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...]
World Milk Day is Sunday, June 1st
World Milk Day is a movement that highlights milk as a vital, accessible food source that nourishes billions. With economic conditions front-of-mind, it’s good news that recent studies show that the inclusion of animal-source foods like dairy can limit the cost of the total diet while providing essential nutrients necessary for good health. Let’s raise a glass of milk for … [Read more...]
New World screwworm fact sheet from Texas A&M
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts have released an updated fact sheet publication about the New World screwworm to provide livestock producers with key information about prevention, infestation and reporting of infestations. NOTE: Missouri screwworm report false, BEEF, May 27, 2025. Link. The USDA said the May 27th news … [Read more...]
Vent gleet in chickens
Cloacitis, commonly referred to as vent gleet may also be called pasting or nasty chicken butt. Regardless it is the inflammation of the chicken's cloaca. Vent gleet isn't a specific disease but more of a gastrointestinal condition that can be caused by a number of different reasons, including many types of organisms such as fungi, protozoa, parasites, yeast, and bacteria. … [Read more...]
Add H5N1 to clinic differentials for sick pet birds
The current HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain is now the most widespread HPAI outbreak on record, affecting millions of animals worldwide. The virus has created the most problems with poultry but is now recognized as relevant in wild birds, mammals, cattle, domestic cats and pet and aviary birds. Terra Kelly, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACZM, and Carrie McNeil, DVM, MPH, provide guidance … [Read more...]
Reminder: Beware of possible harmful algae bloom
As families seek recreation near water and the edges of ponds fill with that green slime, it’s a good time to revisit safety measures to avoid harmful algae. Harmful algae are found in both freshwater and marine environments. They are caused by a variety of toxin-producing microalgae, including prokaryotic blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic … [Read more...]
Alpha-Gal Syndrome story: How researchers traced a red-meat allergy to Lone Star ticks
The range expansion of the Lone Star tick has been reported redundantly. Focused on our pets, we don’t always associate the Lone Star tick as a culprit that causes red meat allergies in humans. Danielle Gerhard, PhD, tells the story of how scientists discovered the Lone Star tick as the culprit causing Alpha-Gal Syndrome. This is an interesting read and a topic worthy of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 29, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 22, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 22, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Continuous improvement. Link. Top 10 wild animals most likely to attack pet cats. Link. Spay/neuter: It’s time for a discussion. Link. Tick-borne diseases of concern in U.S. horses. Link. Public comments sought on acupuncture, … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Medgene introduces cryptosporidiosis vaccine for calves
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the C. parvum protozoa and can result in lethargy and poor growth rates in neonatal ruminants, in addition to long periods of persistent diarrhea. Medgene’s cryptosporidiosis vaccine can be given to cows and heifers prior to calving, providing protection to calves through their colostrum. It is also the only crypto vaccine for cattle in the U.S. … [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...]
USDA closes southern border, NCBA supports decision to halt the New World screwworm
Despite the United States' work to control the New World screwworm, weak governmental participation in Central America allowed the insect to spread north out of Panama. This has been coupled with a lack of timely action by officials in Mexico and now the U.S. cattle herd, other livestock, wildlife, pets and humans are at risk again. Consequently, the USDA has closed the U.S. … [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...]
Hay, forage outlook for 2025
Marian Viney provides a timely look at hay prices in different areas and how drought can affect availability and prices. Forage availability and costs play into producer confidence and their relationships with animal health pros. Source: Progressive Forage, May 1, 2025. Link. Related: Tips to manage cow-calf pairs through a drought, UNL Beef, April 1, 2025. … [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...]
Large animal internship guidelines emphasize mentorship, supervision, outcomes
It’s a first! AVMA’s Large Animal Hospital Internship Guidelines and Veterinary Large Animal Ambulatory Internship Guidelines outline the structure of a successful large animal internship for both scenarios, accounting for issues specific to working in such practices. Source: AVMA, April 28, 2025. Link. The internship guidelines say that such programs should be a one-year … [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...]
Is it time to legalize horse slaughter in the U.S.?
Commentary Kudos to Sarah McNaughton-Peterson for addressing a volatile topic. As a horse owner, she is grounded in doing the best for her animals. Still she asserts, “there comes a time . . .” Her comment about culling practices is notable. With welfare issues top of mind, she reminds us that the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 classifies horses as livestock, of … [Read more...]
Reminder: Don’t bring home more than ribbons from shows
Fair and show season is here and Sophie Varner’s article reminds us of the importance of planning for animal biosecurity to protect our livestock investments before, during and after shows. The same goes for horses going to events or trail rides. AND . . . don’t forget to protect the pets that travel to shows and events. Veterinary teams can use Varner’s article as a … [Read more...]
Extended colostrum feeding adds $500 per heifer, slashes treatment costs, boosts lifetime milk
Leading producers are capitalizing on the untapped potential of extended colostrum feeding, writes Andrew Hunt. He shares research from Dr. Michael Steele at the University of Guelph showing that transitioning quickly from colostrum to milk replacer could limit a herd’s genetic potential and reduce the operation’s future revenue. Source: The Bullvine, April 11, 2025. … [Read more...]
Make temperature monitoring part of daily calf care
A lot has been written on keeping calves warm in cold weather and easing environmental heat during summer heat waves <Link>. In this article, Maureen Hanson shares the importance of urging producers to make temperature monitoring a routine part of daily calf care. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, February 26, 2025. Link. Early detection of disease is critical to avoid … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 24, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 17, 2024. Link. Most read posts from April 17, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Pain in dairy cattle: a narrative review. Link. Your part in heartworm prevention. Link. More than half of U.S. pet owners skip, decline needed vet care. Link. Sales reps are struggling: 10 ugly truths sales leaders must … [Read more...]