Great question! Short answer? You can’t set it and forget it with automatic milking systems. The longer cows wait to be milked, the less time they have to rest. Knowing that long periods of standing are detrimental to cow health and comfort, increasing their chance to develop lameness and hoof lesions, a research team studied cow behavior in free-flow and guided-flow barns … [Read more...]
The impact of long-distance trucking on dairy calves is more pronounced than perceived
Trucking is hard on calves. David Renaud, DVM, says surprisingly little research has been conducted to evaluate the health implications of transport. He shares results from a research project completed in Canada that shows transportation for long distances and at less than one week of age are associated with poor health and growth outcomes in dairy calves. It is beneficial if … [Read more...]
Don’t assume that old refrigerator is okay for vaccines and antimicrobials
Fred Gingrich, DVM, welcomed guest Emmanuel Rollin, DVM MFAM, on a recent AABP podcast Have you Herd? <Link>. The discussion involved studies of on-farm refrigerators, their functionality and the risks to the efficacy of vaccines and antimicrobials stored on farm. This article summarizes key points from that discussion. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, March 7, 2023. … [Read more...]
Interest in miniature cattle continues to surge
Demand for miniature cattle is strong. They are the result of generations of selective breeding and choosing selected genetics to reduce size, while promoting the best breed qualities, conformation and temperament. They are 1⁄2 to 1⁄3 the size of full-size cattle and require less space than regular-size cattle. Two or three miniatures can be kept in an area normally required … [Read more...]
Be on the lookout for grass tetany
In cattle country, the lush green grasses emerging are generally known to be low in magnesium. Producers need to be reminded to watch for symptoms of grass tetany as forage grasses flourish. Symptoms of grass tetany often include going off feed, nervousness, muscle spasms, convulsions, irritability, and aggressiveness. Severe cases may result in a comatose state or … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 13, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 6th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from March 30th AHD Bulletin – Hauser: Reverse the downward trend of pets missing vet care. Link. JVECC makes a case for quality improvement in vet med. Link. Finding the optimal pattern of a customer journey. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences … [Read more...]
Uterine prolapses, a review
No prolapse is exactly like the next one and there’s likely not a worse thing that can happen to a cow. Most prolapses occur following birth and within 24 hours. Rhonda Brooks shares feedback from veterinarians about handling uterine prolapses, clients and being prepared when arriving at the farm. When I was in practice, we actually had a chart taped to the wall by every … [Read more...]
7 tips for more effective vaccination programs in calves
Rhonda Brooks shares seven tips from bovine veterinarians that can help plan an effective vaccination program in calves. She reminds us that there is no effective one-size-fits-all strategy. Consider this article for communications with cow-calf, dairy or beef operators. It sets core considerations for what a vaccination program can and can’t deliver. Source: Dairy Herd … [Read more...]
Happy cow markings worth a smile
Bellbrook Holsteins in Ripplebrook, Australia, welcomed a new calf to the herd on March 10. The calf was born with a unique pattern. His spots resemble that of a smiley face. They named it Happy. 😊 Source: RFD-TV, March 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Stimulating more milk fat production
Increasing milkfat and protein components of milk can raise the value of milk for producers. Milkfat comes from two sources. Preformed fat comes from fat present in the diet or body reserves. Other fat results from synthesis in the udder, and this is called de novo or “new” fat. Mike Hutjens, PhD, shared ways feeding and management can affect de novo fatty acid synthesis in … [Read more...]
Getting familiar with hemorrhagic bowel syndrome
Hemorrhagic bowel syndrome, also known as sudden death disease, is an emerging, highly fatal intestinal disease of adult cows. The cow's immune system plays a role in whether a cow becomes an HBS cow. Cases are most common following stressful periods in a cow’s lactation cycle such as calving and early lactation, when cows are subject to several different stressors.” – Scott … [Read more...]
BQA. Walking the walk
Beef Quality Assurance was developed in the 1980s and has been funded by the Beef Checkoff since the 1990s. The educational program is free and easy to access. It provides training on animal handling, proper vaccinations, handling medications. Options for online and in-person training are available. Source: Hereford World, March 2023, page 40. Link. … [Read more...]
Data supports Grandad’s spring storm assertions on calving
The generational guidance from cow-calf producers has always been, “spring storms will make the cows calve.” Now a study of data from 2005 to 2009 in fall and spring calving cows indicates old cattle raisers were correct. Departing storm fronts are often followed by a trend toward more tranquil weather and increasing barometric pressure during the early spring, which may … [Read more...]
DVM answers questions about FDA antibiotic prescription requirement
This article by Craig Payne, DVM, MS, is a good one to share with livestock producers, backyard poultry and goat owners, horse owners and beekeepers to explain the changes in how antibiotics can be accessed after June 11th. Payne answers a few questions producers may have about the latest antibiotic guidance from the FDA. The final phase of FDA’s implementation of the … [Read more...]
Impacts of commingling preconditioned and auction-derived beef calves with BRD
Commentary Cattle science continues to study ways to decrease morbidity, mortality and reduce use of antiinfectives as cattle move around the country. The study referenced reinforces the value of preconditioning and addresses the effects of comingling auction-derived calves with the preconditioned ones. Preconditioning reduced BRD and antimicrobial use in the feedlot, in … [Read more...]
Practical advice for assessing newborn calf vigor
Spring calving is well underway. March storms stress cattle and cattle producers alike. Logically, there is a focus on ensuring calves get a good start and that dams recover quickly to care for and feed calves. While an APGAR test for calves would give cattle producers a clue when to intervene in a newborn’s life, Barry Whitworth, DVM, shares practical advice from studies about … [Read more...]
Rebuild pastures in 2023 ahead of rebuilding herds
Sponsored Content Grazing lands have taken a beating. They need recovery. And that takes time. Source: BEEF, March 1, 2023. Link. Emphasizing the rebuilding of pastures during 2023 will pay off as market opportunities arise in the coming years. INSIGHTS: This is a good coffee shop topic for animal health pros working with beef producers and their veterinarians. It presents … [Read more...]
Understanding immediate and long-term effects of wildfires
Writing about the effects of 90 or more wildfires in the western U.S. during 2022, Corey Geiger reminds us how smoke and fine particulate matter stress cows and calves. Mature cows are impacted immediately which is seen in reduced milk production. Calves however may be affected for their production lives. . . . the preweaning period is critical in future performance . . . … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 9, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 2, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from March 2nd AHD Bulletin – Vet Watch Insight Report. 8.5 percent YTD practice revenue growth, other improvements. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. 10 most popular articles of 2022 from HBR’s Working Knowledge … [Read more...]
Properly test water sources before turnout
Producers need to check water sources for total dissolved solids and levels of sulfates, pH and nitrates before turning cattle out this spring. Routine testing is advised as water quality fluctuates throughout the growing season. Drifting snow and topsoil during winter also affect water quality. Low-quality water can reduce animal health and productivity, while high-quality … [Read more...]
Vaccines need a boost, especially for calves
Commentary Seen through animal health pros’ eyes, Abby Bauer’s article is basic. However, seen through a younger producer’s first experiences, it is a reminder and a reinforcement of the importance of vaccine booster timing especially since producers often do their own vaccinations. Boosters should be administered one to two months after the initial vaccination to build … [Read more...]
Animal health efforts DO reduce need for antibiotics
Animal health and nutrition companies are constantly working on ways to improve animal health and provide antibiotic-free alternatives for use in animal feed. Global sales of antibiotics for veterinary use are down nearly one-third since 2011, according to the World Organization for Animal Health with some major livestock-producing countries in Europe, as well as the United … [Read more...]
Researchers discover overlooked antimicrobial resistance gene is involved in antimicrobial resistance in livestock disease treatments
Veterinarians rely on macrolides to treat livestock diseases such as bovine respiratory disease. University of Sakatechewan researchers discovered the gene can break the ring structure of the antibiotic through hydrolysis which destroys the antibiotic's structure. Inactivation is concerning because it reduces the effective amount of antibiotics that are being delivered during … [Read more...]
New sustainable bedding inhibits environmental mastitis-causing organisms
Complimentary Commercial Content ARM & HAMMER’s™ patented CERTILLUS™ Eco Dairy Bedding was developed to safely and effectively control pathogens in recycled manure solids. The product safely and effectively uses beneficial bacteria to reduce pathogen loads in bedding, reduce bulk tank SCC and ultimately reduce incidences of mastitis. It also reduces some of the risks … [Read more...]
5 key principles for composting farm waste
Spring weather will soon thaw frozen manure piles leaving producers with decisions about handling the manure effectively. Beyond a simple pile of manure, composting should be thought of as the biological decomposition of organic matter under controlled conditions, says Brian Dougherty. He explains the nuances of getting moisture, oxygen level, particle size, … [Read more...]
For cows, time is money
Too simple? Maybe. Yet, Rick Grant reminds us of the importance of giving cows time to rest and eat. Cows need to spend about 70% of their day eating and resting. . . We have to get that right and allow cows to do cow things.” Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 20, 2023. Link. If cows are eating four to five hours a day and resting 12 to 14 hours, that does not leave much … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 16, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 9, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 9th AHD Bulletin – Studying PRRS virus and its ability to percolate through soils. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Zoetis provides perspective, resources to transition OTC antimicrobials … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health receives U.S. FDA approval of expanded indication for Banamine® Transdermal (flunixin transdermal solution)
Complimentary Commercial Content BANAMINE® TRANSDERMAL (flunixin transdermal solution) is now indicated for the control of pyrexia (fever) due to acute mastitis with a short milk withhold of 48 hours. This new indication means BANAMINE TRANSDERMAL can be given with confidence to lactating cows. With simple, pour-on administration along the animal’s back, it saves time and … [Read more...]
Straw can pose mycotoxin risks in dairy heifer diets
Many U.S. dairy producers use chopped straw in their heifer rations to add fiber and bulk. Alltech feed quality evaluations show when a straw crop gets stressed or delayed in the field due to unfavorable weather conditions it can carry its own mycotoxin risks. The same is true for any straw that shows visible signs of mold. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 5, 2022. … [Read more...]
Highlights from the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show
If you missed the NCBA convention or if you’re just curious about what happens when thousands of cattlemen and women from across the country gather, the photos and videos shared here will give you a sense of #CattleCon23. Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association, February 11, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]