Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 13, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the June 13th AHD Bulletin – Comedian: Taking my dog to the vet. Link. Brakke study shows pet owners not always aware of e-retail options. Link. Debunking fly spray myths. Link. ===================================== Woof! A new wrinkle in marketing real … [Read more...]
Cheese now drives dairy growth
Consumption of dairy products has reached an all-time high driven by the consumption of cheese products worldwide. The size of the world cheese market is anticipated to grow by $39.1 billion by 2027. Dairy is not declining; dairy is growing. We’re simply eating more of our dairy than we’re drinking.” - Michael Dykes Source: STgenetics, June 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
The average dairy cow is still growing
There is a vital need for reevaluation of current feeding and grouping strategies, writes Alvaro Garcia. Separating first-lactation cows from older ones in dairy barn settings serves several critical purposes including tailored management, particularly in nutrition. The herd’s social dynamics often significantly impact younger cows. With most cows spending a limited time on … [Read more...]
Make cows earn their living
Running a cow-calf operation costs money, a lot of money. Understanding more about the details of the costs producers incur may help veterinary teams and suppliers reposition their value and likewise support producer profitability. Elizabeth Hodges shares the different economic categories Aaron Berger shared with young farmers and ranchers. Commentary Although one might … [Read more...]
Extremely rare, sacred white buffalo calf born in Yellowstone
A rare white buffalo calf was born in June in Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park. Jason Bittel shares the significance of this leucistic calf in the current time as well as some of the indigenous lore surrounding white buffalos. White buffalo are sacred animals in Native American culture and considered both a blessing and a warning." Source: National Geographic, June … [Read more...]
Rethinking mid-lactation milk fever
The causes of mid-lactation milk fever are different than calcium milk fever in fresh cows, which makes the term somewhat misleading. Mid-lactation milk fever often occurs in multiparous, high-producing cows that had no problem in previous milkings. The authors explain the need to focus on hypomagnesemia noting nutritional and inflammatory challenges that may lead to … [Read more...]
Sweaty cattle may boost food security in a warming world
Unless we’re doing something to affect the ability of our cattle to thrive in heat stress conditions, they are not going to reproduce, so there’s a food security concern to consider, asserts Raluca Mateescu, PhD. Her team’s research shows it is possible to identify the genes within breeds of cattle that would lead to the sweatiest, heat-tolerant offspring Source: BEEF, June … [Read more...]
June heat wave enveloping the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
A hot day or two is normal, but the National Weather Service says a near-record strong heat dome will bring record-breaking high temperatures and sultry, uncomfortable nights during the next two weeks. The inherent risks to people are no surprise especially when temperatures remain high during the night. For animal health pros, reminding animal owners to keep their animals … [Read more...]
Testing mature bulls for trich – what’s important?
Despite his genetics, body condition and herd sire desirability, a mature bull with trichomoniasis can devastate the finest breeding program. Trich is a venereal disease that causes infertility, open cows and occasional abortions in cows and heifers. The only way to identify infected bulls is to perform preputial scraping and diagnostic testing to identify the presence of the … [Read more...]
Recent graduates share their best practice tips
Four hard-working, dynamic bovine practitioners shared some practical ideas and recommendations during the final session of the AABP Recent Graduate Conference. While we work on animals, we work for and with people . . . so be prompt, be practical, be polite and practice one’s skills.” - Andy Harding, DVM Source: Bovine Veterinarian, June 11, 2024. Link. Related content: 5 … [Read more...]
Asian long-horned tick associated with emerging risk in cattle
As if HPAI isn’t enough, Asian long-horned tick ranges are expanding bringing the potential for an emerging infection risk from Theileria orientalis Ikeda. The protozoa invades the red and white blood cells of cattle creating clinical signs of disease like those of anaplasmosis including anemia, jaundice, weakness, and even death. Source: BEEF, June 6, 2024. Link. Producers … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 6, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 30, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 30th AHD Bulletin – Glyphosate in dog food. Link. Microbial metabolites in feline anal glands aid cat communication. Link. Veterinary team advocacy helps pet owners choose pet insurance (2). Link. ===================================== She’s the … [Read more...]
Prepare now to help cows end the summer well
Steve Martin offered some ways to help cows through the cumulative effects of heat stress last August. He offers some heat abatement ideas that can still be implemented as June heats up. Providing better shade, clean water and air movement is always helpful. Consider using his article to discuss ideas with dairy producers on farm calls or get-togethers Source: Hoard’s … [Read more...]
Repeat offenders should really be culled
Culling is a difficult thing for producers as they frequently fight to keep animals well, fed and producing. But the more chronically infected cows you keep in the herd, the more new infections you’ll have in the herd, shared Pam Ruegg, DVM. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, September 28, 2023. Link. You don’t treat your way out of chronic cows. You’re not making money on these … [Read more...]
Angus Association speaks to genetic mystery confusion
The American Angus Association addressed some misperceptions about genetic abnormalities seen in calves that presented as bovine familial convulsions and ataxia within days of birth. Calves that died were from a single sire. The bull in question was isolated to a single herd and the condition was not spread to other herds. Source: Drovers, May 21, 2024. Link. This case is a … [Read more...]
A look into acidosis and liver abcesses
Liver abscesses are nothing new to beef packers, but the condition is more common in crossbreds. The incidence is rising in native and dairy-influenced cattle. There is not one clear cause of liver abscesses. However, it is widely accepted that they are more common in animals that experience ruminal acidosis, according to Kendall L. Samuelson, PhD, PAS. Samuelson describes … [Read more...]
Are pet dogs and cats the weak link in bird flu surveillance?
Some epidemiologists, food safety experts and veterinarians worry that pets could provide a potential springboard for H5N1 bird flu to evolve into a human threat. They are warning pet owners against feeding their animals raw food. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 30, 2024. Link. When researchers talk about their biggest bird flu fears, one that typically comes up involves and … [Read more...]
House mice test positive for H5N1 bird flu
Nearly a dozen house mice in Roosevelt County, New Mexico have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu, according to federal officials, adding them to the growing list of mammals being infected with avian influenza. Source: The Telegraph, June 5, 2024. Link. This brings the virus closer to human homes . . . increasing the risk of direct exposure and infection.” - Rick A. Bright, … [Read more...]
AABP, AAEVT create veterinary technician utilization guidelines
New guidelines from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants outline specific responsibilities and different levels of veterinary supervision for credentialed veterinary technicians in their areas of practice. The objectives include improving staff retention, performance and patient care while … [Read more...]
FDA confirms Elanco’s methane-reducing feed additive meets safety, efficacy requirements
The U.S. FDA has completed its comprehensive, multi-year review of Elanco’s Bovaer® (3-NOP), a first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient, and determined the product meets safety and efficacy requirements for use in lactating dairy cattle. Bovaer works by suppressing the enzyme in the cow's rumen that forms methane. Feeding one tablespoon of Bovaer per lactating dairy cow … [Read more...]
Reviewing the basics of needle care
Changing needles every 10 animals is a good rule when injecting cattle, writes Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM. She reinforces the importance of needle care, proper sizing and biosecurity measures when cattle producers are injecting animals. Note the graphic showing needle selection based on weight of cattle, route of administration and viscosity of product. Source: Progressive … [Read more...]
Becoming a better client for the veterinarian
Lacey Fahrmeier, DVM, shares ways clients can help foster stronger connections and mindful adjustments with their veterinarians. Although focused on issues with rural livestock veterinarians, her five steps also apply to companion and equine practice clients as well. Veterinarians only have so much bandwidth. If you don’t want your vet to burn out, you probably need to … [Read more...]
Rural Media Group’s Patrick Gottsch passed away May 18, 2024
Patrick Gottsch, the founder and president of Rural Media Group, passed away May 18, 2024, at the age of 70. He was a champion of rural America, devoting more than half his life to empowering farmers and ranchers, giving them a voice at the table. Rural Media Group, Inc. is the parent company to RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, The Cowgirl Channel, and Rural Radio 147. Source: … [Read more...]
USDA moves to electronic identification tags for cattle
The new rule moves USDA official identification for bison, beef and dairy cattle to exclusively EID tags that can be read both visually and electronically starting in November 2024 and moves the USDA official identification tags from the metal option to EID tags. The classes of cattle requiring official identification have not changed and does not require the mandatory tagging … [Read more...]
Is H5N1 a threat to U.S. swine herds?
Influenza is constantly changing, shared Amy Baker, DVM, PhD, in a recent webinar for swine producers. Influenza from a native waterfowl host has the potential to infect swine. Those same viruses can also interact with humans and poultry. Baker emphasized awareness, precautions and surveillance. Several species, including pigs, birds, wild mammals and humans, have the … [Read more...]
Healthy rumens start with water
It doesn’t matter if a dairy is milking 100 cows or 10,000 cows, water makes a difference, says David Reid, DVM. He shares his experiences helping producers manage water availability, temperature and quality. <Clean, fresh water> is an important part of creating a really healthy rumen which means you have a healthier immune system that is going to help with milk … [Read more...]
New York City birds found carrying H5N1
Discovering a few wild birds carrying highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza highlights that the interface between animals and humans that may give rise to zoonotic infections or even pandemics is not limited to rural environments and commercial poultry operations. It extends into urban centers, according to the American Society of Microbiology. Source: Infectious Disease … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 16, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 9, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 9th AHD Bulletin – Advances in equine disease detection. Link. Differentiating mastitis from teat sealant residue at freshening. Link. Temple Grandin, PhD, joins Fear Free as director, animal well-being. Link. … [Read more...]
U.S. to spend $200M on bird flu fight, including dairy farm compensation
The USDA is providing a range of financial incentives to help increase biosecurity and cover veterinary fees plus costs associated with sample collecting and testing. Source: Agriculture Dive, May 13, 2024. Link. Producers can receive compensation for implementing effective biosecurity plans and establishing heat treatment systems to safely dispose of milk. … [Read more...]
Cheese by-product turned into plastic
Say what? Researchers at UC-Davis have developed yet another use for dairy products. They discovered polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made at a low cost from dairy byproducts and used in a wide range of applications, such as films, rigid packaging and single-use items like straws, utensils, compostable bags, cosmetics and biomedicine. Previously expensive and in short supply, the … [Read more...]