Cows that have witnessed wolf attack display physical signs associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A new study from Oregon State University affirms this and is also the first study to reveal PTSD biomarkers in cattle. The findings have been published in the Journal of Animal Science. Source: Progressive Cattleman, May 4, 2017. Wolf attacks create bad … [Read more...]
The future of equine parasite control
No new anthelmintics with newer modes of action have been introduced since the early 1980s. Anthelmintic resistance continue to increase in cyathostomin and Parascaris spp. parasites. While resistance is slow to develop, work by Dr. Gene Lyons clearly illustrates that once it appears in a parasite, it is there to stay. We can expect resistance to at least one drug class to … [Read more...]
Cleaning protocols promote calf health
Management practices impact overall herd health in any livestock operation. Cleaning procedures and written protocols are imperative to raising healthy calves and will lead to increased average daily gain and decreased disease incidence. Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 28, 2017. Although equipment may look clean, in reality it may be caked with invisible bacteria. … [Read more...]
Understanding the stocker
Stocker, or backgrounding, provides vital production and marketing system values to the beef industry. Stocker production happens in a variety of situations and environments throughout the country. As such, the stocker sector is an essential shock absorber for the beef industry but little data exists to analyze the segment. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, March 29, … [Read more...]
Heat stress even affects unborn calves
Heat stress can have a huge impact on unborn calves that reaches well into their adulthood. “Cooling is pretty important for the fetus,” says Geoff Dahl, a dairy physiologist with the University of Florida. Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 30, 2017. Unborn calves of heat stressed dams will have lower birth and weaning weights, and might produce 2,500 lb. to 3,000 lb. … [Read more...]
May is Lyme awareness month
Steve Dale offers information about Lyme awareness month. He exposes the role mice have in the increased risk. 2017 will likely be a record Lyme year. We can do more to protect dogs than we can ourselves More than anyone or anything - blame increased mice for increased Lyme Source: Steve Dale Pet World, May 9, 2017. … [Read more...]
Parasites likely to win again in 2017
There’s that “c-word” again – compliance. Don Jergler indicates mild weather and lackluster client compliance continue to favor parasites. He discusses fleas, ticks and heartworm, including perspectives from the Heartworm Society and major manufacturers of for pets and parasite control products. Source: Veterinary Practice News, May 2, 2017. While part of the U.S. is under … [Read more...]
Therapy certification for cats
Caroline Golon offers the basics of the therapy cat certification process. To train as an official cat therapy team, you need to meet minimum requirements, which vary by the certifying organization. Most programs also require that the cat be able to wear a leash and harness, mostly for the cat’s own safety. Source: Catster, May 4, 2017. Obviously, not all cats make good … [Read more...]
Cull ornery, grumpy cows
Culling cows assertively is one of the more effective strategies for improving cow herd profitability and satisfaction. University of Florida animal scientists have found that cows with poor dispositions are less likely to conceive when mated with bulls. Disposition had previously been associated with reduced artificial insemination results. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, … [Read more...]
4 puppy biting survival strategies
Behavioral problems are a significant factor in pets not being retained. Biting and nipping complaints are among the more common ones. There are things you can do to manage a nippy puppy until your it outgrows this important developmental stage. Animal health pros can share these tips in blog posts, new pet kits, newsletters and social media. If you sell chew toys, consider … [Read more...]
Wisconsin sees shortage in large animal veterinarians (includes video)
A true veterinarian shortage in rural areas remains. Dr. Lisa Hansen shared perspectives in a video interview from her practice in Barron, Wisconsin. She hopes the Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program can help students afford a veterinary degree and serve an area in need of their services. Source: WKOW, April 26, 2017. The United States Department of Agriculture is … [Read more...]
First the fires then snow: Kansas in distress
Recent blizzards have potentially devastated the western Kansas wheat crop. This is significant because Kansas grew one of every five bushels of U.S. wheat last year. Its farmers specialize in winter wheat, which is planted in the fall, goes dormant during the winter and sprouts again in the spring. Winter wheat accounts for two thirds, or more, of the U.S. crop each … [Read more...]
Infographics help marketing
Infographics are simplified images of a message or concept. We’ve used them for decades as pictorials, flow charts or diagrams. The best pictures convey a message better than written words. With about 65 percent of the population being primarily visual learners, infographics help people absorb and recall information best by seeing it. Source: MWI Messenger, May 2017, page … [Read more...]
Cool, clear water
Thomas R. Lenz, DVM, reminds us of the most important nutrient for horses, or all animals for that matter. He discusses the water needs of horses in many common situations. There is significant variability in the amount required based on activity, feed, weather and more. Source: AQHA Journal, April 2017, page 10. All horses need clean, good-quality water at all times. … [Read more...]
Location, location, location and litter box placement
Never put the litter box near a cat’s food and water. This is one primary rule, according to Pam Johnson-Bennett, author of Think Like A Cat. She discusses litter box placement options in this excerpt from her book. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 24, 2017. Pick a spot in your home away from heavy traffic to provide your cat with a feeling of privacy and safety. However, don’t … [Read more...]
5 strategies to improve a cow’s immunity
Transition cows benefit from more attention and care. Barry Bradford, an immunity specialist from Kansas State University offers his top five strategies to help these cows: Manage body condition Housing Antioxidants Anionic diets Tweak immunity Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, April 24, 2017. INSIGHTS: Transition is an ongoing discussion at every level of dairy … [Read more...]
South Dakota veterinarian shares VFD experiences
Veterinarian Corale Dorn of Dell Rapids, South Dakota, said transitioning to VFD protocols isn't difficult as long as there's already a healthy veterinary-client-patient relationship. She sees the VFD as an opportunity to improve animal health and safeguard public health. Source: AgWeek, April 17, 2017. Dr. Dorn doesn't think the VFD should be looked at as just another … [Read more...]
35th anniversary of National Pet Week®
The first week of May brings National Pet Week®. It celebrates the special bonds between pets and people, and encourages pet owners to ensure they provide all of their animal companions a complete lifetime of love. For the 35th anniversary, the AVMA spotlights seven specific needs every pet owner must consider to ensure that their pet lives the longest, healthiest life … [Read more...]
6 antibiotic myths explained
The antibiotic tools used in cattle today are likely the same ones you’ll have for the rest of your life. That’s the advice from Mike Apley, veterinarian and professor of production medicine and clinical pharmacology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. He’s not saying antibiotic resistance is threatening the cattle business. Instead he says it’s … [Read more...]
Now is not the time to relax
The 2017 calf crop is taking shape and breeding season is currently or soon will be underway. It is feeling to see cow-calf pairs turned out to fresh pastures for the first grazing of the season. We can’t relax too much. This is a critical time of the year for producers to focus on the needs of the herd. This is especially true for yearling heifers and two-year-olds nursing … [Read more...]
Don’t take parasites to pasture
Flies and worms lower cattle health. This can lead to major economic damage, so controlling parasites with insecticides and other management protocols is important. Producers prepare pastures by fertilizing, spraying, burning and inter-seeding. The same logic applies to preparing cattle for spring by controlling parasites early. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, April 14, … [Read more...]
No kidding? When to help a goat in labor.
We found this article informative. Lisa Seger shares her labor-assisting approaches. Source: Hobby Farms, April 17, 2017. Most times, a doe in labor will successfully kid on their own, but occasionally they do require help. There is also a middle zone, where they may not technically need help, but will have a better experience and outcome with it. … [Read more...]
Trichobezoars debunked
Hairballs are disgusting, especially when you step on one with a bare foot. Dr. Eric Barchas discusses hairball myths and fallacies. This article would make good content for a website, newsletter, social media or blog post. Source: Catster, April 23, 2013. Swallowing hair in and of itself is not what causes hairballs. They’re occurring because the gastrointestinal tract … [Read more...]
$580 million of pet food supplements sold in 2016
Dog owners purchase the majority of pet supplements, buying three times as much as cat owners. Packaged Facts identified these five trends as factors shaping the pet supplements market beyond what we already know: Joint health, digestive health and condition-specific supplements have opportunity to compete with formulated pet foods and treats Supplement marketers … [Read more...]
The equine vaccination guide
Horse owners can vaccinate their horses against a variety of infectious diseases. Unfortunately, they’re also confronted with a mix of advice from a plethora of sources — most of them sound and somewhat persuasive. David W. Ramey, DVM, writes about vaccination options for horses. Source: Horse Channel, April 7, 2017. ‘Core vaccinations’ is a term that the American … [Read more...]
Zero tolerance for bad tempered cows
Most cows respect their caregivers. For those of a different temperament, get them out of the pen. Cattlemen should have no room for killer cows. The same goes for bulls too. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, April 17, 2017. Quit making excuses for bad-tempered cattle. Cattle that routinely challenge the producer should be sold. Cattle that are very aggressive and are put in a … [Read more...]
Train dogs to drop it
“Drop it,” can be one of the most useful things we can teach dogs to do. It can save them from illness or injury if they grabs something harmful. At minimum, dog owners will be happy if they can reduce the sometimes endless keep-a-way games. Source: Petcha, April 18, 2017. Most dogs learn early that the best way to gain attention is to take things they shouldn’t have. It is … [Read more...]
Lilies are toxic to cats
Spring brings lily season inside and out and with it dangers for cats. Every part of the plant is toxic. A cat who walks through lily pollen and then grooms his paws is at risk. The toxin (or toxins — there may be more than one) is unknown. Share this with clients. Source: Catster, April 11, 2017. The lily’s toxin(s) appear to be rapidly absorbed, so affected cats might … [Read more...]
Dealing with canine zoomies
Did zoomies catch your eye? It did ours. The picture it paints is recognizable to most dog people. Also known as "frapping," or frenetic random activity periods, zoomies are not limited to puppy energy, nor to the most energetic dogs. Dogs need play time, and they'll get it one way or another! Source: The Bark, April 11, 2017. Canine behavior specialists and trainers have … [Read more...]
Timing euthanasia and hospice (includes videos)
Mary Gardner, DVM, discusses the educational needs for pet owners as pets reach the time for hospice or euthanasia. “You have to make sure you educate the owner about the disease the pet is facing and the progress that the disease is going to present to the family and to the pet,” she says. Source: Firstline, April 12, 2017. Remember clients are experiencing an emotional, … [Read more...]