Managing individual herd health requires thought and diligence from producers and the veterinarians who advise them. Mark Hilton, DVM, shares a thought-provoking perspective on optimizing herd health processes, as it relates to vaccination, antibiotics and deworming. The key takeaway? Include the veterinarian before making a change. . . . if something needs to be eliminated or … [Read more...]
Communal wound licking documented in a hoofed mammal for the first time
American bison have been observed licking each other’s wounds, a stress-reducing behavior not documented in a hoofed mammal until now. While female bison have been observed grooming unrelated calves, reports of animals licking the wounds of others have largely been limited to captive rats and wild primates, such as chimpanzees. Source: New Scientist, May 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
And the green grass grows all around . . . but wait!
Spring! Pastures and hayfields are greening up. Lush stands of grass push skyward after a nice rain. A few seed heads start to develop and our noses get ready for that smell of the first cutting of hay. But wait . . . upon closer inspection, “oh no, ergot [ur-guht]!” Ergot is a fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that contaminates rye and wheat and produces substances called … [Read more...]
Can we keep roosters together as chicks grow up?
Citing her own experiences, Jennifer Sartell shares ways to deal with the likelihood of more than one rooster as Easter chicks mature. Reminding us that chickens will be chickens and there is no hard and fast rule, she offers ways to keep the boys happy without having to get rid of the extra roosters. . . . if you’re keeping roosters, have options handy.” Source: Backyard … [Read more...]
5 pet food brands being talked about
Includes Commercial Content Surveys of independent pet store owners revealed the top pet food brands they say are doing well in their stores: Fromm Family Foods Stella & Chewy’s Primal Pet Foods Zignature Northwest Naturals Goat milk received an honorable mention. Source: Pet Product News, May 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Pet food questions are … [Read more...]
Winners of the British Veterinary Association Veterinary Photographer of the Year 2023
The eighth annual contest was open to BVA members. Its intent is to inject some fun into the BVA programs. The photos a expose a bit of the lives of veterinarian professionals across the United Kingdom, as well as their own adorable pets. Entries were judged in three categories: Vets at Work, All Creatures Great and Small, and Happy Pets That Make Us Smile. Source: British … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 11, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 4th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from May 4th AHD Bulletin – Establishing rapport. Link. Shaping the onboarding experience. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. 3 ways VMG is different from other veterinary membership organizations Source: … [Read more...]
Gene-editing technology produces first calf resistant to BVDV
Scientists have collaborated to produce the first gene-edited calf with resistance to bovine viral diarrhea virus. Maribel Alonso postulates this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the possibility of reducing the burden of BVDV-associated diseases in cattle by gene editing which may also reduce the need for antimicrobials. Source: Drovers, May 9, 2023. Link. The study was … [Read more...]
Freemartins and Peter Pan heifers
Commentary Occasionally we run across terminology that is foreign to us. In the articles here, we share two such terms: freemartin and Peter Pan heifers. Source: FEEDLOT, June 21, 2022. Link. Twins calves can be a challenge. But when one is a bull calf and the other a heifer often the heifer is a freemartin. Freemartin heifers are females with an improperly developed … [Read more...]
Pain management in cattle: Drug dilemma
With few pain-relief drugs on the market for cattle, producers and veterinarians must know their options, writes Heather Smith Thomas. The situation underscores the importance of the VCPR to provide the regulatory foundation for a practitioner to work with the producer to provide medications for extra-label use when considered necessary. One of the challenges in the U.S. is … [Read more...]
Tips to prepare cattle for summer
Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM, PhD, says vaccinations and ear tags are key to maintaining herd health. He urges producers to review their vaccination and parasite control programs and plan for fly control including insecticide ear tag rotation. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin Extra, April 26, 2023. Link. Vaccinations should be given 45-60 days before the bulls will be released with the … [Read more...]
Implanting nursing calves
Implanting nursing calves has consistently shown to be an effective way to post greater calf weights at weaning time. In fact, Grady Ruble says implanting has the greatest return on investment of any other technology. . . . deciding to implant nursing calves is more important than which implant to use.” Source: FEEDLOT, March 22, 2023. Link. Generally, branding makes for a … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 3, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 27th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 27th AHD Bulletin – Trust lost. Link. Preparing for behavioral interview questions. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Compliance is a 5 letter word Source: Vetsource, Link. PRAP is an … [Read more...]
Worms without borders
Complimentary Commercial Content When cattle move about the country so do the worms and germs they carry. Boehringer Ingelheim’s David Shirbroun, DVM, shares the challenges of worm management and how extended release dewormers can benefit producers with cattle pastured more than a month. One thing producers might not realize is that the peak level of larvae in the pasture … [Read more...]
Breeding season checklist
As spring calving comes to a close and producers look to crop production, its important to help them get a solid plan together for breeding cows back. In addition to bull management, this is also a good time to cull open cows or those doing poorly. Source: Drovers, April/May 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Across all types of veterinary practices, we are routinely seeing … [Read more...]
All about emus
Fans of The Incredible Jan Pol on National Geographic TV, may have seen him, Charles and staff treating emus and sometimes wrestling with them <Link>. Kenny Coogan shares why emus have gained popularity and some guidance for their care in the article below. Today in the U.S., emus are a popular choice for alternative agriculture due to their minimal husbandry needs, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 27, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 20th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 20th AHD Bulletin – Enhancing your customers’ experiences. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Study says U.S. unprepared for dangers posed by zoonotic diseases Source: Vet Candy, February 13, 2023. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 20, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 13th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 13th AHD Bulletin – Don’t assume that old refrigerator is okay for vaccines, antimicrobials. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Are influencers ready for a world without follower counts? Source: … [Read more...]
2023 CATTLE U event moves to Manhattan, KS
If you service cattle producers in the 300-mile radius of Manhattan, Kansas ,this is an opportunity for them to listen to industry experts and network with other producers. High Plains Journal's CATTLE U is a free, educational event now in its fifth year. It will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan, Kansas, on July 11th. The event includes a full day of … [Read more...]
How long do cows wait to be milked?
Great question! Short answer? You can’t set it and forget it with automatic milking systems. The longer cows wait to be milked, the less time they have to rest. Knowing that long periods of standing are detrimental to cow health and comfort, increasing their chance to develop lameness and hoof lesions, a research team studied cow behavior in free-flow and guided-flow barns … [Read more...]
The impact of long-distance trucking on dairy calves is more pronounced than perceived
Trucking is hard on calves. David Renaud, DVM, says surprisingly little research has been conducted to evaluate the health implications of transport. He shares results from a research project completed in Canada that shows transportation for long distances and at less than one week of age are associated with poor health and growth outcomes in dairy calves. It is beneficial if … [Read more...]
Guidelines for vaccines and antibiotic management in goats
While a niche in the U.S. veterinary world, multiple vaccines, antibiotic brands and other products are available specifically for goats, writes Jaclyn Krymowski. She shares information for goat owners which may also inform veterinary teams who rarely see goats and other caprines. Source: Backyard Goat, March 24, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Third human bird flu death prompts comments from Brakke’s Bob Jones
Source: AgriMarketing, April 17, 2023. Link. The third human infection with H3N8 bird flu virus and first fatality ever reported prompted Bob Jones to think about how we as an industry should respond to influenza in animals. His commentary is part of this report on the human death from avian flu. … [Read more...]
Fowl Play: veterinarians talk biosecurity and backyard chickens
Complimentary Sponsored Content Attention animal health pros! Consider investing an hour of your time to learn from this timely discussion. Karen Grogan, DVM, MAM, ACPV, joins the Chatfields for an informative and realistic discussion of backyard chickens, biosecurity and the threat of high path avian influenza. After you’ve held them and they’re cute please go wash your … [Read more...]
Don’t assume that old refrigerator is okay for vaccines and antimicrobials
Fred Gingrich, DVM, welcomed guest Emmanuel Rollin, DVM MFAM, on a recent AABP podcast Have you Herd? <Link>. The discussion involved studies of on-farm refrigerators, their functionality and the risks to the efficacy of vaccines and antimicrobials stored on farm. This article summarizes key points from that discussion. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, March 7, 2023. … [Read more...]
Interest in miniature cattle continues to surge
Demand for miniature cattle is strong. They are the result of generations of selective breeding and choosing selected genetics to reduce size, while promoting the best breed qualities, conformation and temperament. They are 1⁄2 to 1⁄3 the size of full-size cattle and require less space than regular-size cattle. Two or three miniatures can be kept in an area normally required … [Read more...]
Be on the lookout for grass tetany
In cattle country, the lush green grasses emerging are generally known to be low in magnesium. Producers need to be reminded to watch for symptoms of grass tetany as forage grasses flourish. Symptoms of grass tetany often include going off feed, nervousness, muscle spasms, convulsions, irritability, and aggressiveness. Severe cases may result in a comatose state or … [Read more...]
Vector-borne disease screening critical to pet health
To help veterinarians stay ahead of the curve and provide the best care to their patients, this article explores why comprehensive screening is critical to pet health. It includes key insights into a lesser-known tick-borne disease that has become more frequently detected than Lyme. “Anaplasma is becoming the most common vector-borne infection they’re seeing dogs are exposed … [Read more...]
The 5 most trusted pet retailers in 2023
Five pet retailers were recognized on Newsweek’s second annual Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2023 list. The list includes Amazon, Chewy, PetSmart and PetCo in the retail category top 10. Tractor Supply was not mentioned in the article but took 10th place. Walmart was ranked 25th. <Link> Source: Pet Product News, April 7, 2023. Link. Also see: Franchising is … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 13, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 6th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from March 30th AHD Bulletin – Hauser: Reverse the downward trend of pets missing vet care. Link. JVECC makes a case for quality improvement in vet med. Link. Finding the optimal pattern of a customer journey. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences … [Read more...]