Animal health and nutrition companies are constantly working on ways to improve animal health and provide antibiotic-free alternatives for use in animal feed. Global sales of antibiotics for veterinary use are down nearly one-third since 2011, according to the World Organization for Animal Health with some major livestock-producing countries in Europe, as well as the United … [Read more...]
The best way to store dog food may surprise you
In recent dog food recall announcements, we noted comments about how dog food is stored. Storage information is not readily found on several brands’ websites. After a bit of digging here’s what we found. Key points: store dog food inside in original bags for best results, refresh monthly.” We reviewed packaging and labels from more than 12 brands for storage instructions, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 6, 2023
Mars study of CBD safety and efficacy, Hootsuite tips, the search for ecofriendly products, could startups reduce pet care costs, Mars’ investment in pet tech, safeguarding against scammers and cybercrime and more. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Ingredients to look for in dog food and treats
What do I feed my dog? This is one of the more routinely asked questions in veterinary clinics and retail. A well-balanced diet is vital to a dog’s health and well-being. Well balanced means matching nutrition and calories. Sydney Yankowicz shares perspective on helping clients make food decisions. . . . in general, pet owners can be advised to choose recognizable, whole-food … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 27, 2023
Growth in the pet daycare and housing market, pet food and treats more than 50 percent of spend on pets in 2021, pet toy trends to watch, realizing the power of tech, pet owners of all ages focused on pet nutrition and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 27, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
For cows, time is money
Too simple? Maybe. Yet, Rick Grant reminds us of the importance of giving cows time to rest and eat. Cows need to spend about 70% of their day eating and resting. . . We have to get that right and allow cows to do cow things.” Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 20, 2023. Link. If cows are eating four to five hours a day and resting 12 to 14 hours, that does not leave much … [Read more...]
A cup is a terrible way to measure how much we feed a dog
There are too many variables to effectively use volume as an accurate measurement of how much a dog gets to eat. Reminding us that dog food labels are challenging for pet owners to interpret, if not misleading, Nancy Kerns addresses feeding enough or too much. Kerns’ frequent articles about pet food make good posts for animal health pros to share with pet owners … [Read more...]
Chewy expands private label mix with new wellness line
Commercial Content Vibeful is Chewy’s first pet wellness brand. It features 20 supplements and vitamins crafted to complement a wide range of daily wellness needs to meet the growing consumer demand. These supplements boast no artificial ingredients and come in a variety of soft chews, liquids and powders, and in flavors like chicken, salmon and peanut butter. Source: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 16, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 9, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 9th AHD Bulletin – Studying PRRS virus and its ability to percolate through soils. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Zoetis provides perspective, resources to transition OTC antimicrobials … [Read more...]
Straw can pose mycotoxin risks in dairy heifer diets
Many U.S. dairy producers use chopped straw in their heifer rations to add fiber and bulk. Alltech feed quality evaluations show when a straw crop gets stressed or delayed in the field due to unfavorable weather conditions it can carry its own mycotoxin risks. The same is true for any straw that shows visible signs of mold. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 5, 2022. … [Read more...]
Highlights from the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show
If you missed the NCBA convention or if you’re just curious about what happens when thousands of cattlemen and women from across the country gather, the photos and videos shared here will give you a sense of #CattleCon23. Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association, February 11, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
What to know about cats, chocolate toxicity and candy
Even if Valentine’s Day candy is gone by now, Easter candy is not far away. Cats do not have a taste sensor for sweets but two components in chocolate are dangerous to cats and dogs alike. The short answer is, “Yes chocolate is toxic to cats.” Different than dogs, at no point should you try to make your cat vomit.” Source: Catster, February 9, 2023. Link. Err on the side … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 9, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 2, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 2nd AHD Bulletin – How to stop overthinking when you’re about to spiral. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Cow numbers drop to 61-year low Source: Farm Progress, February 6, … [Read more...]
Cows benefit from cud chewing
Too basic? Maybe. However, considering the current challenges with forage because of the drought the key takeaways are about particle size and length plus cow observation. Cud chewing is the regurgitation of feed that has already been consumed and swallowed. The regurgitated feed is re-chewed to an acceptable particle size and then re-swallowed. But wait . . . there’s … [Read more...]
Alternative source oil used to increase pig body weight
Insects are often at the forefront of discussions about alternative components in feed for animals. It is known the lipid fraction obtained from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae contains high concentrations of lauric acid and is highly digestible. Researchers from North Carolina State University evaluated the impact of increasing levels of supplemental black soldier … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 6, 2023
FDA seeking to better regulate CBD products for pets, franchising pros and cons, competing for top talent against big companies, AMEX financial management tools for small businesses, cost of living impacting pets, and five charts* on inflation, convenience, health and wellness. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 6, 2023. Link. * Consumers are increasingly shopping online … [Read more...]
Trends to future proof the veterinary profession
Complimentary Content Longtime AHD subscriber Portia Stewart shares her take on the future of the veterinary profession. She reviews nine of the key trends facing veterinary professionals and what they could mean for the future of veterinary medicine. Source: Curious Plot, January 9, 2023. Link. Also see: 7 Trends to Watch From the 2023 Veterinary Meeting & Expo, … [Read more...]
AskVet™ Launches VERA, the world’s first “Answer Engine for Animal Health”
Complimentary Commercial Content Move over Dr. Google! Search is old hat . . . VERA has answers VERA which stands for Virtual Engagement and Relationship Agent is powered by AI, ChatGPT and AskVet's database of over 1.5 million digitized conversations between veterinarians and pet parents. Developed to use natural language, the vetbot objectives are: to help pet parents … [Read more...]
Understanding calf vigor and suckle response
Elizabeth Homerosky, DVM, MSc, DABVP, set out to find a solution to quickly identify compromised calves and help predict whether a calf will acquire optimal passive immunity. Her research sought to identify compromised calves immediately after birth to allow the producer ample time to provide an intervention, if needed. Her study data revealed calves with a weak suckle … [Read more...]
Dairy herd size keeps climbing
Changing economics and shrinking margins on dairy’s home front have been strong drivers in herd demographics throughout the United States. Cory Geiger shares some of the history of herd growth going back to a 1992 census of licensed dairies. In just 8 years, U.S. herd size has gone from 200 to over 300 cows per herd.” – Cory Geiger Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 10, 2023. … [Read more...]
10 things you may not know about ground beef
If you’ve ever wondered . . . the USDA dictates what can and cannot be labeled as ground beef and that information is published in the Code of Federal Regulations. They call those rules ‘standards of identity’ and they apply to labels of ‘chopped beef’ and ‘hamburger,’ as well as ground beef. Source: Mom at the Meat Counter. Link. … [Read more...]
Keeping cats hydrated
An average 11-pound cat should drink about a cup of water daily. Tracey L. Kelley shares information to help cat owners understand their cats’ hydration needs and conditions that might cause a cat to not drink. This article would make good content for a newsletter or social media post. Source: Daily Paws, November 30, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA FastBites – January 30, 2023
Dog walkers making $100K, pet segment ecommerce growth projection, an interview with a DVM social worker, a five-year vision on reworking the pet well-being industry and more . . . Source: IBPSA FastBites, January 30, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Bigger is not always better
A high rate of piglet mortality is a consequence of selecting for sows that have large litters. New research will focus on breeding for survival until weaning and survivability to slaughter. Source: The Pig Site, January 18, 2023. Link. The negative side effects of sows giving birth to large litters, often with more piglets than productive teats, means that managerial … [Read more...]
Foal pneumonia requires aggressive management to avoid long term effects
We’ve assembled three articles addressing pneumonia for consideration during the foaling season now underway. Pneumonia is very common in foals and can affect up to 10 percent of all foals, writes Nimet Browne, DVM, MPH, Dipl. ACVIM1. Although foal pneumonia can be quite severe, with aggressive management foals can recover and go on to lead normal lives. A foal’s immune … [Read more...]
31 dog food and feeding myths debunked (infographic)
Compiling an exhaustive list of dog food myths, Sarah Ann Taylor provides a look at animal owner perceptions that are not credible. The infographic is nicely done and worthy of consideration for social media and newsletters, as well as a topic during team meetings in veterinary clinics and retailers. Sadly, the infographic is not easily downloaded separately or printable for … [Read more...]
Direct-to-consumer options increasing in pet food fulfillment
Pet foods consumption provides insights into the purchasing behaviors of animal owners. Much of the receptivity to novel fresh pet food formulations is likely a result of the inroads made by direct-to-consumer brands connecting with animal owners. Pet food manufacturers are taking notice of the growth in supplying pet food to consumers without involving the supply chain, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 16, 2023
Pet health trends, website and social media tips for small businesses, Pet Food Institute keeping pet food safe, dealing with Gen Z, 2023 pet tech trends and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites – January 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 19, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 12, 2023. Link. Most read posts from January 12th AHD Bulletin – Social media users more inclined to browse than post content. Link. Place keeper:2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ====================================== New strain of bird flu kills hundreds of snow … [Read more...]
Calving season begins
Calving season brings promise and challenges to producers and the veterinary teams who support them. An early calf born in Missouri reminds us of the need to help producers get ready for late winter and spring calving. Here are several calving resources we’ve shared in AHD posts over the last seven years. Source: Search results for: calving, Animal Health Digest. Link. … [Read more...]