Many of us were taught that every Holstein is genetically the same as the next. This article sheds light on how crossbreeding has changed the dairy cow, its production potential and the profit stream that flows from these living manufacturing units. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 20, 2016. We needed a heartier cow in the late 1990s. A cow that can maintain some body … [Read more...]
Grandin concerned about dairy cow breeding
As U.S. dairy producers continue to breed cows that produce more milk, some folks think we may be pushing things too far. Temple Grandin, animal scientist and animal welfare specialist, Colorado State University, is one of them. She shared her comments with Roberto A. Ferdman, a Wonkblog reporter for The Washington Post. Source: The Washington Post, April 21, 2016. With … [Read more...]
Increase in dairy herd size in last 25 years is noteworthy
The average herd size in dairies has increased nearly 300 percent, while the midpoint of near 900 cows is a 600-plus percent increase. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, April 25, 2016. Just 20 years ago, farms with less than 100 cows, 135,000 in total, were home to half of the nation’s milk cows. That same group, under 100 cows, had only 17 percent of the total in 2012. Meanwhile, … [Read more...]
Implants can help increase revenue
This good article reminds animal health professionals of the value and safety of implants. Dan Thompson, DVM with Kansas State University, says consumer fears of hormones in beef are generally unfounded. That’s because hormones are products of living cells naturally found in both plants and animals that stimulate cellular activity. He further explains hormone levels in several … [Read more...]
DFA reimagines the future
The Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) cooperative conducted its annual meeting in Kansas City in late March. The meeting focused on reimagining the future for its dairy members. DFA has more than 14,000 dairy farmer member-owners on nearly 8,500 farms in 48 states. The cooperative directed the marketing of 62 million pounds of milk in 2015 from members and non-members representing … [Read more...]
Grass tetany season is now
The smell of spring. The countryside is blooming into lush green vistas. Spring rains seem to clean the air. Loamy soil is turned and readied for planting. But, this may not be the case for older cows getting their fill of new grasses. This article highlights supplements and treatments for grass tetany. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, April 21, 2016. Older lactating cows … [Read more...]
Large herds, less lameness
Research from the University of Minnesota study debunks animal rights activists’ assertions that large dairy herds equal less care and more welfare issues. The study reveals variances based on bedding type, footbath use and robotically milked dairies. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 15, 2016. The one factor that seemed to make a difference was whether a herd had a hoof … [Read more...]
Red meat won’t kill you
Most of us know someone who broke all the dietary rules and lived doctor-free into their 90’s. Dan Murphy shares why in these perspectives about a 1970s study that led to new dietary recommendations about meat and cheese. When the full study was reviewed, results showed that avoiding meat and cheese lowered patients’ cholesterol levels, but it didn’t affect the incidence of … [Read more...]
Dewell simplifies cattle euthanasia
For bovine practitioners, humane euthanasia is important in proper animal care and veterinary medicine. In the field, euthanasia of cattle often involves using a firearm or a captive-bolt device. Renee Dewell, DVM, MS, presented a simple way to determine the optimal point of entry for euthanizing cattle with either. She cleared up confusion on the issue. Source: Bovine … [Read more...]
Smaller producers still unfamiliar with BVD
The results of a 2007-2008 study on producer awareness of BVD forms the foundation for a new study set to begin in 2017. The original study identified that BVD was unknown by smaller producers. For example, 15.5 percent of producers with fewer than 50 cows and 5.2 percent of producers with 50 to 99 cows were unaware of BVD. If you’re a veterinarian, large animal clinic staffer, … [Read more...]
Milk replacer feeding levels studied for growth, transition
Milk replacer is important in dairy operations. However, a recent study suggests that calves need moderate amounts of milk replacer to more successfully transition to dry feedstuffs post-weaning. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 6, 2016. The study, published in the April 2016 issue of the Journal of Dairy Science, and summarized by Colleen Chapman, PhD candidate the … [Read more...]
Implant for growth and profit
Growth implants benefit production and return in beef cattle. This is well-documented. While consumer pressure counters proven science; properly used implants facilitate additional pounds of gain at sale day. Next to wormers, they have the highest ROI in beef operations. Source: Vet Advantage, Livestock Edition, Spring 2016. Growth promoting technologies are a cost … [Read more...]
Dairy Industry Trends
Leading dairy offer a look at the challenges of marketing to dairy producers. Read about their ideas on: Current Situation Outlook and competition Current Trends Technology Source: AgriMarketing, March 2016. Trends in the Dairy Industry, page 18. … [Read more...]
Do you know dairy?
A fun quiz features statistics and perspectives about the U.S. dairy industry. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, April 4, 2016. Dairy farming in the U.S. is an amazing industry. It is big, yet it is getting smaller all the time. Its basics are the same everywhere, yet how they are done differs everywhere – and often dramatically. … [Read more...]
Beef cattle parasite control now part of VCPR
VCPR is associated with the VFD initiative and references to antibiotics and feed additives today. However, in a roundtable discussion organized by Merial and Bovine Veterinarian, five DVMs from across the U.S. used the VCPR term in conjunction with parasite control programs. The consensus was to include parasite control programs as part of the whole herd management program to … [Read more...]
NAHMS wants input for upcoming cow-calf study
The National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), a part of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is seeking input from cow-calf producers and stakeholders in preparation for an upcoming survey. “We plan to represent at least 70 percent of the beef cows and 70 percent of the beef operations in the U.S. with this study,” says Dave Dargatz, a veterinarian and one … [Read more...]
All saleable milk is antibiotic free
Antibiotic testing is part of milk collection and management. According to the National Milk Drug Residue database, dairy producers increased the number of antibiotic free milk loads to 99.988% of all loads of milk delivered in 2015. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, March 7, 2016. Every load of milk delivered to dairy processing plants is tested for the presence of antibiotics. … [Read more...]
Spring in to parasite control
Spring’s greening grass brings opportunities to cow-calf producers and the channels that supply and advise them. Prevention remains a primary objective. Spring parasite control is near the top of the to-do list as cows calve and move to grass. In this article, Joe Darrington, South Dakota State University extension associate, presents a good review of parasiticide compounds and … [Read more...]
Airborne transmission suspected in human M. bovis cases
The human-animal bond takes on a different meaning when zoonotic diseases are involved. Cases like these underscore the importance of best management practices in production protocols, food safety and disease prevention. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, March 09, 2016. Investigations into two human cases of Mycobacterium bovis infection resulting in tuberculosis (TB) in … [Read more...]
Milk still does a body good
Almost every week we see something in the media about vitamin D deficiencies, sources and its value to human health. This article reviews study results and trends among U.S. adults, where osteoporosis and low bone mass concerns. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 29, 2016. Fluid milk is the main vehicle that carries vitamin D. In fact, recently released results from a … [Read more...]
Fly resistant cattle make for good discussions
Fly resistance is a heritable trait, say researchers. It’s often overlooked. Researchers continue to identify specific genes, but in the meantime selecting for bulls and cows that carry fewer flies can work. Source: Beef Magazine, February 25, 2016. Today, cattle breeding and selection focuses on many things, but heritability of fly resistance is often overlooked. “All the … [Read more...]
Gender-sorted semen can improve beef herd
The next level of sophistication in herds that use artificial insemination (AI) is the selective use of gender-sorted semen. Dairy producers have experienced the benefits of limiting male calf production as males have little value. Justin Rhinehart with the University of Tennessee Extension, discusses the advantages and challenges of using gender-sorted technology in building … [Read more...]
Understand the milk replacer label
Learn about five areas on the milk replacer tag or label to understand milk replacer choices and their value. Adam Geiger, walks through label sections and their meaning in this article. It is a good reference for sales representatives and veterinary teams who service dairy producers. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 25, 2016, page 62. (direct link unavailable) Consider … [Read more...]
Beta-agonists exonerated
Recent efforts to identify whether zilpaterol and ractopamine were a cause of fatigued cattle syndrome determined that the products have no effect on problems seen in fed cattle at the packing plant. The alternative explanation is that heavier cattle respond negatively to aggressive handling. Source: Beef Magazine, February 2016, page 18. “But the one thing that was … [Read more...]
It’s go time for newborn calves
Scientists continue to learn more about the importance of colostrum in newborn calves. The first 24 hours of life remain the most critical period for them to ingest colostrum. Beyond the well-known, lifetime benefits linking colostrum and immune system function, ongoing research indicates colostrum helps develop other organs after birth. Source: High Plains Journal, January … [Read more...]
Social studies for calves
The headline stopped me. Dairy veterinarians and reps servicing dairy accounts need to consider the practice of pairing calves based on the study this article references. It is surprising separation anxiety is not referenced given our experiences with early and post-weaning stress in most animals. This is not unlike trying to lessen anxiety by pairing two puppies or two … [Read more...]
100 years of cattle numbers
The cattle inventory is experiencing the highest increase in U.S. cattle inventory in 35 years. This retrospective of 100 years of history lends perspective to the ups and downs of the cattle industry. Source: Cattle Trader Center, January 31, 2016. The cattle inventory reached 100 million head for the first time in 1962. It remained over 100 million for 26 years until … [Read more...]
Help producers prep for VFD implementation
During last week’s Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, Kerry Keffaber, DVM, advisor for scientific affairs at Elanco Animal Health, shared four ways producers can get ready to implement the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Presented to members of the Livestock Publications Council, you’ll soon see more information in livestock media. There is opportunity in each of the … [Read more...]
Death-loss still a conundrum in feedlots
Veterinarians today have access to better vaccines, better treatments and generally better overall cattle management than in the past, and yet the prevalence of feedyard death loss continues to run higher than just a few years ago. And with pressure continuing to end the use of some antibiotics for disease prevention, the industry will need to employ alternatives, beginning … [Read more...]
Beef herd rebuilding in 2016
We’ll have more cows to keep healthy this year, but producers will likely see profits decline. For animal health pros, this is sweet and sour. It means more doses but they have less value to producers. This signals the need for re-promoting comprehensive health plans at all levels of production visit by visit. When markets decline, animal health products are often overlooked. … [Read more...]