Temperature can be the least of challenges when determining how to keep goats warm in cold weather, writes Karen Kopf. She discusses the components of cold climate herdsmanship. Source: Backyard Goats, December 18, 2019. Link. Acclimation, nutrition, and habitation along with breed selection are all part of preparing to keep goats warm in cold weather. Also see: Search … [Read more...]
New tech protects piglets from crushing mortality
If one of your swine operator customers has a problem with piglet mortality due to lay-ons, a new AI-based technology may offer a solution. SmartGuard can locate exactly where a piglet is getting crushed and alert the sow to roll over or stand up using vibration. The new technology has reduced the incidence of crushing and mortality of piglets by 35 to 40 percent in commercial … [Read more...]
Swine research; alive, proactive
National Hog Farmer’s December 2019 edition is dedicated to myriad research projects that challenge the status quo in swine production. Weaning and transport stress, cross-fostering and odor control are among the research presented, in addition to getting a handle on emerging diseases. Source: National Hog Farmer, December 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Mastitis steals nutrients, as well as milk
Everyone is aware that cows with mastitis give less milk. Ron Munneke looked beyond the milk loss of clinical cows to consider how subclinical cases affect milk production. The immune cells burn up a lot of energy during the hunting and killing process of the invading bacteria. Source: Progressive Dairy, December 24, 2019. Link. Once the immune system is activated, the immune … [Read more...]
Dehorning, castration guidelines updated to include pain mitigation
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners is the go-to organization for government and policymakers when it comes to cattle health, production and well-being issues. Its animal welfare committee has updated the sections in the guidelines on proper restraint, local anesthesia and systemic pain relief. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, December 30, 2019. Link. In 2019, the … [Read more...]
BQA is trust insurance
Beef Quality Assurance certification is proof that cattlemen really care about how they raise their animals, said Josh White. More than 85 percent of beef comes from BQA-certified producers. While most cattlemen are familiar with the program, it is important to re-certify every two years to keep current with changes, updates and new information regarding cattle handling and … [Read more...]
Dan Thomson is new chair of animal science at Iowa State University
Daniel Thomson, DVM, is the new chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University. He assumes his duties April 6 after spending 15 years with Kansas State University. Source: Iowa State University, January 7, 2020. Link. Thomson hosts the national animal health television show, "Doc Talk,” which reaches over 45 million homes weekly. His leadership positions … [Read more...]
A new twist to tick infections
Scientists have found that temperature has little impact on the types of bacteria ticks carry. What they did find was humidity and competition among bacteria had the greatest influence on the combinations of pathogens carried by Ixodes Ricinus, one of Europe's most common tick species. Humidity, competition among bacteria influence pathogens ticks carry Source: UPI, December … [Read more...]
Diverse thinking adds value
There are many reasons to encourage diverse thinking in your workplace. Social justice and political correctness may be admirable, but their contribution to your bottom line is marginal. The real payoff of diverse thinking is the added value for your organization. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, December 2, 2019. Link. The term “psychological safety” refers to the concept of a … [Read more...]
Avoid using debit and credit cards in these locations
Approximately 50,000 animal health pros will be traveling to conventions in the first quarter of 2020. Credit cards make our lives easier, but the rise of hacking and identity theft undermines their convenience. Alan Gleason shares situations that call for caution. Here is a sampling: Self-service gas pumps Mobile applications Cell phone charging stations Source: … [Read more...]
VMX 2020 kicks off January 18 in Orlando
VMX convenes 17,000 veterinarians, veterinary nurses/technicians, support staff and leaders in animal healthcare from more than 80 countries to learn the latest advancements in medicine and life-saving techniques. Attendees will also experience the latest in pharmaceuticals, surgical and medical equipment, and nutrition from more than 700 exhibiting companies. Conference … [Read more...]
2020: back to work we go
A new year, a new decade and new opportunities ahead. It’s not easy to get back in the swing of things, shares Art Markman. If you’re feeling sluggish and unmotivated, you’re not alone. To snap back into work mode, he recommends the following: Focus forward Get specific Make the right social comparisons Source: Harvard Business Review, January 3, 2020. Link. Treat … [Read more...]
5 forces transforming the animal health market
Animal health is subjected to many forms of pressure driving changes. Michael Helmstetter explores five forces giving rise to a new breed of our industry: Growth, consolidation and competition Increased investment Evolving consumer behaviors Digital transformation Alternative therapies Source: Forbes, December 10, 2019. Link. . . . animal health is subject … [Read more...]
Adrenaline junkies beware
Before you say “yes” to a thrill-seeking diversion during an industry meeting or winter break, read about the 11 outdoor activities with the highest death rates. Boating, rock climbing, cycling and skiing top the list. Source: The Outdoor Wear, January 3, 2020. Link. Some activities and hobbies put your life in danger more than you may want to admit. … [Read more...]
Wasabi, hot at AKC Championship
A Pekingese known as Wasabi triumphed over more than 5,200 competitors to earn the title of Best in Show at the AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, December 14-15, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Siba, a Standard Poodle, received Reserve Best in Show. Source: Cision, January 2, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Most-read posts from January and February 2019
AHD selects actionable articles from more than 250 media sources we continuously review. These include about 40 sources directed to veterinarians and veterinary staff, more than 150 sources that focus on animal owners and popular press, blogs and social media. Source: Animal Health Digest, Most-read posts, January 2019. Better ways to say, “You screwed up.” Link. … [Read more...]
Top 10, most-read and best-of lists
Clicks count for media publishers. We learn what grabs readers’ attentions. Top article lists also help ensure the most interesting content is renewed for those who missed something earlier. Here are some best-of lists to peruse as you ramp up for 2020. Source: AHD, Search results for: most read. Link Source: DVM 360, Search results for: top stories. Includes the … [Read more...]
Opinion: A new decade begins
Our industry has experienced innumerable changes since the turn of the century. Some worth noting include: Resizing of major pharmaceutical companies and distributors through mergers and acquisitions Veterinary school graduates are now predominately female Expansion of corporate ownership of veterinary clinics Massive growth in the companion animal sectors … [Read more...]
Accept others and give yourself for Christmas
No matter how you celebrate this time of year, contributor Jim Whitt’s recollection of Doc Lunsford describes what’s really important every day of the year. Take two minutes to read it. You – and those around you – will be glad you did. Source: Purpose Unlimited: Giving what is most difficult to give. Link. … [Read more...]
Best wishes for the holidays
We wish you the best during this holiday season and for a fruitful 2020! We are privileged to provide a curation service for animal health pros. Our work spans four years of reading that generated over 4,000 individual posts. 2020 promises to be an exciting year to continue AHD for animal health pros. Animal Health Digest Bulletin is sent weekly by email to subscribers and … [Read more...]
Gallup; Top 10 articles of 2019
Consistent measurement and developing solutions are part of Gallup’s value proposition. Beyond metrics, articles about a challenge often include a program to address it. Here are Gallup’s top articles of 2019 that represent areas of improvement for small and corporate businesses. We are not endorsing any of the programs. Source: GALLUP, December 17, 2019. Link. Discover … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Quality acronyms and terms, Banfield-style
Leaders from Banfield review quality acronyms live on video. There’s a bit of memory prodding required while revealing the disciplines required to provide safety and best care for animals, clients and staffers. Source: Quality talk with Banfield leaders, YouTube, October 21, 2019. Link. Note the discussion of the five domains for quality and the focus on culturally competent … [Read more...]
Failure to decide is a decision
Many people believe that deflecting is a way to delay decisions they don’t wish to make. In the moment, this might work. But as time progresses failure to decide most frequently puts us in a reactive mode. Lisa Earle McLeod says the biggest challenges with decision-making are not the decisions we make, it’s the decision we don’t make. She calls it the default decision. It’s … [Read more...]
Myths about mental illness cause high rates of unemployment
Awareness of inequalities with respect to race, gender, age, sexuality, class and other related factors, as well as the benefits of diversity, is growing, but society has a long way to go with mental illness, writes Bandy X. Lee. She says, to dispel stigmas surrounding mental health in the workplace, we need first to tackle several myths: Everyone has different abilities … [Read more...]
Mental health resources for farmers and ranchers available. More on the way.
The holidays may add to everyday stress for some folks. Farmers and ranchers are no different. There is a great list of mental health and suicide prevention references with links. Keep it. It may come in handy one day. Source: Successful Farming, September 8, 2018. Link. If you need help or know someone who is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention … [Read more...]
Feral hogs are a northern problem, too
Imported as hunting livestock in the 1980s and 1990s, Eurasian boar mated with domestic pigs in Canada and have thrived. They’re heading south, too. Add the wild hogs that short-sighted, hunting enthusiasts transport from the southern U.S. and a likely invasion of the most destructive invasive species known is coming. State and federal agencies are monitoring the U.S./Canadian … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Alarm bells going off for African swine fever
Dr. Bob Rowland, co-executive director of the North American PRRS Symposium, reveals two big headlines from the recent conference. He also explains how the symposium has evolved to include all emerging diseases and offers an update on diagnosing challenging diseases. Source: The Pig Site, November 26, 2019. Link. “You can almost see the alarm bells going off in terms of … [Read more...]
Gates Foundations fund hub for livestock vaccines
Researchers from The Pirbright Institute in the U.K. have been awarded $5.5 million by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish a Livestock Antibody Hub aimed at improving animal and human health globally. The aim is to use Pirbright’s expertise in livestock viral diseases, cutting-edge technology and unique high-containment facilities to bring antibody discovery, … [Read more...]
Deep slumber as important for horses as for people
We know that restorative sleep is important to equine health, but mostly leave it up to the horse, writes Kim Mariette. Environments such as bustling modern barns, modern equine facilities and even nearby construction can be disruptive and make it difficult for horses to get REM sleep. Source: EQUUS, May 28, 2019. Link. To achieve REM sleep a horse must lie down in either … [Read more...]
Best hiking dog breeds and activities to share
Media advertising and images consistently weave in images of pets. Articles from an outdoor company share information about dog breeds suited for hiking and ideas about where to go play together. We noted there was no reference to disease protection or injury prevention in either article. Source: Best Dog Breeds for Hiking, The Outdoor Wear, December 11, 2019. … [Read more...]