Little had been known about the impact of beef semen on the dairy cow until a project at Pennsylvania State University that was summarized in the Journal of Dairy Science. . . . using beef sires on your dairy herd isn’t going to hurt a herd of high-producing dairy cows.” – Bailey Basiel, PhD candidate Source: STgenetics, January 10, 2024. Link. Basiel reports there was a … [Read more...]
Marketing might benefit from some cynicism
Commentary We put Hannah O’Rourke’s article calling for more realistic messaging in this section acknowledging veterinarians serving producers are providing services and products in B2B settings focused on optimizing revenue in addition to animal health. She lends a dose of realism given how frequently products are presented as the Holy Grail with no room for business owners … [Read more...]
Emerging equine eye therapies
Horses will likely develop eye issues at some point in their lives. Chris Smith, DVM, shares four cutting-edge treatments for equine eye issues ranging from corneal ulcers to cancer. They offer hope for owners caring for horses with eye conditions: Low-dose gentamicin intravitreal injection Corneal cross-linking Cyclophotocoagulation Photodynamic … [Read more...]
An update on multi-drug-resistant parasites in horses
During a University of Kentucky equine vet CE event, Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, DACVM, DEVPC, DVSc, provided attendees with an update on the current state of parasite drug resistance, as well as the most current guidelines for diagnosing drug resistance in horses. He shared equine-practitioner-specific recommendations that will appear in an updated version of the AAEP’s … [Read more...]
Skippy named Farm Bureau’s 2024 Farm Dog of the Year
Skippy, a 4-year-old Border Collie, Australian Shepherd and Catahoula Hound mix, is the grand prize winner of the 2024 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Award. Owned by Georgians Laura and Donald Adams, Skippy helps herd cattle, get rid of predators and helps Donald through his paralysis caused by a 2019 farm injury. The Adams received Skippy from P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA, an … [Read more...]
Essential oils smell good to us but may be dangerous for pets
We live in a smell-sensitive society awash with myriad options for improving the aromas of our environs. With more than 60 percent of households with pets, the $2 billion U.S. air freshener market continues to grow <Link>. Aware of the potential health or environmental risks associated with synthetic chemicals, consumer demand is increasing for organic and natural … [Read more...]
11 ways dog owners could be stressing out dogs without realizing it
Pet owners’ everyday activities may unknowingly cause their dogs stress. These include smoking, sunglasses and hats, staring too intensely, tight hugs and more. This is great content to share on social media and in newsletters, as well as review with clinic, retail and pet boarding employees. Source: BUSINESS INSIDER, January 19, 2024. Link. Also see: Dog mental health … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 22, 2024
Forbes trends in pet health care, VMX review, grooming’s pivotal role, choosing a credit card processer, exceptional lobbies, pets as family, lines of credit and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 22. 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Knowing what dogs like to watch could help veterinarians assess their vision
Seeking better ways to assess dogs’ vision, researchers needed to first determine what kind of video content dogs prefer. Video content featuring animals was the most popular, with other dogs being by far the most engaging subjects to watch. Movement on screens was a strong motivator for screen attention however, no mention was made about whether sounds were … [Read more...]
JAVMA adding video transcripts
Keeping with the advancing digital communications, JAVMA is developing a space within their journals for articles that are centered around a clinical video, but also include the hallmarks of a scientific paper, such as an abstract, references and study objectives. As a clinician, I’ve often read peer-reviewed articles on a novel technique and wished for an easier way to … [Read more...]
Are cross-selling and personalization now the same?
We are in the midst of a software revolution, writes Armondo Roggio. He shares perspectives on the rapid changes in e-commerce marketing approaches fueled by ever-evolving AI which is blurring the lines between personalization and cross-selling. He warns marketers to avoid putting merchandising on auto-pilot and allow an AI to take over. The better AI becomes, the more blurry … [Read more...]
Social media calendars help plan clinic outreach
Consistency, relevance and authenticity are key to fostering lasting relationships with your audience in the digital landscape, writes Adam Christman, DVM, MBA. His article is good guidance for veterinary clinic teams to help them avoid knee-jerk posting. A content calendar serves as a road map, enabling veterinary hospitals to plan their social media content systematically.” … [Read more...]
Swine herd biosecurity can reduce the incidence risk of PRRS
The industry can keep PRRS at bay, says Scott Dee, DVM, MS, PhD. The results of a two-year retrospective study provide confidence that improvements in swine herd biosecurity can reduce the incidence risk of PRRS. He shares the importance of next-level biosecurity and relates it to all group housed animal settings. Biosecurity is a people business. If people don’t follow the … [Read more...]
Practices that push cow-calf profitability
Spending money with veterinarians was listed as a top investment producers can make to grow cattle profits in 2024 <Link>. Winter weather stresses producer resources while the ensuing tax season gets pencils sharpened. It is a good time for veterinarians to collaborate on best practices that generate profit gains while ensuring optimal herd health. A University of … [Read more...]
Decision making in severe equine asthma. Diagnosis and monitoring.
The authors of this paper developed a flow-chart to help equine practitioners in the process of decision making associated with diagnosing and monitoring SEA. To improve diagnostic and treatment accuracy they present various tests that help monitor the occurrence of pathological changes, such as mucus accumulation and bronchial smooth muscle hypertrophy secondary to the … [Read more...]
Brands share feeding fundamentals for puppies and kittens
The puppy and kitten diet market is replete with brands. Glenn A. Polyn shares insights from various brands on the nutritional needs of puppies and kittens in this article. Consistent delivery of nutritional elements that support steady growth and managing feed timing and volume are common to most brand messages. Polyn advocates for retailers to become more knowledgeable about … [Read more...]
Purina unveils 2024 Pet Care Innovation Prize winners
Pet care startups from the U.S., Canada and Australia have been named finalists for the eighth annual Pet Care Innovation Prize powered by Purina. The first round winners brought innovations across the spectrum of pet care products and services including pet enrichment toys; a toothbrush designed specifically for a cat’s anatomy; alternative protein and allergy-friendly pet … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 15, 2024
OSHA log reminder, PetSmart evolving employee engagement, PR and AI for small business, rural area volunteers, meeting changes as a small business, grooming growth supported by brands and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, January 15, 2024. Link. Also see: IBPSA addresses new canine respiratory illness, IBPSA, January 16, 2024. Link. To prevent infected dogs from … [Read more...]
How much automation is too much?
Commentary Self-service phone options offer streamlining for businesses and customers. BUT, when these options require multiple prompts, take two minutes or more and end without the ability to talk to a human, the customer service experience suffers. Digitization provides important advancements in providing better veterinary medicine and patient outcomes, but animal owners … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 11, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 4, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the January 4th AHD Bulletin – Will we be ready? Introducing Gen Alpha. Link. Cat takes exception to coyotes attacking the family dog (video). Link. Communication – a critical skill for success. Link. … [Read more...]
Beef on dairy, the perfect cross
The average number of milk cows for the nation's total dairy herd remains level <Link>. To produce milk a cow must have a calf whether the calf is desired or not. So, dairy producers eager to create a valuable calf have the beef-on-dairy revolution booming. These crossbred animals are making a considerable contribution to meat cases, thereby driving research on producing … [Read more...]
YYuk! Average office desks contaminated with more bacteria than public toilets
The surfaces around your workplace are some of the worst bacteria hotspots you come in contact with each day, writes Jessica Bennett. Keyboards, telephones, computer mice, desktops, coffee cups, door knobs and more can have more than 30 times the bacteria compared to public toilet seats. Bennett offers ways to clean up these bacteria traps. Animal health pros have a handy … [Read more...]
Advancing oral care at home, COHAT in the veterinary hospital
Attention VMX attendees! Visit booth #1416 to learn about new advancements in veterinary dental diagnostics. Addison Biological Laboratories is hosting D.A.V.I.D. X-Ray in their booth to introduce it to the veterinary community. Learn about an AI tool that helps veterinary teams read a dental radiograph or photo with the accuracy of a board-certified veterinary … [Read more...]
Petfood industry, a lot on its mind going into New Year
Health and wellness, e-commerce and sustainability were identified as top of mind by Lindsay Beaton. We noted the mention of prevention in the treats and supplements category. Source: PETFOOD Industry, January 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 8, 2024
State of pet nutrition, embracing uncertainty, productivity killers, employee bonus programs for small business and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, January 8, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Changes at JAVMA, AVJR modernizing, speeding processes
The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and its sister publication, the American Journal of Veterinary Research, are being modernized rapidly under the leadership of its latest editor, Lisa Fortier, DVM, PhD. An updated website and the immediate appearance of journal articles in PubMed and ePub ahead of print are examples, along with more rapid review times … [Read more...]
10 Trends to watch in 2024
Harvard Business School faculty share insights from their research about business trends companies are expected to face in 2024. They offer advice about how managers and their employees can navigate challenges and opportunities this year. Source: Harvard Business School, Working Knowledge, January 2, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Guide to monthly communication ideas to engage and attract clients
Complimentary Content Lifelearn Animal Health offers for a limited time the free Ultimate 2024 Marketing Communication Strategies Inspiration Guide to help practices target communications and support practice marketing. It provides timely, engaging and fun ideas, along with examples to consider each month to help: Keep clients engaged all year long Make your job … [Read more...]
MWI Animal Health, Hound announce strategic partnership
Complimentary Commercial Content MWI Animal Health provides services and technology solutions for veterinary practices, and part of Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen) announced a strategic partnership with Hound, a leading veterinary talent platform. The partnership strengthens MWI Animal Health and Hound’s shared vision to provide the technology and tools necessary for … [Read more...]
New livestock drug rules collide with rural vet shortages
The medical importance of GFI 263 is clear, despite large animal veterinary shortages, the required VCPRs and producer expectations. <GFI 263> puts pressure on both sides . . . to do things differently. The driving factor is that by working through GFI 263 together, both producers and veterinarians are doing their best for animals and humans in preventing antimicrobial … [Read more...]