AgBoost, a leading provider of data-driven solutions for cattle producers, proudly announces the successful closing of a $500,000 investment round and the signing of a strategic licensing agreement with MedIrAlis, an animal health company in Australia. This step accelerates AgBoost’s mission to empower ranchers with cutting-edge technology to optimize genomic data for breeding, … [Read more...]
Virbac introduces URSOLYX™ Soft Chews
URSOLYX™ Soft Chews represent a major advancement in canine muscle health and recovery. The once-daily chews focus specifically on muscle health and feature ursolic acid, a natural compound derived from sage shown to enhance muscle function and strength in aging, active or recovering dogs. Source: Virbac U.S., January 10, 2025. Link. Virbac collaborated with Emmyon, Inc., to … [Read more...]
Factors affecting early pregnancy loss in cattle
This article references a review that highlights factors contributing to pregnancy loss and the rapidly evolving methods used to predict pregnancy failure. Bob Larson, DVM, and Brad White, DVM, review the study compiled by researchers at Texas A&M University. In what seems a bit like Murphy’s Law, the veterinarians say early pregnancy loss is due to issues with the … [Read more...]
Setting up beef-on dairy-calves up for success
The first few days are make-or-break for setting up beef-on-dairy calves for success, shares Gail Carpenter, DVM, PhD. She offers five key priorities so farmers can give their calves the best start possible, making sure they stay healthy and strong for their next chapter of life: Breed for the right calves Prioritize maternity management Ensure proper colostrum … [Read more...]
‘Treat Me Like A Dog’ campaign seeks to close the cat treat gap
Commentary In this time period where our industry is trying to differentiate cats from small dogs and deal with obesity in cats and dogs . . . Temptations® launched a campaign to urge cat owners to treat their cats more often like they give treats to dogs. Apparently, dogs are 32 percent more likely to get treats daily than cats. Source: Design Rush, March 27, 2025. … [Read more...]
Beneficial ingredients in functional treats are enhancing pet health
Solution-based treats feature an ingredient list comprised of complementary elements that serve a purpose to promote optimum pet health, writes Glenn Polyn. He reviews different commercial brands, reiterating each one’s positioning as a solution. The ingredients offer functional benefits to provide the right balance of antioxidants, proteins, fatty acids, balanced fiber as well … [Read more...]
Rendering important in today’s pet food supply chain
The research arm of North American Renderers Association, in partnership with IFEEDER, AFIA and the Pet Food Institute, released new research highlighting the essential use rendered ingredients have in pet food. In 2024, the U.S. pet food industry reached $51.7 billion in sales and produced 9.8 million tons of pet food. More than 600 safe, nutritious ingredients included over 4 … [Read more...]
Stockmanship and Stewardship events dates set for 2025
We’ve often asserted that events like these are excellent opportunities for veterinarians to attend with their producer clients. The dates are set for the regional Stockmanship and Stewardship events beginning in Watertown, South Dakota June 26-28. Stockmanship and Stewardship is a unique two-day educational experience featuring low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, … [Read more...]
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention releases new communication guidelines
APOP has released its Guidelines for Pet Obesity Communication: Promoting Respectful Communication about Animal Obesity. These new guidelines seek to reshape how the community talks about pet obesity by emphasizing pet-first language and promoting the term “clinical obesity.” Saying “a dog with clinical obesity” reframes obesity as a modifiable health condition and encourages … [Read more...]
Lactation station: Tips for optimizing sow diets during nursing
Swine producers expect a lot physically from sows. They often must feed more piglets than they have nipples, maintain their own condition and recover after piglets are weaned to be in shape to quickly breed again. Nutritionist Casey Neill addresses the challenge of feeding sows and the transitional nutritional needs of piglets in the nursery. Source: National Hog Farmer, … [Read more...]
Preventing mastitis in pregnant heifers
Ben Enger, PhD, describes the significant udder tissue growth and development required for an animal to enter lactation. He shares the importance of avoiding infections, especially in the last four months of pregnancy noting that immune factors to fight infections will also damage the growth of developing cells. He recommends udder health surveillance in first-lactation animals … [Read more...]
Minding the microbiome podcast
Focusing on the GI microbiome, Jenessa A. Winston, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, shares simple strategies practitioners can use to manipulate the microbiome and manage GI disease. She discusses the early research efforts to identify the gut–(specific organ) axes work. Winston shares concerns about the longer-term impact of prescription courses on the microbiome. She shares some Rx … [Read more...]
Global Pet Expo underway in Orlando, Florida
Global Pet Expo is considered a premier event for pet products. It features more than 1,100 exhibitors, a showcase of new products and pet business education. The American Pet Products Association and Pet Industry Distributors Association present it. Source: Global Pet Expo. Link. The 20,000 expected attendees will be offered expanded specialty areas, a new keynote series, … [Read more...]
Beyond features, functions and benefits; the battle for the consumer mind
Somewhere beyond features, functions and benefits is the potential to elicit an emotional bond, writes Robert Wheatley*. Discussing brand positioning, his article examines the importance of occupying a space in the consumers’ minds. He refers to the brain’s Limbic system and the role of emotion in decision making and asserts the importance of an emotional bond that can support … [Read more...]
AKC names Pet Honesty as official multivitamin supplement
Pet Honesty’s partnership with the American Kennel Club, makes its Multivitamin line the official multivitamin supplement for 2025. Pet Honesty’s Multivitamin 10-in-1 will be featured on AKC platforms, including its website, social media and newsletters. Source: Pets+, January 13, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Goat meat gaining traction
Includes Commercial Content Goat is one of the more widely consumed proteins in the world and is gaining traction in the U.S. market. Some of the growth is a result of more consumer friendly packaging. Datassential reports that 76 percent of consumers are aware of goat and 28 percent say they’ve tried it. Source: Perishable News, March 13, 2025. Link. As more consumers … [Read more...]
Post-foaling red flags
The birth of a new foal is a welcomed event, but the foal and mare are not out of the woods yet. This article explains 10 emergencies that happen in the hours after a mare foals and require immediate action. Quinn Gavaga, DVM, counsels against a wait-and-see approach when one of these red flags occurs. Acting quickly can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of these scary … [Read more...]
Why are cats such a medical black box?
Commenting on this article, Kristin Wuhrman, feline thought leader, said, “We need to shift the narrative around feline medicine and advance our understanding of a species that has long been underserved. Treating cats as their own species requires a deeper commitment to research, innovation, and a better grasp of how cat owners think, engage, and make healthcare decisions … [Read more...]
Plenty of reasons for dog wellness visits
The spring season creates endless opportunities for wellness visits. In addition to protecting dogs from vector-borne diseases, these visits actively screen for conditions dogs may mask or owners choose to ignore. This lists eight common diseases that can affect dogs and are important reasons to urge dog owners to make semi-annual visits. Actively promoting wellness visits … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 17, 2025
Pet obesity an ongoing problem, small business economic and policy concerns, women owned pet brands, game meat from Africa in pet food and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 17, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Still growing, first calf heifers need feed, energy
First calf heifers need special attention. Simply put, Mother Nature tells the heifer to direct nutrients toward growth before nutrients are directed towards reproduction. Therefore first-calf heifers undergo an average three to four weeks longer period of postpartum anestrus than mature cows. Source: BEEF, February 25, 2025. Link. Don't short heifers on feed after … [Read more...]
Beyond plant milk: Real dairy proteins without the cow
Lab-grown milk is no longer science fiction. The launch of Brown Foods’ UnReal Milk signals a new competitor for cow-derived milk. MIT-validated and launching by 2026, Brown Foods’ “UnReal Milk” contains all eight key dairy proteins while using 82 percent less carbon, 90 percent less water, and 95 percent less land. Scaling from the proof of concept lab to be commercially and … [Read more...]
Redirect chewing behaviors and avoid harsh punishments
Chewing is a completely natural behavior for puppies that owners CAN manage proactively. To do so, owners need to understand why puppies chew and redirect that behavior to appropriate chew toys. Guiding pups toward better habits without using harsh punishments is best for the pup and helps it be a better citizen in the family. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Positive … [Read more...]
Dog owner invents improved way to feed short nosed, senior dogs
Complimentary Commercial Content After getting an offer to try Fluff Trough, I was intrigued. Debra Mastic’s journey to help her pug gain easier and more comfortable access to his food rang true with the articles we see about pet food bowls, elevated platforms and challenges experienced by older and brachycephalic dogs. AHD’s office dog, Lil’ Buddy, often removed kibble … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 10, 2025
Raw cat food recall, web hosting or small business, small business tax, corporate transparency act updates, R and D programs and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 10, 2025. Link. Note public webinar: Using personalization to build trust and grow revenue in pet business: Wednesday, March 26th, 1:00 p.m. CST. Register here <Link>. … [Read more...]
NAVC offers microbiome certification
NAVC’s timely Veterinary Microbiome Certification course offers the skills to implement microbiome science in your daily practice, improve patient care and address pet owner questions about microbial options. The new course comprehensively analyzes the microbes in the various systems of cats and dogs, focusing on their contributions to digestion, immune function and overall … [Read more...]
U.S. releases first national One Health framework
The National One Health Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases and Advance Public Health Preparedness in the United States represents a coordinated strategy by the federal government to confront diseases that spread between humans and animals and other One Health threats.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Department of … [Read more...]
Mitigating pregnancy loss in cow herds
Chloe Collins reviews management changes that can help mitigate calf loss. She shares multiple factors that create pregnancy or calf losses in utero and after the calf is born. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, February 20, 2025. Link. Decreasing calf loss can be a long-run effort, but it is worth every ounce of preparation and prevention.” - Chloe Collins … [Read more...]
Collagen-based neutraceuticals offer benefits for cats
A concentrated source of collagen, essential for maintaining the integrity of connective tissues, including skin, joints and bones offers some benefits for cats as they age. The authors review the types of collagen, available forms and administration of collagen supplements and where supplementation may provide health benefits for cats. Source: IVC Journal, February 20, … [Read more...]
Thoughts on communicating with people outside of your normal industry segment
Emily Eilers addresses the challenges of communicating the farm and food story with consumers while facing the narratives inherent when only two percent of the U.S. population grows our food. Source: Nebraska Farmer, February 19, 2025. Link. Commentary Eiler’s article caused me to think about the number of social media posts I saw from cow-calf producers during the … [Read more...]