The latest winter storm is descending on cow-calf locations and with it comes challenges for those whose cows are calving. Preventing hypothermia is vital to the survival of newborns, weather being responsible for more than 20 percent of early calf deaths. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, shares the importance of temperature regulation and ways to help hypothermic calves. Source: … [Read more...]
Weather, consumer demand, cattle supplies, international trade factor into beef market
Information shared during the CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of CattleCon 2025, indicated the U.S. beef industry is poised for another year of strong market performance. Noting supply constraints, CattleFax said cattlemen have market leverage as the beef cowherd enters a stabilization phase following years of contraction. Source: AgriMarketing, February 7, 2025. … [Read more...]
Virbac expands its U.S. range of products with four cattle vaccines
Partnering with Diamond Animal Health, Virbac is marketing four modified-live viral cattle vaccines: Bovigen Platinum 5, Bovigen Platinum 5 L5, Bovigen Platinum 3 and Bovigen Platinum 3 LP Vaccines. All four vaccines protect against key respiratory viruses, while Bovigen Platinum 5 L5 and 3 LP vaccines add bacterial protection against leptospirosis. Source: Drovers, January … [Read more...]
Study shows thorough cleaning, disinfection protocols reduce livestock trailer contamination
Looking specifically at swine production systems, a study underscores the importance of thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols in enhancing biosecurity in them. The study compared different methods and their effectiveness. The findings suggest routinely cleaning and disinfecting all market haul trailers leaving terminal points of concentration by either of the water-based … [Read more...]
3 things nobody has ever told you about colostrum
There has been a lot of new research published in the past five years about colostrum and its role in the newborn's survival and health, writes Kalyn Waters. Despite cow-calf experiences, she was surprised to learn three new things about colostrum: Timing matters on the cow's side, too, as the chemical composition of colostrum in the udder changes by the hour. Colostrum … [Read more...]
New version of the H5N1 bird flu virus spills into Nevada dairy herds
Known as D1.1, a new version of H5N1 is circulating in wild birds countrywide and causing mass die-offs. It’s different than the one currently circulating in dairy cows and has caused only mild illness in humans and killed scores of domestic and wild cats. It is the latest surprise and reminder that his flu does not behave like a typical flu virus. This new finding suggests … [Read more...]
Veterinarian warns cat owners about H5N1 risks amid rising cases
“Vigilance is key in preventing further bird flu infections,” said Susan Nelson, DVM, discussing the detection of H5N1 in cats. The article offers preventive measures to minimize the risk of infection in cats and other animals, including up-to-date rabies vaccinations, keeping cats indoors and avoiding feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products. Source: PHYS.ORG, … [Read more...]
Bird flu enters a new phase, meanwhile, the environment cannot be sterilized
The latest data from the CDC and USDA shows the continued devastating effects of bird flu outbreaks across the United States. New York Times writer Apoorva Mandavilli provides a relevant and updated situation analysis in the second article shared here. Not yet a serious human threat, she shares the expanding discoveries in mammalian species, including cats both wild and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 30, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 23, 2024. Link. Most read posts from January 23, 2025 AHD Bulletin Managing your stress. Link. Johne’s disease no longer just a dairy disease. Link. 200 weeks and counting . . . the bull run continues. Link. ================================= Wings, turf, pigskin, cheese and more . . . … [Read more...]
Beyond hooves: The human element in tackling lameness
Lameness remains a persistent challenge, with approximately one in four dairy cows lame at any given time. Laura Solano and Demetrio Bautista Ortiz discuss the importance of cultivating a supportive work environment within the on-farm hoof health team. Skilled on-farm hoof health teams need diverse skills to deploy, given hoof care cases are generally not … [Read more...]
Strategies for liver abscesses in beef-on-dairy cattle
The primary bacterium found in cattle liver abscesses is Fusobacterium necrophorum. Whether it colonizes and flourishes in the animal’s body is a different matter. The authors identify nine management strategies to help reduce the incidence and severity of liver abscesses in beef-on-dairy calves. They discuss husbandry and proper feeding practices, including feeding a … [Read more...]
Sugar solution found to fight metritis infection in dairy cows just as well as antibiotics
The research on alternatives to antibiotic therapies continues. Penn State researchers found a concentrated sugar solution could be just as effective as antibiotics at treating clinical metritis, a common uterine infection in dairy cows post-calving. Source: Feedstuffs, January 20, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
200 weeks and counting . . . the bull run continues
When it comes to beef demand, consumers ARE the business and they’re the market makers, writes Nevil Speer, MBA, PhD. Most producers are feeling (very) positive about the business, he says in his market analysis. Source: BEEF, January 9, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: When cattle producers have confidence in the market opportunities, they are often willing to advance their animal … [Read more...]
Johne’s disease no longer just a dairy disease
Johne’s is a disease that veterinarians, animal scientists and cow-calf producers should start discussing before consumer confidence in the food we produce decreases and the pressure from outside sources to instill more regulation on the beef industry intensifies, writes Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM, PhD. While veterinarians have discussed Johne’s with dairy farmers for decades, … [Read more...]
Reminder: Remove the wrappings before offering hay to cattle
Experts agree that the best strategy for herd safety and health is to remove all plastic wrap (and twine) before grinding hay or offering the hay to the herd.” Source: BEEF, November 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Cost of cow-calf production significantly influenced by operation size
NOTE: Understanding the economies of scale is important for animal health pros as we work with cattle producers to optimize production outcomes. Too frequently, the added cost of veterinary services and medicine fall subject to scrutiny despite them being de minimis in the mix of operating costs per cow and the level of production. There are more than 600,000 farms with beef … [Read more...]
What’s cold to a cow and what to do about it
Jason Warner and Justin Waggoner share environmental variables that change thermoneutrality for cows as they weather cold. Nutrition requirements also need adjustments as it takes increased energy to produce extra body heat. Warner and Waggoner provide data and offer points for producers to consider when managing cow herds through cold stress. The article is actionable as it … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 8, 2025
Animal Health Digest Bulletin Archives from December 2024. Link. AHD Archives from January 2024. Link. Scroll through articles and topics from last January as you renew efforts for 2025. ================================================ Real ID set to go into effect on May 7, 2025 Source: Daily Passport. Link. REAL ID is currently optional but it will soon be a … [Read more...]
Updated Beef Quality Assurance National Manual now available
An updated BQA National Manual has been released by by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Information in the manual can help producers raise high-quality cattle. In addition to online availability, the manual and related resources, state BQA coordinators offer them at no charge. SOURCE: NCBA, December 19, 2024. Link. More than 30 cattle producers, industry leaders and … [Read more...]
Bird flu may be reaching the boiling point
Scientists are increasingly worried about bird flu based on four key signals. The H5N1 virus has spread uncontrolled in animals, including cows frequently in contact with people. Additionally, detections in wastewater show the virus is leaving a wide-ranging imprint, and not just in farm animals. Some experts say they have lost faith in the government's ability to contain the … [Read more...]
The small producer’s impact on the beef business
Seventy-nine percent of farms with beef cows have 49 or fewer cows, writes Bryan Sanderson. Small producers are not just suppliers of beef. They are important parts of rural economies, ag supply chains and local job markets. Small beef producers help sustain a resilient and dynamic beef industry by contributing to local economies, maintaining agricultural diversity, creating … [Read more...]
Water: Critical, undervalued nutrient in dairy calves
Optimizing water intake for calves and cows is important, especially as winter temperatures are consistently below freezing in some areas. Beyond keeping water sources open and clean, Alison Pfau emphasizes the importance of providing warm water to calves, which reduces the amount of energy their bodies would need to warm colder water to rumen temperature. Source: Wisconsin … [Read more...]
Adaptive multi-paddock grazing makes a difference (video)
We introduced our readers to adaptive grazing in a recent post <Link>. Carbon Cowboys films explores how working with nature can improve our soils, foods and rural communities. In this excerpt, Don Jackson shares the changes seen in the first six months, including the amount of forage produced, the improved health of their cattle and the increase in beneficial … [Read more...]
Virtual fence projected to benefit ranchers, pollinators, profits
Virtual fencing technology is a promising option for livestock management, say researchers from Oklahoma State University. It reduces reliance on physical fences by allowing managers to remotely plan and establish virtual boundaries using GPS collars that deliver auditory and electrical cues. VF technology may be valuable in protecting patches of habitat for pollinators and … [Read more...]
Elanco receives FDA approval for three combinations in finishing heifers
Elanco’s work to shift the narrative on livestock from climate culprit to climate opportunity to help protect customers’ social license to operate underscores the FDA approval of combination feeding with Experior, the first FDA-approved product with a gas emissions claim. FDA-approved combination feeding of: Experior and MGA Experior, Rumensin and MGA Experior, … [Read more...]
Lameness comes with a hefty price tag
When thinking about the effects of lameness, most managers typically consider the cost that goes into preventative measures or treatments such as trimming, bandages, blocks, and antibiotics, Eric Ronk shared recently. He describes these as direct costs but asserts the importance of considering the economic impact on other areas of the operation, including fertility, culling and … [Read more...]
Tricks for making shipping day a success
Too much stress when transporting cattle hinders the immune system, making them more vulnerable to disease. This article shares best practices from a cattle trucking company. Preweaning, prehandling and sorting, and being prepared before the truck arrives is prioritized to help the cattle remain calm, relaxed and load quietly onto the trucks. Source: Baldy Advantage, October … [Read more...]
Four critical takeaways, valuable insights into the evolving dairy industry
The 2024 Farm Journal State of the Dairy Industry Report highlights a sector poised for growth, adaptability and new opportunities. By fostering strong relationships, innovating profit streams and securing generational continuity, the dairy industry stands on the cusp of a promising future, writes Karen Bohnert. She shares four key insights: Embracing a growth mindset … [Read more...]
“The tip of the iceberg.” Two cats die after drinking recalled raw milk.
Two cats have died after consuming recalled raw milk from Raw Milk Farms LLC, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated in a news release last Thursday. The two cats lived in the same household. After eating the product, they exhibited lack of appetite, fever and signs of neurological problems. Source: Los Angeles Times, December 12, 2024. Link. “I think this … [Read more...]
USDA offers support to address rural veterinarian shortage
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently awarded more than two dozen Veterinary Services Grants totaling $3.8 million to universities and veterinary practices working to address shortages of food animal veterinary services across the nation in underserved areas. Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 9, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]