Animal production has always sought to find and duplicate the best of the best. In the past 13 or more years, genomics in the dairy business has been transformational. Most striking is the rate of genetic progress for essentially all traits of importance has increased due to genomics. Genetic evaluations provide increased accuracy, especially for young animals, offering the … [Read more...]
Bovine vaccine study reveals role of genetics in immune response
Computer science researchers in the Department of Computer Science at John Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering set out to answer an age-old question, “Why are some individuals within the population of black Angus cows responding very differently to the same vaccine?” Their research examined a distinguishing feature of bovine immunity: the long complementarity-determining … [Read more...]
Evaluate bedding choices for horses
A stabled horse spends the better part of his day in direct contact with his bedding. It’s worth the time to periodically reassess bedding choices, according to the authors. Chances are the current bedding it still suitable, but horse owners will never know for sure until they take the time to consider other options. Source: EQUUS, April 20, 2022. Link. The purpose of … [Read more...]
Tips for making fly spray bottles and sponges last longer
Sponges and fly spray bottles need to be maintained properly like all equipment. EQUUS shares some tips for making these items last the entire season. Sharing them on social media or in newsletters will be appreciated by horse owners and may save them some money, too. Source: EQUUS, April 20, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Demystifying EPM
Complimentary Sponsored Content Some horse owners struggle with equine protozoal myelitis. It has been acknowledged by equine veterinary experts for over 50 years but there’s still much to learn. EPM most commonly attacks the central system. Rob Franklin, DVM Dip. ACVIM, joins the Chatfields to talk all about EPM: the cause, what it looks like in horses, and preventing … [Read more...]
Bird flu updates
More than 36.66 million reported birds have been affected by HPAI to date. Seven of every 10 birds lost to bird flu this year have been egg-laying hens totaling 24.2 million at latest count. Most recently, a person in Colorado has tested positive for avian influenza. Sources: $263 million additional funds by USDA, Successful Farming, April 28, 2022. Link. Three new … [Read more...]
Therapeutic play helps shy and fearful dogs and owners gain confidence
Complimentary Commercial Content Play is a widespread feature of social animals. Humans play. Dogs play. Amy Cook, PhD, specializes in working with shy and fearful dogs. Drawing from play therapy used with traumatized children, Cook developed Play Way to help dogs overcome their issues and to live happier, less-stressed lives. In my system, the dog leads most of the play. I … [Read more...]
Dog life expectancy, the long and short of it
Research on dogs in the United Kingdom is helping identify breeds that live longest and those that live short lives. Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the average life expectancy across all dogs showed male dogs was 11.1 years, females were about four months longer. Neutered dogs had a life expectancy of close to 12 years for females and 11.5 years for males. Life … [Read more...]
Making yards pet friendly and safe
Making a fresh, plush carpet for pets and people, our yards are places for fun, games and pleasant play. Making them safe and friendly for our animal friends are the focus of these two articles. Sources: How to make your yard pet friendly, The Outdoor Wear, April 29, 2022. Link. How lawn chemicals affect your cats, even indoor cats, Conscious Cat, via AAHA NEWStat, … [Read more...]
Daily hydration key to top animal care
The best animal care begins with providing daily hydration. We focus on it more during the warmer months, but it remains a daily need. Jared Mitchell, DVM, CVMA, shares why keeping dogs and cats hydrated is so important and how to help ensure enough water is being consumed. He also writes about recognizing dehydration and what to do about it. Water is known as the forgotten … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 2, 2022
Fast Bites topics this week include blood testing for cancer, the 20 most pet-friendly cities in America, new Equity Action Plan from the SBA, pet insurance progress and concerns over pet relinquishment growing in the United Kingdom. Fast Bites serves as an information source to the more than 7,000 members in the pet care services industry. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 2, … [Read more...]
The Great Resignation is becoming a great midlife crisis
The changing composition of who is quitting jobs paints an increasingly complicated picture of the state of work in America. Although quit rates have decreased slightly from their highs last year, the phenomenon is not going away just yet. Older and more tenured people are especially likely to be quitting in knowledge worker industries like finance and tech. Source: Vox, May … [Read more...]
Weaning beef calves: higher feed costs but short-term savings may affect long-term profits
Opinion The story seems to repeat year after year. There’s always something to question. This year cow-calf producers face higher feed costs and extended drought in some areas which will likely raise questions about preconditioning expenses. Wesley Tucker shares his perspectives on investing in preconditioning protocols. His tips can help cattle producers sharpen their … [Read more...]
Hoof ulcers: Don’t blame the ration
Gerard Cramer, DVM, DVSc, isn’t too concerned about subacute ruminal acidosis. Instead, he sees laminitis more broadly. Along with sole ulcers, common contributors are white line lesions, digital dermatitis, foot rot and toe ulcers. . . . the most common contributors causing lameness are standing time, flooring problems, and failure to control digital dermatitis.” - Gerard … [Read more...]
Attracting and hosting mason bees. You can RENT them!
There are more than 150 species of native, non-imported mason bees, writes Amy Grisak. They are gentle and efficient pollinators who don’t have hives like the more familiar honeybees. Nesting* in wood piles, trees and other plant materials, they lay their eggs in existing gaps or tunnels. Their life cycle is like a butterfly with females laying only 15 eggs in their 4- to … [Read more...]
Dog and cat kisses can turn deadly
Scientists have begun to describe all the bacterial species living in dogs’ and cats’ mouths and compare them to our own. Their work is revealing a host of potential pathogens lurking in each slobbery kiss or scratchy lick. About 10 to 15 percent of dog bites become infected, as do up to half of cat bites.” Wash those hands, pet lovers! As difficult as it will be, consider … [Read more...]
Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year nominations now open
Farmers and ranchers have until July 1 to nominate their dogs to become the Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year. The contest celebrates farm dogs and how they support farmers and ranchers in producing food for families and pets. The grand prize winner will win a year’s worth of Purina dog food and $5,000 in prize money. Source: American Farm Federation, April 12, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Do prescription dog foods really help?
Opinion One of the main objectives for Animal Health Digest remains to provide animal health pros with information animal owners may read, take to heart or better understand. In this article, Nancy Kerns focuses on prescription diets and admits to some peeves and challenges of educating pet owners. She says change is coming and the newly crowded veterinary diet market … [Read more...]
Bacterial UTIs and antimicrobial stewardship
The latest guidelines for bacterial cystitis offer new recommendations regarding which types of bacteriuria require antimicrobial treatment, which antimicrobials should be considered first line and duration of antimicrobial treatment. Patricia Dowling, DVM, MSc, DACVIM (Large Animal), DACVCP, shares three types of UTIs and three treatment approaches. Source: Clinician’s … [Read more...]
Equine health educational resources are a click away
Sponsored Content Considering foaling season is ending soon and the positive responses to the recent equine toxins infographic <Link>, we’re sharing more equine resources from the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance digital library. Any equine enthusiast will agree that horses enrich their lives, but they also come with some predictable health risks and associated … [Read more...]
Pets being poisoned by careless handling of cannabis
Increased access to legal marijuana products in Canada and some U.S. states may be behind the growing number of dogs, cats and other pets ingesting the drug, most likely in the form of THC-dense edibles that look and smell like normal food, according to a study in PLOS ONE. The survey notes most exposures were accidental which emphasizes the need to promote pet owner … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 25, 2022
Pet therapy helps human well-being, technology influences on pet care industry, keeping Macs secure, pet industry hits record $123.6B, videos for small businesses to consider and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 25, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Close the communication loop(s)
Managers who solicit ideas are under no obligation to act upon them. However, what they are obligated to do is to thank others for their suggestions. Then, let them know who made the decision and why it was made. Closing the loop means letting people know when and why vital decisions have been made.” – John Baldoni Source: SmartBrief, April 22, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Antibiotic-resistant MRSA strain genes spilling over to native hedgehogs in Europe
The coronavirus pandemic has served as a stark and tragic example of how closely animal health and human health are linked. Think about what we’ve seen in the last three years: Covid found in about 29 animal types <Link> HPAI spreading from wild fowl to poultry and now to eagles and other wild birds We’re just learning a MRSA strain may have been transferred … [Read more...]
Compounding considerations: pros, cons
When animal-use approved drugs are not available, veterinarians can turn to a compounding pharmacy to meet the needs of individual animals. The authors share the various considerations, opportunities and challenges. Compounded medications can be useful when FDA-approved medications are not available, but they should not be selected on the basis of cost alone.” Source: Today’s … [Read more...]
Inflation is hurting dairy farmers
Opinion Costs are rising throughout the dairy business. Producers are seeing higher prices for diesel, fertilizer and feed. A gallon of milk costs as much as 30 cents more than it did in January 2022. Reducing expenses is a natural reaction to higher costs but in the case of animal health products, now is not the time to avoid health sustaining strategies.” – Kirk … [Read more...]
How cattle vaccination and nutrition connect
Complimentary Sponsored Content Shelby Roberts, PhD, discusses the symbiotic relationship of sound nutrition and proper vaccination which helps to maintain healthy immune functions in cattle. Vaccinations and nutrition have a symbiotic relationship in terms of maintaining healthy immune functions in cattle.” - Shelby Roberts, PhD Source: Alltech, March 8, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Asian longhorned ticks are on the move
The Asian longhorned tick reached 17 states by last fall. In the United States, the tick has been found in or near counties with large horse, cattle and sheep populations. They do not discriminate however and will use a human or a pet as a host, just the same as livestock or wildlife. The Asian longhorned tick is known to carry the virulent Theileria orientalis Ikeda … [Read more...]
Spring grass and horses
Juliet M. Getty, PhD, provides guidance on fresh grass and the potential problems it can cause for horses. She continues with tips on monitoring grasses throughout the season. Source: Equine Wellness, April 15, 2014. Link. Tasty spring grasses can offer too much sugar and starch for the insulin resistant horse, thereby increasing the risk of laminitis. However, with careful … [Read more...]
Why cats eat grass
Some cats are drawn to eating grass which is often followed by vomiting up the greens. Tom Fish digs into this behavior with cat experts. There doesn’t seem to be much consensus, but some theories include: . . . eating grass makes the cats throw up less digestible parts of a protein-rich meal Grass is a source of needed trace minerals, micronutrients, and vitamins A, B … [Read more...]