We often hear, “a cat is not a small dog.” That phrase is especially meaningful when delivering the main things cats need in their diets. Rachel Giordano shares six vet-verified, nutrient essentials cats need in their diets, what they do and where they are found: Animal protein Fat Carbohydrates Water Vitamins Minerals Source: Catster, April 12, 2024. … [Read more...]
Chewy CEO on new technology in new veterinarian clinic care clinics (video)
Chewy CEO Sumit Singh discusses the launch of Chewy’s first veterinarian clinic, how it’ll help Chewy’s finances and more. He shares his perspective on veterinarian demand and matching DVM and customer experiences at scale. His comments about the effects of the pandemic on demand and the transition to e-commerce are notable. Animal healthcare is a new frontier . . . we’ve … [Read more...]
AAFP’s Spring into Feline Medicine eConference starts April 21st
The AAFP is bringing back its three-day virtual live CE event: Spring into Feline Medicine. Expert speakers will present a variety of feline topics in a live format with 13 RACE-approved CE credits over three days. The meeting days are on different days of the week to allow for flexibility in the schedule. Sessions will air live and will be available on-demand through … [Read more...]
whiskerDocs® announces second patent: Integrated animal health records
Processes outlined in a new patent can significantly improve providing health care for animals by leveraging advanced technologies in data analysis and machine learning. The systems and processes patent expands the assessment and management of pet health by utilizing new technology that supports personalized medicine, predictive modeling, early intervention and unique insights … [Read more...]
Insects on farm animal menus
Sharing her fascination for livestock innovations, Phibro’s Leah Dorman, DVM, writes about how insects may provide an alternate, sustainable protein source in livestock diets especially where soy is not easily grown. Source: Explore Animal Health, March 23, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Dorman is referencing controlled and mass-scaled production of insects for protein. Hobby … [Read more...]
From mixed practice to swine specialist, Randy Jones, DVM (podcast)
Randy Jones, DVM, is an icon in swine practice and production. He shares his journey from a mixed veterinary practice to specializing in pigs, the pig industry’s evolution to specialization in farm management and veterinary roles. Source: Popular Pig Podcast, March 28, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Nebraska Range Short Course, NBLC Grazing School might offer DVMs time with clients
Commentary Quality time coupled with advancing learning could benefit DVMs and key clients. While fishing and golf might sound fun, the 2024 Nebraska Range Short Course combined with the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition Grazing School is an opportunity for veterinarians to participate alongside their producer clients. It’s something to consider especially if next-generation … [Read more...]
Focus on heifers to improve reproduction success, costs
The main reproduction challenge on dairies now lies in the heifer herd, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Paul M. Fricke, PhD. He said, “Now that we’re raising fewer heifers, it’s more important to be better with them.” Fricke believes attention to reproduction is an important element in lowering the cost to raise a heifer to calving. Source: Hoard’s … [Read more...]
Veterinarian discusses cannabinoid use in horses (audio recording)
Holistic veterinarian Joyce Harman, DVM, shares where hemp-derived cannabinoids may have benefits in horses. She indicates horse owners have found CBD products help to calm horses and show promise for treating chronic pain in them. Therapies incorporating CBD may be beneficial for treating a variety of equine conditions but Harmon says it is currently most often used to … [Read more...]
Excess weight NOT a foregone conclusion with feline spays, neuters
Kitten season is routinely followed by decisions about spaying and neutering, including future concerns about weight gain. The loss of sex hormones when a cat’s ovaries or testicles are removed can make it less likely to engage in physical activity and therefore less likely to burn as many calories moving around. The author calls the spay or neuter a nutritional inflection … [Read more...]
Sneezing in cats
News of cats contracting avian flu may have clients more sensitized when their cat sneezes. Many prevalent viruses and bacteria generate symptoms that are consistent across multiple infectious agents. The warming of spring plants and trees also exposes cats to allergens. We’re sharing an article about sneezing in cats and an avian flu information sheet regarding cats from … [Read more...]
Curbing gas with perennial grass
The Paris Agreement commitments to global emissions-reduction targets has elevated the discussion of methane production from cows <Link>. While some claim inaction from the livestock segment, a Minnesota study of forages contradicts those claims. Perennial forages are often praised for their ability to capture atmospheric carbon and sequester it in the soil. Now a … [Read more...]
Free-ranging chickens by the season
There’s little doubt the Easter holiday brought new chickens into backyards and acreages. Often these forays into chicken keeping happen with weak plans for keeping the birds healthy and safe. In the article below, the author writes about free-range foraging benefits, identifies where to be cautious and how seasons may change the approach. Source: Hobby Farms. … [Read more...]
Questions remain about cats’ primordial pouches
Located on the lower belly, the primordial pouch sags and sways as cat trot about but this body part’s purpose remains largely obscure. Researchers have distilled theories to three potential purposes: A protective layer of skin Extra skin that gives them extra leeway to twist and turn midair to right themselves or let their torso extend fully allowing for more rapid … [Read more...]
Technology, sustainability and new food formats topped trends at Global Pet Expo
Sharing his perspectives from the Global Pet Expo, Mark Kalaygian says product innovations seemed to reflect three key areas: technology, sustainability and new food formats. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 1, 2024
Millennials with pets finding challenges, Chewy opening physical spaces, industry experts seeking more oversight of pet food, FabFitFun acquires PetCo’s PupBox, Veterinary surgeon appeals to breeders of brachycephalic dogs and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 1, 2024. Link. Adam Christman, DVM, MBA has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2024 IBPSA Flow … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 28, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 21, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the March 21st AHD Bulletin – AAFP updates position statements on the responsible breeding and indoor/outdoor lifestyle of cats. Link. Silent communication. Link. No excuses to skip prevention with cash cattle markets nearing historic highs. Link. … [Read more...]
Properly prepared beef is safe to eat; HPAI is not a food safety threat
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and USDA food safety experts, properly prepared beef is safe to eat,” said Meat Institute’s Julie Anna Potts. Source: Drovers, March 25, 2024. Link. HPAI cannot be transmitted to humans by eating <properly prepared> meat or poultry products.” … [Read more...]
HPAI confirmed in Texas, Kansas dairy cows
Unpasteurized, clinical samples of milk from sick cattle collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas, as well as an oropharyngeal swab from another dairy in Texas, have tested positive for a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The USDA said that affected dairy cows do not appear to be transmitting the virus to other cattle within the same herd. Source: … [Read more...]
Poll: Reading horse feed tags
A recent poll asked readers about their confidence when reading and interpreting the nutritional information on a horse feed tag. While only 221 persons participated, about 26 percent indicated they were not very confident or not at all confident. A majority of 42.5 percent said they were somewhat confident. The article reminded us of Austin Davis’ article on demystifying … [Read more...]
Study: Even a short round of common antibiotics can change the equine gut microbiome
A new study from the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky showed the effect of antimicrobials on equine gut microbes. The study begins addressing the growing recognition of the susceptibility of the equine gut microbiota to antibiotic-induced disturbances, which can lead to adverse, and occasionally severe, consequences. Source: Equine Science Update, … [Read more...]
Ernie Ward, DVM, talks pet obesity and prevention
The increasing number of overweight and obese pets is far more complex than people offering too much table food and the effects on life quality, longevity and health. Ernie Ward, president of The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, and Steve Dale, program host, discuss treating obesity as a disease, spay/neuter timing and the efforts addressing body conditioning. The … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 21, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 14, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the March 14th AHD Bulletin – Doing for others. Link. FDA proposes new regulations for animal drug labeling. Link. Dairy industry contraction trend continues. Link. ============================================ AI won’t replace B2B copywriters, because it … [Read more...]
KC Animal Health Summit 2024 emerging company applications to CLOSE April 1
The 19th annual Summit is one of the only opportunities in the world for early-stage companies in the animal health and nutrition sectors to present their vision, business plan and technology to potential investors. Applications close on April 1st, 2024. Source: KC Animal Health Corridor, March 18, 2024. Link. To apply to present as an emerging company, visit the Animal … [Read more...]
No excuses to skip prevention with cash cattle markets nearing historic highs
Commentary We often hear about cattle producers who penny pinch on vaccines, dewormers and other practices that support cattle health. While every head has always counted, there is no better time to invest in advancing herd health than when cash markets are high. Cattle producers can realize even higher premiums for doing the right things at the right time when cattle … [Read more...]
The rights and wrongs of dog treats
Commentary Recent statistics classify the majority of pets in the United States; about 56 percent of dogs and 60 percent of cats, as overweight or obese <Link>. Our team has been outspoken about how treats are positioned, kcals in treats and addressing pet owner feeding and treating behavior <Link>. As we see new treats introduced, we routinely check on the kcals … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 18, 2024
Zoetis shifting perceptions toward pet healthcare, direct-to-consumer pet food, tax websites for small businesses, Blue Pearl™ partners with U.S. Army, HSAs for small business, tips to prepare for National Small Business Week at end of April and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 18, 2024. Link. National Pet Care for All Day on April 24 celebrates the efforts of … [Read more...]
NASDA adopts policy in support of federal pet food label and opposes PURR Act
Opposing the PURR act, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture board of directors adopted a new policy supporting the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to establish a national rule for pet food and specialty pet food labeling. The policy advocates for consistency and transparency on pet food and pet food labels. Source: … [Read more...]
Overcoming the Stress Response Cascade to get more productive cows
Includes Commercial Content This article explains the results of stressors on cows and a trio of negative effects including reduced feed intake, development of leaky gut and systemic inflammation. It offers perspective on proactively using additives to reduce stress effects. Source: Feedstuffs, March 1, 2024. Link. With proper use, additives can be an effective and … [Read more...]
Feeding milk replacer when a foal needs extra nutrition
When a mare is not providing enough milk for her foal, owners can supplement with a milk replacer designed for horses, writes Clair Thunes, PhD. Plenty of early suckling is important so the mare can support the foal’s needs as she grows. If the issue is that the foal does not have much drive to nurse, a veterinarian will need to determine the cause. Source: The Horse, May … [Read more...]