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...]
Veterinarians listed 2nd of 9 top investments to grow cattle profits in 2024
Beef prices are predicted to remain strong in 2024 providing opportunities for producers to make proactive investments in their operations. We’re sharing this article since spending money with veterinarians ranks second in Mindy Ward’s top investments listing. Veterinary teams that understand how producer investments make farm businesses more resilient and profitable become … [Read more...]
Strategies to help cows conquer the cold
Cattle are cold hardy due to their large body mass, propensity to naturally increase their metabolic rate and ability to add insulation through hair growth and fat deposition under their skin, says Jon Pretz, PhD. He shares management measures that can help cows cope and stay productive through cold conditions. Each of these are good reminders to share with producers in … [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...]
Proper vaccination at the right time increases calf welfare and value
Administering appropriate respiratory vaccines before sale and commingling is crucial for providing immunity during the stocker and feedlot stages of the beef supply chain. Summarizing research on beef calf preconditioning programs, Paul Vining says proper vaccination against BRD-related pathogens during calfhood establishes robust immunity. This enhances calf welfare and … [Read more...]
Highly-read AHD posts from 2023
In this edition of the Animal Health Digest Bulletin, you’ll find highly-read posts in 13 categories. Now in our ninth year of curating content for animal health professionals, our team remains committed to sharing content in the context of daily interactions with animal owners, veterinary teams and industry colleagues. Source: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 28, … [Read more...]
‘Invisible fence’ keeps cattle on ranch, protects environment
“The possibilities are endless” shared Florida cattleman Jim Strickland talking about his experiences with GPS collars and cellphone tower enabled virtual fencing. Beyond containment in designated areas, the technology makes ranching more efficient. Strickland can change grazing boundaries from his computer, keep cattle out of areas he wants to protect or areas effected by … [Read more...]
Progressive Cattle’s Top 10 online articles from 2023
Commentary Readership metrics indicate what cattle producers could use help with from animal health pros. We can’t get so caught up in running the road, making calls and pitching services that we lose touch with our customers’ interests. The economic importance of cow longevity and depreciation topped the list that includes hydroponic forages, timing for weaning, … [Read more...]
New in 2022-2023: Drug approvals, indications and generics
NOTE: It is difficult to keep track of what’s coming, what got approved in other countries and what has been approved for use in the U.S. When reviewing the 2023 approvals, we thought a few were missing only to find them on the 2022 list. Both years are linked here. Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, highlights some of the key drugs recently approved for the treatment of small … [Read more...]
Winter manure regulations in effect
Not all states have the same regulations. Some states ban winter manure spreading outright, while others allow it under certain conditions. Chris Torres and Jennifer Kiel share regulations by state governing when manure can be spread. Source: American Agriculturist, December 11, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Equine, backyard poultry and livestock hobbyists may not be aware of … [Read more...]
Controlling livestock diseases could reduce GHG emissions
Sick critters increase greenhouse gas emissions. Vaccination and better management increase production outcomes and ease burdens on the environment, according to a study, published in One Health Outlook. Researchers analyzed emissions caused by some of the most damaging, but preventable, livestock diseases around the world, including foot and mouth disease and PRRS. . . . … [Read more...]
Dairy heifer’s follicles may predict their future
Heritable trait research continues to be a scientific frontier in animal production decisions and stewardship of animals as a resource. Too many ovarian follicles, at too young of an age, likely means a shortened herd life for dairy females.” Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 2017. Link. Follicle numbers are a moderately heritable genetic trait in dairy cows which may … [Read more...]
Livestock are NOT dumb and are worthy of scientific attention
Commentary Ignoring livestock has been a “missed opportunity” by the scientific community, according to Christopher Krupenye, PhD. Krupenye seems unfamiliar with the special connections made with the animals of 4-Hers and livestock show enthusiasts. In an article covering scientists who are probing the mental and emotional lives of animals we’ve lived with for thousands … [Read more...]
Milking robots increase management effectiveness
Ninety percent of the time when I’m working with farms, their challenges are not robot-related, writes Andy Lenkaitis, despite perceptions that dairy workers will lose knowledge of the individual cows. Robots deliver a consistent milking experience for the cow, offer more schedule flexibility and help dairymen focus on being a cow person again.” Source: AG Proud, September 5, … [Read more...]
Pros, cons of using darts in cattle management
While pneumatic darts can be helpful in some settings, Rhonda Brooks’ article shares the reasons why darts are not chosen by producers or veterinarians. She provides a good review of dart use, benefits and risks worthy of review by animal health pros and their clients. Source: Drovers, November 30, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
KPI alphabet soup: Defining acronyms of high-performance dairies
Chad Jenkins and Mark Hodge share key performance indicators as a quick gauge and to provide clarity to a plethora of dairy data. Acronyms often add to the confusion along with some of the mathematics when talking with dairy producers. Four KPIs that have considerable impact on dairy productivity and profitability are income over feed cost, dollars per pound of dry matter, … [Read more...]
Essential upgrades for lackluster cattle-handling facilities as winter threatens
Bruce Derksen shares the importance of keeping cattle handling facilities in the best condition as winter settles in. He identifies the most important areas for producers to focus their attention. The article is a good reminder to share with producers, especially those who always seem to wait until the veterinarian arrives to realize they aren’t prepared to easily handle … [Read more...]
Study examines livestock trailer cleanliness
Biosecurity remains a significant challenge in livestock production. Studies have shown visual inspection may be insufficient to ensure cleanliness and reduce disease transmission risk because viruses and bacteria are microscopic. The article shares a study where bioluminescence was used to determine if adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence could be used as an indicator of … [Read more...]
Looking back: most read posts from the November 2022 AHD Bulletins
Most read posts give us a sense of the priorities, problems and pain points animal health pros are experiencing when serving animal owners, their animals and each other. Despite what seems like a heightened sense of urgency, the most read posts from a year ago are grounding and remind us little changes. Animal health remains a repetitive business which benefits from educating … [Read more...]
Treating digital dermatitis
Acknowledging that digital dermatitis is likely to become endemic once it gets into a dairy, Doerte Doepfer, DVM, MSc, PhD, shares the importance of good detection, prompt treatment, strategic use of disinfecting foot baths and including hoof trimmers as part of the health management team. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, November 9, 2023. Link. Also see: Search results for: … [Read more...]
Cows are picky about their stalls
Multiple factors, such as lameness and pecking order, influence where cows rest. Maggie Gilles writes about the proclivity dairy cows have for specific locations and stalls based on research from the Miner Institute. Her article is short and offers a worthy topic to bring up during calls on dairies. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, November 10, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Condition of surplus dairy calves during marketing
Surplus dairy calves are sold soon after birth and often marketed through a third party before entering veal or dairy beef production. A portion of these mostly male calves failed transfer of passive immunity and exhibited clinical signs of disease on arrival at calf-raising facilities. Researchers sought to better understand elements of calf health and morbidity during the … [Read more...]
New beef-on-dairy resources available from Iowa Beef Center
Usurping the traditional information about feeding mostly Holstein, dairy-bred calves, a new web resource now focuses on the growing beef-on-dairy segment. It will offer producers and animal health pros current research and information about beef on dairy cross cattle. Source: BEEF, November 1, 2023. Link. Beef-on-dairy is such a new space, and we are constantly learning … [Read more...]
Despite grumblers, finger-pointers and naysayers, the beef industry is solid and growing
Nevil Speer offers a look at the fed cattle market over the past four decades to reveal that the trends over time are positive and clear. Beef IS winning in the marketplace. Consumers are voting in favor of beef and the result is the fed market is stronger than ever” – Nevil Speer Source: Drovers, November 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Livestock-related products make life simpler (slide show)
Veterinary teams and representatives should take note of this new livestock products review. It includes everything from handling equipment to waterers and more. Farm Progress editors share new products suited to serious livestock producers in this article and slide show. Source: Farm Progress, November 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
USDA strengthens animal welfare requirements for organic label
ICYMI - Livestock and poultry farmers will face new animal welfare requirements to qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “organic” label. Once published, producers will need to be in compliance within 60 days. New standards require animals to have year-round outdoor access, and shelter must allow livestock to lie down, stand up and turn around. Producers must also … [Read more...]
Roundtable discussion: The performance impacts of cow gut health
Sponsored Content Researchers in the dairy industry participated in a roundtable discussion on the impacts of gut health on overall cow performance. Key topics included how gut dysbiosis occurs, the negative ramifications of it and how feed additives can effectively restore gut health. It was noted that modes of action for feed additives vary depending on product type, dose, … [Read more...]
Beef cows continue to grow until they are 4 years old
Commentary If you grew up or live in cow country you may have heard this before, “Now that the calves are weaned let’s get the cows moved . . . “ Cows, as in all cows that had calves. Bill Halfman reminds us to treat 2-year-old cows differently from the older mature cows. If the young cows are left in with the rest of the herd, they will likely be pushed away and not have … [Read more...]
Four recommendations to address hypocalcemia post-calving
According to Jesse Goff, DVM, subclinical hypocalcemia occurs in nearly half of all cows during the first 24 hours after calving. He believes metabolic alkalosis is the cause in subclinical and clinical hypocalcemia. Goff discusses reducing potassium and binding dietary calcium precalving, as well as providing a readily available, soluble calcium source to the cow immediately … [Read more...]
Sale day: 9 factors that influence cattle price
Fall is busy for cattle producers and this year’s market promises to be very strong. Reminding producers of the economic benefits shared in Paige Carlson’s article could increase their revenue as calves or culls are sold. She shares a list of the nine most influential variables when it comes to receiving the best price for cattle as tracked by South Dakota State University … [Read more...]