One of the more uncomfortable side challenges with VFD rules remains the required interaction of veterinarians with apiarists when prescription drugs are needed. Dr. Jörg Mayer at the University of Georgia is leading the implementation of a first-of-its-kind program on bee medicine. Mayer recognizes many veterinary students have no relevant experience with some animals and that … [Read more...]
Animals most likely to kill you by state
This is intriguing enough to share. The study of the deadliest animal by each state was completed by the Centers for Disease Control. Dogs topped the list in Alabama and Arizona, for example. Source: The Outdoor Wear, November 20, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Steve Dale: Rats! They are everywhere!
Steve Dale helps explain the expanding issues with rats, their propensity to disperse leptospirosis and the priority of protecting dogs with lepto vaccines. Consider sharing his post on social media or in newsletters. Source: Steve Dale Pet World, November 28, 2020. Link. . . . this is the time of year when young rats born just a few months ago are seeking food competing … [Read more...]
Fences produce a complex range of ecological effects
. . . once a fence is built its effects are long lasting.” Recent research by a team of ecologists suggests the environmental impact of fences is greater than that of roads. Fences stretch out globally as much as 10 times farther than roads. Source: The Conversation, November 30, 2020. Link. The most striking pattern <researchers> found was that fences rarely are … [Read more...]
Who’s watching the kids?
Commentary Two articles and Thanksgiving experiences prompt this post. Whether rural, urban or suburban, parents are taxed. The effects of changing school schedules, daycare limitations, restrictions on gatherings and physical distancing play out in family lives and at work. Virtual care helps, but only goes so far. Even with optimum resources, parents are stressed to know … [Read more...]
Stocker cattleman shares systems thinking
Wes Ishmael shares what must have been a refreshing discussion with John Groves, DVM from Eldon, Missouri. They discuss how applying elements of system thinking impacts overall outcomes and flexibility in stocker beef operations. Whether systems thinking or a holistic approach, the animal is seen as being part of the complete farm ecosystem. The most exceptional operations are … [Read more...]
Zoetis video celebrates human-cattle bond
Commentary For those of us who grew up in or near the country, the Born of the Bond YouTube video clearly celebrates the commitment, connection and efforts of cattlemen and cattlewomen to their animals. It is as moving as some messages from the companion animal segment. Source: Born of the Bond, YouTube, Zoetis, October 29, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: The human animal … [Read more...]
Floor resurfacing reminder
Providing confident, non-skid footing for dairy cattle is vital to their health, performance, and well-being and is one of the basic elements required in any dairy housing system. Dan McFarland discusses various surfaces and the importance of stable footing for cows. Source: Dairy Herd Management, May 26, 2020. Link. Reconditioning flooring surfaces cattle use may seem like … [Read more...]
Washing livestock trailers with infection control certainty
Sponsored Content Regardless of the pathogens, transporting increases risks for all livestock. Livestock trailers pose a significant risk for pigs, cattle, horses and poultry as they are moved from one location to another. Cleaning with scoops, forced air or pressure washers is as best a first step to controlling pathogen spread from remaining residues before the trailer is … [Read more...]
Cow Buoy pops up anew (slideshow)
No livestock person is happy about a downed cow. Getting one up is near impossible. Typical of the hands-on work of producers, Roger Swihart remembered and updated the original Cow Buoy creating the Cow Crane. Source: Missouri Ruralist, November 2, 2020. Link. You can see how it operates on the company website <video demonstration> INSIGHTS: Like portable chutes, … [Read more...]
Virtual reality grant to help increase interest in animal welfare
This is great news, but I wonder, “how will the scratch ‘n sniff be deployed”? Joking aside, congratulations to Nicole Anderson for a sizeable grant to use virtual reality to increase student interest and understanding of farm animal welfare. The funds will help develop four virtual reality modules that focus on operating commercial dairy and swine farms. Source: … [Read more...]
Llamas, great for small farms
Llamas, members of the camelid family, are a growing choice of ruralpolitan farmers and small acreage owners due to the animals’ relatively small size compared to horses, ponies or cattle. Their unique digestive system and highly efficient use of forage means llamas require less acreage per animal. They are excellent guardian animals, but require planning and education for good … [Read more...]
Wolf success story
The gray wolf population is thriving in the lower 48 states after more than four decades on the endangered species list. The Department of the Interior announced it has removed the gray wolf from the list, signaling a successful recovery under the Endangered Species Act. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin, November 3, 2020. Link. Also see: Gray wolf (Canis lupus), U.S. Fish and … [Read more...]
Coccidiosis a nagging old problem in swine
Appearing like hot melted parmesan cheese, coccidiosis scours start in pigs around 7 to 14 days of age. Give it a starting point in a barn and soon many more litters show up greasy. In my experience, I've seen pretty high morbidity, up to 90%, but low mortality and very few cases that I have pigs actually die from <coccidiosis>. It is more likely <pigs> are … [Read more...]
Diagnostics important with bloody calf scours
Treating calf scours requires more than a one-approach-fits-all treatment plan. Keith Poulsen asserts that the source of calf scours changes over time. He cites three main causes of calf scours and presents the importance of diagnostics to sort out whether the cause is a bacteria, virus or parasite. Source: Dairy Herd Management, May 10, 2019. Link. Poulsen identifies these … [Read more...]
75 things you didn’t know about beef
Whether you’re an old cowhand or have never seen a live cow, you’ll enjoy this list of 75 things about beef. Compiled by the Noble Research Institute in celebration of its 75th anniversary, you’ll be amazed at how beef positively affects our daily lives. Source: Noble Research Institute, October 9, 2020. Link. Since 1945, the Noble Research Institute has supported farmers … [Read more...]
Top goat predators in the U.S.
Predation of goats is a very real risk, according to Theresa Miller. She shares her top nine goat predators and describes the differences in kill evidence between them. As most would guess, the coyote is number one. Dogs and predatory birds are next in line. Feral pigs kill more goats than wolves, which ranked ninth on her list. Source: Backyard Goats, October 26, 2020. … [Read more...]
Rat bomb. . . eeekk!
Colder weather and the ongoing harvest are signals to button up buildings, businesses and residences to keep out rodents. Chris Bennett shares the destructive capacity of rats in detail from his interviews with a rodentologist known as the Rat Czar of New York City. It conjures images from the 13th century legacy of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Germany. . . . any hole where a … [Read more...]
An update on U.S. feral swine disease surveillance
Like a storm cloud on the horizon, 6 million feral hogs create ongoing challenges and disease threats to rural and ruralpolitan areas. Jennifer Shike shares an update from the collaborative feral swine multi-disciplined team’s progress reports. . . . feral swine pose a threat to our domestic herd in several ways, and we are committed to working with our government and industry … [Read more...]
Cattle and corn stalks
U.S. farmers have harvested over half of their corn and three-fourths of their soybeans, according to the October 19 USDA crop progress report. For dairy and beef operators this means the ability to supplement waning pasture grasses with corn stalks. But, there are considerations before turning the cattle into the stalks according to Aaron Berger, a University of Nebraska … [Read more...]
EHD takes half of Minnesota Zoo reindeer
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease recently caused deaths in the Minnesota Zoo’s reindeer herd. Officials say the virus that causes the disease is transmitted between deer by biting midges, or gnats, which are most active in the first frost of the fall. EHD is fatal in deer and it can also affect other hoofed mammals. Source: Fox 9, Apple Valley, MN, September 17, 2020. … [Read more...]
Farm women face extra risks
More than 30 percent of U.S. farm operators are women, and there are many more performing daily farm tasks. Lindley Reilly, DVM, shares four areas where women could be at a heightened risk for injury and should take appropriate precautions: Equipment Animals Hormones Mental health Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, October 5, 2020. Link. Safety should be a part of … [Read more...]
Speaking of herd immunity
The media has been full of references about herd immunity and its companion individual immunity. The two are inextricably linked, as Ellen Crawford writes. Her article is a good reminder and worth reviewing as it contains horse, human and cattle references. The three objectives of vaccination are to: Induce protection against disease Reduce susceptibility of an … [Read more...]
Biosecurity lessons learned from animal ag to fight COVID
It’s hard to take the lessons learned from animal ag and incorporate them into daily human life, writes Ann Reus. Even in the agri-food sector where biosecurity is almost second nature, companies are increasing their efforts to protect the health and safety of the animals and, by default, the health and safety of consumers. Source: Feed Strategy, September 24, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
But I have corn to harvest
Complimentary Content This beef producers’ excuse resonates across the corn belt this time of year when approached by livestock veterinarians wanting to schedule herd work, “. . . but I have corn to harvest!” W. Mark Hilton, DVM, PAS, DABVP, shares his experiences with delayed cattle work and the economics of working cattle ahead of harvest. The best day of the year to own … [Read more...]
Temple Grandin to headline October 28 webinar
Dr. Temple Grandin, renowned Colorado State University animal science professor, livestock handling specialist and autism expert, will be the featured speaker for an interactive webinar at 4:00 p.m. Central time, October 28. The program includes a Q&A session and will end at 6:00 p.m. Animal health pros from all backgrounds will likely find a topic or two worthwhile. The … [Read more...]
Cattle might be secret weapon in fight against wildfires
University of California Cooperative Extension researchers are evaluating how much fine fuel like grasses and other plants known to start fires cattle eat and how their feeding behavior may affect flame activity. There is more to learn, but it this preliminary study shows cattle may be valuable in reducing fire risk. . . . without cattle grazing, there would be hundreds to … [Read more...]
Equine asthma; don’t forget the fungi
The author presents the challenge of mold in bedding and forage and how it relates to equine allergies and respiratory challenges. Using his tracheal wash method, horses with fungal elements in their samples were two times more likely to have mild equine asthma when compared with horses without fungal elements in their samples. Source: Modern Equine Vet, Issue 9, 2020. page … [Read more...]
Is feed a Trojan horse for the ASF virus?
Feed ingredients are the new “Trojan horse” that helps move the African swine fever virus and they could bring the worst pig virus in the world to North America, according to Scott Dee, DVM and director of applied research at Keystone Veterinary Services. Speaking at the recent Animal AgTech Innovation Summit, he says the way grain is dried in Asia allows it to get contaminated … [Read more...]
Handling cattle the right way
With winter around the corner, beef producers are working cattle, weaning calves and moving herds as harvest progresses. Two articles from the Angus Beef Bulletin refer to handling practices and animal husbandry. While we think cattle producers should know these things, handling clinics remain popular as in-person and online events Source: Training cattle for easy handling, … [Read more...]