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...]
New lidocaine-infused band reduces castration pain, discomfort
Complimentary Commercial Content Lidoband, from Solvet offers veterinarians and producers a new way to reduce associated pain and discomfort when using banding to castrate calves. Each band is infused with 80 milligrams of lidocaine and stops the pain and discomfort associated with banding. It's a slow-release product that doesn’t go systemic; it stays in the local tissue … [Read more...]
ICYMI – FDA releases new 5-year antimicrobial stewardship plan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine new five-year plan kicked off October 1st. It is intended to build upon the progress of the previous plan for FY 2019-2023 and advance the FDA’s three main veterinary stewardship goals: Align antimicrobial drug product use with the principles of antimicrobial stewardship Foster stewardship of … [Read more...]
6 ways to protect horses from red maple poisoning
The danger posed by wilted or dried red maple leaves has long been known but evidence is growing that, under the right circumstances, other types of maple leaves can poison horses as well.” – Helena Ragone, PhD Source: EQUUS, September 27, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Articles like this are important reminders for busy horse owners. Consider using them for social media and … [Read more...]
How does long-term NSAID use affect the horse’s gut microbiome? (Podcast)
Purina’s Robert Jacobs, MS, PhD, describes the potential effects of long-term NSAID use on the horse’s gut microbiome. Research has shown there are changes to the microbiome of a horse on chronic NSAID administration . . . " - Robert Jacobs, MS, PhD Source: The Horse, September 25, 2023. Link to excerpt (2:08) Listen to the full recording of Ask The Horse Live Q&A, … [Read more...]
Walnuts are poisonous
Walnut trees naturally produce a chemical called jugalone. It’s in the wood, fruits, leaves, roots and bark, although most heavily concentrated in the roots and fruits. Walnut: is harmful to animals; dogs, horses, cows cannot be used as mulch is poisonous sawdust is toxic can cause a rash or reaction on people’s skin Sources: Ghost Logging LLC, Facebook, … [Read more...]
A better understanding of rabies laws and regulations
Richard B. Ford, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVPM, reviews important considerations when dealing with rabies laws or a rabies-related issue for an individual patient. Confusion and challenges resulting from the state-to-state variation of rabies laws can negatively affect patient management decisions required in clinical practice. Source: DVM 360, September 30, 2023. Link. See … [Read more...]
NAVC shares 2024 VMX educational direction and World’s Fair style event plans
Complimentary content NAVC will host its 41st annual conference January 13 through 17, 2024 in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center and everywhere virtually. The first global veterinary conference of the year, VMX empowers the direction for the animal healthcare industry. Key continuing education session highlights include: Technology’s impact on … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 28, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 14, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 14th AHD Bulletin – The manager squeeze: How a new workplace is testing team leaders. Link. Most-read 2023 posts by Patrick T. Malone. Link. Use caution when feeding drought-stressed corn. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary … [Read more...]
Beef-on-dairy: A revolution in American beef production?
Industry experts predict dairy farmers will produce 2.92 million beef-on-dairy calves this year and 3.22 million in 2024. And those numbers may be conservative, writes Greg Henderson. . . . sexed semen helps reduce the number of dairy cows needed to produce dairy heifers, thus allowing more dairy cows available for breeding to beef sires.” Source: Dairy Herd Management, … [Read more...]
The 7 repro mistakes dairy producers can’t afford to make
Two dairy technical service consultants provide their rundown of the top seven reproduction sins that cost dairy producers time, money and potentially future calves. Merck’s Todd Bilby, PhD, and Boehringer Ingelheim’s Jennifer Roberts, DVM, share their collective perspectives. Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 19, 2023. Link. To help prevent slip-ups and avoid … [Read more...]
Reminder. Safety first when working with cattle
Working with cattle seven or more times our size is inherently dangerous. Plus there are moving equipment parts that add risk in modern operations. Libby Eiholzer, MPS, shares six key topics and offers safety advice for each. Most accidents are not because cattle are aggressive . . . A lot of times there are things we can do to prevent accidents just by knowing a cow's natural … [Read more...]
Manure Expo featured research-backed innovation
Livestock producers are constantly challenged to improve the way manure is handled to protect land and water resources and maximize its value to farms. More than 900 people attended the North American Manure Expo to learn and discuss modern methods of improving the use and value of livestock waste. What’s really exciting is how quickly manure applicators and farmers are … [Read more...]