Researchers from the University of Minnesota have been testing whether wearable tech — like a Fitbit, but for cows — can help farmers make smarter decisions about when to treat animals and, just as importantly, when not to. One of the biggest takeaways from the research is how to define a truly “healthy” cow in all the various settings cows can be tracked and … [Read more...]
Inflatable tube man as bird deterrent
Includes Commercial Content We noticed the comments about the inflatable tube men in the National Hog Farmer article here. We later found found additional information about using inflatable tube dancers to help control birds and deer from LookOurWay. The erratic movement of inflatable tube men gives birds and other pests no chance to adapt. Sources: Migratory birds … [Read more...]
Regenerative therapy options for horses with osteoarthritis
Some of the most mainstream and popular modalities currently used to manage osteoarthritis in horses are a) autologous conditioned serum, b) autologous protein solution, c) platelet-rich plasma and d) mesenchymal stem cell, explains Matt Leshaw, DVM. He explains how each of the methods is done and relates successes noting regenerative medicine is still in its … [Read more...]
How to determine the best approach to separation-related behaviors in dogs
Separation-related behaviors are non-specifics, writes Moira Hechenleitner DVM, CSAT. She explains the importance of determining the underlying cause before designing an environment and training protocol that sets the dog up for success. The objective is to allow the animal to feel safe and stay below its anxiety threshold. Source: Innovative Veterinary Care, May 23, 2024. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 26, 2025
Expanding bans on pet sales ban in retail shops, vet triage AI platforms compared, Royal Canin to sponsor Raising the Perfect Pet a collaboration with Martha Stewart, tariff effect on pet care costs, hiring a summer intern and more . . . Source: IBPSA, May 26, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Play the long game with human-AI collaboration
This Gallup article emphasizes keeping people at the center of AI strategies. It offers noteworthy perspectives from Christos Makridis who asserts that AI excels at recognizing patterns and making predictions, but people provide the context, intuition and ethics. The most powerful results happen when each does what it does best. Source: Gallup, May 16, 2025. Link. AI can … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 22, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 16, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin - NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Highlights Report. Link. Dog trainer’s graphic explains dog park risks. Link. A review of respiratory viruses and performance horse health. Link. Let’s review: Foot rot. Link. Medgene … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo® 2025 to open June 4th in Des Moines, Iowa
World Pork Expo remains a premier event for swine producers and the swine industry. The two day event draws more than 10,000 pork producers and ag professionals across the world each year. Nearly 400 companies from North America and around the world will be on-site, displaying products and services at booths, outdoor exhibits and hospitality tents at the 2025 WPX. Promoted by … [Read more...]
Public comments sought on acupuncture, embryo transfer as veterinary specialties
The American Board of Veterinary Acupuncture and the American Embryo Transfer Association are seeking recognition as veterinary specialty organizations. The American Board of Veterinary Specialties has put out a call for public comment on these two proposed specialties. The AVMA is seeking comments on the proposals through August 12th <Link>. Source: AVMA, May 16, … [Read more...]
Advances in swine housing, health and welfare
New legal requirements, consumers’ opinions, challenging epidemiological conditions and increased pork demand are driving an imminent transition in swine production. New housing conditions and the need for improved welfare are top of mind issues across the industry. Two of the five articles presented in this special issue of Animals investigate finishing pen space and … [Read more...]
Estrous synchronization, not just for doing artificial insemination
One of the main advantages of using synchronization technology is that it provides an extra opportunity for females to be bred during the first 21 days of the breeding season. The authors present opportunities and challenges for producers using synchronization along with natural service including potential improvements to herd cost-to-reward ratios. Source: Drovers, May 19, … [Read more...]
What are the risks to horse teeth and wellness from wearing a grazing muzzle?
AAEP’s Horse Owner Education Committee shared this information on Facebook. They compare the relatively minimal risks of tooth wear to the potential consequences of not wearing a grazing muzzle, especially in at-risk horses. Source: AAEP, Facebook, May 19, 2025. Link. Also see: Grazing muzzles and weight control, Horse Sport, May 24, 2024. Link. Researchers reported the … [Read more...]
Simplicity equals success for parasiticide compliance
Recent metrics from Vetsource show year-over-year parasiticide purchases remain in the negative <Link>. The April 2025 VetWatch® commentary echoed the decline <Link>. Across the industry, client adherence to preventatives remains a primary concern. Jamie Lyn asked three veterinarians to identify the practical insights and tactics some practices use to … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 19, 2025
Free grooming services webinar slated for June 4th, helping teams embrace new technology, forward-flow funding, small business tax priorities, growing demand for pet funerals, report on trends in pet sitting market and more . . . Note the announcement about The Forum conference scheduled for September 22nd and 23rd. IBPSA is bringing together a dynamic lineup of respected … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 15, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 8, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 8, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Three 3 rules of three for successful communications. Link. New survey shows horse owners underestimate disease risks. Link. Your brand. Link. Mental health considerations for cats. Link. Hay, forage outlook for 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Breeding heat-tolerant cattle (video)
When temperatures hit 70oF, cattle begin experiencing heat stress. Dairy farmers breeding heat-tolerant cattle using the Australian Breeding Value are reducing lost milk yield during hot, sticky summer months. The ABV testing has drawn considerable attention worldwide as heat losses are often seen between 25 percent and 40 percent of their herd’s milk yield. Source: Good … [Read more...]
Anthony Pease, DVM, talks about Viticus Group’ Nashville expansion
The Viticus Group is expanding to offer a NEW national conference (WVC Nashville) and more hands-on training in Nashville. Tony Pease, DVM, shares the who, what, when, where and why of this new expansion effort. Source: Viticus Group Insider, May, 2025. Link. [13:02] … [Read more...]
K-State researchers update African Swine Fever virus stability to cold, heat
A new study from Kansas State University found that the ASF virus was still detectable in samples that were repeatedly frozen and stored at 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 degrees Fahrenheit), thawed and then frozen again. ASF is known to be a particularly tough virus to destroy. Still, the viability may allow for samples of the virus could be frozen and stored or transported over … [Read more...]
Can oxytocin boost colostrum?
Seeking what might be called the holy grail of dairy production, researchers at Cornell University recently completed a study to evaluate whether supplemental oxytocin at the first milking could improve colostrum volume, quality, or both. They found: First-calf heifers responded favorably to the highest dose of oxytocin Generally, multiparous cows did not show the same … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Foot rot
Foot rot, also known as interdigital necrobacillosis, is an infectious disease that affects the sensitive tissues of the feet in cattle. Foot rot can affect cattle of all ages, with increased incidences during or following wet, muddy and humid conditions. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the primary agent responsible for foot rot. Although a common skin bacterian, F. … [Read more...]
There’s no place for shock and prong in dog training
Contains commercial links Two professional organizations recently updated their policies. Only one made a commitment to reward-based training, writes Zazie Todd. She reviews evidence against aversive training and stances of various organizations noting these most recently: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants decided to rule out the use of … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 12, 2025
Consumers don’t understand how small businesses contribute, capitalizing on pet parent psychology, outlasting small business shortfalls, validation-driven marketing and more . . . Source: IBPSA, May 12, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Highlights Report
Commentary There is a lot to digest in this 2025 report from NAPHIA for those interested in numbers*. In 2024, the overall penetration rate for pet insurance in the U.S. marketplace reached 3.92 percent (based on the population of 163.5 million pets). The top claims paid by dog or cat breed and the most common medical conditions are interesting. Source: NAPHIA, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]
Where are the horses in the U.S.?
The map from the 2022 USDA Agricultural Census can help animal health pros visualize where the majority of horses live in the U.S. Wild and feral horses are likely not captured in this population depiction. The American Horse Council estimates that there are about 6.6 million horses currently in the U.S. <Link>. Source: Brandiwyne Tack & Feed, Facebook, April 19, … [Read more...]
FDA approves PRRS-resistant pig
After years testing a rainbow of pigs, Genus has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the gene-edited PRRS-resistant pig in the U.S. food supply chain. Source: National Hog Farmer, April 28, 2025. Link. Addressing PRRS can allow us to improve animal welfare and reduce the environmental impact of raising pigs. Recent research indicates that PRRS … [Read more...]
ScribbleVet achieves SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance, validating data security in veterinary care
With cyber threats on the rise, SOC 2 Type 2 compliance ensures ScribbleVet's infrastructure meets enterprise-grade security requirements. Veterinary practices using ScribbleVet can confidently safeguard patient records and client data, mitigate risks associated with digital transformation, and meet regulatory and insurance obligations for data protection, the company … [Read more...]
Better feed, fewer burps: Scientists target dairy gas emissions
University of Florida research provides a different perspective on methane gas which is consistently under fire in the greenhouse gas dialogue. When cows’ stomachs make methane, they lose valuable energy that could otherwise be used to make milk or meat. Keeping methane in is better than having it come out. The researchers investigated a potential dairy cattle … [Read more...]
Lowering unit cost of production in cow-calf herds
Although the beef market remains strong, there is a limit to how much an animal will bring in the marketplace. At some point, cow-calf producers must consider managing input costs to yield higher profits. Aaron Berger shares ways to address the costs of production in this article. Source: The Stockman, April 2025. Link. Commentary Historically, producers often reduced … [Read more...]
Tick control may be possible from exposed animals’ immune systems
Could it be? New Washington State University research reveals that animals like deer mice, rabbits and cattle can develop resistance to tick bites. And once they do, tick populations start to plummet. Ticks feeding on previously exposed animals were 23 percent less likely to reach adulthood, and female ticks that did survive produced 32 percent fewer larvae. Simulations … [Read more...]
New survey shows horse owners underestimate disease risks
Content provided by Merck Animal Health A new survey of AAEP members builds on a 2023 survey of horse owners, where researchers sought to better understand of owners’ knowledge and awareness of biosecurity practices for preventing infectious disease in the United States. The results of both surveys reveal many horse owners underestimate infectious disease risks and only take … [Read more...]