With a Halloween mindset, Blaine Corners compares weaning a calf to sending a small child into a house of horrors alone. . . . weaned calves face frightening new surroundings. This can include unfamiliar feed, new water sources, exposure to different cattle and harmful pathogens, and increased stress. Source: Progressive Cattleman, September 11, 2018. Link. Producers can … [Read more...]
Antibiotics and vaccines are critical to livestock production
Those of us in the U.S. are well-aware of efforts to vaccinate for disease prevention and use antibiotics judiciously. Some organic and antibiotic-free operations operate with them. Perspectives from other parts of the world offer insight into why antibiotics remain necessary for humane livestock production. Kenneth Wameyo, secretary of the Kenya Veterinary Association, shares … [Read more...]
Genomics has reduced the generational interval
Genomic selection refers to breeding selection decisions based on genomic breeding values. The discovery of thousands of DNA markers plus the development of predicted breeding values based on marker data has allowed for accurate genomic selection of dairy sires by AI centers. A reduction in generation interval translates into more rapid genetic progress. Source: Dairy Herd … [Read more...]
Boehringer-Ingelheim forum focuses on well-being, not welfare for farm animals
The 11th Boehringer Ingelheim Expert Forum on Farm Animal Well-Being recently convened in Australia. Delegates from around the world focused on the intersection between animal well-being and international trade. The discussion centered on how to recognize and measure well-being, and how this relates to introducing standards in a global market where appetite and capacity for … [Read more...]
Modern livestock production practices are environmentally friendly
A new study in published in Nature Sustainability shows that modern, high-yield agricultural practices that produce as much food on as little land as possible is good for the environment. Researchers associated with Cambridge University looked at the effects of Asian rice and European wheat cultivation, Latin American beef and European dairy production. They then measured the … [Read more...]
Multiple reports of mycotoxins in corn as harvest continues
With the weather issues of this growing season, news of mycotoxins is no surprise. The past week brought new reports of deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxin and fumonisin in corn, as well as the first report of zearalenone in corn silage, according to Neogen’s Monday Mycotoxin and Crop Report reported by Feedstuffs September 24. (link) Mycotoxins are produced by specific molds and … [Read more...]
Avoid toxic plant risks for livestock
Fall changes in plants, dryer conditions and a tendency to overgraze can put livestock at risk to consume toxic plants. Anna O'Brien reviews some common toxic plants to help livestock avoid: Milkweed Rhododendron/Azaleas/Mountain Laurel Pigweed Ragwort Foxglove White Snakeroot Cherry Trees Black Walnut Source: Hobby Farms, August 27, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
Survey identifies needs, gaps to advance cattle care
U.S. beef producers and veterinarians identified animal handling and stockmanship as the two most important topics on which they could use additional training in a recent survey. Identifying and treating sick animals, and animal identification and training were also highly ranked. Written protocols and procedures, as well as written employee animal care commitments are the two … [Read more...]
Don’t ruin production with drought-stressed feed
The impact of this year’s drought conditions cover much of the country. It has reduced supplies of quality forage and grain. The practice of turning cows into fields to graze on total plants puts them at risk from the presence of aflatoxin, prussic acid or nitrate in the grazed crops. Aflatoxins are especially a threat to dairy farmers because they can render milk unsalable as … [Read more...]
Nicely done, Beef Checkoff (includes video)
The popular “Beef, its what’s for dinner!,” campaign has been retooled and updated to be more relevant to today’s consumer. We think animal health pros will enjoy seeing the videos of the new ads and components. Commercials range in length from six seconds for sites like YouTube to a traditional 30 second ad for streaming services. Source: Drover’s, September 14, 2018. … [Read more...]
Solar panels double as summer cow shades
Researchers at the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center at Morris have installed solar panels that generate power and also provide cooling shade for cows and heifers. Power generation is the solar panels’ main purpose, of course. But positioned 8’ to 10’ above the ground surface, the panels can provide shade for 30 to 40 cows under one structure … [Read more...]
Change in cattle deworming practices may reverse resistance
Parasitologists saw dewormer resistance in cattle coming before most producers did. But, overuse of benzimadazoles, macrocyclic lactones and levamisoles in all their forms has increased reports of nematode resistance. However, Ray Kaplan, a professor of parasitology with the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia, says what sheep raisers have learned about … [Read more...]
Clean meat? It may not be that simple
Dave Sjeklocha, DVM lives and works in cattle country. He thoughtfully writes about test tube meat, technological challenges, current production methods and other changes that need considering during the development of this potential resource. Receiving support from the likes of billionaires Bill Gates and Richard Branson, cultured meat has certainly garnered … [Read more...]
Facilitate BQA training . . . NOW!
Livestock veterinarians and sales personnel have an opportunity to help cattle producers improve their production outcomes and meet BQA standards in the coming months. Work with your customers to get them to various BQA training programs such as: BQA Transportation Stockmanship and Stewardship Dairy Farm Program Source: BQA. Link. Nearly every state in the U.S. … [Read more...]
The numbers are clear: weaned calves bring a premium
New research provides important insight to the long-debated value of weaning and preconditioning programs. Bottom line: Data from Superior Livestock Auction show that calf buyers will pay premiums for calves that have been weaned at least 45 days, even after accounting for differences in preconditioning programs. Source: BEEF, August 23, 2018. Link. When calves arrive at the … [Read more...]
Healthy cows start with healthy people
For livestock veterinarians, maintaining the health of a herd, as well as a good relationship with their owner is an important aspect of the job. Bovine Veterinarian has three white papers available that are full of tips to help DVMs ensure a long-lasting relationship with farmers and ranchers. The topics are: Foreign-disease prevention Monitoring human health … [Read more...]
8 uncomfortable questions for dairies
Dennis Halladay speaks to consumer questions saying, “Animal welfare is turning up on dairy conference programs with rapidly growing frequency these days, often asking questions that may be uncomfortable.” He shares the toughest six questions he has heard this year and adds the last two to consider: Are dairy cattle cared for with compassion? Do they have feelings … [Read more...]
Mad cow disease discovered in Florida cow
The U.S. Department of Agriculture personnel have discovered a cow in Florida infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease. Agri-Pulse first reported this news Tuesday evening, August 28. Drovers reported it shortly thereafter Source: Drovers, August 28, 2018. Link. The infected Florida cow was not slaughtered for human consumption … [Read more...]
Teaching calves to eat: 5 benefits of creep feeding
Calves encounter a variety of challenges throughout life. Cody Schneider offers perspectives on using creep feeding to help calves prepare for what’s next. He says there are five benefits: Post-weaning performance Fewer health problems post-weaning Control coccidiosis Increase weaning weight Insurance for consistency Much like preconditioning, creep feeding … [Read more...]
Pinkeye challenges NC region
Cattle in Catawba County, North Carolina, are experiencing the worst year for pinkeye ever, according to North Carolina State University Extension agent Glenn Detweiler. He references late rains and fly populations as part of a perfect storm for pinkeye infections. Source: Hickory Record, August 17, 2018. Link. The group called face flies seem harmless since they do not … [Read more...]
Solve common foot bath mistakes
Jim Edwards focuses on the top four mistakes that are key to achieving maximum value from footbaths on dairies: Common mistake #1 – Water volume Common mistake #2 – Treatment concentration Common mistake #3 – Cow passes before refill Common mistake #4 – Footbath frequency Source: Progressive Dairyman, July 30, 2018. Link. Each mistake impacts the effectiveness of … [Read more...]
Change is in the air for U.S. cattle ID and traceability
A 2017 BEEF Survey says beef producers give cautious support to traceability, Burt Rutherford said as he spoke to members of the International Livestock Identification Association (ILIA) at their annual conference. This is important because at present, outside of those for various value-added programs, the U.S. doesn’t have a nationwide birth-to-consumer traceability … [Read more...]
Selecting the ideal beef or dairy cattle breeds
The movement to growing your own food continues to grow. As new farmers make decisions, knowing about cattle breeds is helpful. Heather Smith Thomas reviews breed options with the smaller farmer in mind. Source: Countryside Daily, July 16, 2018. Link. Cattle farming for beginners requires researching dozens and dozens of beef cattle breeds and composites, and a half dozen … [Read more...]
Hot, humid days harder on cattle than winter
Heat and humidity are hard on cattle, especially when hauling them, says Sandy Stuttgen. She provides charts on loading capacity and the heat index as handy reference tools. Their well-being especially suffers during humid days followed by evenings that do not drop below 70°F, as under those conditions, cattle will not have a chance to recover before the next hot, humid day … [Read more...]
For healthier calves, cool dry cows
Karen Lally references a growing appreciation for the importance of cow cooling. We know of the impact of cooling on lactating cows as it is easy to measure in the milk tank. For dry cows, the real dangers of heat stress are not immediately visible. Source:Progressive Dairyman, July 9, 2018. Link. Cooling dry cows means cooling calves in utero, protecting your investment in … [Read more...]
Rethinking how we feed milk to pre-weaning calves
This article follows previous discussions about colostrum <link> and how dairymen are rethinking how to feed and support pre-wean calves. Similar to colostrum nutrition, there is still an abundance of knowledge to be discovered about the next phase of nutrition for the dairy calf: milk feeding. Source: Progressive Dairyman, July 16, 2018. Link. . . . we have largely … [Read more...]
How to increase the proportion of early calving heifers and cows
Maximizing the proportion of cows that conceive early in the breeding season cannot be overemphasized in a beef herd. Artificial insemination (AI) is the most powerful tool cow-calf producers have to improve beef cattle genetics. However, producers have been slow to adopt the technology citing time and labor without any rewards for genetics and market timing. Markets are now … [Read more...]
The 10 biggest expenses on a dairy
We often hear that animal health pros struggle to understand the financial picture for dairy customers. According to 2017 income and expense summaries from Genske, Mulder & Co., the nation’s largest dairy accounting firm, the average cost of production for its clients last year was $16.86 per hundredweight. (That amount does not include current debt repayment and owner … [Read more...]
Water consumption crucial to horse health
Getting enough water sounds elementary doesn’t it. But for horses, and cattle, as well, . . . water is the most important nutrient, especially in hot weather. Without it, horses die within a few days, whereas they may be able to go weeks without food. Source: BEEF, June 25, 2018. Link. Ambient temperature affects water intake, and horses typically drink less water in cold … [Read more...]
How gut health promotes animal welfare in monogastrics
Jackie Roembke reviews how changes in production systems and animal welfare expectations challenge nutritionists and producers to maintain healthy animal populations. Focusing on immunity first to reduce antibiotic use requires a gut health perspective. With 70 percent of an animal’s immunity concentrated in the gut, fostering a strong gastrointestinal system will improve its … [Read more...]