Livestock guardian dogs remain among the more effective non-lethal tools for reducing livestock predation when effectively managed, writes Bill Costanzo. Realistic expectations and adaptive management practices based on predation levels and predator type are needed. Owners must acknowledge the limitations of the dog or dogs. Source: AcreageLife, February 1, 2026. Link. LGDs … [Read more...]
Prevent scours with pasture moves
Scours is usually an outbreak waiting to happen and it’s rarely caused by a single factor. Roslynn Biggs, DVM, shares the importance of keeping calves on clean ground by moving them routinely, as the Sandhills calving system describes. Source: Hay and Forage Grower, February 3, 2026. Link. Also see: Have you tried the Sandhills Calving System?, Progressive Cattle, … [Read more...]
Red lighting in dry cow pen, consistent with known physiology
There’s a hypothesis being tested using red lights at Parkview Dairy in Delhi, California. The new dry cow barn was constructed with red lights to better understand how light exposure regulates circadian rhythms. The concept emerged from a broader awareness of circadian biology and a recognition that traditional barn lighting often overlooks how cows perceive light at … [Read more...]
FDA approves new generics for cattle; a BRD treatment and a dewormer
The Food & Drug Administration announced approvals of two veterinary treatments targeted at cattle health issues on January 22nd: Dewormer: Defendazole (fenbendazole) oral suspension, by Norbrook Laboratories Ltd. (ANADA 200-831) contains same active ingredient as Safe-Guard (NADA 128-620). BRD treatment: nixiFLOR (florfenicol and flunixin meglumine) injectable … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 5, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 29, 2026. Link. Most read posts from January 29, 2026 AHD Bulletin – From rabid raccoon to workhorse. Tame the practiceWAG phone. Link. Vets, pet owners . . . systemic strain, PetSmart Charities–Gallup study. Link. The business of pragmatism. Link. This little piggy is a commitment: … [Read more...]
New food pyramid is a significant reset of U.S. nutrition policy
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 from HHS and USDA seek to deliver a clear, commonsense message to the American people: “Eat real food.” Kristin Bakker’s article shares potential benefits to American food animal producers. Source: Feedstuffs, January 6, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
This little piggy is a commitment: a guide to responsible pet pig ownership
Many pet pigs end up in rescues after owners realize they were unprepared for the specific needs of owning a pig. Before bringing a pig as a pet into your life, it’s essential to understand what keeping pigs actually involves, from size and space to time, money and even legal considerations. Source: Los Angeles Times, January 26, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: Kevin Spencer has … [Read more...]
Frozen chicken should come from the grocery, not the coop
When temperatures fall below 60°F, chickens begin to experience cold stress, which can be severe and lead to death in extreme cases, writes Marisa Erasmus, PhD. She shares various factors that affect chickens’ susceptibility to cold stress. The article is relevant for poultry operations of all sizes, including the chickens in backyard poultry coops. Source: Modern Poultry, … [Read more...]
Good help is hard to find. Ways to attract, keep top farm employees.
Retaining exceptional employees in agriculture production requires innovative strategies that go beyond traditional compensation. Wesley Tucker shares strategies from a brainstorming session at The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers on how to link exceptional employees to the farm for the long haul. Source: Missouri Ruralist, January 26, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Boost herd health and performance through the transition period
The importance of managing the transition period from dry-off to peak milk rightfully dominates dairy management topics. In the article shared here, Zoetis’ Matthew Boyle, DVM, shares best practices that set transition cows up for success. Source: Progressive Dairy, December 15, 2025. Link. Boyle emphasizes the opportunity to make small adjustments in each of the three … [Read more...]
Ensure the bulls will be ready when their time comes
While January, February and March are typically a loafing period for breeding bulls, husbandry during winter remains important to ensure they are healthy when it’s their time. Beth Reynolds summarizes winter bull management in two categories: nutrition and breeding soundness. She says managing the impacts of cold weather on breeding soundness in herd sires requires being … [Read more...]
Extension beef specialist concerned about lower quality hay from 2025
Jeff Lehmkuhler has never seen lower hay quality than what he witnessed in 2025. With winter weather extremes and spring-calving cows in their third trimester, he recommends pulling forage samples to document what nutrient levels exist in unique lots of hay, then adjust accordingly. Communicating the importance of nutritional sampling is a simple action for veterinary teams … [Read more...]
Review: Tips to reduce the chance of hypothermia in calves
It never hurts to review and refresh calving processes. In this article, Oklahoma State’s Mark Johnson explains how to identify, prevent and manage cold stress in baby calves, including precalving nutrition of the cow that can reduce the chances of hypothermia. Consider positioning this article in social media posts or link it in newsletters. A few minutes to send it out … [Read more...]
Solvet launches CattleZen to reduce stress, boost health in cattle
CattleZen is a proprietary blend of maternal bovine-appeasing substance and a calming pheromone that, when applied just above the muzzle, stimulates a calming effect. The product will be officially launched at the 2026 CattleCon NCBA trade show, providing producers with an opportunity to learn about the science, performance benefits and practical use of the product. Source: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 29, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 22, 2026. Link. Most read posts from January 22, 2026 AHD Bulletin – College women far outnumber men in law, medical, vet schools and it matters. Link. RHDV-2 confirmed in North Carolina. Link. 5 common dog ailments that respond well to laser therapy. Link. PetSmart rolls out omnichannel … [Read more...]
USDA announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge
The New World Screwworm Grand Challenge funding opportunity marks a pivotal step in USDA’s comprehensive strategy to combat NWS and prevent its northward spread. As part of the commitment USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will make up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and … [Read more...]
Review: Stomach tubing best practices for new born calves
Bruce Derksen shares good reminders about when newborn calves need help in the form of stomach tubing. Before using the tube, consider these key steps to help ensure success. Tube condition, cleanliness and temperature are especially important. Source: Progressive Cattle, January 15, 2015. Link. Tubing a calf is a relatively simple process, but if done incorrectly, it will … [Read more...]
Acupuncture for cows
Acupuncture may provide a practical, low-risk adjunct for cattle veterinarians for pain and restoring function in food animals. It also can stimulate and influence both immune and reproductive system regulation. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, January 14, 2026. Link. When analgesic tools are scarce and animal comfort matters, acupuncture may offer a meaningful benefit at … [Read more...]
Mortality at the sow farm: a 10-year retrospective
Mortality continues to be one of the most influential factors affecting profitability, yet remains difficult to reduce. Despite ongoing innovation, robust disease management and collaborative efforts across all sectors of swine production, the analysis of a decade of data clearly shows the ongoing struggle with mortality. Rachel Johnson shares livability trends and data about … [Read more...]
Live from VMX
With VMX 2026 in full swing, this news release captures real-time highlights, announcements, and trends shaping this year’s event. The ideas and innovations shared at VMX help shape new trends, influence how veterinarians champion care for animals, and ultimately help them provide smarter, faster and more effective care. Source: VMX, NAVC, January 20, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 22, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 15, 2026. Link. Most read posts from January 15, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Feline veterinary care at pivotal point to drive future practice growth. Link. Benefits or features? Link. Understanding pet parents’ concerns about their pets. Link. Beyond the SEO algorithms, AI is changing “search”. … [Read more...]
NAVC’s 2025 VETTY Award winners
The 2025 VETTY Awards® Grand Prize winners include: BEST IN SHOW (FOR PROFIT) AWARD: “Galliprant - Playing with Fire” by Elanco Animal Health and BarkleyOKRP. Category: Campaign - B2B/Trade. BEST IN SHOW (NONPROFIT) AWARD: “KC Animal Health Corridor WORKFORCE Campaign” by Animal Health Corridor and JNA Advertising. Category: Campaign - New Product, Program or Service … [Read more...]
New research identifies direct cause of porcine ear necrosis
By focusing on managing bacterial exposure and preventing ear trauma, swine farms may finally be able to reduce the incidence and severity of porcine ear necrosis, a global welfare‑related condition. A new controlled study provides evidence that Fusobacterium necrophorum can directly induce PEN‑like lesions in pigs. Source: National Hog Farmer, January/February 2026. … [Read more...]
New AI tool can take a cow’s temperature with only a photo
With potential to help cattlemen detect temperatures before visible signs of illness, a new tool from the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision Lab at the University of Arkansas uses artificial intelligence and thermal cameras to estimate the body temperature of cattle. Source: University of Arkansas, January 2, 2026. Link. The system, called CattleFever, is the first … [Read more...]
Looking ahead to CattleCon26, Nashville, February 3rd – 5th
As animal health pros wrap up VMX and head to IPPE, Nashville is prepping for cowboy hats, boots and all things beef. Check out five new things to enjoy at CattleCon26 <Link.>. AHD Sponsor Novonesis is on the program Tuesday, February 3, to discuss the “Effects of a direct-fed microbial in finishing cattle.” Experts on applied microbiome science will also be available … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 15, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 8, 2026. Link. Most read posts from January 8, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Uncertainty. Link. Opportunity flows from where you focus your intentions and attention. AAHA issues NEW guidelines for treating pets with cancer. Link. ============================= More than 1,200 feral, rescue cats … [Read more...]
Opportunity flows from where you focus your intentions and attention
Commentary This new year is not a fresh start. It’s the next chapter of continually improving the health and welfare of our animals and those who care for them. For many animal health pros, the horizon may be foggy as new annual plans are implemented, territories realigned, new management introduced and teams face staffing and goal changes. As we begin this year, we can … [Read more...]
Avian influenza outbreaks confirmed in 5 states
Confirmed avian flu outbreaks have hit another five U.S. states, affecting more than 128,000 birds, according to APHIS. The recent outbreaks occurred at commercial poultry farms and in backyard flocks in Arkansas, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska and New York. The virus is also suspected in the deaths of wild birds in Florida and Iowa. Source: CIDRAP, December 30, 2025. … [Read more...]
What you should know about the 3 stages of calving
Parturition, or the birthing process, has three stages. Understanding the stages is critical to know when to provide help, writes Angie Stump Denton. Complete with videos, the article is a good reference for novice producers, animal health pros serving cow-calf producers and for new hires on established farms. Source: Drovers, January 6, 2026. Link. Offering assistance to a … [Read more...]
Late gestation cows. Get them the groceries
Livestock nutritionists will tell you that those last few weeks before calving are the most critical time for the nutrition for your cowherd, writes Clint Peck. Diets for gestating heifers and cows must support lactation, fetal growth and replenishment of body condition at varying times during pregnancy. Grazing alone will often not meet the requirements of pregnant cows for … [Read more...]