Includes Commercial References Questions mount as the popularity of raw diets grows. Andrew Dickens posed some key questions to We Feed Raw’s Amy Zalneraitis. The article reveals how perception, processing and handling affect the quality and safety of commercially produced raw diets. Source: Dog Food Advisor, February 23, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Summer temperatures … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 10, 2024
Speakers list for September FLOW Business conference, Envigo RMS LLC fined for cruelty after rescue of 4000 beagles in 2022, Meals on Wheels distributes 13 millionth pet meal, using AI for pricing, Bill Walton’s mark on pet industry, small business marketing and more. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 10, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
A look into acidosis and liver abcesses
Liver abscesses are nothing new to beef packers, but the condition is more common in crossbreds. The incidence is rising in native and dairy-influenced cattle. There is not one clear cause of liver abscesses. However, it is widely accepted that they are more common in animals that experience ruminal acidosis, according to Kendall L. Samuelson, PhD, PAS. Samuelson describes … [Read more...]
Purina Animal Nutrition introduces revolutionary live and active probiotic supplement, microbiome testing kit for horses
Complimentary Commercial Content Purina Animal Nutrition has launched Purina® Systemiq™ Probiotic Supplement, a live and active probiotic to support gut health in horses, and the Purina® MQ™ Equine Microbiome Testing Kit, a simple way for horse owners to get personalized nutrition recommendations to support and optimize their horse’s microbiome. Both are part of the new … [Read more...]
Do hay preservatives matter to horses?
Hay producers in many parts of the country are dealing with a lot of rain and moisture. When hay is baled between 17 percent and 22 percent moisture, preservatives are effective at reducing mold growth. Studies conducted by Cornell University and the University of Illinois showed treated hay did not affect clinical measures of the yearlings' well-being. This indicates … [Read more...]
Are pet dogs and cats the weak link in bird flu surveillance?
Some epidemiologists, food safety experts and veterinarians worry that pets could provide a potential springboard for H5N1 bird flu to evolve into a human threat. They are warning pet owners against feeding their animals raw food. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 30, 2024. Link. When researchers talk about their biggest bird flu fears, one that typically comes up involves and … [Read more...]
NAVC HiVE Event to take place in Minneapolis, June 15th and 16th
The broader veterinary team plays a critical role in the veterinary industry, providing assistance in the medical and clinical arena via a wide range of advanced skills, in addition to being the key interface with customers and animals. Vet Nurse+Tech HiVE and Practice Management HiVE events are part of the NAVC’s continued expansion of in-person experiences across the country … [Read more...]
FDA confirms Elanco’s methane-reducing feed additive meets safety, efficacy requirements
The U.S. FDA has completed its comprehensive, multi-year review of Elanco’s Bovaer® (3-NOP), a first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient, and determined the product meets safety and efficacy requirements for use in lactating dairy cattle. Bovaer works by suppressing the enzyme in the cow's rumen that forms methane. Feeding one tablespoon of Bovaer per lactating dairy cow … [Read more...]
Extruded feed supports a healthy gut in horses
Includes Commercial Content Understanding the comprehensive benefits of extruded feed can help nurture happier, healthier horses who are ready to meet their full potential in every aspect of their lives. From foal to senior horse, pelleted feeds can improve the absorption of vital nutrients, provide more calories for growth, development, and performance, and may help lower … [Read more...]
Glyphosate in dog food
Laura Ward, BSc, shares perspectives on bioaccumulation of chemicals in foods we and our pets eat. Specifically, she says glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide applied to the leaves to kill plants and grasses, is found in a vast amount of human and dog food. She notes glyphosate does not accumulate in meat from animals as it does in plants. Wards is not trying to cause … [Read more...]
2024’s best dog calming treats for anxiety
Includes Commercial Content A team of experts assessed 48 brands of dog-calming treats based on the key ingredients, customer satisfaction and overall value choosing three as best in class. Dana J. Cook shares facts and some of the latest research on the key ingredients that have proven to relieve dog anxiety, promote calmness and minimize aggressive behaviors: Hemp … [Read more...]
What did we learn from the worst economic period in U.S. pig production history?
There is no “normal” year for a pig producer, writes Trey A. Kellner, MS, PhD. He shares four key takeaways to remember during the next down cycle: Control the controllable Elevate your strengths, improve on your weaknesses Be responsible, realistic; but not a revisionist with management strategy decisions Feed is your number-1 cost; prioritize it Source: … [Read more...]
Healthy rumens start with water
It doesn’t matter if a dairy is milking 100 cows or 10,000 cows, water makes a difference, says David Reid, DVM. He shares his experiences helping producers manage water availability, temperature and quality. <Clean, fresh water> is an important part of creating a really healthy rumen which means you have a healthier immune system that is going to help with milk … [Read more...]
Common causes of hives in horses
Several factors, including medications, supplements, plants, mold and insects, can trigger hives, with a warm and wet climate often making them worse writes Aja Harvey, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM. Coincidental or not, hives and most other diseases involving the skin are more common during the warmer and more humid months. . . . even the most well-maintained properties are never free of … [Read more...]
Spring health check for senior horses
EQUUS editors share five areas to focus on when doing spring health checks for senior horses: coat, joints, teeth, body condition and feet. Consider sharing this article on social media and in newsletters to remind horse owners to check on their senior horses. Source: EQUUS, April 24, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 16, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 9, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 9th AHD Bulletin – Advances in equine disease detection. Link. Differentiating mastitis from teat sealant residue at freshening. Link. Temple Grandin, PhD, joins Fear Free as director, animal well-being. Link. … [Read more...]
Equine grass sickness: a global concern?
Equine grass sickness is a devastating disease with an 80 percent mortality rate and is almost exclusively seen in horses eating fresh, green grass ,in pasture. EGS is more widespread than initially thought, writes Tanith Harte, PhD who is working to expand knowledge and record the prevalence. Keep EGS in the back of your mind the next time you’re faced with an unresponsive … [Read more...]
Benefits of insect-based pet food beyond nutrition
Tim Wall shares seven benefits pets derive from insect proteins and oils. He says black soldier fly larvae, crickets, mealworms and other species benefit pet health in various ways including: the gut microbiome allergy relief weight management Source: PETFOOD Industry, May 9, 2024. Link. Also see: Ÿnsect mealworm protein for dog food authorized in US, PETFOOD … [Read more...]
Research explores nutrition paradox between pet parent intentions, realities
Includes Commercial Content The results of a research survey found a major discrepancy between what dog owners believe to be beneficial for their pets and the actual practices they implement, especially when it comes to nutrition. Despite high confidence in supporting their dogs' health, there's a significant gap between perception and reality, including a lack of … [Read more...]
Fresh pet food market in flux
The fresh pet food market is evolving rapidly. David Lummis’ article will be interesting for students of the explosion of pet food options. E-commerce is projected to increase its share of overall pet food sales to about two-fifths in 2028. The share will likely be closer to two-thirds for fresh pet food. Source: Pet Product News, May 2024. Link. Closing in on $3 billion at … [Read more...]
Managing dry-off with high-producing cows
Abruptly ceasing milking is a widely adopted practice for low-producing cows but may not be the best method for drying off high-producing cows. Heather Dann shares approaches for reducing milk yield before dry-off to manage involution and keeping cows healthy. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 6, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article with dairy producers to help … [Read more...]
Phibro Animal Health to acquire Zoetis medicated feed additive portfolio
Zoetis Inc. and Phibro Animal Health Corporation announced they have entered into a definitive agreement where Phibro Animal Health will acquire Zoetis’ medicated feed additive product portfolio, certain water-soluble products and related assets. Source: Feedstuffs, April 29, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Growing concerns about fescue toxicosis in the dairy industry
Producers who use fescue in grazing pastures have growing concerns about the impact of fescue toxicosis on milk production, writes Carmen Burner. Tall fescue, a perennial grass, is found in 15 states. It is grown for benefits such as drought tolerance and resistance to various insects, viruses and fungal diseases. A fungal endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum found in about … [Read more...]
7 common threads of top-producing dairies
Dairy production is competitive although competition is strongest when dairies work to increase their own production metrics. Karen Luchterhand, PhD, shared common actions from dairies that are getting the most from their cows including milking three times per day, prioritizing heat stress abatement and stall management. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 26, 2024. … [Read more...]
Managing horses on pasture
Animal health pros who work with cattle producers will find Curt Arens’ article topics familiar. Terms like stocking rate, overgrazing, rotational grazing and more apply to horse pasture and health management, too. He shares the whys and basic management tips to keep the pastures healthy through the growing season and, consequently, provide optimal grazing forages for … [Read more...]
Cost versus value 1 of 4 nutrition challenges with pet owners
Chyrle Bonk, DVM, PhD, identified pet owner awareness, time constraints, information overload and, especially, pet obesity among the nutrition challenges facing the veterinary and pet food industry. These likely play out in everyday conversations in veterinary hospitals and retailers alike. Source: PETFOOD Industry, April 25, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Crop residue grazing recommendations changing
Mary E. Drewnoski, PhD, shares how higher-yielding corn crops, with less downed corn, have changed the way beef specialists recommend crop residue stocking rates. She recommends producers think about fall grazing plans and stocking rates as they plant this year’s crop. The article includes an updated formula for stocking rate on corn ground. Source: Nebraska Farmer, April … [Read more...]
Cull cows more valuable than ever
Cull cow weight and cull cow price have always been keys to profitability for beef producers. Culls are often forgotten. Gene Johnston shares tips for getting more money for old cows. About 20% of the total revenue of a cow herd comes from cull animals.” - Patrick Linnell, CattleFax Source: Successful Farming, April 12, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted Wayne Morgan's … [Read more...]
Comparison of beef calves in conventional or natural systems for backgrounding and finishing
A recent study in Applied Animal Science offers guidance for producers weighing how to manage beef calves and meet market demands. The results offer perspective on the trade-offs between backgrounding and finishing systems: Conventionally managed steers in the study had greater average daily weight gain and feed efficiency and reached their target finished weight faster, … [Read more...]
A calculator to determine colic risk in horses
EQUUS' 7-question survey can help determine a horse's chances of developing colic and provides ideas for what can be done to protect its health. The survey score will provide a rough estimate of colic risk and the content shares some management changes that may help reduce colic risks. Source: EQUUS, April 10, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Tools like this survey can improve the … [Read more...]