Three resources about dealing with negative interactions from HBR caught our attention. It’s not easy to stay cool and engaged when things get heated in meetings, negotiations, or difficult conversations. We’ve all been there. Consider using these three quick reads at a team meeting before the holiday season heats up and tensions rise. Source: Ascend from Harvard Business … [Read more...]
Beef industry is based on discounts more than anything
Discount risk avoidance is a compelling way to consider the economics of the beef industry and its value programs. Jared Wareham shares a perspective that can help veterinarians and salespersons maintain preventative programs while helping producers avoid costly discounts. Value-added programs don’t necessarily add value to a set baseline price. Rather, they begin by removing … [Read more...]
Fall leaves can be toxic to horses
As fall colors paint the countryside, remember that falling leaves can pose a potentially deadly threat to horses. Dr. Tania Cubitt reviews trees whose leaves are dangerous in this article sponsored by Standlee Forage. Source: Horse Network, October 10, 2018. Link. Do not dispose of your raked leaves into your pasture Also see: Red maple leaves dangerous for horses, Animal … [Read more...]
Learning from the Leman conference
The annual Leman conference has consistently been a place of discovery, sharing and a focus on improving swine management and pork protein production. Jennifer Shike and JoAnn Alumbaugh share an overview from this year’s conference. Source: PORK, October 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Last year’s theme of co-opetition, the balance between cooperation and competition, is evident in … [Read more...]
Read what fall vegetables are good for dogs
Melvin Peña reviews common fall vegetables and discusses their value and potential side effects when dogs eat them. Consider using this article in social media posts and seasonal e-newsletters. Source: Dogster, October 3, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
November JAVMA
The research continues. This issue of JAVMA includes a commentary on engaging a veterinary behaviorist to help pets with behavior problems early instead of as a last resort: Veterinary behaviorists should be the first, not the last, resort for optimal patient care, Link. Asking clients about behavior problems during appointments can be difficult for veterinarians. . . … [Read more...]
Giant mosquitoes flourish in post-hurricane flood waters
Reports of giant mosquito sightings add to the confusion of dealing with post-hurricane damage,. Mosquito biologist Michael Reiskind explains why these gallinippers, often three times larger than normal mosquitoes, are showing up in the receding flood waters. Source: The Conversation, October 11, 2018. Link. The gallinippers belong to a genus of mosquitoes that specialize … [Read more...]
One Health Series: Researcher discusses the challenge of antibiotic resistance (includes video)
Tim LaPara is an environmental engineer at the University of Minnesota. He and his students are investigating the environment, searching for antimicrobial-resistant genes in materials like human and animal waste. There, the bacteria compound the problem. There are predictions that antimicrobial resistance will actually be responsible for more deaths in the next 50 years than … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during the holidays with these tips
Just in time for Halloween, candy and ghosts, here’s a nice resource from the American Veterinarian editorial staff. Use the Fast Facts Sheet in social media posts, e-newsletters and as handouts during pet visits. . . .this holiday season being a responsible pet owner means taking precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy well into the new year. Source: American … [Read more...]
Opinion – Pets are like family. But as health costs rise, few are insured that way.
Paul Sullivan takes a circuitous route through pet economics, market growth and the challenges of price versus value. References to pet owner attitude changes include contrasting the Snoopy generation of 30 years ago with the current Brian (Family Guy) generation. Sullivan’s perspectives are dashed with quotes, pet health examples, products and animal health companies. Two … [Read more...]
Beef’s quality revolution featured
Consumer preference continues to drive innovation and quality in all food protein markets. Three papers from Drover’s review changes in how consumers buy beef, the impact of the national beef quality audits (NBQA) and how stockmanship helps shape consumer perceptions. Source: Drover’s. Meat, millennials, meal kits. Link. A generation of quality gains. Link. … [Read more...]
Do pets have parents, guardians, owners?
Does it matter what we call ourselves and our pets? What are the implications? Debra F. Horwitz, DVM, DACVB, analyzes the nomenclature, legal implications and nuances of our role with pets. No matter the label, every pet deserves to be as free as possible from: Discomfort and exposure Fear and distress Hunger and thirst Illness, disease, and pain Inability … [Read more...]
Leash, harness and halter guidance for better walks
Mikkel Becker reviews handy tools to help pet owners control the chaos of leashed walks. There’s a good chance that several clients are struggling in this area and may not know you can give them advice. Even if a dog comes in with all the right equipment, that doesn’t mean its owner is using it properly or that it’s working for the dog. Source: Veterinary Medicine, October 1, … [Read more...]
Chasing tail, fun or malady for felines?
Tail chasing in dogs is common and likely a game. In cats, however, it is less common, writes Michaela Conlon. Infections, allergies, hyperesthesia and stud tail are conditions where tail chasing is common. Cats can also chase their tails for a number of medical reasons,” Dr. Sasha Gibbons explains. “Cats will chase their tails if there is an infection and the tail is … [Read more...]
Reclaim the lost art of handwritten thank-you notes
Bruce Weinstein shares three benefits of making a habit of hand writing thank you notes and a how-to guide too: Gratitude wows You’ll remain top of mind Monotasking is mindfulness in action Adding the practice of handwritten thank-you notes will take you to next-level success and help you make an even bigger difference in the lives of people you care … [Read more...]
Instant messages, e-mails burn 20 to 25 minutes each
It is common to hear colleagues wonder where the hours in the day went. Aaron Taube summarizes the time losses citing research from Microsoft. . . . 27% of the time one of the employees received an alert, they did not get back to the original task for more than two hours. . . Source: Business Insider, December 9, 2014. Link. . . . employees were able to more quickly … [Read more...]
It’s time to review farm biosecurity plans (includes video)
Heavy swine disease pressure outside the U.S. is real. African swine fever, classic swine flu and foot and mouth disease are all being reported. Swine and cattle are implicated. All of these threats underline the need for U.S. producers and feed suppliers to review and increase biosecurity protocols to keep disease threats from affecting U.S. herds. The scale of dealing with … [Read more...]
19 veterinary practice managers earn prestigious CVPM designation
The Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credential is recognized and respected by practice leaders and our animal health industry. Certification is provided by VHMA’s voluntary certification program that provides assurance of professional quality services. The exam is offered electronically to qualified CVPM candidates across North America. Source: VHMA, September … [Read more...]
Companies race to own customers’ experiences
Companies are recognizing the importance of delivering an experience that makes them stand out from their competition, writes Shep Hyken. There’s a lot riding on delivering a positive customer experience, he says. The company may define its brand promise, but it is the customer who decides whether or not the company delivered on its promise. Source: Forbes, July 15, 2018. … [Read more...]
Emotions impact farmers’, vets’ and all our decisions (includes video)
Farmers, purchasing agents, retail managers, veterinary hospital managers and veterinarians fit into the perspectives shared in this article. Jan Johnson says that all decisions are emotional, and we use facts to justify our emotional purchases. She shares a few of the emotional drivers she has observed: Pride Fear Grief Suspicion Confidence … [Read more...]
A look at Amazon in the pet consumables market
Zak Watts and Mike Bassani, director and consumables lead for Amazon Pets respectively, joined presenters during the inaugural NAVC E-Commerce Summit that took place September 19 in Kansas City. Amazon defines consumables as food and healthcare products such as parasite prevention and litter will be Amazon’s focus. Other pet items are available, but will not be critical. The … [Read more...]
Shadowing veterinary technician reveals skill, passion and dedication
Jen Reeder was floored by the passion, knowledge, and dedication of Jessica Krafthefer, CVT, whom she shadowed to better understand the role and challenges of veterinary technicians. It was a simple assignment that turned into one of the more eye-opening experiences of her life. It’s hard work, but at the end of the day, when I go home exhausted, I still want to come back,” … [Read more...]
Don’t wash farm-fresh eggs
While Salmonella infections are rare from any egg, Ana Hotaling sought expert advice about the safety of farm-fresh eggs compared to supermarket eggs with regard to Salmonella. That advice is summarized in these safety practices for those who raise their own chickens: Keep your coop clean Collect eggs frequently Do not wash your eggs Throw away cracked … [Read more...]
Nigerian dwarf goats now approved as livestock dairy goat
4-H and FFA participants can now use Nigerian dwarf goats in livestock projects. The breed is experiencing a rise in popularity due to its small size and colorful markings. The goats have gentle personalities which makes them good pets, plus they are easy to handle and take little space. Source: Countryside Daily, October 1, 2018. Link. Most owners do not raise their goats … [Read more...]
Help customers handle bulls safely
Bulls represent only two percent of the cattle population, yet they are responsible for more than half of farmworker fatalities and are considered the most dangerous of all domestic animals. Source: North Carolina Cooperative Extension, 2018: Link. Recognizing aggressive bull behavior and always being aware of their presence are important factors that can help keep farm … [Read more...]
Foot rot or something else?
Mike Apley, DVM, discusses the importance of accurate case definitions, antibiotic stewardship and the differences between foot rot and hairy heal warts. His article is a good resource to include with fall VFD compliance visits. Control and therapeutic approaches to foot rot and hairy heel wart in beef cattle can be quite different. Planning to recognize the difference between … [Read more...]
Gait, lying down behavior and other factors influence dairy cattle lameness
It’s more than showing up with a limp. Lameness in dairy cattle costs productivity and economic losses. It affects other animal welfare factors including body condition, hock condition, and leg hygiene. Lameness may also influence resting and lying down behaviors as they seek comfort. Source: National Institutes of Health, November 2017. Link Gait changes and other behaviors … [Read more...]
Colostrum feeding practices have room for improvement
A Michigan State Extension research project in 2016 set out to measure the prevalence of passive transfer failure in heifer and bull calves on Michigan dairy farms. While producers seemed confident in how to manage and deliver colostrum, the results indicate there is still a lot of improvement to be realized from managing colostrum. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, September 26, … [Read more...]
3 advantages of veterinarian-administered equine vaccinations
Writing for the AQHA, Jacquelin Boggs, DVM, with Zoetis asserts three benefits horses get when a veterinarian administers vaccines: Proper Vaccine Handling Safe, Accurate Administration Tailored Vaccination Program Source: AQHA, September 13, 2018. Link. Every horse is unique. Your veterinarian can work with you to customize a vaccine program based on your … [Read more...]
8 tips to determine trustworthy cat nutrition sites
The team at Catnip delivers common sense about feline nutrition websites and feline sites. They suggest eight questions to use to determine if a site is reputable and its information legitimate. They have also generated a list of the best of the best websites for nutrition information. <link> Source: Catnip, October 2018. Link. If the evidence on a site is presented … [Read more...]