The type of hay a horse eats can influence his susceptibility to photic reactions. St. John’s wort, buckwheat and other plants have been found to contain compounds that can cause photosensitive reactions. Research published in 2016 from the University of California–Davis confirms that alfalfa hay can induce primary photosensitive reactions in horses, although the exact … [Read more...]
Heat exhaustion versus heat stroke in horses (podcast)
Jeanette "Jay" Mero, DVM, outlines the clinical signs of heat exhaustion and stroke in horses in these editions of the podcast. Consider sharing the podcasts with animal owners on social media and in newsletters now as horses are being transported to field activities, local fairs and shows or for rodeo events. Source: Ask the Horse Podcast, July 20, 2119. Link. (2:00) This … [Read more...]
12 plants and herbs that naturally repel mosquitoes
If the dry weather has burned out some landscape flowers, consider adding plants that repel mosquitoes ahead of the late summer and early fall biting frenzy. End-of-season discounts are generally available on remaining plants as fall approaches. . . . a lavender plant smells a whole lot nicer than a bottle of bug spray.” Source: Country Living, April 3, 2023. … [Read more...]
Petco, Lowe’s in-store strategy updated, now nationwide
Following a three-state proof of concept, Petco and Lowe's are taking their in-store partnership nationwide with plans to offer pet products at almost 300 Lowe's home-improvement stores by the end of the year. Part of Lowe’s rural strategy, the in-store Petco sections will offer a wide range of pet products, from nutrition and supplies to medications, and even veterinary … [Read more...]
Summer driving tips and reminders (video)
A large percentage of animal health pros are on the road in territories or commuting to and from work. Especially during this heat wave, it is a good time to review summer driving safety tips. A little planning and some safety checks might spare you from dealing with the consequences of a breakdown or worse, a crash. Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. … [Read more...]
6 signs YOU are the bully at work
Almost 80 million U.S. workers are affected by bullying each year. According to a 2021 Workplace Bullying Institute survey, 65 percent of bullies have a higher career rank than their targets. Imagine the problems we could solve if more leaders were self-aware, writes Megan Carle. She shares six signs it could be YOU! #6: People don’t respect you . . . they fear you, and you’re … [Read more...]
What employers need to know about the new I-9 form
Citizenship and Immigration Services has a new Form I-9 that employers should use beginning on August 1 when it will be available to download. It has been streamlined. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule that allows the agency to create a framework under which employers can implement alternative document examination procedures, such as … [Read more...]
Customer trust in supply chains overestimated
Commentary Last week we urged veterinary clinics to consider adjusting their quantities on hand and reorder points ahead of the possibility of a UPS strike <Link>. While the strike appears to have been averted <Link>, our assertions were based on information similar to that shared in this article. Many of the Covid-19 pandemic-era supply chain challenges remain … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 20, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 13th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from July 13th AHD Bulletin – A new federal pregnancy law is now in effect; what HR needs to know. Link. States outlaw noncompete agreements. Link. You’re capable of courage. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Veterinarians, nutritionists find value when working together
Swine production practices have advanced considerably in the last two decades. The historical large divide between veterinarians and nutritionists is progressively closing. AMVC swine veterinarian, Jason Hocker, and swine nutritionist, Trey Kellner, shared perspectives on finding value at the intersection of veterinary medicine and swine nutrition in pork production during the … [Read more...]
Iowa Pork Industry Center seasonal ventilation checklists now available
Regardless of the size of a hog building, following a regular process for maintaining ventilation systems can pay big economic dividends. New summer and winter checklists are available to help guide and remind people in charge of maintenance and ventilation of necessary tasks and inspections. Keeping a printed checklist that stays in the barn can be a useful tool to facilitate … [Read more...]
The bovine nasal fungal community and associations with bovine respiratory disease
Commentary Consider the end of a cow’s nose. Picture what it encounters throughout the day. A variety of environmental conditions exist when cows inhale dirt, pond water, silage, grasses, baled hay, another cows’ behind, cow manure, wildlife feces and so on. Effective identification and treatment of bovine respiratory disease is an ongoing health and economic issue for … [Read more...]
Strategies to keep coworkers from being a meeting hog
Karin Hurt shares ideas for addressing team members who dominate meetings. She suggests enlisting the talker to help draw out those who don’t speak up. Source: Asking for a Friend, July 12, 2023. Link. Also see: How to help your team member speak up in meetings, Asking for a Friend, May 11, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
New anxiety unlocked: Ticks can ‘fly’
Ticks can’t jump. But using the forces of static electricity, sometimes, the arachnids can soar through the air, a new study says. The scientists found the ticks could launch through the air when exposed to both positive and negative charges, suggesting that these natural forces overwhelm whichever charge the tick has on its own body.” Source: National Geographic, July 11, … [Read more...]
UPS is preparing contingencies ahead of looming strike. ARE YOU?
Commentary The impending UPS strike is a signal for veterinary hospitals to plan ahead. While we can hope the strike ends without delivery disruptions, adjusting inventory levels sooner rather than later is a solid strategy ahead of the August 1st strike date. For “A” and “B” products critical to day-to-day functions, moving reorder points to create a 30-day to 45-day … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 13, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 6th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from July 6th AHD Bulletin – Check your assumptions at the door to avoid medical gaslighting. Link. The hard truth. Link. Bear cam livestream returns for salmon run. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Three reasons farmers give antibiotics to livestock and poultry
With fair season underway, some livestock people face scrutiny from the general public while showing their animals. Phibro’s Leah Dorman, DVM, shares why animals are given antibiotics in food production. Consider sharing her article with FFA and 4-H members who can use her article to support their production practices and the importance of responsible use. Source: Explore … [Read more...]
100 years and a whole lot of Hereford bulls
Hereford World’s Herd Bull and Reference Edition celebrates 100 years of tracking and cataloging the best of the bald-faced Hereford breed. . . . a lot has changed in the last 100 years, but the Hereford breed remains strong and of interest to cattlemen worldwide. . . “ Source: Hereford World, July 2023. Link. NOTE: Photos courtesy of Hereford World. Description of bulls … [Read more...]
The back story on dumped tanker loads of milk
Too much milk? Yes. Labor shortages? Absolutely! Corey Geiger shares why so much milk has been dumped and a historical perspective on June Dairy Month, the spring flush and how spot loads of milk have traditionally gone to cheese makers. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, July 10, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Seaboard Farms joins the world’s mega swine producers
Merriam, Kansas-based Seaboard Farms’ 365,000 sows make it the fourth largest swine company in the U.S. and one of the world’s mega swine producers, according to Jim Long, president and CEO, Genesus Inc. Long’s company compiles an annual list of the world’s producers with more than 100,000 sows. Source: Genesus, Link. View the mega producer listing here. … [Read more...]
Blister beetles in hay are a danger for livestock, horses
Got grasshoppers? Then it is likely blister beetles may be present as grasshopper eggs are a main food source for them <Link>. With drought causing more hay to be transported about the country, it is important for livestock producers and horse owners to monitor the hay and their animals for signs of blister beetles. Elizabeth Cronin shares some ways to reduce the threat … [Read more...]
Dairy goats or meat goats? Which is right for you?
Second-year 4-H’er Brooke Nafziger shares a simple goat personality test to help people decide which type of goat they prefer. She shares her experiences and what she has learned from raising dairy and meat goats. There are different goats for different folks. So be sure it’s the kind of goat that’s right for you!” Source: Backyard Goats, July 13, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
More on blue-green algae
The term blue-green algae is a misnomer, as this organism is, in fact, a single-celled organism called cyanobacteria. Here are some key takeaways from an article by Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT: Cyanobacteria can have almost any color although many bodies of water affected by this toxic organism have a pea-green color. The toxic strains of blue-green algae contain … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 10, 2023
AI in the pet industry, contributions of pet nutrition to economy, Brooke Shields enters pet CBD PR world, emerging plant toxins, marketing ideas from WhiskerCloud, avoiding overcommunicating as a leader and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 10, 2023. Link. Also see: Telling the U.S. pet food market’s growth story, PETFOOD Industry, July 7, 2023. Link. The U.S. pet … [Read more...]
States outlaw noncompete agreements
Some states are banning noncompete agreements which leaves employers to grapple with a patchwork of state-level requirements, as well as pending federal rule changes. Leah Shepherd shares what companies need to do now and considerations for the future to protect trade secrets. Source: SHRM, July 10, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
You’re capable of courage
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to act despite it. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, June 14, 2023. Link. It is precisely those times when your knees are shaking, when your voice is unsteady, and when your stomach is teeming with rioting butterflies that you are being courageous . . . provided, of course, that you are moving through your … [Read more...]
Updates from the KC Animal Health Corridor
Learn what’s coming to the KC Animal Health Corridor. Source: The KCAHC Connector, June 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Want to learn more about the KC Corridor and ThinkKC? <Link> … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 6, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 29th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 29nd AHD Bulletin – Study: PRP gel accelerates skin wound healing in horses. Link. How to charge for technician appointments. Link. Skipping rocks and back to basics. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Bear cam livestream returns for salmon run
Need a few minutes break? Watch bears catch salmon in Alaska. The famous bear cam livestream at Alaska’s Katmai National Park is back for its 12th year running, documenting the park’s brown bears as they find the best salmon fishing spots in Brooks Falls. Watch the YouTube livestream at the link below and spot the bears jumping, diving and even belly-flopping to catch their … [Read more...]
Establish a sales trigger for cattle during drought
It’s not unusual for producers, their vets and bankers to collaborate on business efforts. This is a good article for those discussions. Recent rains in the Midwest gave only temporary drought relief. There’s a point where you can’t grow or buy your way out of a drought.” – Wesley Tucker Source: Missouri Ruralist, June 26, 2023. Link. Consider some aggressive culling to … [Read more...]