According to Jesse Goff, DVM, subclinical hypocalcemia occurs in nearly half of all cows during the first 24 hours after calving. He believes metabolic alkalosis is the cause in subclinical and clinical hypocalcemia. Goff discusses reducing potassium and binding dietary calcium precalving, as well as providing a readily available, soluble calcium source to the cow immediately … [Read more...]
Sale day: 9 factors that influence cattle price
Fall is busy for cattle producers and this year’s market promises to be very strong. Reminding producers of the economic benefits shared in Paige Carlson’s article could increase their revenue as calves or culls are sold. She shares a list of the nine most influential variables when it comes to receiving the best price for cattle as tracked by South Dakota State University … [Read more...]
Tyson Foods invests in insect protein production
Tyson Foods and Protix are investing to build an insect ingredient facility in the U.S. to take advantage of the growing popularity of insect proteins in poultry and livestock feed. Insect protein production occurs in a circular system with a smaller footprint helping to close water, nutrient and carbon cycles. Source: WATTPoultry, October 17, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
2 men survive wild pig attacks. Barely.
NOTE: This is a cautionary tale for animal health pros and their customers who like to hunt wild pigs, hike in the woods or have gardens next to brushy cover. Sharing this article will help increase understanding of how dangerous feral hogs can be. James Dean and Monte Sullivan survived horrific wild pig attacks in 2019 and 2022 respectively. They shared their harrowing … [Read more...]
The dangers of killing frost in equine pastures
A killing frost makes plants in pastures overly sufficient in nonstructural carbohydrates. Horses that eat the plants are more prone to laminitis, obesity, Cushing’s disease and equine metabolic syndrome. It likely okay to allow horses to graze 7 days after a killing frost if the plants or grass are green and taller than 3 to 4 inches. However, grazing should stop when the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 19, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 12, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 12th AHD Bulletin – Pet owners delay veterinary care . . . may spend $700M on Halloween. Link. Stop giving advice. Link. National Veterinary Technician Week turns 30 (video). Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Yelloh, formerly Schwanns, to offer frozen pet food delivery
Carnivore Meat Company’s Vital Essentials brand partnership with Yelloh! will provide pet owners with options to buy high-quality, premium butcher-cut protein for their pets. Yelloh and Vital Essentials share the same commitment to superior food quality and safety standards. Source: Vital Essentials, October 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Heel flies and cattle grubs are still a problem
In some regions of the U.S., cattle grubs are making a comeback. Cattle grubs are the larval form of heel flies that resemble honeybees in size and shape but are colored like a bumblebee. Heel flies pester cattle, hovering and darting around their legs. Two species parasitize cattle: Hypoderma bovis and H. lineatum. Control of adult heel flies is nearly impossible as they … [Read more...]
Today’s calves need more animal husbandry
Commentary There is a lot to think about in Kevin Shultz’s article shared here. The beef industry has long been focused on pounds produced and at what cost. He shares reasons beef producers need to shift gears on calf health. . . . nothing trumps good old animal husbandry.” Selective breeding that optimizes genetics, improvements in pharmaceuticals as health management … [Read more...]
Do adult cicadas actually feed on anything?
Cicadas are a curious insect and their exoskeletons were often found near cherry and apple trees in my childhood backyard. We’re sharing this for those who are curious, too. USDA-ARS researchers are trying to answer a long-standing question about cicadas. Beyond understanding their every-so-often emergence and sometimes deafening waves of escalating high-pitched chirps, the … [Read more...]
NPIP certification matters when buying chicks
A chicken hatchery with a National Poultry Improvement Plan certification has been tested and found to be clean of salmonella, mycoplasma and low-path avian influenza diseases at a basic level. NPIP-certified hatcheries are essential to large-scale poultry farming and the backyard flock alike. Source: Backyard Poultry, March 2019. Link. Farms and hatcheries that volunteer … [Read more...]
Stallions need to socialize
Social contact for horses is not just nice to have, it’s a fundamental need, says Anja Zollinger. Isolating a stud is not healthy even though it minimizes conflict and the risk of injuries. She shares how a Social Box system reduces stress levels by enabling stallions to engage in natural behaviors resulting in actions indicating improved welfare. Source: EQUUS, October 10, … [Read more...]
Study examines impacts of 3 styles of feeding horses
Horses with access to free choice feeding or a slow feeder spent more than half their day doing natural activities such as foraging, according to results from a Morris Animal Foundation study. Taking care of horses means more than just giving them a place to stay, food and water. It means giving them an environment where they can do things that are part of their natural … [Read more...]
K-State nanotechnology takes a bite out of mosquitoes
Kansas State University entomologists have developed a way to couple silver, an antimicrobial, with zein, an agricultural waste product to kill mosquito larvae. If nanotechnology can be employed to control pests, it will greatly reduce the use of pesticides in the environment. And if researchers can find the right carriers for these nano-insecticides such as products that may … [Read more...]
Catster, Dogster media brands acquired by Pangolia
Pangolia, a digital media and e-commerce startup, has announced an all-cash acquisition of the Catster and Dogster brands from Belvoir Media Group. Pangolia is a digital-first content producer, which allows them to keep costs low and talk to pet families in places they wouldn't otherwise be able to reach. Acquisitions like this mean beloved brands can be sustainable for … [Read more...]
OnePoll research, pet care more stressful than being a parent
Most people think that taking care of a pet is more stressful than being a parent, according to a new study of 2,000 pet owners. Over half think their fur pals are also experiencing stress. Source: New York Post, October 3, 2023. Link. Pet parents’ top stressors: My finances – 54 percent My job/career – 49 percent My ability to take care of my pet – 42 percent … [Read more...]
The benefits of continuous education for career advancement: A perspective for adults
Updating skills and knowledge is a key factor noted by human resource leaders, especially as technology advancements are imbedded in how business is done. Investing in continuous education is investing in yourself. In a rapidly changing work environment, your commitment to learning can be your most valuable asset, providing benefits that resonate throughout your career and … [Read more...]
Employers say they value their own older workers, but overlook older applicants
There is plenty of evidence that workers aged 45 years old and older can thrive in the workplace. Employers can fill needed roles and boost organizational performance by changing hiring practices to embrace candidates of all ages. But hiring managers seem to ignore how well older workers perform, learn and stay with a company*. . . . about 89 percent of employers said their … [Read more...]
Veterinary forensics comes of age; veterinarians not prepared to handle animal abuse
Florida International University's master’s degree program in veterinary forensic science investigation is the second degree program of its type. Veterinary forensics deploys veterinary medicine to investigate possible crimes against animals, such as abuse and neglect. Animal violence is often linked to domestic violence and abuse. VIN’s two-part series on veterinary … [Read more...]
3 takeaways from the Veterinary Innovation Summit
The annual Veterinary Innovation Summit, organized by NAVC, took place October 9th to 11th in Kansas City, Missouri. Animal Health Digest asked industry veteran Brendan Howard to attend on our behalf and to share takeaways from the presentations. We’re all in the same boat. Excited and wondering. Fearful and anxious. Exhausted at the speed of change and uncomfortable with the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 12, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 5, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 5th AHD Bulletin – Could one Walmart store change the entire pet industry? Link. Self-evaluation. Link. These habits can cut the risk of depression in half; study/recording. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Thoughts worth repeating from the 2023 Leman Swine Conference
The annual Leman Swine Conference remains an important opportunity for swine production professionals to exchange experiences, challenges and views. Jennifer Shike shares an overview of key points and quotes that represent what’s on the industry’s minds. Biosecurity is more than just controlling what is coming into a herd – don’t forget what is coming out.” – Karine Talbot, … [Read more...]
Danish entry systems: What steps are we skipping?
In a recent study, Abby E Schuft, PhD, and her team evaluated three educational methods to teach protocols for a biosecure barn entry and exit. They evaluated the number of errors, length of time to complete and how the education method affected compliance over time. Biosecurity takes constant training, continual reminding and frequent auditing to reduce errors. Source: … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the bulls
Jobs done, herd sire health and nutrition need to be managed through winter so bulls are in prime condition when spring arrives. Chris Clark, DVM, says post-breeding season can be a good time to do an overall health evaluation and ensure biosecurity as well. Source: BEEF, October 5, 2023. Link. Consider managing bulls in groups by age and nutritional needs. Depending on … [Read more...]
Publication details comparison study on winter cow care
Best management practices for winter care of bred cows aren’t always evident, especially if they are subjected to wintery conditions common in the Upper Midwest. An Iowa State University study evaluated the effects of winter grazing compared to confined winter care of beef cows to determine if conditions would have any impact on the physical condition of the cow or the calf … [Read more...]
Bird flu is back among commercial poultry flocks in U.S.
We shared concerns about the potential for highly pathogenic avian influenza infections to return as this fall’s bird migration began <Link>. It appears HPAI took a summer break but has returned to commercial turkey flocks in South Dakota and Utah. Fears are mounting that HPAI may possibly become a regular seasonal event. The virus may be present in wild birds and … [Read more...]
Bedding basics and options
Commentary Farm and stable visits filmed for Nat Geo Wild veterinary shows often reveal less-than-ideal conditions for the animals being housed. Bedding is critical for individual animal comfort, environmental safety and general management of biological risks. Heather Smith Thomas and Christine Barakat present the pros and cons of various stall bedding options in this … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 5, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 28, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 28th AHD Bulletin – Top 5 severe adverse effects of antimicrobials. Link. The 7 repro mistakes dairy producers can’t afford to make. Link. Emotional intelligence and teams. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Colostrum may be beneficial in treating scours
A recent research paper authored by a team of world-renowned calf researchers stated there is evidence that supports the use of colostrum as an early treatment of scours in young calves, shares Maureen Hanson. Effectively treating calves for scours could be as easy as feeding them something that virtually every dairy farm has on hand: colostrum.” Source: Dairy Herd … [Read more...]
At 25,000 bites per day improving forage management can improve cattle health
Animal health pros understand the importance of having healthy animals when implementing preventive vaccines and pharmaceuticals. After water, the quality of nutrition available is a precursor to successful animal health practices. Sarah Flack shared her definition of improved grazing during the Grassfed Exchange. She explained how each tool in a grazier’s toolbox can boost … [Read more...]