Past research has found that feeding seaweed can reduce methane emissions from cattle, but results are mixed. Now, researchers from Oregon State University are investigating a specific type of seaweed and supplementing cattle that graze in the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem rather than a feedlot environment. Source: Oregon State University, October 28, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Building a new breed: the American Black Hereford
There is considerable pride and breed loyalty among cattle producers despite the overriding objectives to improve production efficiencies and profits. Gilda V. Bryant shares the development of the Black Hereford in the article here. Despite the name sounding like an oxymoron, Black Herefords are a thing. Source: Progressive Cattle, October 15, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Pigs per litter continues steady growth
The number of pigs per litter reached another record in September, writes Michael Langemeier. Using his metrics, it appears we’ll soon see an average of 12 pigs per litter compared to eight per litter in 1994. Key performance metrics for swine production have steadily improved over the past 30 years. In addition to pigs per litter, performance metrics include feed conversion, … [Read more...]
NCBA guide for making culling decisions
A guide developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax will help cattle producers with the often difficult decision to cull cows and bulls. Not all of these animals must end up as ground beef if producers understand how to optimize the value of cows that don’t bear calves through better welfare management practices. About 20% of the total revenue of a cow … [Read more...]
Calves like their water hot
Calves and cows prefer warm water closer to their own body temperatures. Maureen Hansen shares how water temperature adjusts rumen development and its bacterial environment. A Finnish study showed calves offered warm water continued to drink more even after weaning. Source: Dairy Herd Management, November 12, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Feeding water near or above 70o F seems … [Read more...]
Blueprint for receiving new feeder calves
The objective of a receiving strategy is to make the transition from calf origin into the feedlot or backgrounding yard as seamless as possible. Jessica Sperber says the first 14 days upon feedlot arrival are critical in calf development and set the performance trajectory of the calf for the remainder of the feeding period. The main concerns are feed intake and water … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health announces FDA approval of SAFE-GUARD® AQUASOL (fenbendazole oral suspension) for use in backyard chicken flocks
Complimentary Commercial Content The approval of SAFE-GUARD® AQUASOL (fenbendazole oral suspension) for use in backyard chicken flocks makes it the only FDA-approved chicken dewormer designed for home use. The product will be available in a 3 mL presentation at fleet and dealer retail outlets beginning in January 2025. Source: Merck Animal Health, November 13, 2024. … [Read more...]
A dairy like you’ve never seen
The calves eat first at Humpback Dairy in southern Missouri. That’s because their mothers only produce milk when their calves are present. They’re part of a herd of 200 dromedary camels that produce milk for 650 markets across the country. Source: Rural Missouri, October 21, 2024. Link. Three years ago, Sam and his family built an FDA-approved and licensed processing, … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis a post-hurricane risk
Commentary This article about the spikes in leptospirosis cases after Hurricane Fiona ravaged Puerto Rico in September 2022 serves as a warning to areas in the U.S. hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Whether people or animals, the elevated risks of leptospirosis require more vigilance and communication in healthcare communities. Source: IDSE, November 4, 2024. Link. Early … [Read more...]
Help livestock and farm customers get funds they deserve
When natural or man-made disasters strike, USDA programs can help rebuild herds, infrastructure, buildings and crops. However, they can be hard to access for average producers. Enter Crop Disaster Recovery, a grant acquisition firm that helps farmers obtain funding from disaster recovery programs and grants through USDA. Source: FarmFutures, September 25, 2024. Link. “We … [Read more...]
Weaning calves. Art or science?
There are some basic principles and practices that will give calves the best chance at navigating the weaning process, writes Zeb Gray. Whether done abruptly or gradually, he recommends producers define what their goals are beyond just separating cow and calf in the weaning process. He emphasizes the importance of a veterinary relationship considering any new antibiotic … [Read more...]
Mitigating weather-related stress in beef cattle
Fall weather is a series of transitions from hot days to cool days, which include wind, rain, sleet and snow. In much of the U.S., it is normal to see high-low temperature swings of 50o F or more. The Beef Checkoff-funded BQA National Manual provides guidelines for handling cattle as weather patterns vary to optimize animal welfare. Julia Herman, DVM, MS, DACVPM, writes … [Read more...]
Fresh cows run a daily marathon
Three weeks before and three weeks after calving, dairy cows experience massive changes in nutrient and micromineral demands. An energy deficit is common in this period and cows struggle to take in more energy than they deplete. Jessica McArt, DVM, compares this energy challenge to marathon runners in this article. Her analogy might help explain the effects of transition to a … [Read more...]
Bird flu mutating and reassorting with seasonal flu could create a pandemic-causing virus
Commentary It is NOT time to panic. Experts are studying the potential for H5N1 to mutate and reassort with seasonal influenza. They indicate humans and pigs could both serve as mixing vessels for a bird flu–seasonal flu hybrid. The article by Tanya Lewis provides a situation analysis, food for thought and reinforces the importance of: seasonal flu vaccination for … [Read more...]
NAVC, blendVet expands Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging education
With the first DEIB Certificate Program launching this week in VetFolio, the NAVC will offer five RACE programs free to VetFolio subscribers, with the option for non-subscribers to purchase the courses. Since 2023, NAVC and blendVet have been working closely to create programs that inspire future veterinary professionals and promote DEIB in the veterinary industry. Source: … [Read more...]
USDA issues grants to support rural veterinary care
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded more than two dozen grants totaling $3.8 million to universities and veterinary practices working to address shortages of food animal veterinary services across the nation. The six EET grants provide up to $250,000 to develop specialized training and educational programs over three years, while the 19 RPE grants provide … [Read more...]
First case of H5N1 in swine found in Oregon backyard farm
No concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply but a reminder of what can happen when livestock and poultry share water sources, housing and equipment. Source: National Hog Farmer, October 30, 2024. Link. USDA and ODA remind all farmers that strong biosecurity is critical to eradicating this virus and to protecting the health of farmworkers, farmers and their … [Read more...]
Toys, materials for pigs offer physical enrichment
There have been promising welfare results when physical enrichment is provided for pigs. While researchers found straw to meet most of the pigs’ behavioral needs, its use in modern facilities is challenging. This article summarizes the welfare effects when using a rope, balls, burlap bags and toys compared to pigs with no enrichment. A chart shows enrichments that improved at … [Read more...]
The deep impact of protein formulation in calf starter feed (video)
Includes Commercial Content Choosing the right proteins in calf starter feed is essential for optimizing rumen fermentation and developing healthy digestive function. Until weaning, liquid milk feed provides most of the protein supply in calf weaning plans in the first half of the initial growth phase. These proteins are essentially of dairy origin. During the second half of … [Read more...]
Review: 3 keys to lameness prevention
Hoof care requires diligent efforts to avoid lameness in dairy animals. Properly maintained footbaths are critical along with regular hoof trimming and scraping multiple times per day. Jason Hartschuh shares the importance of footbath depth and solution options, including copper sulfate, formalin and zinc sulfate. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, October 28, 2024. Link. Barn … [Read more...]
Pekin ducks, a turkey alternative
Rumors of turkey shortages due to flocks being euthanized because of HPAI may make the Pekin duck an option. A Pennsylvania family has developed a substantial commercial duck business featured in the article here. While the Pekin duck is a famous icon for AFLAC, it’s all-dark meat may become a favored alternate choice for the holidays. Source: American Agriculturist, … [Read more...]
Infection control, prevention and biosecurity. Is your plan current?
AAHA’s Infection Control, Prevention, and Biosecurity Guidelines have been available since 2018. Having an ICPB plan is critical to ensure the safety of pets, pet owners and clinic staff. A lot has happened in the six years since the guidelines were published, making updating any current plans important. Emily Singler, VMD, reviews the steps to create an effective ICPB and its … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 24, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 17, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the October 17th AHD Bulletin – Vet Techs play a critical role in pet healthcare. Link. Shelter dog behavior after adoption. Link. How to use dog food toppers. Link. A horse owner’s final act of care. Link. Facial recognition app recognizes cows … [Read more...]
FDA: Aspirin use in dairy cattle and other food animals is now prohibited
Citing HPAI infections in dairies, drug residue risks and concerns about protocol drift, the FDA has reversed its stance on using aspirin, which was never approved for use in cattle. Protocol drift is a real thing . . . there are approved drugs with labeled indications, those should be our first line of treatment.” - Alison Vander Plaats, DVM Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, October … [Read more...]
Dairy biosecurity starts with mentality change
Biosecurity consultant Dan Hougentogler shares the challenges of improving biosecurity practices on dairies, especially those with multiple species on the farm. One of the bigger issues is to get producers to take biosecurity seriously. Source: American Agriculturist, October 21, 2024. Link. Changing the mentality is really about managing people to reduce our potential for … [Read more...]
Study shows dead animal disposal practices can put swine farms at PRRS risk
“When it comes to dead animal handling, we know what we should do, but we aren’t able to do it adequately,” shared Igor Paploski, PhD, referencing discoveries from a study evaluating dead animal disposal practices and the associated risk of PRRS. The article offers tips for producers to minimize the risk of disease spread from dead animal handling practices. Farms that perform … [Read more...]
Building a profitable relationship with veterinarians (podcast)
Includes Commercial Content Randall Spare, DVM, shares his experiences with herd health consultations, problem-solving with producers and how understanding genomics can increase the value of replacement heifers. Source: Angus at Work, August 28, 2024. Link. [26:52] The opportunities today when we genomically measure heifers and we know exactly what’s underneath that hide … [Read more...]
Setting up the newborn calf to respond to spring vaccinations
Producers often “set it and forget it” when turning out cows for the fall and winter. Research has shown that calves born to cows with a body condition score of 5 or 6 have more immunoglobulin G in their blood serum after consuming colostrum than calves from cows with a 4 or lower score, writes Karla H. Wilke. She focuses on the importance of keeping cows healthy and in good … [Read more...]
Cattle traceability rule set to take effect November 5th
Cattle ranchers and dairy farmers will be required to use electronic identification for their cows in certain cases under a disease traceability rule set to take effect November 5, 2024. Producers have long expressed concerns about cost and data privacy. In May, Congress approved $15 million to help producers comply with the rule and farms can receive electronic tags for free … [Read more...]
Farmers told to bolster biosecurity as HPAI spread “by no means on the downward trend”
Experts have warned dairy producers to assume the worst when taking steps to secure their premises against HPAI infections. Source: Dairy Reporter, October 10, 2024. Link. . . . almost a third of all cases since the inception of this event have occurred within the last 30 days.” – Alex Hamburg, DVM … [Read more...]