In my experience, the most effective and successful practices have a clear leader and effective coaches. Together, they efficiently manage the entire operation. We have written about leadership and management before. Today’s focus is coaching. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, March 12, 2017. The great sales coaches that I have known see teaching and training as a continuous need for … [Read more...]
Improve your finance skills, even if you hate numbers
If you’re not a numbers person, finance is daunting. “If you can speak the language of money, you will be more successful,” says Richard Ruback, a professor at Harvard Business School. Source: Harvard Business Review, March 31, 2017. Finance and accounting are very simple. It’s mostly addition and subtraction and occasionally some multiplication and division. There’s no … [Read more...]
Organic or conventional – what’s better?
It’s hard to discuss organic versus conventional without using the word,“better”. A new paper written by University of British Columbia researchers looked into some of the pros and cons of each management style. Their summary helps shed light on some of the “betters” associated with both. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, April 3, 2017. Specifically, this study looked at … [Read more...]
New information about chronic pain in declawed cats
Declaw once soared in popularity in the U.S. as more cats were now being kept indoors. Declaw was then, and is still thought by many, as a way to prevent indoor-only cats from damaging the home, therefore preventing relinquishment and unnecessary euthanasias. Steve Dale, CABC, shares a history of declawing pros/cons and discusses new information related to pain and … [Read more...]
Reverse zoonosis is an important global issue
Food animals are transported widely and interact with wild species that they would never encountered naturally. With rapid growth in animal production and an increase in movement of animals and people, a human pathogen in an animal could potentially move thousands of miles in just 24 hours. On top of increasing animal trade, we have a growing pet industry. Understanding how … [Read more...]
5 myths about the circus
Ringling Bros. announced the closure of its circus earlier this year and the Big Apple Circus filed for bankruptcy in in 2016. Janet M. Davis, a professor of history and American studies at the University of Texas at Austin, debunks five myths about the circus and offers a perspective of how animal rights activity has affected the industry and society in general. Source: … [Read more...]
Backyard chicken basics always in order
Interest in raising chickens in backyards continues to grow. Bryant Gill with the Farm Report with Pam Jahnke interviews Ron Kaine, a University of Wisconsin Extension poultry specialist, to learn about backyard chicken basics. Source: Farm Report with Pam Jahnke, April 4, 2017. I usually tell people to choose one that you like because that’s going to make it more … [Read more...]
Test yourself: Define your sense of humor
Just for fun! Psychology researcher Rod Martin took a different tactic to measure humor, an amorphous, multifaceted concept, in a scientific way. Modeling his approach after recently developed tests to measure anxiety, he focused not on the jokes themselves, but on how respondents used humor in everyday life. The end result would become his signature work: the Humor Styles … [Read more...]
The reasons why dogs fight with cats
Not all dogs and cats have to get along with each other to live happy lives, but it is important to know which dogs can live with cats and which ones can’t. This is especially critical for shelters seeking homes for dogs, because nobody wants to adopt a dog who will terrorize their cat. Source: The Bark, April 1, 2017. A recent study has increased what we know about which … [Read more...]
April is stress awareness month
There is a calendar event for almost everything these days. For 25 years, April has been stress awareness month. Industries such as animal health have become aware of stress in the last two years or more. Fueled by the loss of colleagues and friends, animal health pros are working hard to make changes in how we work, our expectations, physical limits and to provide resources to … [Read more...]
Make time for strategic thinking every day
No matter what your level, strategic thinking is a critical skill. It can always be improved. To hone your capacity to see the big picture, start by making sure you have a solid understanding of the industry and business drivers. Be proactive about connecting with peers in your organization and in your industry to understand their observations of the marketplace, and share … [Read more...]
HR changes to watch for in 2017
Katherine Dobbs, LVT, CVPM, PHR, says paying attention to these regulations would be wise as employment laws get reviewed by the new administration: Fiduciary rule CEO pay ratio Affordable Care Act Overtime rule Pay equity Parental leave Predictable scheduling Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2017. Employment law has never been easy to keep up with, … [Read more...]
The quirks of working with goats and sheep
Goats live on about 128,000 farms in the United States, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, with a population of about 2.6 million. Sheep are on fewer farms, 88,000 with a population of about 5.4 million. Veterinarians in small ruminant practices also tend to llamas, alpacas, deer, elk who live on thousands of farms. Source: JAVMA, April 2017. Veterinarians who … [Read more...]
There are diets for pets at each life stage
Nutrient needs of dogs and cats change with age, so veterinarians should consult established guidelines and give clients clear direction to help them select the appropriate pet food at each life stage. Deborah E. Linder, DVM, DACVN, shares the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines and considerations at various ages. Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
How fed cattle qualify for the Certified Angus Beef brand
Angus brands dominate the beef market today with two-thirds of more than 140 USDA-certified brands. Where did it all start and what does it take to qualify? Mark McCully, Certified Angus Beef LLC vice president, shares the history and real story of CAB. Counting the total area of black spots on Holsteins is not allowed. Source: Beef March 23, 2017. Predominantly solid black … [Read more...]
Feline microbiome prompts poop sampling
The title reads, “Scientists Really Want You to Send Them Your Cat’s Poop.” What? A team of researchers is trying to make your cat just a little less inscrutable — by studying its poop. The science project is called Kittybiome. Source: Science of US, March 24, 2017. Kittybiome researchers are “applying the techniques refined in humans to understand more about the cats and … [Read more...]
Does America have enough dogs for everyone who wants one?
Research funded by the Pet Leadership Council sought to establish data on the number of pet dogs Americans want each year and the sources available to fill that demand. Estimates from advocacy groups whose “adopt, don’t shop” campaigns urge consumers to shun breeders and pet stores and get dogs from shelters and rescue groups may have skewed data to support local law changes … [Read more...]
Editorial – Resist setting goals you don’t care about
Animal Health Digest was born out of my desire to serve the industry that has been my career home for more than 30 years. Frustrated that I never seemed to have enough time to read what was being published on animal health topics spawned this idea nearly two decades ago. Ms. Saunders explains why my passion to read for an industry gave birth to a key focus are that aligned with … [Read more...]
Middle management is so exhausting
People are fascinated with the dynamics of power in organizations. They often focus on top leaders or how to deal with and motivate the more powerless workers. The reality is that most employees possess a middling amount of power and must repeatedly alternate between interacting with higher- and lower-power colleagues. The experiences discussed in this article are prominent … [Read more...]
Not my circus, not my monkeys (includes video)
CVC educators, Drs. Sarah Wooten and Kimberly Pope-Robinson, offer some perspective to help veterinary professionals stop personally owning every team and client problem. Source: Vetted, March 15, 2017. As members of a giving profession, veterinarians sometimes struggle to learn that dirty little word: NO. INSIGHTS: Animal health pros will recognize the situations and some … [Read more...]
Be flexible to keep your best people
Employee turnover is a problem in most industries. However, it is a major problem when star performers leave your organization. You can retain your best people and attract more like them relatively easily if you first understand what these top performers want. Source: Gallup, March 8, 2017. However, brand and reputation also reflect a sense of pride. Employees want to feel … [Read more...]
AKC Museum of the Dog returns to New York City
“The AKC Museum of the Dog houses one of the largest collections of dog art in the world and is an important part of the AKC’s history and future,” said Ronald H. Menaker, chairman of the board for the American Kennel Club. The relocation to Midtown Manhattan also provides a means for the Museum to generate revenue from additional admissions, memberships, sponsorships, and … [Read more...]
Student-run free clinics provide more than care
Students from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine are getting hands-on training while providing veterinary care to pets owned by people in underserved communities. Source: JAVMA, March 15, 2017. Also see: JAVMA, March 15, 2017. Table of Contents … [Read more...]
Delegate meeting leadership to gain effectiveness
Well-run meetings allow you and your team to clarify issues, set direction and move objectives forward. Yet, meetings are seldom planned or executed well. Paul Axtell says it’s time to rethink whether you should even lead your own meetings. Source: Harvard Business Review, December 23, 2016. Letting other people lead meetings has three key benefits: Development of your … [Read more...]
Horse industry career spotlight: physical therapist specializing in hippotherapy
Animal health pros often receive questions from young persons who desire to get involved in an animal health career. In this article and video, Lisa Harris discusses how she put her love for horses to work in a physical therapy career. Source: Horse Channel, January 27, 2017. Harris sees clients in physical therapy, both children and adults, and uses a variety of treatment … [Read more...]
Cats have to play
Behaviorist Marilyn Krieger reminds us that playing is a lifelong activity for cats. She says playing is intrinsically rewarding. If it wasn’t, cats wouldn’t play. Source: Catster, February 24, 2017. Cats of all ages should be encouraged to play — but always within their limits. Playing is a lifelong activity that teaches skills, promotes health, fights boredom and is fun. … [Read more...]
Celebrate the women in our profession
International Women’s Day was celebrated worldwide yesterday. It’s theme, BeBoldForChange, is a reminder of the contributions women make daily to our profession. They’re often the ones leading the charge for change, whether it is research for a breakthrough new vaccine, a simple routine change in a clinic or getting a customer to improve his baby animal care protocols. If you … [Read more...]
All disease begins in the gut
Post-weaning gaps in piglets can easily take seven to 10 days. Some well-managed farms, however, can contain this to one or two days. Knowing what is going on in a piglet’s gastro-intestinal tract is the first step towards gaining control of these problems. Source: Pig Progress, September 23, 2016. The gut is responsible for up to 80% of the immune system. Immunogloblin A … [Read more...]
Organizational alignment counts
Regardless of size, the most effective businesses succeed because their strategies, organizational capabilities, resources and management systems support the enterprise’s purpose. But many businesses struggle to keep the balance needed to excel. Source: Harvard Business Review, February 7, 2017. A tightly managed enterprise value chain that connects an enterprise’s purpose … [Read more...]
Major issues facing agriculture
Leaders from U.S. trade associations shared their groups’ most pressing priorities for 2017. Their list includes topics that relate to human safety and life quality. Source: AgriMarketing, January/February 2017, page 24-28. There are always a number of important issues to consider ahead of any year, but 2017 seems to have lots of unknowns. More importantly, the questions … [Read more...]