Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 16, 2023. Link. Most read posts from February 9th AHD Bulletin – Cost of Care Wheel is now 24/7 digital resource. Link. Work is NOT your family. Link. New test strip quickly detects periodontal disease before it is visible. Link. Dos and don’ts of recognition. Link. Place keeper: … [Read more...]
5 key principles for composting farm waste
Spring weather will soon thaw frozen manure piles leaving producers with decisions about handling the manure effectively. Beyond a simple pile of manure, composting should be thought of as the biological decomposition of organic matter under controlled conditions, says Brian Dougherty. He explains the nuances of getting moisture, oxygen level, particle size, … [Read more...]
5 key issues for the U.S. pork industry
The National Pork Producers Council latest pork industry economic update summarizes five key pork industry market indicators through January 2023: Consumer pork demand Projected growth Labor shortages Production costs Ripple effect Source: National Hog Farmer, February 14, 2023. Link. . . . data on hog farm employment specifically shows that average wages … [Read more...]
For cows, time is money
Too simple? Maybe. Yet, Rick Grant reminds us of the importance of giving cows time to rest and eat. Cows need to spend about 70% of their day eating and resting. . . We have to get that right and allow cows to do cow things.” Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 20, 2023. Link. If cows are eating four to five hours a day and resting 12 to 14 hours, that does not leave much … [Read more...]
7 amazing facts about insects
Ants, honeybees, a 22-inch walking stick, ladybugs and more . . . Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal.” Source: Interesting facts. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider using one of these examples as a conversation starter when you need to break the ice with a new person or group. … [Read more...]
Budweiser Clydesdale accident at San Antonio rodeo (video)
The lead team turned the wrong way during a performance at the San Antonio Rodeo causing a pileup. After some time, the scene ended with all the horses on their feet. Kudos to the handlers and to the way the announcers handled the scene for the audience. Source: Citizen Free Press, February 18, 2023. Link. (10:41) It’s hard to say what went wrong, but the lead horses … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 16, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 9, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 9th AHD Bulletin – Studying PRRS virus and its ability to percolate through soils. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Zoetis provides perspective, resources to transition OTC antimicrobials … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health receives U.S. FDA approval of expanded indication for Banamine® Transdermal (flunixin transdermal solution)
Complimentary Commercial Content BANAMINE® TRANSDERMAL (flunixin transdermal solution) is now indicated for the control of pyrexia (fever) due to acute mastitis with a short milk withhold of 48 hours. This new indication means BANAMINE TRANSDERMAL can be given with confidence to lactating cows. With simple, pour-on administration along the animal’s back, it saves time and … [Read more...]
Straw can pose mycotoxin risks in dairy heifer diets
Many U.S. dairy producers use chopped straw in their heifer rations to add fiber and bulk. Alltech feed quality evaluations show when a straw crop gets stressed or delayed in the field due to unfavorable weather conditions it can carry its own mycotoxin risks. The same is true for any straw that shows visible signs of mold. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 5, 2022. … [Read more...]
Highlights from the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show
If you missed the NCBA convention or if you’re just curious about what happens when thousands of cattlemen and women from across the country gather, the photos and videos shared here will give you a sense of #CattleCon23. Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association, February 11, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Chicken physiology creates unique vision traits
Chicken vision is substantially different from ours. Understanding the hows and whys can help explain some unique chicken behaviors. Daniel Johnson explains their monocular vision, separated eye functions, third eyelid, perception of ultraviolet light and more. . . . each eye sees different views and is designed for different uses . . the left eye excels at focusing on distant … [Read more...]
Rodent control as we know it may change
Upcoming legislation could cause agriculture to lose access to important products that control rodents throughout production, processing, storage and retail phases of food production. PORK editor Jennifer Shike shares the viewpoints of industry spokespersons. EPA’s proposal is quite wide-ranging, and it is going to impact any user of rodenticides and how rodenticides are … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 9, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 2, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 2nd AHD Bulletin – How to stop overthinking when you’re about to spiral. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Cow numbers drop to 61-year low Source: Farm Progress, February 6, … [Read more...]
Cows benefit from cud chewing
Too basic? Maybe. However, considering the current challenges with forage because of the drought the key takeaways are about particle size and length plus cow observation. Cud chewing is the regurgitation of feed that has already been consumed and swallowed. The regurgitated feed is re-chewed to an acceptable particle size and then re-swallowed. But wait . . . there’s … [Read more...]
Can somatic cell counts be too low?
Somatic cells are white blood cells that fight infection and repair tissue damage. Somatic Cell Count is used as an indicator of milk quality and udder health and lower SCC levels garner premiums from processors. Extension educator Amber Yutzy addresses concerns expressed by some producers about having SCC too low. Source: Dairy Herd Management, January 16, 2023. … [Read more...]
Changing our 10,000-year relationship with cattle
Author and livestock enthusiast Roger Morgan-Grenville is working to rewrite the narrative on cows. After spending 14 months helping out on a farm and diving deep into bovine research, Roger Morgan-Grenville found “an industry at once scared for its future yet alive with ideas and experiments, not to mention good practices.” Morgan-Grenville’s research and experiences were … [Read more...]
Alternative source oil used to increase pig body weight
Insects are often at the forefront of discussions about alternative components in feed for animals. It is known the lipid fraction obtained from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae contains high concentrations of lauric acid and is highly digestible. Researchers from North Carolina State University evaluated the impact of increasing levels of supplemental black soldier … [Read more...]
Studying PRRS virus and its ability to percolate through soils
Swine researchers have noticed that PRRS pathogens tend to increase incidence in breeding farms between October and December which is concurrent with manure application is happening in the fields. It is known PRRS virus can be found in pig feces and pig barn manure pits. Whether the virus can survive and percolate in various soils became the objective of University of Minnesota … [Read more...]
Heat islands, warm fronts and preventive care
Commentary It was 65O F in the Kansas City area earlier this week. My pup was lying on the deck basking in the sunshine and then it happened . . . a couple flies and some gnats began buzzing around the winter killed garden. Would a mosquito be next? In the INSIGHT article referenced here, Suzanne Whitaker, DVM, reminds us of the importance of year-round preventatives, … [Read more...]
An ethical filter for addressing questionable situations in the workplace
Personal reflection and career introspection are crucial when faced with moral dilemmas at work. Reasoning ethical and moral questions can be profoundly complex, writes Paul Falcone. He shares a consistent framework to help leaders feel more confident and objectively think through the implications affecting their decisions. "Psychologists have a concept called 'pluralistic … [Read more...]
On the lookout for JEV
Jennifer Shike shares industry’s concerns that Japanese encephalitis virus could migrate to the U.S. establishing the disease in domestic and feral swine populations. Transmitted similar to West Nile, aircraft and cargo ships are the most likely pathways of JEV introduction via infected adult mosquitoes. Source: PORK, January 13, 2023. Link. Vigilance is essential . . . the … [Read more...]
Understanding calf vigor and suckle response
Elizabeth Homerosky, DVM, MSc, DABVP, set out to find a solution to quickly identify compromised calves and help predict whether a calf will acquire optimal passive immunity. Her research sought to identify compromised calves immediately after birth to allow the producer ample time to provide an intervention, if needed. Her study data revealed calves with a weak suckle … [Read more...]
Dairy herd size keeps climbing
Changing economics and shrinking margins on dairy’s home front have been strong drivers in herd demographics throughout the United States. Cory Geiger shares some of the history of herd growth going back to a 1992 census of licensed dairies. In just 8 years, U.S. herd size has gone from 200 to over 300 cows per herd.” – Cory Geiger Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 10, 2023. … [Read more...]
10 things you may not know about ground beef
If you’ve ever wondered . . . the USDA dictates what can and cannot be labeled as ground beef and that information is published in the Code of Federal Regulations. They call those rules ‘standards of identity’ and they apply to labels of ‘chopped beef’ and ‘hamburger,’ as well as ground beef. Source: Mom at the Meat Counter. Link. … [Read more...]
Wet-dry cycle and its effect on the horse hoof
Edward Busuttil DVM CertAVP, PgCertVPS, MRCVS, shares a basic understanding of the composition of the horse hoof wall to explain its response to hydration in this nicely illustrated article. He discusses how the mechanical properties of the hoof are directly affected by high moisture content. Source: theequinedocumentalist, January 11, 2023. Link. Studies have shown us that … [Read more...]
Mental health and productivity
Recent research reveals 40 percent of U.S. workers report their job has had a negative impact on their mental health in the prior six months. Source: Gallup, December 16, 2022. Link. The foundation for improving mental health among workers is employee engagement.” INSIGHTS: Building trust is key. … [Read more...]
No silver bullet to solve the nationwide livestock vet shortage
Reinforcing what most animal health pros already know, Sarah Coleman provides subscribers of Hobby Farms magazine with an in-depth review of the livestock veterinarian conundrum. We’re sharing it considering the publication’s reach to more than 100,000 rural and ruralpolitan subscribers. Source: Hobby Farms, November/December 2022. Link. A number of factors are creating … [Read more...]
45 Vet Camp scholarships funded to build future veterinarians
“Let’s get the word out to schools, youth groups and local media!” Vet Set Go and VCA are expanding their 2023 essay contest to be the biggest yet. The contest will award 45 students from across the U.S. a scholarship prize package to attend Vet Camp. Winners of the online essay contest will receive a scholarship to attend the Auburn University Junior Vet Camp from June 18 - … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 26, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 19, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from January 19th AHD Bulletin – Important small talk. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. MWI Animal Health’s Steve Shell clarifies announcement of AB name change Source: AmericsourceBergen MWI Animal Health, … [Read more...]
Bigger is not always better
A high rate of piglet mortality is a consequence of selecting for sows that have large litters. New research will focus on breeding for survival until weaning and survivability to slaughter. Source: The Pig Site, January 18, 2023. Link. The negative side effects of sows giving birth to large litters, often with more piglets than productive teats, means that managerial … [Read more...]