Picking and managing best traits has long been part of the art of livestock production. Still, doing something new may be right to add value through genetics and marketing programs. A panel at the 2022 Angus Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, shared tactics and thought processes commercial cattlemen can use to grow their operation during the November 5th event. . . . the gap … [Read more...]
Proper ventilation lends itself to healthier calves
One of the most important issues directly associated with the health of calves is proper ventilation. Ensuring that calf barns and hutches are not completely closed and that calves are housed in a draft-free environment are two key elements to proper ventilation. As temperatures fall below 50°F, calves deplete their own energy making daily adjustments to calf conditions … [Read more...]
Four factors that will shape 2023
Mark Kalaygian looks into his crystal ball for the 2023 pet retail business citing: The return of innovation Global Pet Expo returning to full strength Mergers and acquisitions NO clear difference-making product trend . . . the growing focus on pet health care should be considered <as a prominent trend>, but it is a complex category that requires much … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 28, 2022
IBPSA Fast Bites is back this week with more news for those working in pet care and boarding, pet walkers and sitters, trainers, holistic pet care providers and veterinarians. The industry is evolving to meet the needs of modern pet ownership, resulting in a shift toward more convenient and tech-forward services, as well as more sustainable and environmentally friendly … [Read more...]
WHO cites antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 threats to humanity
Reinforcing the messaging of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week the senior animal health officer for FAO, discusses the impact antimicrobial resistance is having on animal health. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and food production have put our future at risk.” Source: News Medical, November 24, 2022. Link. Responsible and … [Read more...]
Outbreaks are inevitable, but pandemics are optional (video)
Experts suggest a new era of zoonoses and elevated risks demands new thinking and approaches, shares Krissa Welshans referencing “Zoonotic Diseases in Animal Agriculture and Beyond: A One Health Perspective,” a new paper from the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. It focuses on zoonotic diseases and the importance of One Health. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, November 23, … [Read more...]
Distributors can help customers mitigate inflation, shortages
Distributors and their customers are navigating a difficult and unexpected world. Conditions are unpredictable, but distributors can become more proactive as procurement leaders. Using Michael Wilson’s assertions, animal health distributors can help customers in these primary areas: End quarterly briefings: Move to monthly, bi-monthly reviews and include supply chain … [Read more...]
Students turning meat processing co-products into potential pet treats
Graduate students at Auburn University have been conducting research to study various aspects of developing treats from poultry co-products such as wing tips, broiler carcass frames, woody breasts and organs, in addition to organs and other parts from beef and swine. Palatability and sensory trials along with economic production models will follow. Upcycling parts of livestock … [Read more...]
5 keys to modern radiation protection
Complimentary Commercial Content It’s become easier to establish and maintain safety standards for staff who conduct imaging procedures, writes Deborah Cameron. She identifies five key tools or processes for modern radiation protection. Using them means that safety steps are more likely to be taken on a daily and weekly basis, so practices are alerted to small concerns … [Read more...]
Peace of mind medicine: The importance of telehealth and virtual care in veterinary medicine
Complimentary Content Guest Jessica Trimble, DVM, explains the importance of offering virtual services, and how they can affect both clients and staff in this edition of The Vet Blast Podcast. She discusses benefits and challenges of implementing virtual care and telehealth. Source: The Vet Blast Podcast, DVM 360 , November 17, 2022. Link. (18 … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 21, 2022
With content relevant to owners and employees of pet boarding and daycare facilities, groomers, dog walkers, pet sitters, veterinarians, trainers and holistic pet care providers, the IBPSA weekly Fast Bites is one of the member benefits for these pet care services businesses. We’re pleased to share our Animal Health Digest with IBPSA members and to include Fast Bites for our … [Read more...]
Most read AHD posts
These posts meet our criteria for high readership. They reflect our readers’ interests, challenges and opportunities. Source: Animal Health Digest. Some most read posts from recent AHD Bulletins include: Confronting your biases (video) <Link> African swine fever . . . catching up <Link> Need to vent? <Link> Veterinarians shouldn’t do it all … [Read more...]
Vetsource unveils new brand reflecting company’s growth
Complimentary Commercial Content Following the acquisitions of Vet2Pet and VetSuccess, the new Vetsource brand marks an inclusive start for its expanded portfolio of veterinary business solutions. It represents a singular brand that encompasses client engagement (formerly Vet2Pet), and data and insights (formerly VetSuccess), as well as prescription management. Source: … [Read more...]
Top 10 pet toxins: in the Chatroom with the Chatfields
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jen the vet and Dr. Jason Chatfield are joined by Dr. Renee Schmid from the Pet Poison Helpline and Safety Call International to chat about the top 10 toxins in pets in 2021. Includes V’s view from vet school. The Pet Poison Hotline is available for anyone concerned an animal has ingested or been exposed to a potential toxin. Animals are … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club – Cushing to discuss cannabis
Complimentary Content The Bridge Club will address what a practice can do with cannabinoids, state-by-state issues, what veterinarians can say and if selling is allowed in an upcoming virtual event. No fees but registration is required. Mark Cushing, JD, is the guest speaker. Virtual event via Zoom: December 7, 2022. 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. CST Source: The Bridge Club. … [Read more...]
Optimizing nutrition for cats and dogs
Opinion Pet food content consistently asserts the changing landscape of pet nutrition and how pet owners are seeking diets that parallel their own nutrition choices. Beyond brands, ingredients, kibble versus frozen, and fresh versus processed are among the considerations. Pet owners are responsible for their pets’ proper nutrition Too many dogs and cats are obese … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 14, 2022
Chasing customer loyalty, pet food trends driving growth, cost cutting for pet owners, pet services over $9 billion now, upcoming webinars and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, November 14, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Association of Shelter Veterinarians announces academic journal
Achieving a long-time goal, the ASV has launched the Journal of Shelter Medicine & Community Animal Health. The publication is the first academic journal devoted to shelter and community medicine and is a rolling admission online, gold open access journal. It will provide evidence-based research affecting the welfare of animals in shelters and communities for veterinarians … [Read more...]
Vet Watch trends. Do these concern you?
Commentary The latest Vet Watch trend tracking begs attention. Note the metric showing a reduction in the number of clients. It is an area where practices and the animal health pros who serve them can focus actionably. Returning clients and their pets to an active status requires individual communication supported by client base communications. Start with your own staff, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 10, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Vaccinating unhealthy animals by Scott Weese, DVM. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, November 3, 2022. Link. 50 therapist-approved tips to stave off holiday stress Source: PARADE, December 6, 2021. Link. For many, the holiday season is particularly difficult. The pressure to show up a certain … [Read more...]
Pigs may help treat, prevent diseases in humans
2019 Png vectors byLovepik.com Scientists at the National Swine Resource and Research Center at the University of Missouri have become the go-to source for genetically modified pigs. The animals are used by researchers across the U.S. to study various diseases that affect humans. The work is categorized as translational medicine where therapies and treatments … [Read more...]
The pros and cons of orthobiologics in horses
Orthobiologics* appear to be key tools in improving equine health and welfare, writes Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, summarizing a presentation at the September Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners Convention. All orthobiologics use the body’s natural physiologic processes to reduce inflammation and facilitate the repair of injured tissues. Oke shares key concepts … [Read more...]
Pet friendly locations offer help so dogs aren’t home alone
Taking dogs out and about helps improve their mental stimulation. A growing number of retail locations offer pet friendly access to myriad new sights and smells for dogs. The author reminds pet owners to call stores for their policies and to do a reality check. If dogs aren’t good in crowds, or aren’t the most well-behaved on a leash, a few training classes are in order before … [Read more...]
How technology can make work harder
Citing the smorgasbord of software needed to do any task these days, Hope King uses terms like toggling tax and digital dexterity to explain how tech advancements have come at mental and sometimes emotional costs along with declining productivity among knowledge workers. Source: AXIOS, November 7, 2022. Link. One Harvard Business Review study suggests workers are switching … [Read more...]
Is customer service bad by design?
Animal health customer service pros and their executives will want to invest the time to listen to this episode of On Point. It takes on customer service frustration and success from customers’ and employees’ points of view. The discussion among the host and two customer experience experts features relevant examples of poorly designed customer journeys and ways to improve … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 3, 2022
Last week’s most read post – Jacks, jennies, johns and hinnies; the hybrid world of donkeys and horses. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Link. Nationwide, Petco form partnership to focus on end-to-end pet care Source: Pet Business, October 27, 2022. Link. New joint offerings are expected to be … [Read more...]
Using fecal metabolites as biomarkers for pigs
Sanitary conditions alter the composition of the microbiome in pigs which affects their productivity, health and welfare. Researchers in the Netherlands believe the use of biomarkers could provide the basis for monitoring subclinical health status in pigs or formulating targeted nutritional interventions aimed at balancing the immune system in young pigs without being … [Read more...]
Prep dairy farms for winter now
It’s never too soon to prepare a dairy for winter. This task list from Penn State University Extension is a handy reminder for producers and a good conversation starter in person or via phone. Source: The Cattle Site, October 31, 2022. Link. Below are a few reminders when prepping the farm for the winter season. Make a checklist Barn maintenance Water Maternity … [Read more...]
QSM Diagnostics and Mella Pet Care integrate platforms for infection testing
Complimentary Commercial Content Mella and QSM Diagnostics have unveiled the addition of the QSM OTTER eQ instrument platform in the Mella Desktop Application. The test improves antibiotic stewardship for veterinarians by increasing the accuracy of identifying bacterial infections. The integration with Mella reduces duplication and allows for the test results to be sent … [Read more...]
You CAN change from a night owl to an early bird (video)
While you can’t change your genetic predisposition, you don’t have to let it control you. Sleep experts have several techniques to alter your body clock if you’re willing to let them. Success depends on how much you are willing to change behaviors that affect sleep. If your body and brain fail to rev up until later in the day, you’re likely a night owl, naturally programmed to … [Read more...]