Recent research from the Journal of Dairy Science < link > suggests that outdoor housing through the winter might be cleaner and healthier for the cows than indoor housing. The University of Minnesota study compared organic cows housed on an outdoor straw pack with wind protection to cows housed indoors on a compost-bedded pack barn. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, October … [Read more...]
25-pound cat takes over internet (video)
Videos of Cinderblock, an 8-year-old gray domestic shorthair, has captured the attention of social media users. A Facebook video of Cinderblock meowing while lazily using a treadmill has been seen more than 2.2 million times. The cat was relinquished by its owner to Britta Kiffney, DVM, at Northshore Veterinary Hospital in Bellingham, Washington < link > who posted the … [Read more...]
Functional foods’ effects on dog, cat health summarized (slideshow)
Pet owners are often faced with new information about the best way to feed their dogs and cats. Following human trends, pet food offerings are diverse and confusing. We share this article series for perspectives on pet food inputs, reasoning and trends. Source: Pet Food Industry, October 27, 2019. Link. A meta-analysis of functional foods research summarized 17 peer-reviewed … [Read more...]
7 human foods that are good for dogs
In contrast to all the warnings about table scraps, Marcelle Chastain shares seven human foods that can be shared with dogs since they are high in nutrients and low in calories. She notes which fruits and vegetables require seed removal or cutting into chewable portions. Pears Watermelon Cucumbers Blueberries Celery Fresh peaches Carrots Source: Inside … [Read more...]
11 people foods that are OK for cats
Elizabeth Scott shares healthy treats using these human foods for cats: Lox Spinach Sardines Beef or chicken broth Blueberries Melon Cheese Chicken or turkey gizzards Fresh or frozen peas Nutritional yeast Eggs, cooked Source: Modern Cat. Link. INSIGHTS: Cat owners appreciate tips like this since so many felines are considered finicky. … [Read more...]
Fungi directly linked to equine inflammatory airway disease (video)
A three-year study found a direct link between fungal particles in the lungs and inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in horses. Eliminating exposure to fungi is critical to IAD prevention. Source: Horse Network, October 2, 2019. Link. In the 700 horse study published by The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine < link > researchers found that: fungal elements are … [Read more...]
Skinny horse notes
David Ramsey, DVM, brings the skinny horse into perspective. Bottom line, a skinny horse is not getting enough to eat, he says. But there may be some factors that limit the horse’s ability to gain and maintain weight> Owners may simply not know how much to feed the horse. Ramsey says, how much an individual horse needs depends on: Metabolism Horse’s activities … [Read more...]
Eating healthy for busy pros
Laura Baltodona, DVM, describes the challenges busy professionals face getting proper nutrition . Whether practitioner, veterinary technician, sales representative or office worker, animal health pros may spend more time ensuring their pets’ eat than themselves. Batodona says the key for healthy eating is: 1) set an intention and 2) know it doesn’t need to be fancy. Despite … [Read more...]
Feed tags offer nutritional information
Every bag of livestock feed and mineral sold has a tag attached that offers an analysis of the product, ingredients and feeding directions. This may seem like basic information. But, for youngsters or those starting out in the livestock business with no background, these labels are a good start to ensure their livestock get a sound nutrition regimen. Source: Noble Research … [Read more...]
Three possible pathways for African swine fever to enter US
How easy is it for African swine fever (ASF) to enter the U.S.? Patrick Webb, DVM and National Pork Board director of swine health Programs, explains three ways it can enter. Dr. Scott Dee’s studies on feed ingredients coming in from China are discussed, as well as the important role diagnostics play in trying to rule in or rule out a foreign animal disease. Source: The Pig … [Read more...]
Cows really do benefit the planet!
People still think it’s cows that are causing climate change, writes Amanda Radke. She offers resources to help continue to offset the false 2006 claim made by the United Nations and marketing claims made by makers of of plant-food products. Source: BEEF, August 31, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: More ammunition for meat vs. meatless diet debates. … [Read more...]
Rumen soup, a jigsaw of cow gut microbes
Agricultural Research Service scientists and their cooperators are using high tech tools to better understand the microbial "soup" of the cow's rumen. The rumen is the first of four stomach chambers where tough plant fibers are turned into nutrients and energy. Derek Bickhart, a research microbiologist, estimates there are more than 30,000 species of rumen-dwelling organisms. … [Read more...]
Climate change: Longer growing season bodes well for crops, feed supply
A researcher at the Institute of Water Security and Science at West Virginia University says one silver lining from climate change that he’s seen is a longer growing season which is more conducive to agricultural production. This could mean big changes. He explains why traditional crops are floundering while non-traditional crops could gain momentum. Source: The Cattle Site, … [Read more...]
Age not a factor with dog owners trying newer dog food brands
EVERYONE tries new pet food brands summarizes the findings presented in this article. Marketing towards a specific pet owner age group may reduce a campaign’s effectiveness, according to research published in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services. The key message is to not target narrowly and that brands should sell to all buyers of the category.” - Peilin … [Read more...]
Hot topics in bovine veterinary medicine
Citing constant changes in bovine medicine, Brittany Bowman assembled past article on topics worthy of sharing again: Coccidiosis affecting young calves, Bovine Veterinarian, June 7, 2017. Link. Cattle rabies is no laughing matter, Bovine Veterinarian, November 12, 2018. Link. Prime the pump, Bovine Veterinarian, April 22, 2019. Link. “Purple gut” in calves can … [Read more...]
IPPC report does not say, “eat less meat” (includes video)
Recent media buzz (see second source below) claimed the newest Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPPC) suggested consumers eat less meat in order to curb climate change. The report < link > focused on land use and land use change, it didn’t tell consumers to eat less meat. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, says by focusing on eating less meat, consumers are being … [Read more...]
Teach aseptic technique in the kitchen, reduce salmonellosis
“The most formidable challenges of my veterinary career in food safety can be boiled down to the two primary foodborne pathogens of poultry: Salmonella and Campylobacter. I consider them my professional nemeses,” writes Foster Farms’ Robert O’Connor, DVM, MAM. He explains his approach to avoiding these pathogens in the kitchen. O’Connor reminds us that while chicken and other … [Read more...]
Goats can’t safely eat everything
You may think goats can eat nearly everything. Katherine Drovdahl, MA, CA, CR, CEIT, DipHlr, QTP, tells us differently. Knowing what to feed goats involves education. Even good plants can develop into a dangerous toxic condition called enterotoxemia if goats overeat on any plant they are not used to. She shares a few common toxic plants and suggests consulting a local … [Read more...]
3 Vs drive U.S. chicken purchases
Versatility, value and variety are just a few of the categories that chicken ticks the box for in consumers’ eyes, according to new research presented at the 2019 Chicken Marketing Summit. Of course, taste is important for chicken and all meat buyers. However, it was less important to consumers of plant-based products. Lots of interesting protein stats, plus protein industry … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the horses’ salt
Like shade and fresh water, salt is essential for horses, especially in hot weather. Salt is lost via their sweat and if it’s not replenished, an electrolyte imbalance may develop, leading to low blood pressure or even neurological or cardiovascular problems. This is good to use in social media, newsletters and discussions with horse owners. Source: EQUUS, July 25, 2019. … [Read more...]
Pay attention to arthritic dogs’ diets
Arden Moore shares information from two veterinarians that will help some dogs with arthritis. Both agree that keeping dogs trim is a top priority. Food heals or harms . . . what and how much you put in a dog’s food bowl does impact the dog’s quality of life.” Source: Dogster, July 8, 2019. Link. Jean Hofve, DVM, identifies these five safe “arthritis-fighting” foods: … [Read more...]
Pig ears recalled
Lennox Intl Inc. voluntarily recalled its Natural Pig ears because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, according to an FDA posting. The recalled products affected were shipped to nationwide distributors and/or retail stores from May 1 to July 3, 2019. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products . . … [Read more...]
Dogs benefit from a balanced microbiome
Audrey Cook, DVM, reviews the importance of a dog’s gut microbiome and the consequences when it becomes imbalanced or altered. This is good information for social media posts, newsletters and websites. Source: The BARK, July 2019. Link. Dysbiosis occurs when a healthy microbiome becomes disrupted. . . . disruptors include many medications, particularly antibiotics; … [Read more...]
Spay and neuter everything . . . brings health risk to some dogs
In spite of a growing body of research, shelters remain steadfast in the “spay and neuter everything” mantra. Sarah Zhang has summarized information that suggests, to DVMs, that when done in some large breeds when they are young, spaying and neutering are linked to obesity and potential cancers later in life. . . . when to spay or neuter should be a case-by-case decision, even … [Read more...]
People will eat anything (almost) at work
Sales reps have understood for decades what Susan Albers-Bowling, Ph.D., calls mindless eating. “Once you eat unhealthy food in an environment, it can become routine,” says Luke Ayers, PhD. So the donuts, bagels, pizza, cookies and cupcakes just keep coming. We are motivated to try things that are free because it’s low risk. We also feel like we’re getting a deal.” Susan … [Read more...]
What’s in the (pet food) bag?
Kristi Reimer Fender’s shares challenges veterinary teams face when advising clients on pet food for their pets. Her article focuses on clearing up a storm of pet food myths, misconceptions, guiding clients and how food is integrated as part of the human-animal bond. Kudos to the DVM team for assembling this valuable collection of resources. Here’s what it comes down to: A … [Read more...]
Cat food: grain-free marketing outpaces evidence of actual grain-free benefits
In a study conducted by Tufts, grain-free diets were compared to diets with grain. While 73 percent of manufacturers producing dry cat food in the United States now have at least one grain-free product, there’s little evidence of differential benefits or a reduction in allergies. . . . food allergies are relatively rare in pets, particularly from grains. Rather, the source of … [Read more...]
More reasons not to feed Fido grain-free food
Spending $100 a month on food for a 12-pound dog gives The Atlantic staff writer Amanda Mull some degree of credibility to address pet food fads and trends. With the help of Christopher Lea, a veterinary medicine professor and director of the Auburn University Veterinary Clinic, and Lisa Lippman, the lead New York veterinarian for Fuzzy Pet Health, she details how grain-free … [Read more...]
Increasing UV light exposure means more vitamin D in eggs
Except for summertime, we rely on food sources to supply our body with enough vitamin D. A team of German researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg developed a new practice to increase the vitamin D content of eggs. Using UV light, they increased the vitamin D content of eggs by three- to four-fold. Practices used in the study could be implemented in poultry … [Read more...]
RFID is it for USDA’s mandatory animal disease traceability. Deadline is January 21, 2023.
The pressure is on fruit and vegetable growers all over the world to implement traceability systems in the next 12 months. USDA’s Gregory Ibach believes the meat industry will be next on the traceability agenda. USDA took another step toward enhancing the nation’s mandatory animal disease traceablity (ADT) program by requiring official electronic radio-frequency identification … [Read more...]