The challenge of sustainability in our food supply chains requires taking care of people, the planet and animals. Many corporations are working to include sustainability as part of their corporate structures and responsibilities. Working with Where Food Comes From, the largest provider of certification and verification services to the food industry, Tyson will source cattle … [Read more...]
What have we learned from the 2020 pandemic?
“Don’t let a good crisis go to waste,” is an overused, but sometimes appropriate quote. Crises can reveal vulnerabilities in business that were otherwise hidden. These authors look at reinforcing those cracks before the next challenge emerges. The context is dairy. The value extends beyond a dairy setting. They share 15 lessons from their observations of the last few … [Read more...]
Rabies response
We received a compliment about a recent post about rabies in cattle < link >. Rabies is a focus for this person’s company as part of their wildlife removal services. We’veve included rabies information from their website. It is worthy of sharing with animal owners via social media and newsletters. . . . even in 2020, there are some states that only require rabies … [Read more...]
Dairy workers need to be wearing gloves and aspirin increases milk production
It is increasingly important to implement good hygiene on farms. Mastitis caused by contagious bacteria on a farm is hard to cure and results in loss of milk production and money. Being proactive in preventing new mastitis infections now will help to decrease the chance of an outbreak. The opening subhead on this article says it all! Wearing gloves is a very simple management … [Read more...]
Webinar: Cowside calcium analysis and economics of subclinical hypocalcemia
Complimentary Commercial Content Deb Nickelson, DVM, invites you to attend a free webinar at 6:00 p.m., September 23, 2020. She and team her team will discuss the incidence and economics of subclinical hypocalcemia while sharing information about the development and practical use of a portable calcium analyzer for dairy cows. The analyzer was developed by Arkray Inc., a … [Read more...]
KCAHC Digital Animal Health Summit was successful and challenging
This year’s KC Animal Health Corridor Summit was forward-looking, thought-provoking and even disturbing at times, living up to its sound reputation. Congratulations to the KCAHC team and thank you for all those who contributed as presenters, panel members and participants. The overarching takeaway was that, to meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly protein and pet … [Read more...]
As fall approaches insects, snakes get busy
September and October resemble spring when it comes to insect and snake activity. Two recent articles can help animal owners and animal health pros gain perspective and understanding, while potentially avoiding an issue. Source: How to tell a bee, wasp and hornet apart, Prevention, May 6, 2020. Link. Here’s how to tell bees, wasps, and hornets apart from their looks to … [Read more...]
Rare case of fading elk syndrome found in central Iowa
Fading elk syndrome has long been associated with wapiti-type red deer hybrids farmed in New Zealand. The authors report on a case of naturally-acquired fading elk syndrome in a herd of 34 elk (Cervus elaphus) in Ames, Iowa, at the National Animal Disease Center. Fading elk syndrome, or chronic ill-thrift of elk, is a disease associated with abomasal parasitism with Ostertagia … [Read more...]
Facial, voice recognition coming soon to a farm near you
With accurate facial recognition technology for humans in almost 630 million facial recognition cameras throughout China, Chinese entrepreneurs see opportunity in applying the technology to livestock operations. Alibaba, China’s tech giant, is developing voice recognition technology for pigs to detect if they are in pain. Another company is working on an artificial intelligence … [Read more...]
Milk alternatives are missing a lot
“There’s a lot of things you’re missing out on if you’re not drinking milk,” said Yvonne Greer, a registered dietitian who recently shared her views on alternative milk beverages. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, August 24, 2020. Link. Coconut milk and almond milk . . . don’t have enough protein. So, if you’re substituting that to children, they’re not getting the same things they … [Read more...]
Check out the top 21 value-added beef programs
Value-added beef marketing programs can be divided into two categories, consumer-based programs and calf-based programs. Consumer programs provide animals that fit specific criteria while calf-based programs focus on procurement of specific value requirements. These programs help increase beef quality, while producers remain more engaged in the total marketing process. Jamie … [Read more...]
Microchips that monitor temperature work, but not yet ready for primetime
The dairy industry has anxiously awaited a day when calves would pass through a gateway where RFID-enabled readers would record health metrics by individual animal. The technology exists and works to record temperature passively, but according to recent research the temperatures recorded do not yet correlate to traditional rectal temps. Source: Journal of Dairy Science, … [Read more...]
Pain management for livestock gets closer (video)
Banamine® (flunixin meglumine) is the only pain medication labeled for use in livestock, yet companion animals experience most medical procedures with the use of short- and long-term pain management medications. Getting FDA approval for pain medications for livestock is complex because of rules intended to keep drug residues out of the food supply. Kansas State University … [Read more...]
Wildfire smoke can affect healthy lungs
Meteorologists predict the smoke from wildfires could potentially affect air quality in one-third of the western and midwestern states. A combination of high temperatures and elevated levels of particles from fires can affect even healthy lungs. For someone with lung damage or respiratory illness, moderate levels of smoke particulate can exacerbate respiratory problems, writes … [Read more...]
Biosecurity: You condone what you don’t coach
While this article focuses on swine production, the lessons are applicable to any animal health facility and its personnel. Clayton Johnson, DVM, says the role of the veterinarian is “all-encompassing” when it comes to biosecurity. He compares biosecurity to insurance. Source: PORK, August 21, 2020. Link. If you . . . observe something, and you don’t comment on it or take … [Read more...]
USDA proposes new rules to combat organic fraud
While it is unlikely USDA will require labeling of any food containing carbon as organic, it has opened comments on a set of new organic rules. It hopes the rules will streamline operations, promote transparency and combat fraud, including the standardization of organic certificates. Source: Feed Strategy, August 9, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS – just for fun! Personally, I don’t … [Read more...]
Lameness prevention starts in the heifer pen
At least two of the “famous five” causes of lameness; foot rot, digital dermatitis (DD), sole ulcers, white line lesions and toe lesions can have their origins in the heifer lot, according to Nigel Cook. Heel warts and toe lesions can start early. Providing the right environment early in life will help to prevent the hoof diseases and mechanical issues that can otherwise … [Read more...]
Stall size affects dairy cow rest
Like us, if a cow’s bed is not the right size, her ability to rest is negatively affected. Resting time is critical to optimizing milk production. Katelyn Allen shares information about stall size, stall use index and other factors for cow comfort. Design the stalls for the largest cow in the group or the stalls will determine the largest cow in the group eventually” – Dan … [Read more...]
Chinese ASF vaccine enters new development phase
China’s agriculture ministry reports positive results on a trial vaccine for African swine fever developed by the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, according to the South China Morning Post. Officials say it is still too early to estimate when a vaccine will be available. Source: The Pig Site, August 19, 2020. Link. Results from the studies suggest that the increased … [Read more...]
Managing heat stress in horses
Aubrey Moore reminds us that days with high temperature, plus high humidity put horses at the greatest risk for heat exhaustion. All horses are susceptible to overheating, regardless of their activity. . . . when in doubt, if you’re overheated, they’re overheated.” Source: The Horse Network, August 3, 2020. Link. The Fédération Équestre Internationale recommends continuous … [Read more...]
Birds and beef have a lot in common (video)
“The era of big conservation is over,” says Audubon’s Marshall Johnson. “It’s up to us to drive the outcomes for the next 100 years.” He explains the importance of cattle, grasslands and cattle ranchers participating in Audubon’s Conservation Ranching Initiative to conserve ecosystems and sustainability. Their efforts are third-party verified to bear Audubon’s “grazed on … [Read more...]
Hutches can contribute to calves’ heat stress
Producers who raise preweaned dairy calves frequently use calf hutches. For all their advantages, their lack of climate control makes heat stress monitoring and prevention important. Jud Heinrichs and Colleen Jones write about how high temperatures, excessive humidity and the sun take a toll on calves. Air movement, moisture, hair coat, bedding and rumination activity are … [Read more...]
Identify what pasture plants are poisonous to cattle (slide show)
There are many plants that can cause illness, death, abortion, birth defects, metabolic disorders, photosensitization and other problems in cattle, writes Heather Smith Thomas. Her slide show includes photos of plants cattle producers should look for. Source: BEEF, March 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Feed cows when THEY want to eat
Isaac Salfer, PhD, says our tendencies to avoid summer feeding times in the heat of the day are not consistent with natural biological rhythms and eating patterns of dairy cows. He says night feedings are not a best practice and to avoid feeding after 3:00 p.m. Cows have this strong biological drive to not eat at night” - Isaac Salfer, Ph.D. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, August … [Read more...]
Body condition score still impacts reproduction success
Okay, we know this right? Paul Fricke and Milo Wiltbank reemphasized the BCS story at a recent, virtual Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference. According to the article, success with artificial insemination is so high that when conception rates decline, the tendency is to adjust the AI protocols. The data shows BCS is the first place to look. We have good … [Read more...]
What does it cost to wean an older pig?
It is normal to challenge norms in swine and poultry production. The authors from Swine Management Services manage a complex database to help swine producers make production, health and economic decisions. While counter-intuitive, some advantages exist for moving to an older weaning age. Source: National Hog Farmer, July 1, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Data like these help us … [Read more...]
ASFV quickly detected by new cell line
A way to detect the presence of African swine fever virus minimizes the need for samples from live animals and provides easier access to labs needed to diagnose the virus. Developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, the new cell line can be continuously replicated and frozen to create cells for future use. The new cell line is commercially available. Source: The Pig … [Read more...]
Pork backlog is moving
If you experienced some of the meat issues during the first months of Covid-19, the backlog of pig slaughter is catching up. At least the slaughter weights have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Source: Swineweb.com, August 4, 2020. Link. The author references USDA weekly metrics and discusses the situation and production changes that contribute to normalization. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Elanco welcomes Bayer Animal Health (video)
Complimentary commercial content Jeffrey Simmons, president and CEO at Elanco, welcomes Bayer to the Elanco business. His message is one of commitment and excellence, hallmarks of brands from both entities. This is a significant event in animal health. It is important to really listen to the breadth and scope in the narrative. Source: YouTube, August 3, 2020. … [Read more...]
Rev up replacement heifers
Patsy Houghton, president and general manager of Heartland Cattle Co., McCook, Nebraska, gave advice for developing heifers in fall 2020, spring 2021 and beyond in a recent Angus University webinar. She offered seven challenges to help commercial cattlemen improve their replacement heifers: Place selection pressure on fertility Enhance your calf crop value Improve … [Read more...]