May is National Beef Month. As of January 1, 2023 there were 91.9 million head of cattle and calves on farms in the United States according to the USDA. In Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming cows are more numerous than people. There is one cow for every 3.6 people in the U.S.” Source: Beef2Live, April 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
More is not always better
Managing individual herd health requires thought and diligence from producers and the veterinarians who advise them. Mark Hilton, DVM, shares a thought-provoking perspective on optimizing herd health processes, as it relates to vaccination, antibiotics and deworming. The key takeaway? Include the veterinarian before making a change. . . . if something needs to be eliminated or … [Read more...]
Communal wound licking documented in a hoofed mammal for the first time
American bison have been observed licking each other’s wounds, a stress-reducing behavior not documented in a hoofed mammal until now. While female bison have been observed grooming unrelated calves, reports of animals licking the wounds of others have largely been limited to captive rats and wild primates, such as chimpanzees. Source: New Scientist, May 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
And the green grass grows all around . . . but wait!
Spring! Pastures and hayfields are greening up. Lush stands of grass push skyward after a nice rain. A few seed heads start to develop and our noses get ready for that smell of the first cutting of hay. But wait . . . upon closer inspection, “oh no, ergot [ur-guht]!” Ergot is a fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that contaminates rye and wheat and produces substances called … [Read more...]
Gene-editing technology produces first calf resistant to BVDV
Scientists have collaborated to produce the first gene-edited calf with resistance to bovine viral diarrhea virus. Maribel Alonso postulates this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the possibility of reducing the burden of BVDV-associated diseases in cattle by gene editing which may also reduce the need for antimicrobials. Source: Drovers, May 9, 2023. Link. The study was … [Read more...]
Freemartins and Peter Pan heifers
Commentary Occasionally we run across terminology that is foreign to us. In the articles here, we share two such terms: freemartin and Peter Pan heifers. Source: FEEDLOT, June 21, 2022. Link. Twins calves can be a challenge. But when one is a bull calf and the other a heifer often the heifer is a freemartin. Freemartin heifers are females with an improperly developed … [Read more...]
Pain management in cattle: Drug dilemma
With few pain-relief drugs on the market for cattle, producers and veterinarians must know their options, writes Heather Smith Thomas. The situation underscores the importance of the VCPR to provide the regulatory foundation for a practitioner to work with the producer to provide medications for extra-label use when considered necessary. One of the challenges in the U.S. is … [Read more...]
Tips to prepare cattle for summer
Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM, PhD, says vaccinations and ear tags are key to maintaining herd health. He urges producers to review their vaccination and parasite control programs and plan for fly control including insecticide ear tag rotation. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin Extra, April 26, 2023. Link. Vaccinations should be given 45-60 days before the bulls will be released with the … [Read more...]
Implanting nursing calves
Implanting nursing calves has consistently shown to be an effective way to post greater calf weights at weaning time. In fact, Grady Ruble says implanting has the greatest return on investment of any other technology. . . . deciding to implant nursing calves is more important than which implant to use.” Source: FEEDLOT, March 22, 2023. Link. Generally, branding makes for a … [Read more...]
Worms without borders
Complimentary Commercial Content When cattle move about the country so do the worms and germs they carry. Boehringer Ingelheim’s David Shirbroun, DVM, shares the challenges of worm management and how extended release dewormers can benefit producers with cattle pastured more than a month. One thing producers might not realize is that the peak level of larvae in the pasture … [Read more...]
Breeding season checklist
As spring calving comes to a close and producers look to crop production, its important to help them get a solid plan together for breeding cows back. In addition to bull management, this is also a good time to cull open cows or those doing poorly. Source: Drovers, April/May 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Across all types of veterinary practices, we are routinely seeing … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 27, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 20th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 20th AHD Bulletin – Enhancing your customers’ experiences. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Study says U.S. unprepared for dangers posed by zoonotic diseases Source: Vet Candy, February 13, 2023. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 20, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 13th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 13th AHD Bulletin – Don’t assume that old refrigerator is okay for vaccines, antimicrobials. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Are influencers ready for a world without follower counts? Source: … [Read more...]
2023 CATTLE U event moves to Manhattan, KS
If you service cattle producers in the 300-mile radius of Manhattan, Kansas ,this is an opportunity for them to listen to industry experts and network with other producers. High Plains Journal's CATTLE U is a free, educational event now in its fifth year. It will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan, Kansas, on July 11th. The event includes a full day of … [Read more...]
How long do cows wait to be milked?
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...]