Cornell’s groundbreaking 2024 study shows that feeding just 2.5 liters of today’s high-quality colostrum works better than four liters, improving absorption efficiency by 24 percent while eliminating painful colic symptoms in calves. The author says the colostrum modern cows produce today is fundamentally different than it was 20 years ago. We’ve improved the genetics, … [Read more...]
Inflammation control in the transition cow
The incidence of dairy cow disease as lactation begins has generated strong interest in the biology of the dairy cow transitioning from late pregnancy into lactation. Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD, shares perspectives on managing, not eliminating inflammation. Instead, be aware of potential stressors in systems to minimize overstimulating the inflammatory … [Read more...]
The effect of fall in swine production
Four industry experts share helpful strategies to boost farm health and productivity this fall in this article from Jennifer Shrike. The Q3 State of the Pork Industry Report video is included [1:00:38] and is worth the time if you’re working with or marketing in the swine production sector. The guest experts name a) manure management dangers, b) monitoring heavier weights in … [Read more...]
West Texas A&M breaks ground on new feedlot research complex
Officials at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, broke ground on a $15 million feedlot research complex. The WTAMU Foundation Research Feedlot and the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation Feedlot Education Facility will be used to conduct research that improves the beef industry nationwide. Construction will start this winter. Source: Feed & Grain, … [Read more...]
Scientists focus on genetically engineering mice to cut Lyme disease transmission
Scientists hope to use genetic engineering to reduce the transmission of Lyme disease. The scientists' target is not the deer and ticks associated with the disease, but wild, White-footed mice, the main carriers of Lyme. The teams of scientists are engineering changes in the genetic makeup of the mice by adding a gene for an antibody that prevents Lyme infection to a mouse … [Read more...]
University of Nebraska-Lincoln working to understand, reduce methane emissions
Reducing methane emissions can yield climate benefits quickly compared to other greenhouse gases due to its shorter half-life. A moderately heritable trait, methane production is influenced by several factors, including diet, feed intake, animal and microbial genetics and stage or phase of production. This article shares how researchers at UNL are exploring genetic tools and … [Read more...]
Opportunities to unlock the potential of dairy heifers
When pregnant heifers are ready to enter the milking herd there are unique requirements, challenges and opportunities to consider. Mike Hutjens shares four strategies to increase growth and production and improve heifer programs on dairy farms. His article is a good outline for discussions on farm or to share in newsletters or other targeted communications Source: Dairy … [Read more...]
98th FFA Convention posts record attendance
The 98th National FFA Convention & Expo has closed after welcoming a record-breaking 73,000-plus attendees from across the country to downtown Indianapolis. On-site attendees in the Expo Hall braided more than 70,000 feet of paracord to make 1,541 dog leashes for Indy Humane as part of their Living to Serve initiative. Source: AgriMarketing, November 3, 2025. Link. 5,161 … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 6, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 30, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 30, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Convenience, connection matter just as much as price. Link. Canine sports medicine has a promising future. Link. It is time to communicate about pet holiday safety. Link. The power of your brain. Link. The empathy … [Read more...]
When it comes to horse hay, cost matters but nutrient content matters more (videos)
Bob Coleman, PhD, shares information for forage growers and horse owners in this article and videos. He notes more than 85 percent of horse owners buy their hay but may not understand or check the hay’s digestible energy, crude protein or nonstructural carbohydrates. Source: Paulick Report, April 22, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
4 ways chickens can benefit from pumpkin
As a follow-up to last week’s post about feeding pumpkins to horses <Link>, Ana Hotaling shares the value the various parts of pumpkins provide for chickens. She asserts that pumpkin is considered a superfood. This is a good article to share with backyard chicken owners. Source: Hobby Farms. Link. As a follow-up to last week’s post about feeding pumpkins to horses … [Read more...]
First open-source dairy farm ‘digital twin’ unveiled
Amazing new technology lets dairy producers get closer to cows from farther away and it is open-source. Scotland’s Rural College Dairy Research Centre, has unveiled farm-twin, the world’s first open-source Digital Twin platform designed specifically to transform dairy farming. By replicating the physical environment in a digital space, it enables farmers to monitor … [Read more...]
Round crowding pens work better
There is always something to learn or reinforce about the most humane ways to handle cattle. Implementing low-stress handling techniques when working with cattle is important to reduce stress and protect workers. These techniques recognize the cattle’s natural tendencies <Link>. A round crowd pen will work better than a straight crowd pen because, as cattle go around a … [Read more...]
Dry fog a possible alternative for disinfecting supplies entering farms
Veterinary student Lindsey Britton’s research was recognized during the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference. Her study looked at dry fogging systems as an alternative disinfection method and demonstrated efficacy in reducing pathogen viability, including Salmonella spp. Two different disinfectants were fogged from a Micro-spray unit and evaluated: a) hypochlorous acid and b) … [Read more...]
FDA grants emergency use authorization for Elanco’s Credelio against New World screwworms in dogs
The FDA's emergency use of Credelio is temporary and only valid while the threat of screwworm remains. This is the first time the FDA has granted such an authorization for treating New World screwworm. Elanco warned that Credelio, part of a drug class called isoxazolines, has been linked to side effects such as tremors and seizures in some dogs. Source: Reuters, October 24, … [Read more...]
Temple Grandin: Get yourself in through the back door.
Temple Grandin is synonymous with livestock handling practices and advocacy for neurodivergent individuals. In this fascinating article, Pam Caraway shares a discussion with her about overcoming barriers as a woman in agriculture and her mission to support students' education and careers at her life stage. In the Women in Field video linked in the article, she asserts these … [Read more...]
Tick dragging, canine-style
Tick exposure risk varies over the seasons of the year and there is seasonality to what tick species dogs or people are likely to encounter, writes Scott Weese, DVM. His recent experience with his own dog and the article are relevant for veterinary teams, retailers, pet services personnel and pet owners as fall progresses. Source: Worms and Germs, October 21, 2025. … [Read more...]
Recognizing pasture asthma
Pasture asthma is different from severe asthma, writes Cyprianna E. Swiderski, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM. Horses with pasture asthma often improve within hours to days of being brought into stalls and away from inhaled pasture particulates. Although veterinarians have previously referred to pasture asthma as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heaves, pasture-associated … [Read more...]
Can horses eat pumpkin?
Pumpkins, including the skin, pulp and seeds are safe for horses to eat as occasional treats, but it is an acquired taste and common sense is needed when feeding them. Source: My New Horse, EQUUS, October 31, 2023. Link. Also see: Safe feeding tips and precautions when feeding pumpkin to horses, The Equine Institute, September 16, 2024. Link. When preparing pumpkins for … [Read more...]
Beef-on-dairy shaking up the dairy industry
Three-quarters of dairy operators are engaging in beef-on-dairy methods, writes Karen Bohnert, referencing insights from the 2024 Milk Business Conference. Sharing historical perspectives, she notes the rise of beef-on-dairy practices is not without challenges. For animal health pros servicing and supporting dairies, the article is a good background for on-farm … [Read more...]
BEEF takeaways going into Fall 2025
Reviewing the dynamics of the 2025 beef industry through August, Clint Peck summarizes industry events, challenges and market opportunities. Source: BEEF, September 3, 2025. Link. Life in the cattle business just keeps getting more interesting” … [Read more...]
Naval infections third most common cause of disease in calves
The umbilicus isn’t just an anatomical leftover from fetal life; it’s a critical gateway for infection and a window into broader calf health and welfare, writes Andrea Bedford. This article is another good reminder to emphasize early calf care with producer teams. The importance of early disinfection and dipping are critical practices in early calf care. Source: Dairy Herd … [Read more...]
80 percent of calves sell through livestock auctions
Input from nearly 500 beef producers is assembled in the recent 2025 Farm Journal State of the Beef Industry survey. The marketing guidance for producers to provide weaning, health and genetic data to buyers is a key takeaway from the article worth discussing with producer clients. Source: Drovers, October 20, 2025. Link. Ranchers need to get more active in marketing their … [Read more...]
Oligoimidazolium carbon acids found to prevent udder infections with no adverse effects
A team of international scientists has unveiled an alternative class of potent antimicrobial compounds that could be used to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria that cause bovine mastitis in a recent study. Not yet commercialized, this approach to mastitis will be one to watch. Source: Feedstuffs, October 14, 2025. Link. Novel compounds called oligoimidazolium carbon acids … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 23, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 16, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Make the call and Just ASK. Link. Bad advice. Link. Cats can get dementia, too. Link. What’s covered and what’s not in veterinary clinic cyber insurance. Link. Pork, ultimate muscle-building protein/National Pork … [Read more...]
Pork is the ultimate muscle-building protein per National Pork Board-funded study
Ongoing human nutrition research continues to complement the Taste What Pork Can Do campaign, positioning pork as a nutrient-dense and versatile protein. Source: The Farmer, October 14, 2025. Link. Taste What Pork Can Do!” … [Read more...]
Preparing chickens before winter coops them up
Offering guidance to backyard poultry raisers, veterinarians recommend fall health checks as insurance for chickens’ winter survival. They highlight four common health issues that affect chickens in the fall: Mites and lice Internal parasites Respiratory issues Abnormal molting Source: Chicken Whisperer. Link. INSIGHTS: This is a good article to share with … [Read more...]
Vaccinating calves early pays off later
Despite producer pushback on the economics of strategic vaccination, preconditioned calves are table stakes, especially with the current market conditions. Timed vaccination can also support reduced antibiotic use. Vaccines against BRD pathogens (such as IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV, Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida) are widely available. Still, their effectiveness … [Read more...]
Bluetongue in the Midwest
Vince Collison, DVM, shares recent experiences with Bluetongue virus infections in northwest Iowa in this article. He reviews the virus, how it is transmitted and how it affects animals who contract the disease. In the U.S., the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis is the primary vector of the virus that most frequently infects sheep and whitetail deer. Source: The Stockman, … [Read more...]
Windrow grazing provides nutrition, cost advantages
Here’s an idea that has caught on in row crop country. Aaron Berger shares how windrow-grazing annual forages allows producers to cut the crop at an optimum time for quality in late summer or early fall and increase harvest efficiency through strip-grazing the windrows. With crop harvest progress more than 80 percent complete, this method may be a good discussion topic with … [Read more...]