Study results from INRAE in France showed that foals who stayed with their mothers were much better off in several areas. Their brains developed faster in the parts that control emotions and social behavior and there was stronger connectivity in the default mode network. The researchers were surprised to find that foals with their mothers gained more weight even though they … [Read more...]
New food pyramid is a significant reset of U.S. nutrition policy
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 from HHS and USDA seek to deliver a clear, commonsense message to the American people: “Eat real food.” Kristin Bakker’s article shares potential benefits to American food animal producers. Source: Feedstuffs, January 6, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Boost herd health and performance through the transition period
The importance of managing the transition period from dry-off to peak milk rightfully dominates dairy management topics. In the article shared here, Zoetis’ Matthew Boyle, DVM, shares best practices that set transition cows up for success. Source: Progressive Dairy, December 15, 2025. Link. Boyle emphasizes the opportunity to make small adjustments in each of the three … [Read more...]
Extension beef specialist concerned about lower quality hay from 2025
Jeff Lehmkuhler has never seen lower hay quality than what he witnessed in 2025. With winter weather extremes and spring-calving cows in their third trimester, he recommends pulling forage samples to document what nutrient levels exist in unique lots of hay, then adjust accordingly. Communicating the importance of nutritional sampling is a simple action for veterinary teams … [Read more...]
Review: Tips to reduce the chance of hypothermia in calves
It never hurts to review and refresh calving processes. In this article, Oklahoma State’s Mark Johnson explains how to identify, prevent and manage cold stress in baby calves, including precalving nutrition of the cow that can reduce the chances of hypothermia. Consider positioning this article in social media posts or link it in newsletters. A few minutes to send it out … [Read more...]
NAVC’s 2025 VETTY Award winners
The 2025 VETTY Awards® Grand Prize winners include: BEST IN SHOW (FOR PROFIT) AWARD: “Galliprant - Playing with Fire” by Elanco Animal Health and BarkleyOKRP. Category: Campaign - B2B/Trade. BEST IN SHOW (NONPROFIT) AWARD: “KC Animal Health Corridor WORKFORCE Campaign” by Animal Health Corridor and JNA Advertising. Category: Campaign - New Product, Program or Service … [Read more...]
Simple guidance for pet longevity
Beyond genetics, body composition is an important factor in how long pets live. Ann Hohenhaus DVM, DACVIM, shares the same simple guidance she offers pet owners as the most important steps to keep pets around as healthy family members for as long as possible: Keep your pet at an ideal body weight. Spay and neuter your cats. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, … [Read more...]
Looking ahead to CattleCon26, Nashville, February 3rd – 5th
As animal health pros wrap up VMX and head to IPPE, Nashville is prepping for cowboy hats, boots and all things beef. Check out five new things to enjoy at CattleCon26 <Link.>. AHD Sponsor Novonesis is on the program Tuesday, February 3, to discuss the “Effects of a direct-fed microbial in finishing cattle.” Experts on applied microbiome science will also be available … [Read more...]
What you should know about the 3 stages of calving
Parturition, or the birthing process, has three stages. Understanding the stages is critical to know when to provide help, writes Angie Stump Denton. Complete with videos, the article is a good reference for novice producers, animal health pros serving cow-calf producers and for new hires on established farms. Source: Drovers, January 6, 2026. Link. Offering assistance to a … [Read more...]
Late gestation cows. Get them the groceries
Livestock nutritionists will tell you that those last few weeks before calving are the most critical time for the nutrition for your cowherd, writes Clint Peck. Diets for gestating heifers and cows must support lactation, fetal growth and replenishment of body condition at varying times during pregnancy. Grazing alone will often not meet the requirements of pregnant cows for … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 15, 2025
AAFCO launches new fast-track review process for animal food ingredients, Fromm Family Foods recall, Reading the Room webinar, vendor spotlight on Brownrice Webcams and curated content in the December 11th Animal Health Digest Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, December 15, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
A vet’s guide to navigating winter holiday hazards for pets
Supplementing the AAHA advice from the second post in the Animal care services and community section above are recommendations from Veronica Villanueva, DVM, medical director at VEG ER for Pets in Woodland Hills, California. She provides straightforward guidance on hazardous holiday plants and decorations. She also recommends quiet spaces for pets and paying attention to doors … [Read more...]
Feline Dental Care brochure is new among FVMA resources for cat caregiver
We noticed FVMA’s announcement of their new Feline Dental Care brochure on LinkedIn <Link>. The new brochure comes on the heels of the newly updated Feline Veterinary Medical Association feline oral health and dental guidelines <Link>which provide clarity on early detection, radiography, and pain management. Click the link here to discover an abundance of … [Read more...]
Understanding the gut-organ axes in companion animals [White Paper]
Sponsored Content Diet-driven modulation of the gut microbiome supports improved pet health and longevity. However, the science is often confusing to pet owners and many animal health pros alike. In the white paper linked below, Jess Jarett, PhD, R&D principal pet scientist at Cargill, explains how specific macronutrient compositions of diets, as well as moisture … [Read more...]
Belgian Sheepdog chosen Best in Show at 2025 National Dog Show; 24.6 million viewers
Congratulations to Soleil, the first Belgian Sheepdog to win Best in Show. George the American Foxhound was runner-up as the reserve Best in Show. This year's National Dog Show included 1,994 dogs across 201 breeds. Source: Bleacher Report, November 27, 2025. Link. NationalDogShow.com and the NBC Sports YouTube Channel provide video of every breed-winning dog in the group … [Read more...]
How to support pet food pantries; it is increasingly important
Jen Reeder shares a situational overview of the need for increased support for pet food pantries, rewarding ways to help and a resource to share with clients and local media contacts, PetHelpFinder.org. Source: AAHA Trends, December 8, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Dog Guide spotlights latest and greatest dog essentials
The annual Pet Age Dog Guide includes columns on functional chews, digestive health and stress relief. The essential products section features beds, bowls, safety equipment and toys along with digestible products. Use the guide to see what dog owners are being presented before getting blindsided with a question. Source: Pet Age, November/December 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
6 nutrients that support hoof health
Includes Commercial Content Certain nutrients can make a huge difference in the state of a horse’s feet. In this article, the author outlines six ingredients that are known to have a positive impact on horse hooves. Source: Equine Wellness. Link. INSIGHTS: For animal health pros, articles like this can provide a backdrop for evaluating supplements clients are giving … [Read more...]
Don’t let winter’s cold open the door to BRD
Good animal husbandry is a crucial component of cold stress management, says Nathan Meyer, DVM, PhD. When cattle are putting a lot of energy toward staying warm, they become more susceptible to disease challenges so managing their environment is important to reduce disease risk. Meyer asserts the importance of quality water and matching nutrition to help keep cattle … [Read more...]
The digestive tract. Preparing cow herds to prosper
“A bale ≠ a bale ≠ a bale” summarized a post from last week <Link>. The importance of building a nutritional program for a cow-calf system is emphasized by Travis Mulliniks, PhD, in this article. Leading with BCS, his considerations are a foundation for herd health and vitality discussions with producers. He says understanding nutritional requirements, knowing the … [Read more...]
Managing water efficiently, sharing how it’s done is increasingly important to consumers
Water is central to dairy’s future, but how dairies use and conserve it is no longer just an operational concern; it’s a story the public is watching. There are several ways dairies can reuse water throughout their operations, and many farms already rely on these practices to stretch every gallon. Improving sustainability begins with understanding exactly how much water a dairy … [Read more...]
Leftover safety. Don’t reheat these 10 foods in a microwave
All the prep to feed a squadron often turns into a refrigerator full of containers. Beyond shelf life, some foods should not be reheated in the microwave. These were notable: Processed meats Rice and potatoes Spinach and beets Source: Reader’s Digest, August 25, 2024. Link. Certain foods can become downright toxic when nuked in the microwave.” Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Counter-surfing dog spends Thanksgiving in ER; ate common holiday ingredients
Here’s a story to share on social media, in newsletters and with local media. Pet owners need to be reminded of risks to pet safety over and over again. Snoopy and his family are sharing their story about a toxic food encounter to save pet parents and their animals from stress this holiday season. Despite his owner’s attempt to keep him from the fried chicken pan, Snoopy … [Read more...]
The Feline OA Checklist key to early recognition of pain, osteoarthritis
My Vet Candy shares a recent study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, which highlights a practical approach for identifying OA in feline patients using the Feline Osteoarthritis Checklist. In the study, when the Feline OA Checklist was applied prospectively, 39 percent of cats exhibited at least one behavior indicative of OA compared to only one percent of … [Read more...]
Year-long chronicle update: 1 Horse, 1 Farrier, 1 Year
Sponsored Content In this second installment, Esco Buff, CF, APF, PhD, updates the hoof-care journey of Jackson, a 15-year-old Clydesdale cross gelding. Subtle lameness observations, shifts in hoof quality and environmental stressors are already influencing farriery decisions, owner management and our shared preparation for what lies ahead. Jackson is experiencing arthritic … [Read more...]
Fewer cull cows are driving dairy herd growth
The milk cow population has been trending upward since December 2024, largely due to dairy cow retention, writes Abbi Prins. Instead of cull cows showing up in cattle slaughter reports, these cows are still being milked in barns across the country and are making calves destined for beef feedlots. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, December 1, 2025. Link. Beef-on-dairy revenues are … [Read more...]
Variable hay quality a concern during cold snaps
Cattle feed intake can surge higher than 20 percent to make up for energy expended to keep them warm. Amber Friedrichsen reminds us that a large spread in hay quality across the Midwest exists, making it that much more important to test forage and budget for additional bales or supplemental feed. In short, a bale ≠ a bale ≠ a bale. Source: Hay and Forage Grower, December … [Read more...]
Better water, better pig health
Water quality and water delivery systems remain a critical component of optimizing animal health, regardless of the species. Sarah Muirhead’s article focuses on on the challenges of scaling, biofilms, medication efficacy variables and water treatment effectiveness. The comments on water testing frequency and aquifer variability are notable. Source: Feedstuffs, November 2025. … [Read more...]
Pet safety tips: Avoid troubles from counters, treats and holiday distractions
Sponsor Content The holidays can spell trouble for pets as decorations, holiday treats and those wondrous new smells fill the home. Add in the distractions from guests and gatherings and it’s easy for curious cats and dogs to get into trouble. AHD Sponsor, ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program, has effective pet safety reminders available to share with pet owners. They are … [Read more...]
Cat hydration: Water, a key nutrient to lifelong health in felines
Cats are uniquely challenged in meeting their daily water needs, writes Katy Miller DVM, CVFT, CVNAN, CPFFCP, CPCQI, PAS. In this article she shares helpful facts worth including in pet owner communications. Pet hydration is a good topic for veterinary technicians to prioritize with clients. Talking about pets and water is also a good topic to include when making school … [Read more...]