Consumer demand continues to grow for certified safe foods. The National Pork Board responded to these demands by developing an extension of the Pork Quality Assurance Plus certification called the Common Swine Industry Audit. Source: National Hog Farmer, January 2017. The CSIA, certified by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) in October of … [Read more...]
PRRS has lingering negative impact
It is no surprise to learn that PRRS has a measurable long-term impact on pork production and economics. A study by Pablo Valdes-Donoso and Andres Perez, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, shows that although the number of farms has decreased, and the number of animals and the level of specialization has … [Read more...]
Dairy calf bedding choices just got easier
Bedding makes a difference say many dairymen. But does it? Dairy scientists compared pea gravel, rubber chip, sand and wood shavings to determine their effects on the health, physiology, and behavior of group-housed calves. Source: Journal of Dairy Science, January 18, 2017. In conclusion, the physiology and behavior of calves reared on pea gravel, rubber chips and sand was … [Read more...]
Similar, yet different
Not humanizing your dog’s mind is the best thing that you can do. Dogs and humans are very different species, reminds Cesar Millan. With dogs, our first instinct is often humanization — to treat a dog like a person — which is how a lot of canine behavior problems begin. With dogs, we need to be constantly aware of how we are different and how we are the same as them. Source: … [Read more...]
2016 beef stats available in one spot
Ever wonder where’s the beef? This infographic has information galore on the status of the beef herd rebound, production stats, sales prices, trades, exports and more. Source: Progressive Cattleman, January 2017. Overall cattle inventory hit 91.9 million head, a jump of 2.1 million head, or 2.4 percent more than 2015. The U.S. total beef cow inventory also jumped just more … [Read more...]
Work with vet to control parasites in goats
Successful parasite management is essential to maintaining a healthy goat herd. While parasites are naturally present in most goats, they become disruptive to health and productivity in large quantities. Goat owners can prevent parasitism by keeping a clean environment and frequently rotating pastures. Working with a veterinarian to analyze fecal samples, deworming strategies … [Read more...]
Rethink the concept of dangerous dogs
New research suggests it’s time to stop thinking of dogs as either safe or dangerous. In most cases canine aggression seems to be a learned response to a particular situation, not a personality characteristic, since a dog that growls or bites in one situation may not do so in other contexts. The article references a large survey from Rachel Casey et al, at the University of … [Read more...]
Great content doesn’t have to do with word count
Whether you’re a 19th-century-style novelist or a 21st-century content marketer, great content isn’t about word count — it’s about crafting the right experience for your user. This is true of AHD and also true for animal health business’ blogs, websites and newsletters. Source: Marketing Land, January 23, 2017. As it turns out, most content doesn’t work for its target … [Read more...]
Focus on nonverbal cues during feedback sessions
Giving feedback may be one of the most difficult challenges a manager faces. You have to be honest; yet, you don’t want to alienate your employee. You tread a fine line between maintaining cordiality and successfully getting your point across. Here are the most noticed non-verbal cues: Facial expression Eye contact Voice Posture Breath Source: Harvard … [Read more...]
Canis vertigus, the dog that powered kitchens
In the 17th century, one breed of dog was created as a high-tech solution to a household need. The now-extinct turnspit dog, or Canis vertigus, was common in European kitchens from the 16th century until the mid-1800s. Source: Saveur, January 19, 2017. Turnspit dogs are described as “long-bodied, crooked-legged, and ugly dogs, with a suspicious, unhappy look about them. … [Read more...]
“Amoosing” visitor stays at Vermont dairy
Yeah, we stole that word from the original headline. Take a fun look at what happened when a moose paid a call to a Vermont dairy. Source: Progressive Dairyman, January 13, 2017. The moose only stayed a few days, but it was more than enough time for the Abbots. “After a couple days, we put the cows in the barn and kind of shooed her away a little bit,” Abbot says. … [Read more...]
Addicts using pets and vets to get their fix
Hydrocodone, Ketamine, Tramadol and Valium are opioids that some pet owners are trying to get for themselves by causing or not treating pet injuries or illnesses. Authorities are unsure how widespread the practice is. Veterinarians believe it to be a small problem. Source: Washington Post, January 23, 2017 (limited free views). John de Jong, former chairman of the board of … [Read more...]
Choose mobile messaging channels wisely
We found this article relevant as the mobile technology continues to drive choice in customers and clients. Source: Marketing Profs, January 13, 2017. To be successful with mobile marketing, you need to engage with your users: You want them to be customers—to use your products or services or to buy merchandise. … [Read more...]
Brain-steer for better results
Consolidations already announced this year will have all sizes of businesses seeking to remain competitive, increase services, value and maintain profitability. This article is written for upper level executives, but the principles apply if you work in a veterinary hospital, a retail organization or if you are a representative working to help your accounts be more … [Read more...]
Microchips required
Microchipping is becoming prevalent, if not required throughout the horse world. It is not for locating missing horses. Rather, competitive organizations and breed registries are now requiring it for ease of identifying individual horses. Source: The Horse, January 10, 2017. (tiered access). The entire process, including the price of the microchip, usually costs less than … [Read more...]
IT security still important in the office, farm and home
More than one AHD contributor has shared the importance of IT security. Whether in a practice, on the farm or at home, it is a necessity. Bryant Gill, assistant farm director at Wisconsin Farm Report Radio, recently interviewed Mark Eich with the accounting firm Clifton Larson Allen. they spoke about the increasing need for effective cyber protection. The nine-minute interview … [Read more...]
Examine leadership to set growth path
Every successful business has a list of key performance indicators (KPIs) that provides the essential data necessary to grow. Successful leaders need their own KPIs that include feedback from their associates, as well as a rigorous self-examination. Source: Eric Geiger Blog, May 26, 2016. Leaders are merely stewards. We don’t own the people, the ministry, or the … [Read more...]
Unique research collaboration studies immunity in feedyards
The labels have always read, “for the vaccination of healthy animals” but based on convenience, tradition and a perception of urgency, feedyards often vaccinate calves with modified live virus (MLV) vaccines upon arrival, after they’ve been weaned, commingled, loaded, shipped, shrunk and stressed. Delayed viral vaccination, along with use of an immunostimulant, could help … [Read more...]
VFD farm visits must pass the smell test
Tom Burkgren, DVM, AASV executive director, speaks out on the importance of the farm visit as part of the new VFD requirements. He calls for swine veterinarians to keep the integrity of the veterinary-client-patient-relationship valid and professional. “A farm visit by a veterinarian for the sole purpose of meeting a regulatory requirement may not pass the smell test,” he … [Read more...]
Texas expands fever tick quarantine zone
Fever ticks carry Babesia protozoa, which cause cattle fever. It is characterized by acute anemia, high fever, and enlargement of the spleen and liver, ultimately causing death for many infected cattle. Last summer, animal health officials confirmed that the fever ticks, which can carry the protozoa Babesia bovis or B. bigemina, have spread outside the permanent quarantine area … [Read more...]
New NCBA president brings ambition
Incoming National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Craig Uden brings a history of industry involvement and passion to his new position. He discusses the changes to the beef production business including trade, sustainability and market volatility. Source: Beef, January 2017, page 6. Talking about seeing big picture, Uden said, "I think our key thing is information. We … [Read more...]
Respiratory disease part of cold weather aftermath
Cold temperatures often bring an increase in sick calves. There are physiologic reasons why it increases the risk of respiratory disease. This should prompt caretakers to further tune in more to the health of their calves. Early detection and treatment is important to calves’ immediate health as well as to long-term production. Source: Dairy Herd Management, January 14, … [Read more...]
FDA asked to clarify definition of milk
More than 30 members of Congress wrote a letter to the FDA, asking it to clarify its position on nondairy “milk.” Soy milk, almond milk, rice milk and coconut milk are alternatives to dairy, carry the same name but lack many of the health benefits real cows’ milk has to offer. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 16, 2017. The dairy industry is proud of its products and the … [Read more...]
Producers turning to vaccines, biosecurity
A Brakke study conducted among beef, dairy, swine and poultry producers in late 2016 found that vaccination protocols and improved sanitation were the top two strategies for 70 percent or more of all producers in response to the loss of shared use antibiotics. Source: WattAgNet.com, January 12, 2017, (partial access). The study found that, among the changes in feed … [Read more...]
NYC cat-astrophe – 100’s of cats quarantined
A rare strain of bird flu has flown through New York City’s animal shelters. So far, 500 cats have been quarantined and 386 of the them have tested positive for the H7N2 virus — the first time the disease has even been found in cats, officials said. Source: New York Post, January 12, 2017. Collecting cats from shelters in all corners of the city, city officials have locked … [Read more...]
Manage to minimize lameness
Marcia Endres, dairy specialist at the University of Minnesota, acknowledges lameness will never fully be eliminated from dairy herds, but producers need to be proactive to reduce its incidence. Review this article and discuss it with producers during on-farm calls or planning meetings. Studies referenced show dairy farmers only identify about 25 percent of lameness. Source: … [Read more...]
Get in line with VFD
January 1st came and brought a new set of rules and questions. This article reconfirms the regulatory details and offers some questions for producers should ask themselves before inspections occur. They include: Did you keep copies of VFD orders for at least two years? Did you feed the authorized number of animals on the VFD order? Did you feed VFD feed for … [Read more...]
Cornell University launches vector-borne disease center
To better understand, prevent and treat diseases passed from insects to people, the Cornell University-led Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases will launch later this month, thanks to a $10 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, January 11, 2017. The center will have six applied research … [Read more...]
Behind the Mars-VCA merger
Bob Antin, CEO of VCA, and Poul Weihrauch, president of Mars Petcare, talked with DVM360 in an exclusive interview. They discussed their companies, the veterinary profession and if corporate practice is the downfall or salvation of veterinary medicine. Both men addressed the January 9 Bloomberg article. Source: DVM360, January 11, 2017. Weihrauch’s parting thoughts: This is … [Read more...]
Dr. Blach talks consolidation
Edward L. Blach, DVM, MS, MBA, shares perspective in the most recent Is My Practice Healthy? He says, “All around us we see consolidation. It is a fact of life, and one that impacts all of us.” Recent entries also cover vision, technology, budgeting and discounting. Sources: Is My Practice Healthy? Weekly Summary, January 8, 2017 Is My Practice Healthy? Weekly … [Read more...]