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...]
Tyson Foods invests in insect protein production
Tyson Foods and Protix are investing to build an insect ingredient facility in the U.S. to take advantage of the growing popularity of insect proteins in poultry and livestock feed. Insect protein production occurs in a circular system with a smaller footprint helping to close water, nutrient and carbon cycles. Source: WATTPoultry, October 17, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Heel flies and cattle grubs are still a problem
In some regions of the U.S., cattle grubs are making a comeback. Cattle grubs are the larval form of heel flies that resemble honeybees in size and shape but are colored like a bumblebee. Heel flies pester cattle, hovering and darting around their legs. Two species parasitize cattle: Hypoderma bovis and H. lineatum. Control of adult heel flies is nearly impossible as they … [Read more...]
Today’s calves need more animal husbandry
Commentary There is a lot to think about in Kevin Shultz’s article shared here. The beef industry has long been focused on pounds produced and at what cost. He shares reasons beef producers need to shift gears on calf health. . . . nothing trumps good old animal husbandry.” Selective breeding that optimizes genetics, improvements in pharmaceuticals as health management … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 12, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 5, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 5th AHD Bulletin – Could one Walmart store change the entire pet industry? Link. Self-evaluation. Link. These habits can cut the risk of depression in half; study/recording. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the bulls
Jobs done, herd sire health and nutrition need to be managed through winter so bulls are in prime condition when spring arrives. Chris Clark, DVM, says post-breeding season can be a good time to do an overall health evaluation and ensure biosecurity as well. Source: BEEF, October 5, 2023. Link. Consider managing bulls in groups by age and nutritional needs. Depending on … [Read more...]
Publication details comparison study on winter cow care
Best management practices for winter care of bred cows aren’t always evident, especially if they are subjected to wintery conditions common in the Upper Midwest. An Iowa State University study evaluated the effects of winter grazing compared to confined winter care of beef cows to determine if conditions would have any impact on the physical condition of the cow or the calf … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 5, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 28, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 28th AHD Bulletin – Top 5 severe adverse effects of antimicrobials. Link. The 7 repro mistakes dairy producers can’t afford to make. Link. Emotional intelligence and teams. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Colostrum may be beneficial in treating scours
A recent research paper authored by a team of world-renowned calf researchers stated there is evidence that supports the use of colostrum as an early treatment of scours in young calves, shares Maureen Hanson. Effectively treating calves for scours could be as easy as feeding them something that virtually every dairy farm has on hand: colostrum.” Source: Dairy Herd … [Read more...]