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...]
74,650 in 365 days – a new record
200-plus pounds of milk each day from a single cow? Astounding! It’s all the more reason I often see the dairy cow as a living manufacturing plant, or a milk-making machine. Stories like this underscore the continuous need to maintain preventive health protocols, in addition to optimizing nutrition. In a cow like Gigi, even the slightest health problem could negatively … [Read more...]
Celebrating seedstock icon Dave Nichols
Dave Nichols made his mark on the beef seedstock business over the last 60-plus years. His father’s coaching, “Your word is better than your bond,” remained as a guiding principle for this man and his operation. Known as a character, Nichols’ persistence, commitment to learning and undying support of family and employees make this article worth reading. Source: Drovers … [Read more...]
Three stages of calving (parturition)
This is a nice review of the stages of the calving process. A note in the third stage reminds some of what Grandpa always did may not be the best method for placental shedding. This article is a sound reference for veterinarians to review with their cow/calf clients, as well as clinic personnel. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, January 20, 2016. Animal scientists and … [Read more...]
VFD regulations affect dairies
We will tire of VFD articles almost before we get started. However, compliance and understanding come with repetition and multiple perspectives. Fred Gingrich, an Ohio DVM, concisely discusses VFD regulations from a product perspective. Source: Dairy Herd Management, January 5, 2016. It is important to recognize what products are affected by these rules. For cattle, the … [Read more...]
Hoe, cows hoe!
Training their palates so cows eat noxious weeds is the topic. Producers will find this article intriguing and valuable. It is an interesting take on managing forage density. Source: Modern Farmer, January 11, 2016. For years, livestock educator Kathy Voth has been telling farmers and ranchers exactly this—that cows can be trained to eat broadleaf “weeds,” which can … [Read more...]
Mastitis update
Mastitis continues to steal dairy profits. This article provides information about mastitis research, management and the resulting economics. If dairymen are reading at this level, then veterinarians and sales representatives need to be familiar with it, as well. Source: Dairy Herd Management, January 2016. According to data and a cost estimation model from the National … [Read more...]
Rabies in cattle
Learn or review how cattle get infected with rabies, the two primary forms of it and what to help producers watch for. Gregg Hanzlicek, with the veterinary diagnostic laboratory at Kansas State University, says skunks are the most likely carriers. This is good information to offer 4-H or FFA groups, include with clinic communications or during VFD planning sessions. Source: … [Read more...]
Editorial – Tough “Goliath” start to 2016 in cattle industry
Holiday storm Goliath will hurt the beef and dairy industries for months to come. An estimated 40,000 dairy cattle were lost to the storm. Beef losses will be from lost weight gains. For veterinarians and suppliers, helping customers find ways to replace lost animals will help ensure ongoing revenue from animal health products and services. Source: Dairy Herd Management, … [Read more...]
Selling cow patties online
American pioneer stories recount using buffalo chips in place of firewood. I doubt those pioneers would ever have conceived a day when a city person would place an order for cow patties and have them gift wrapped and delivered via commercial carrier. We highlight this story for perspective, fun or head-scratching. Source: Associated Press, December 28, 2015. The patties—cow … [Read more...]
Clearing up VFD confusion
Learn what is critical in the short term and what’s to come in 2016 from this review. Source: Beef Magazine, January 2016, page 36. Keep in mind that veterinarians will only be able to authorize label uses of the VFD antibiotics. Currently, any use of a feed drug other than according to the label is illegal. INSIGHTS: The noise about VFD slowed during the holidays. In … [Read more...]
Dairy – Top ten things learned in 2015
Top ten lists are a quick way to keep in mind topics that may impact business in the coming year. Learn what Dennis Halladay, Hoard’s Western Editor views as top tens. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, December 28, 2015. The Upper Midwest has muscle. With South Dakota, Michigan and Wisconsin leading the way, the Upper Midwest is “producing like its life depends on it,” according to … [Read more...]
Strategic replacement heifer production and selection has huge impact on operations
This article is full of considerations about heifer replacements. It references multiple tools to help with the selection process. Realize that some traditional sire-selection and cow-size criteria may not be appropriate for best-value replacement heifers. Veterinarians and representatives will appreciate this article as they work with herd owners and managers. Source: … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Set up replacement heifers for long-term success
Replacement heifers are a lifeline to a herd’s success. This article highlights how to get them started right and reviews factors for a successful replacement heifer program. Source: Beef, December 17, 2015. Producers should look for heifers that display these characteristics: 1) a mature body size that matches the ranch resource availability; 2) an ability to get bred and … [Read more...]
Cold Stress: What is cold to a cow?
The shortest day of 2015 is here. The winter solstice, December 22nd, signals the official beginning of winter. Weather’s unpredictable nature requires cattlemen and their veterinarians be prepared. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork Daily, December 21, 2015. Cattle are most comfortable within the thermoneutral zone when temperatures are neither too warm nor too cold. During the … [Read more...]
Editorial – High cell counts have consequences
60,000 or more dairy producers and industry persons subscribe to Hoard’s Dairyman. 5% of subscribers are dairymen Only 1.7% are veterinarians Nearly 80% own more than 50 cows More than 55% of subscribers are younger than 55 years old 30% of subscribers are younger than 44 years old As VFD oversight begins, veterinarians must pay careful attention to what … [Read more...]
Mycoplasma pneumonia in dairy calves
Robert B. Corbett, DVM, PAS, ACAN, Provo, Utah wrote a nice primer on controlling and preventing mycoplasma pneumonia in calves. Livestock veterinarians and representatives will find it to be a good review and refresher. While we often concentrate on the pneumonia, Corbett reminds us of other problems this bacteria causes and its hidden persistence once it gets … [Read more...]
Injection biosecurity, rethink the routine
This article underscores the need for single-needle dosing in dairy herds. Not a common practice, Mark Thomas, DVM BA BVP, shows health and total-cost benefits. He reminds readers of the public pressure and scrutiny of herd health practices and calls for industry leaders to set expectations for a standard of care. Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 2015, page 20. Many … [Read more...]
Five ways to avoid reproductive diseases
Isolate, test, hold and vaccinate are common best practices in disease prevention. This article by John Maday reminds cattle producers to work with their veterinarians to build a solid prevention strategy that includes diagnostics. Basic articles like this one help develop preventive thinking by cattle producers. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork Daily, December 2015, page … [Read more...]
First two hours of calf’s life critical to survival
This straightforward article is a stark reminder of the challenges calves experience at birth. DVMs, veterinary staff members, dealers and sales reps should find at least two things they have forgotten or no longer use in their approaches to calves at birth. Dr. Garry offers a simple timetable to ensure a newborn gets started on a successful, healthy life. Source: … [Read more...]
Vaccinate calves against pneumonia to fulfill their productivity potential
Significant dollars are spent annually to monitor market conditions and test assumptions. This short article shares results from independent research completed for Zoetis. Veterinarians, dealers and salespersons will find value in understanding the research results as they discuss calf management strategies with producers. The article discusses the long-term effect of disease … [Read more...]