Researchers have found an alternative way to prevent cats from decimating wildlife. It starts with dietary changes and increased object play. Nutrition seems to have some bearing on a cat’s tendency to kill things, and some cats that hunt may need something extra.” - Robbie A. McDonald, study ecologist Source: Pet Business, March 2, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Based on these … [Read more...]
Human grade dog chow may aid in digestion
Opinion We noticed this article in VPN and an industry colleague’s post. The second one made me look for something about consumable nutrients instead of fecal volume comparisons. It is important to review the study abstract <Link> to understand the study hypothesis. We did not access the full study. A new comparison study out of the University of Illinois has found … [Read more...]
The way we breed dairy cows is setting them up for extinction
Ninety-nine percent of dairy bulls can be traced back to one of two bulls, both born in the 1960s. This means among all the male Holsteins in the country, there are just two Y chromosomes. The females are not much more genetically diverse, shares Chad Dechow, PhD, who cited the inherent risks of long-term genetic homogeneity. Source: The Bullvine, February 8, 2021. … [Read more...]
Racing colostrum’s ticking clock
Calving season is here. Colostrum must be a top priority. We learn more each year about this important and beneficial compound. The ability to absorb antibodies steadily declines over the first few hours of life. The old rule of thumb is that calves must ingest colostrum within the first 24 hours of life, but actually, the percent of antibodies absorbed decreases dramatically … [Read more...]
Keeping the horse’s hindgut happy
Although researchers, veterinarians and nutritionists know how critical hindgut function is to overall horse health, they know less about this part of the digestive system than others, writes Katie Navarra in an excerpt from the full article. The stomach is only 10% of the GI tract, but there’s such a focus there. The hindgut is about 25 gallons in a 1,000-pound horse . . . … [Read more...]
The cat’s microbiome
Researchers are learning more about the feline microbiome, says Ingrid King, former veterinary hospital manager, certified veterinary journalist and author. She shares a few tips to help keep it healthy. A cat’s gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of organisms that can be affected by many factors says King. One of the biggest threats comes from antibiotics which … [Read more...]
3rd version of the Masters of Beef Advocacy NextGen launched
You don’t have to raise cattle to help answer tough questions about beef and raising cattle. MBA NextGen can arm you with the information you need to be a strong advocate for the beef community and communicate with interested consumers. Source: Beefitswhatsfordinner.com, January 13, 2021. Link. MBA NextGen consists of five self-guided online lessons, open to everyone, and at … [Read more...]
Rover’s expensive. Pandemonium pup costs are real.
Nearly half of all dog owners spend about $3,400 a year on their dogs, but dog ownership doesn’t have to be this expensive. Source: Wall Street Journal, January 22, 2021. Link. Here are ways real pet owners save on these items. Food Pet insurance Health care and meds Grooming Boarding … [Read more...]
What eating in front of the TV does to your body
Eating in front of the TV is a great idea if you’re looking for a way to eat copious amounts of food without ever hearing the ‘I’ve had enough’ signal from your body.” - Lori Hammond, hypnotist Source: MEL, January 8, 2020. Link. Shows these days tend to be more suspenseful than ever. “Television today is riddled with faster-than-life scene changes,” says psychologist Glenn … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the bulls this winter
Their seasonal work may be done, but bulls need attention to recover body conditioning and breeding soundness during winter months. Cassidy Woolsey shares information from a December Beefwatch webinar series featuring Kacie McCarthy, cow-calf specialist at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Source: Progressive Cattle, December 29, 2020. Link. “Coming off the breeding … [Read more...]
Beef on the TV for the holidays
Checkoff-funded “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” is running its famous holiday Drool Log as a TV commercial series during the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas. Several commercial versions will air more than 50 times ending at New Year's. The campaign is funded with joint monies from national and state checkoff programs and fulfills members’ requests for better consumer … [Read more...]
4 strategies to overcoming pet obesity
Laurren Zimmerman shares experiences gained as a certified canine athlete specialist and multi-time national finalist and winner across multiple organizations. She shares four important strategies pet owners can use to help their dog safely lose weight: Rule out underlying health conditions with primary veterinarian* Strength training with flexibility work Clean … [Read more...]
NEW app for the puppies!
Complimentary Content from Purina Purina announced a new app for puppies, well, for their owners. 😉 The My Pup app promises to help pet owners train, learn and grow with their puppy, offering week‑to‑week guidance, articles, videos and expert tips. Source: Purina, December 21, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: We’ve not yet reviewed this app. However, it may help to fill some of … [Read more...]
Nearly 4 months to get into flow with new pet
New research commissioned by Royal Canin® indicates it takes three months and 23 days to finally get the hang of things with a new pet, according to new research. The OnePoll survey found 80 percent asserted the first year of owning a pet is the most important. It also revealed that year isn’t easy as 64 percent believe the first year is the most difficult. Source: 72point. … [Read more...]
Updating clinic materials yields a new book for pet owners
Complimentary Commercial Content Sometime last spring, Marty Greer, DVM, JD, shared she was working on updating her clinic materials for pet owners while her practice was closed during the early days of the pandemic. She offered the same Bridge Club networking group a welcome surprise in early December. Her materials updating work had expanded into a new book for puppy … [Read more...]
75 days to prep for calving
Say what?! It’s time to plan for calving season as the first of the 2021 crop will start dropping around March 1. Greg Henderson provides tips to help producers prepare: Assess the body condition of your cows and heifers Review the herd health plan Conduct an inspection of your calving facilities to make sure everything is in working order Check your calving … [Read more...]
2020 e-commerce surge carried pet food along for the ride
“One of the driving factors behind the e-commerce growth trends for pet food was the growth of millennial pet owners who were preconditioned to online shopping. The pandemic has taken this storyline and put it on steroids,” according to Tom Elliott citing a new report from Capstone Headwaters. In a related discussion, Fritz Wood, CPA and Vertical Vet's Dr. Ernie Ward … [Read more...]
Role of veterinarians, nutritionists changing on dairies
University of Kentucky Extension professionals say the role of veterinarians in the dairy industry is everchanging. The size and sophistication of dairies has reduced the hands-on need for exams and treatments. Now veterinarians play an intrinsic role in establishing protocols, especially as they relate to treatments with antibiotics, pain management and training farm employees … [Read more...]
Confinement, feeding practices, lifestyle affect horse behaviors
There’s a lot to understand and consider when dealing with undesirable horse behaviors. New research from Brazil confirms the connection between confining a horse to a stall without sufficient food to keep him occupied and an increased likelihood of undesirable behaviors. Source: EQUUS, November 2, 2020. Link. If a horse develops unwanted behaviors, Ribeiro urges owners to … [Read more...]
Free water necessary for rumen development
It’s challenging to feed water to young dairy calves in the freezing months of winter, but it’s also highly important. And, the earlier calves get access to free water the better! Milk or milk replacer does not constitute free water, because it bypasses the rumen and reticulum and travels straight to the abomasum via the esophageal groove, which is active in calves until about … [Read more...]
Four reasons to change a horse’s diet
Change for the sake of change is not usually recommended for horse diets. There are occasions where diets should be reexamined and a change in feed may be warranted writes Christine Barakat. She shares these four times*: Change of life stage Change of activity level Change in geographic location Change in health status *We would add change in water sources as a … [Read more...]
75 things you didn’t know about beef
Whether you’re an old cowhand or have never seen a live cow, you’ll enjoy this list of 75 things about beef. Compiled by the Noble Research Institute in celebration of its 75th anniversary, you’ll be amazed at how beef positively affects our daily lives. Source: Noble Research Institute, October 9, 2020. Link. Since 1945, the Noble Research Institute has supported farmers … [Read more...]
Cows put their own calcium into milk – more than half of mature cows have subclinical hypocalcemia
The demand for calcium from cows to enrich colostrum is highest at calving. This is because cows are literally drawing from their own calcium stores to put the mineral into the milk. The result is often a negative calcium balance that occurs before the mechanisms to pull calcium from the cow’s skeletal system get activated. Calcium homeostasis is fragile around calving time. … [Read more...]
Cattle and corn stalks
U.S. farmers have harvested over half of their corn and three-fourths of their soybeans, according to the October 19 USDA crop progress report. For dairy and beef operators this means the ability to supplement waning pasture grasses with corn stalks. But, there are considerations before turning the cattle into the stalks according to Aaron Berger, a University of Nebraska … [Read more...]
Content for dog owners
Animal owners are full of questions. If you don’t believe it, monitor one of The Bridge Club Pets sessions or videos < link >. Our industry supports more than 150 publications targeting animal owners, all of which compete for their eyes and their dollars. The scope of social media has progressed considerably beyond Dr. Google. We share the following information for dog … [Read more...]
Debunking pet food myths and misconceptions
Ryan Yamka, PhD, challenges the World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines and pet food recommendations. He calls for an update to fill gaps and provide proper security for those recommending pet foods. This statement motivated posting Yamka’s article, “Based on WSAVA guidelines, a pet food company only needs to provide a complete nutrient analysis for one formula … [Read more...]
Dealing with the pandemic 15#
The pandemic 15 pounds! It’s a discussion topic among friends and has been mentioned on talk shows. For some of us, it is a reality as food is comforting during times of stress or anxiety. Lisa Drayer shares how using a hunger meter can return food to being just food. When you feel a pull toward food, create space between you and the food to see where you are on the hunger … [Read more...]
Calves: Start them off right
How calves are fed and managed can affect their lifelong health and productivity. The Dairy Herd editors cover four early life areas to help calves now and throughout their lives: Tips to improve colostrum What to provide for calves so they can perform Keep scours down when feeding volumes go up Feeding transition milk; another tool in the toolbox Source: Dairy … [Read more...]
SID feeding of indoor cats may improve health
Obesity is the most common nutritional problem affecting cats. In research likely to surprise veterinarians and cat owners*, cats that ate one meal a day were more satisfied, which could result in less food-begging behavior. The study results also suggest cutting back feeding frequency could help reduce the risk of obesity by controlling cats' appetite and potentially making … [Read more...]
The dilemma of pandemic pet pounds
The challenge of obesity in dogs has been exacerbated by the pandemic lockdown. The WFH messages promoted to date involve pets getting more exercise, but Kim Kavin’s Washington Post story indicates many dogs have packed on extra weight. On the other hand, dogs that have lost weight might have a few aches and pains from the increase in activity. Dog owners should work with … [Read more...]