribbing research?
Cribbing has been studied for more than 400 years without fully understanding why domesticated horse life would cause the condition, writes Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA. She shares 10 things researchers have learned since the 2016 update. Here are three of them: Cribbing is a stress-coping mechanism, not a vice Cribbing literally changes the horse’s brain It resolved … [Read more...]
10 non-negotiables for horse management
Commentary We like the positioning of this list and the underlying message of being accountable and responsible for a horse’s care. Kudos to Devin Conley for this article, which is appropriate for any horse owner of any age. Veterinary teams can use the article to establish the need for basic health care appointments and hopefully avoid some emergency calls for horses whose … [Read more...]
Choosing the best farm dogs for herding, guarding livestock, and more
Reviewing some common farm-related tasks and the dog breeds that excel at them, Tracy Kobberdahl divides working dogs into ones that drive and ones that fetch. She emphasizes the need for training and her guidance is universal for dogs on the farm or in the home. If a dog won’t heel, sit, stay, lay down, and come, you’ll never get him to do the work you want.” Source: … [Read more...]
Once is not enough
Research shows the average prospect needs to hear a message seven times before they take action, shares David Grossman. He asserts it is crucial to look at your communications as a process of repetition, not a check-off-the-box activity. Commentary Our world is full of redundancy and replication. Educators who research how students learn have studied the importance of … [Read more...]
A strategic foresight parable
Leaders today face a world defined by rapid technological innovation, market volatility, global interconnectedness and workforce transformation. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, November 26, 2024. Link. Tactical plans without strategic foresight solve nothing.” INSIGHTS: Inspire others with a clear vision; empower others with purpose; lead others with humility and courage. … [Read more...]
Mexico notifies United States of New World Screwworm detection
Commentary The recent announcement that officials detected a New World Screwworm in Mexico brought memories of removing screwworms from baby rabbits, ducklings and newborn puppies in the late 1960s. These experiences make this situation a priority to share with animal health pros. Vigilant monitoring and managing fly populations is critical to avoiding the devastation … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 5, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 27, 2024. Link. November 2024 AHD post archives. Link. ==================================== Less meat, better health? No so fast. Source: Drovers, November 18, 2024. Link. Nevil Speer asserts it’s clear that solving our weight and/or diabetes issues is far more complicated than simply eliminating … [Read more...]
Microbiome-gut-brain axis; its importance in production animal agriculture
Complimentary Commercial Content Steve Lerner, PhD, shares how two legacy companies, Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, became the company Novonesis <Link>. His role with the new entity is to educate and support the company and industry by sharing the benefits of effective probiotics. Lerner explains the significance of the microbiome-gut-brain axis in animal production and … [Read more...]
Face masks reduce human exposure to swine flu
Personal protective equipment, including face masks, helps protect swine farm workers from infected air particles, including those carrying influenza A virus particles. Results of a study presented by Joaquin Alvarez-Norambuena and colleagues with the University of Minnesota during the recent Leman Swine Conference show face masks limit exposure of IAV in farm … [Read more...]
Hold the net wrap and twine
Rumen microbes do not digest plastic net wrap or biodegradable twine. Sisal twine does digest but much slower than hay, writes Erin Laborie. As hay feeding begins this winter, use this article to remind cattle producers of the risks of allowing cattle to ingest bale-binding materials. Note that even grinding the wrap and twine can have a negative effect. Source: Progressive … [Read more...]
Carbon cowboys (video)
We’re sharing this fascinating excerpt from “herd impact” - one of the 10 original “carbon cowboys” films by Peter Byck, which explores the many ways working with nature improves pasture and grazing management. The discussion of herd impact, holistic management of smaller grazing areas and limiting days of continuous grazing provide important perspectives for animal health pros … [Read more...]
CBD 101: Common cannabis “cures” for your canine
Commentary This online article, full of commercial references, is another example of what-they’re- reading-content being proliferated at breakneck speed. We believe it is important for animal health pros to see content like this, which could potentially mislead pet owners. To the author’s credit, cannabis with THC and CBD are differentiated and disclaimer language is also … [Read more...]
Feline Heartworm Guidelines updated by the AHS
Driven by the underdiagnosis and undermanagement of heartworm disease in cats, the American Heartworm Society outlined four main reasons for recommending routine heartworm screening in cats: aiding diagnosis in symptomatic cats monitoring heartworm-positive cases establishing baselines before preventive treatment assessing heartworm risk in specific … [Read more...]
Keep cold weather safety top of mind
An easy-to-use infographic from ASPCA® Pet Insurance covers many of the winter hazards including extra care for senior pets. Communication from veterinary practices is noticed and appreciated by pet owners and often reinforces messages clients receive from consumer media. Consider printing a few of the infographic pages for waiting and exam rooms in addition to sending it to … [Read more...]
Protecting ourselves from hearing loss
Includes Commercial Content The discussion of electronic hearing protection as a solution for hunting- and shooting-related hearing loss caught our attention. Animal health pros and workers in swine confinement, kennels and shelters and confined cattle areas can experience hearing loss from the noise in those environments. Different from over-the-ear noise cancelling … [Read more...]
A viral investigation of bathroom biomes
This article will likely prompt more thinking about the bacterial and viral diversity we encounter daily. The discussion of bacteriophages and biofilms is intriguing. The amount of microbial diversity out there is awesome, and the amount of phage diversity is another degree of magnitude or several greater, which is kind of mind-blowing.” – Erica Hartmann, PhD Source: The … [Read more...]