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...]
Long-term cannabinoids deemed safe to give to healthy dogs, study finds
Results from the first-of-its-kind peer-reviewed safety study of cannabidiol products in healthy dogs demonstrated hemp-derived cannabinoids are well tolerated in healthy dogs at a dose of 5mg/kg of body weight per day and do not pose a significant risk to dogs in long-term use. Source: Pet Product News, March 2024. Link. The study was published in Frontiers in Veterinary … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 7, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 29, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 29th AHD Bulletin – Tax benefits of hiring your children, plus IRS rules to follow. Link. Are veterinarians obligated to discuss pet insurance? (podcast). Link. Managing online reviews. … [Read more...]
Driving the narrative in swine production
A considerable number of swine operations remain with fewer than 1,000 pigs, according to the NAHMS Swine 2021 Part III: Reference of Management Practices on Small-Enterprise Swine Operations in the United States <Link>. While the contributions of the largest operations far exceed the small operators, there are reasons to focus on these operators for biosecurity, herd … [Read more...]
Veterinarians launch pet treats and chews certification program
In an industry where pet owners seek the best for their furry companions, VetEvaluated aims to be a trusted authority, offering a rigorous certification process that involves expert evaluation by experienced veterinarians. Current certification is available for consumable pet treats and chews at this time. VetEvaluated Certification assessments cover: Digestibility … [Read more...]
Webinar to address cutaneous adverse food reactions
AAHA and Hills will offer a free CE webinar to update veterinary teams confronting skin issues from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MDT, March 14, 2024. Presenter Sara Hoff, DVM, MPH, Dip. ACVD, expects to cover novel proteins plus: Latest data on CAFR prevalence and risk factors Advanced diagnostic techniques for accurate identification Proven strategies for managing … [Read more...]
Social studies for dairy calves
The best way to house dairy calves has been a recurring discussion topic over the last decade or so among dairy producers. With industry standards changing faster than ever, the idea of paired housing has been getting more consideration. Not a new topic, a post from 2016 referenced a Journal of Dairy Science study on paired housing benefits <Link>. In this article, … [Read more...]
Help producers transition to beef on dairy with these tips
CattleFax predicts U.S. beef-on-dairy cattle numbers will reach between 4 million and 5 million head as early as 2026. That translates to roughly 15 percent of the cattle harvested annually. Mitch Hockett, PhD, says veterinarians can help producers establish the value of beef-on-dairy calves and continue that long-term in the industry. Hockett outlined four key steps and … [Read more...]
Adopt a Cow program reaches 50 states and 40 countries
Elementary and middle school students who participate in the Dairy Excellence Foundation’s Adopt a Cow program can watch calves grow up. The program allows students to learn about the sustainability of dairies and the nutrition of dairy products they consume at home. The program now reaches students throughout the U.S. and in 40 countries. Field trips encourage strong … [Read more...]
Improved winter grazing management
Commentary Livestock producers need animal health pros for more than medications and preventatives to be successful. Being aware of resources to share is one of the ways we can support the growth and development of healthy production. Consider this article when discussing ways to improve herd health. Winter is sometimes overlooked as a time to make improvements to range … [Read more...]
Slow hay feeder pros and cons
Veterinarians usually learn about how horses are fed when something is awry. Owners have a variety of choices when shopping for a slow-feeding device, so considering what Madeline Boast shares could benefit the horse, owner and veterinary-client relationship. She explains why a horse might benefit from a slow hay feeder and how to choose the right one. Source: The Horse, … [Read more...]
Measure pet food by weight, not volume
An estimated six out of 10 cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese, so how pet food is measured is something to consider. With a little coaching, pet owners can learn to measure based on calorie content instead of using a volume measurement. Research has shown that measuring by cup, or volume, often leads to overfeeding or underfeeding.” Source: Catster, September 27, 2022. … [Read more...]
Body condition score in early lactation sets the fertility stage
There is a relationship between body condition and fertility. University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers studying fertility share that when diary cows lose a lot of body condition, they have much lower fertility than their herd mates that maintain or gain weight in early lactation. Source: Dairy Herd Management, January/February 2024. Link. It’s not a foregone conclusion … [Read more...]
February is National Cat Health Month
Along with the annual focus on oral care and the beginnings of flea, tick and mosquito season, February is dedicated to cat health. The consumer messages remind cat owners of the importance of maintaining regular veterinary appointments. Christian Adams shares tips to ensure cats remain healthy all year long. Source: Catster, January 27, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Veterinary … [Read more...]
Canine and feline dental home care tips for pet owners
Sponsored Content Even with all the options for pet oral care, animal health pros need to keep the topic front and center year-round. February is National Pet Dental Month which parallels Children’s Dental Health Month and Gum Disease Awareness Month promotions. This article provides content worth sharing with animal owners. Comprehensive oral care for pets starts at home . … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 5, 2024
Farmer’s Dog partners with WSAVA, Disney’s pet resort, small business preparations for future, updated information on human animal bond benefits, pet tech from Consumer Electronics show and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 5, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Ready or not, here they come
Oklahoma State University shares ways to get ready for calving season. The article is a good resource to send in newsletters or post on social media to help producers prepare for calving. Yes, they probably know most of this . . . but have they acted on it? Give them a nudge to save a middle-of-the-night emergency during a storm. Source: The Cattle Site, January 23, 2024. … [Read more...]
How to read cattle mineral tags
Pet food labels are not the only confusing product labels animal owners must read and decipher. Understanding how to choose the correct mineral for cattle can be challenging. This article from Penn State University provides an overview of how to read mineral tags. Source: The Cattle Site, January 24, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article as a resource when working … [Read more...]
Cattle industry and animal health pros gather for NCBA CattleCon
CattleCon24 provides education, networking, business ideas, advocacy and fun for those who work in the cattle industry. It’s happening in Orlando January 31 through February 2. Not going? Never been? Follow posts here: #cattlecon24 Source: NCBA. Link. See the floor plan and exhibitor list here <Link>. … [Read more...]
Houseplants: 6 to keep, 6 to keep out of pet spaces
With the holidays over, some pet owner’s homes are getting reset for the rest of winter and early spring. Offices, too, are getting a fresh look. Plants are often a part of these space revitalization activities and in some cases contractors choose and care for the greenery. Houseplants, beyond being decorative, are assets to purify the air and remove toxins but, not all … [Read more...]
Tips for discussing weight management with pet owners (video)
Hill’s Karen Shenoy, DVM, shares advice for veterinary teams when discussing a pet’s weight with clients and addressing a case of obesity with animal owners. Her guidance about working pet owners’ behaviors into proactive feeding plans and considering the inclusion of treats is excellent counsel. We reminded veterinary teams to include food and treat information in pet … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 29, 2024
Posting OSHA 300 logs, animal voting rights, M&A in pet food, small business accountants speak, budgeting, money lost and more, including last week’s AHD Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, January 29, 2024. Link. The 2024 IBPSA FLOW Business Conference will be held in Tucson, Arizona September 24th-26th. Use this link if you wish to become a speaker at the conference <Link>. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 25, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 18, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the January 18th AHD Bulletin – Cell phone addiction, how it impacts our relationships. Link. Leadership or sales tactics. Link. Practices that push cow-calf profitability. Link. ============================================ Elanco’s multi-year … [Read more...]
Biosecurity methods update, learning across segments
Driven by African swine fever, avian influenza, PRRS, the realistic risk of hoof and mouth disease, more livestock producers are paying more attention to how to protect our domestic food production animals and in the process protect human populations from zoonoses. We’re sharing two articles as animal health pros interact and work with animal owners. The devil remains in … [Read more...]
Don’t let dairy cows get lost in transition
One of the bigger threats to overall transition cow health is a reduction in dry matter intake while her energy requirements increase to support milk production. Mindy Ward gathered dairy management practices to help improve overall transition cow performance for this article. The transition cow is milking, producing more milk and not consuming enough calories to cover that . … [Read more...]