“The possibilities are endless” shared Florida cattleman Jim Strickland talking about his experiences with GPS collars and cellphone tower enabled virtual fencing. Beyond containment in designated areas, the technology makes ranching more efficient. Strickland can change grazing boundaries from his computer, keep cattle out of areas he wants to protect or areas effected by … [Read more...]
Progressive Cattle’s Top 10 online articles from 2023
Commentary Readership metrics indicate what cattle producers could use help with from animal health pros. We can’t get so caught up in running the road, making calls and pitching services that we lose touch with our customers’ interests. The economic importance of cow longevity and depreciation topped the list that includes hydroponic forages, timing for weaning, … [Read more...]
Do chickens need heat in winter? It’s complicated.
Reminding us that eggs are last on the list of body function priorities, Jeremy Chartier discusses the pros and cons of providing alternative heat sources to chicken coops. Cold weather can cause a drastic reduction in egg production . . . and increase the risk of frostbite to birds.” Source: Backyard Poultry, November 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Protect poultry from raccoons
Once raccoons choose to get into poultry coops, homes or buildings, they are indomitable. They are considered super-predators if they break into poultry enclosures or discover birds free-ranging. Erin Snyder shares ways to keep raccoons from becoming a problem. Source: Hobby Farms, December 13, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Synder’s article is worthy of sharing on social media or … [Read more...]
New in 2022-2023: Drug approvals, indications and generics
NOTE: It is difficult to keep track of what’s coming, what got approved in other countries and what has been approved for use in the U.S. When reviewing the 2023 approvals, we thought a few were missing only to find them on the 2022 list. Both years are linked here. Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, highlights some of the key drugs recently approved for the treatment of small … [Read more...]
Winter manure regulations in effect
Not all states have the same regulations. Some states ban winter manure spreading outright, while others allow it under certain conditions. Chris Torres and Jennifer Kiel share regulations by state governing when manure can be spread. Source: American Agriculturist, December 11, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Equine, backyard poultry and livestock hobbyists may not be aware of … [Read more...]
Controlling livestock diseases could reduce GHG emissions
Sick critters increase greenhouse gas emissions. Vaccination and better management increase production outcomes and ease burdens on the environment, according to a study, published in One Health Outlook. Researchers analyzed emissions caused by some of the most damaging, but preventable, livestock diseases around the world, including foot and mouth disease and PRRS. . . . … [Read more...]
Dairy heifer’s follicles may predict their future
Heritable trait research continues to be a scientific frontier in animal production decisions and stewardship of animals as a resource. Too many ovarian follicles, at too young of an age, likely means a shortened herd life for dairy females.” Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 2017. Link. Follicle numbers are a moderately heritable genetic trait in dairy cows which may … [Read more...]
Livestock are NOT dumb and are worthy of scientific attention
Commentary Ignoring livestock has been a “missed opportunity” by the scientific community, according to Christopher Krupenye, PhD. Krupenye seems unfamiliar with the special connections made with the animals of 4-Hers and livestock show enthusiasts. In an article covering scientists who are probing the mental and emotional lives of animals we’ve lived with for thousands … [Read more...]
Terms from the poultry farming glossary
There’s a flock of terms used when describing birds on poultry farms. Elsbeth Upton offers a glossary to help us keep the keets, poults, peachicks, cygnets and squabs properly assigned to the right birds. Source: Backyard Poultry, April 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Last week’s post about variations in peafowl garnered a lot of views <Link>. … [Read more...]
Improving bandaging efficiencies
Commentary Fans of the Nat Geo Wild veterinary shows frequently get to see animals bandaged. It is fascinating to see various veterinarians apply bandages and how they often explain what they are doing with layers and yards of materials. Michael H. Jaffe, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, shares his tips for effectively using bandages for post-operative patients in this article and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 7, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 30, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the November 30th AHD Bulletin – Washers and dryers require more frequent cleaning than you think. Link. Be curious. Link. What scents are dangerous to cats and dogs? Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Milking robots increase management effectiveness
Ninety percent of the time when I’m working with farms, their challenges are not robot-related, writes Andy Lenkaitis, despite perceptions that dairy workers will lose knowledge of the individual cows. Robots deliver a consistent milking experience for the cow, offer more schedule flexibility and help dairymen focus on being a cow person again.” Source: AG Proud, September 5, … [Read more...]
Pros, cons of using darts in cattle management
While pneumatic darts can be helpful in some settings, Rhonda Brooks’ article shares the reasons why darts are not chosen by producers or veterinarians. She provides a good review of dart use, benefits and risks worthy of review by animal health pros and their clients. Source: Drovers, November 30, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
KPI alphabet soup: Defining acronyms of high-performance dairies
Chad Jenkins and Mark Hodge share key performance indicators as a quick gauge and to provide clarity to a plethora of dairy data. Acronyms often add to the confusion along with some of the mathematics when talking with dairy producers. Four KPIs that have considerable impact on dairy productivity and profitability are income over feed cost, dollars per pound of dry matter, … [Read more...]
Essential upgrades for lackluster cattle-handling facilities as winter threatens
Bruce Derksen shares the importance of keeping cattle handling facilities in the best condition as winter settles in. He identifies the most important areas for producers to focus their attention. The article is a good reminder to share with producers, especially those who always seem to wait until the veterinarian arrives to realize they aren’t prepared to easily handle … [Read more...]
Study examines livestock trailer cleanliness
Biosecurity remains a significant challenge in livestock production. Studies have shown visual inspection may be insufficient to ensure cleanliness and reduce disease transmission risk because viruses and bacteria are microscopic. The article shares a study where bioluminescence was used to determine if adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence could be used as an indicator of … [Read more...]
Looking back: most read posts from the November 2022 AHD Bulletins
Most read posts give us a sense of the priorities, problems and pain points animal health pros are experiencing when serving animal owners, their animals and each other. Despite what seems like a heightened sense of urgency, the most read posts from a year ago are grounding and remind us little changes. Animal health remains a repetitive business which benefits from educating … [Read more...]
Treating digital dermatitis
Acknowledging that digital dermatitis is likely to become endemic once it gets into a dairy, Doerte Doepfer, DVM, MSc, PhD, shares the importance of good detection, prompt treatment, strategic use of disinfecting foot baths and including hoof trimmers as part of the health management team. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, November 9, 2023. Link. Also see: Search results for: … [Read more...]
Cows are picky about their stalls
Multiple factors, such as lameness and pecking order, influence where cows rest. Maggie Gilles writes about the proclivity dairy cows have for specific locations and stalls based on research from the Miner Institute. Her article is short and offers a worthy topic to bring up during calls on dairies. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, November 10, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
USDA, only 6 strains of African swine fever virus
Accurate classification of viruses is paramount for epidemiological investigations and the development of cost-effective countermeasures, including designing vaccines for unique strains of ASFV. Researchers have reclassified the number of African swine fever virus strains from 25 to only six unique genotypes. Reclassifying ASFV from 25 to 6 genotypes is important . . . it may … [Read more...]
The evolution of poultry farming in America
Large-scale and backyard poultry farming oscillate every couple of generations. Kenny Coogan provides a short history of poultry farming in the U.S. as backyard birds are gaining popularity once again. Source: Backyard Poultry, October 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
U.S. birds affected by HPAI outbreak surpasses 60 million
The numbers are hard to ignore. If we estimate each bird lost weighed an average of three pounds, then 90,000 tons of poultry have been lost in our food chain. Put another way, it is over 2.2 million refrigerated truckloads of poultry that won’t be available for consumption. Source: Feedstuffs, November 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Condition of surplus dairy calves during marketing
Surplus dairy calves are sold soon after birth and often marketed through a third party before entering veal or dairy beef production. A portion of these mostly male calves failed transfer of passive immunity and exhibited clinical signs of disease on arrival at calf-raising facilities. Researchers sought to better understand elements of calf health and morbidity during the … [Read more...]
New beef-on-dairy resources available from Iowa Beef Center
Usurping the traditional information about feeding mostly Holstein, dairy-bred calves, a new web resource now focuses on the growing beef-on-dairy segment. It will offer producers and animal health pros current research and information about beef on dairy cross cattle. Source: BEEF, November 1, 2023. Link. Beef-on-dairy is such a new space, and we are constantly learning … [Read more...]
Despite grumblers, finger-pointers and naysayers, the beef industry is solid and growing
Nevil Speer offers a look at the fed cattle market over the past four decades to reveal that the trends over time are positive and clear. Beef IS winning in the marketplace. Consumers are voting in favor of beef and the result is the fed market is stronger than ever” – Nevil Speer Source: Drovers, November 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Noise pollution harms more than your hearing
Sound that is extremely loud or frequent can harm the human body beyond our ears, writes Jason Bittel for National Geographic. Scientists are learning more about how sound impacts human health all the time. Chronic noise stimulates stress responses that can result in cardiovascular disease or mental health issues. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health … [Read more...]
WARNING! Choose rodent poisons wisely
Since rodents flock to buildings this time of year, we’re reposting this as a reminder that Bromethalin, second-generation rodenticides, have NO ANTIDOTE. The distinction between consumer retail and professional formulas remains a concern. The post contains several references about baits and toxicity. Source: Animal Health Digest, November 12, 2019. Link. Second generation … [Read more...]
Livestock-related products make life simpler (slide show)
Veterinary teams and representatives should take note of this new livestock products review. It includes everything from handling equipment to waterers and more. Farm Progress editors share new products suited to serious livestock producers in this article and slide show. Source: Farm Progress, November 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
USDA strengthens animal welfare requirements for organic label
ICYMI - Livestock and poultry farmers will face new animal welfare requirements to qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “organic” label. Once published, producers will need to be in compliance within 60 days. New standards require animals to have year-round outdoor access, and shelter must allow livestock to lie down, stand up and turn around. Producers must also … [Read more...]