Dr. Ben Sykes of BW Sykes Consultancy explains how horse owners can help prevent gastric ulcers. His video is worth sharing with horse owners on social media or in newsletters. Ulcer prevention starts at home with Sykes big five: Adequate roughage, specifically hay Avoiding excessive carbohydrates Managing exercise and exercise duration Ensuring periods of rest … [Read more...]
New courses added for youth horse enthusiasts
The AQHLearn program offers online education resources designed for youth ages 8 to 18 and just added new courses. The topics pertain to all aspects of horses, including horse health, history and basic knowledge. Users of all ages are encouraged to register for an account to the free courses Source: AQHA. Link. INSIGHTS: Be sure to share these courses with youth horse … [Read more...]
Education, a necessity for veterinary-producer relationship creation and sustainability
Producers in small and medium livestock operations and veterinarians in rural veterinary practices experience similar barriers to establishing partnerships. Each group recognizes the need for education, preferring in-person, collaborative learning communities. Researchers from Texas A&M revealed five major themes regarding relationship barriers: a) time; b) financial … [Read more...]
Manage shrink to maximize revenue
Cattle shrink every time they are moved. Producers may not be able to do much about the price they get for their cattle, but they can minimize shrink, writes Heather Smith Thomas. Sorting, loading, hauling to a sale and standing without feed and water can result in body weight loss of 15 percent or more. Thomas explains two types of shrink a) excretory and b) tissue, noting … [Read more...]
Review: Generic versus pioneer drugs for cattle
This is a timely article as calves are being weaned, cows turned out on pasture or stalks and preparations for colder weather are underway. Andrea Bedford, PhD, details the rigors of NADA and ANADA products, where generic equivalents may differ and where they fit in decision-making for veterinarians and producers. Source: Bovine Practitioner, September 17, 2025. Link. The … [Read more...]
The coinfection conundrum
Commentary This article, while pig-focused, provides perspectives that may apply across species. Our industry often talks about immunosuppression which is a logical outcome when an animal is fighting more than one pathogen. For reference, one might remember the coinfection challenges with concurrent flu and Covid infections during the pandemic. The extra stress pigs face … [Read more...]
Dectomax-CA1 Injectable receives FDA conditional approval to control New World screwworm
Zoetis Inc. announced that Dectomax-CA1 Injectable (doramectin injection) is the first and only parasite control product to receive conditional approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention and treatment of infestations caused by the larvae of Cochliomyia hominivorax (myiasis), and prevention of reinfestation for 21 days. This conditional approval … [Read more...]
Review: Harmful algal blooms, red tides and their hidden dangers
As summer ends, it is time to review the potential of harmful algal blooms. These occur when environmental conditions like warm water, nutrient runoff and sunlight promote rapid algae growth, some of which produce dangerous toxins. These articles review the different types of harmful algae, symptoms when exposure occurs, health effects and prevention. Sources: Morris … [Read more...]
For a harmonious herd, provide enough space
A new study from The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute suggests that to fully benefit from being on pasture, horses need room to roam. The data showed horses kept in pens that allowed 342 square meters (about one-tenth of an acre) per horse had reduced levels of blood cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Source: EQUUS, September 5, 2025. Link. The … [Read more...]
Zebra cows repel flies and win Ig Nobel Prize
Say what? Japanese researchers received the 2025 Ig Nobel Prize in biology for showing that black cows painted with white stripes repel flies better than their counterparts that didn’t look like zebras. Source: The Scientist, September 18, 2025. Link. Image credit: Tomoki Kojima et al., 2019, PLoS One, CC-BY 4.0 … [Read more...]
Advice for grazing beef-on-dairy calves
While beef-on-dairy calves outperform dairy calves for stocker and finishing systems, they require a different management and understanding when it comes to grazing. Unfamiliar with being a grazing animal, beef on dairy calves need to go through a two- to three-week receiving period, says Paul Beck, MS, MBA, PhD. This allows time for calves to adjust to new feeds, learn to … [Read more...]
Large litters, more pigs than teats; Is that a problem?
Pig survival to weaning age is challenging overall, but when a sow produces more pigs than she has teats, producers are challenged to keep pigs alive and doing well. The industry’s focus on increasing litter size has unintentionally led to an increase in the proportion of low birth-weight pigs and prewean death losses which approach 20 percent in some cases <Link>. In … [Read more...]
Rancher’s Lunch Time Series features Dr. Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson, an animal science professor at Oklahoma State University, will discuss “Selecting and managing replacement heifers for long-term success,” during a free webinar session at noon, Thursday, October 23. Source: OKState Animal & Food Sciences, Facebook, September 24, 2025. Register for the webinar series, ‘Cow Calf Corner Live,’ at this link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply launches its annual FFA Convention T-shirt fundraiser
For the 11th year, Tractor Supply is offering a limited edition tee shirt as a fundraiser for FFA. The 2025 theme is "Empower," a reference to the organization's commitment to helping young people find inspiration and direction to lead, making an impact on the world around them. The 98th National FFA Convention & Expo will take place October 29th through November 1st in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 25, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 22, 2025. Link. Most read posts from September 22, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Job #1 – Getting results. Link. Older workers remain overlooked as sources of skill, experience. Link. Conditions associated with HPAI spreading to farms identified. Link. AAHA’s standards receive first-ever full … [Read more...]
Conditions associated with HPAI spreading to farms identified
Kimbra Cutlip’s article is a reminder that 1) wild bird migration is underway, 2) colder weather means more infections, 3) biosecurity reduces risk to animals and their caretakers, and 4) prevention strategies are beneficial and reduce strain on production economics. Source: Feedstuffs, September 10, 2025. Link. A recently published study in the journal One Health compared … [Read more...]
Older workers still one of the more overlooked sources of skill and experience
Isaac Agbeshie-Noye, EdD, joins Nicole Belyna to share how HR teams can overcome biases, engage older talent and reimagine recruitment, retention and development strategies for the growing segment of the workforce - seniors. While digital and physical skills may not be places to deploy older workers, Agbeshie-Noye asserts that these workers are generally more socialized to work … [Read more...]
Nassau County warns residents about spread of rabies among raccoons and cats
Rabies has been found in at least 25 animals since July of last year in mostly raccoons and three feral cats, according to Nassau County New York officials. Rabies had previously been eradicated in Nassau County in 2016 following aggressive control efforts. The resurgence is a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination, public education and wildlife baiting to manage … [Read more...]
The 2025 Audubon Photography Awards: Winners and Honorable Mentions
AHD readers have enjoyed past pots to see photographs taken by participants in various awards. Here is another set of photographs you'll appreciate. Many of the birds that migrate between Chile, Colombia, Canada, and the United States are vulnerable due to climate change. ENJOY! Source: Audubon, Fall 2025. Link. The Audubon Photography Awards expanded the awards from a … [Read more...]
McDonald’s USA makes company’s largest-ever investment in regenerative agriculture through National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Partnership
Beef has been at the core of McDonald’s menu and identity since it first opened its doors 70 years ago. McDonald's USA just announced its participation in an initiative that helps demonstrate its continued commitment to responsible beef sourcing and stewardship of natural resources. This initiative will invest more than $200 million over the next seven years to help promote … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Matching the drug to the bug to treat BRD
K. Shawn Blood, a Zoetis DVM, reviews the four most common classes of anti-infectives used in cattle treatments and their modes of action. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right anti-infective since respiratory disease is a complex disease system. He notes that many outside variables can negatively affect treatment outcomes. Source: Progressive Cattle, September … [Read more...]
Perfect ag students no longer exist. It’s not a bad thing.
The pipeline is breaking. For years, agricultural and animal health companies could hire “perfect ag students” straight from graduation. Not anymore. The shortage is such that some universities are considering remedial tracks to bring ag students to a workable starting point. Kim Rounds, a potential hirer of perfect ag students, warns this trend is accelerating fast—and argues … [Read more...]
From heart to skin to hair, ‘Replaceable You’ dives into the science of transplant
Science writer Mary Roach is fascinated by the human body, especially, she says, the "gooey bits and pieces of us that are performing miracles on a daily basis." She also shares why pigs help us keep achieving those miracles. Source: NPR’s Fresh Air, September 16, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 18, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 18, 2025. Link. Most read posts from September 18, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Four worn out, unwelcome words or phrases in vet med. Link. Rabies is NOT a thing of the past. Link. “What Else?” Link. Which coaching approach is the best? Behavior-based vs mental-state. Link. Are veterinary … [Read more...]
Four worn out, unwelcome words or phrases in vet med
Wendy Hauser, DVM, shares four words used in veterinary medicine she thinks we should ban or use less frequently: Compliance Gold standard Standard of care Pet parent Source: Animal Health News and Views, September 2025. Link. . . . the sentiment behind pet parent normalizes the idea that pets are not property.” INSIGHTS: We agree and work diligently to refer … [Read more...]
Calf castration. The younger the better!
Sponsor Content When, why and the best modern practices for castration are the topics for the last segment in this week’s episode of Doc Talk with host Dan Thomson, MS, PhD, DVM. He explains the benefits of castrating calves in the first week of life compared to waiting until weaning, since the bull's testicles don’t produce testosterone until they hit seven to 10 months of … [Read more...]
Understanding probiotics and their role in dairy production [Podcast]
Sponsor Content In this podcast episode, Stephen Lerner, PhD, explains the science and practical applications for probiotics and enzymes in dairy farming. He says microbial solutions are becoming mainstream in dairy management, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional treatments, and transforming animal agriculture by improving gut health, feed efficiency, immune … [Read more...]
Understanding the liquid tools used in grooming
Having a thorough understanding of the science, technique and proper use of grooming products can be <quality of> life-changing for the groomer and pets, writes Cliff Faver, DVM. His article is timely as we close the summer dermatitis season and enter the turn-on-the-furnace season. It’s also important to understand that since most pets have hair as their first line of … [Read more...]
Equine dental specialists soothe horse toothaches
Equine oral health has been important since horses were domesticated. It makes sense as mouths hold bits, which help make them the great work and pleasure animals they can be. Humans have worked on horse teeth since 1150 B.C. Today’s scientific understanding of the way horses’ mouths work benefits horses and riders. Wayne Needham, Amarillo Texas, president of the … [Read more...]
How a probiotic reduces mastitis by 40 percent
Research trials on transition cows deployed an intervaginal probiotic gel that uses lactic acid bacteria to prime, prepare and restore a lactating cow’s reproductive tract through the transition period. Initial data shows reduced cases of mastitis, pneumonia and overall health disorders. Source: American Agriculturist, September 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]