Ron Ketchem and Mark Rix share the progression results of batch farrowing and provide views of various data depicting progress, challenges and value. Source: National Hog Farmer, September 1, 2021. Link. With the increasing disease challenges to the swine industry and large sow farms and finisher sites, batch farrowing needs to be explored.” INSIGHTS: The use of … [Read more...]
Cows can be potty trained
Cows can be potty trained as easily, if not more so, than toddlers, according to researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. This is good because urine, mixed with feces becomes ammonia, which is an environmental concern. Source: Associated Press, September 13, 2021. Link. If it could be done, toilet training makes it easier to manage waste products and reduce … [Read more...]
Country of origin labeling to be reinstated for U.S. beef
The latest legislation will reinsert “beef” and “ground beef” into the current mandatory country of origin label law that requires country-of-origin labels on many food commodities, including meat from chickens, sheep, goats and deer. Source: BEEF, September 13, 2021. Link. “Only with MCOOL for beef can cattle producers compete in their own domestic market where packers and … [Read more...]
Turkeys plus chickens: Mix the flock or not?
There are benefits to keeping a mixed flock, but there are serious bird health hazards associated with it, as well, writes Jeremy Chartier. He describes social benefits of mixing types, while reminding poultry raisers of potential coop configuration challenges. Source: Backyard Poultry, September 13, 2021. Link. Be sure to introduce mature turkeys into a chicken flock. … [Read more...]
60 percent more milk from 30 percent fewer cows
Dramatic changes have unfolded in the dairy industry during the last five generations. They include more ore milk production occurring on fewer farms, plus large-scale operations expanding into non-traditional markets. Karen Bohnert examines the top dairy states in the next decade. Source: Dairy Herd Management, August 31, 2021. Link. The June 2021 USDA’s Milk Production … [Read more...]
Danish entry methods benefit calf biosecurity (includes video)
Sponsored Content Replicating biosecurity measures of pig- and poultry-raising units, Kevin Janni, agricultural engineer, says a Danish entry allows people to enter livestock barns in a relatively biosecure way, without having to shower in and shower out. The key is that dirty boots or clothing never cross from the dirty to the clean side. Ideally, a hand-washing sink and … [Read more...]
History of the Bantam chicken
At about a third the size of an average chicken, Bantam chickens have sometimes caused people to question if Bantams are real chickens. Don Schrider shares the history of Bantams and says they are indeed real chickens. Source: Backyard Poultry, August 31, 2021. Link. Bantams are about a third the size of large fowl, eat much less, need smaller pens, and more of them can be … [Read more...]
Dairy market cows NOT cull cows
Dairy producers need to should change their vocabulary when referring to a cull cow. Cows sent to slaughter could add $60,000 to $100,00 a year to a 250-cow dairy. “Cull” means to remove something inferior or worthless. Instead, these animals should be considered market cows, something with value.” Source: Farm Progress, August 23, 2021. Link. Dairy producers must recognize … [Read more...]
How drought is affecting beef and beyond
Historic drought covers the West and most of the northern plains. One estimate shows that 32 percent of all cattle in the U.S. are under drought level conditions. A panel of experts discussed the current state of the drought during Farm Journal Field Days. These conditions cause severe disruption for ranchers and will have a lasting impact on America’s cattle industry.” – Greg … [Read more...]
Thoughts from the Veterinary Innovation Summit + NAVC Media eCommerce Summit
Opinion Among myriad thoughts captured during the Veterinary Innovation Summit, these present the most opportunity and challenges for veterinary teams in the next three to five years. Some are trends we see routinely as we curate content, but others are coming faster than previously perceived: Pet caregivers will drive how they wish to interact with veterinary clinics . … [Read more...]
Fall alfalfa decisions have repercussions
Drought continues to be a concern for farmers and livestock producers. Forage availability and quality are integral to sustaining herd numbers and health. Kim Cassida shares alfalfa management tips. For animal health pros working directly with producers, consider using this article to open new discussions about nutrition and herd health decisions. You might find a local … [Read more...]
Protecting chickens from pododermatitis, bumble foot
Complimentary Content Stephanie Lamb shares the whats, whys, where and hows of bumblefoot, an inflammatory condition affecting a bird’s foot and common with backyard poultry. Bumblefoot has various levels of severity in chickens, ranging from mild redness and thinning of the scales to ulcerations and damage to underlying muscle, tendons and bone. Source: Chickens, August … [Read more...]
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance and AVMA have disaster resources for all. They’re especially helpful for Tropical Storm Henri victims.
Sponsored Content Tropical Storm Henri was a hurricane before it made landfall in Rhode Island last Sunday. We shared hurricane safety and check lists for pets in September 2020 <Link>. Large animal and livestock owners also need to think about how they will care for their animals during natural disasters. The AVMA offers disaster resources to help owners plan for … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 19, 2021
Last week’s most read post 40 percent of U.S. wild deer have coronavirus antibodies: study. AHD Link. Cat2VetDay is August 22nd Source: Cat Friendly Homes. Link. In the United States, more than half of our 74 million cats are not visiting the veterinarian regularly. See the resources available for immediate use including, 5 reasons NOT to postpone … [Read more...]
Blow air in, not out
Flipping conventional exhaust fan practices on their head, Gordie Jones, a veterinarian and nutritionist, designed a way to blow fresh air in providing benefits year-round. His concept is, what he calls an “all-season, hybrid barn,” uses positive ventilation when it is needed to boost air flow in a naturally ventilated barn. Source: Dairy Herd Daily, March 19, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Cattle industry commits to climate neutrality
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association released the U.S. cattle industry sustainability goals during its annual convention and trade show last week in Nashville, Tennessee. Goals include: Demonstrate climate neutrality of U.S. cattle production by 2040 Create and enhance opportunities that resulted in a quantifiable increase in producer profitability and economic … [Read more...]
Learning through livestock: Pipestone Discovery Barn brings the farm to fairgoers (video)
The Pipestone Discovery Barn gives kids who don’t grow up on a farm a chance to learn more about where their food comes from. Visitors not only get to see the baby animals, they also witness them being born. Source: KEOLAND.com, August 13, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Intercept the annual rodent migration
START NOW to reduce the annual fall movement of rodents indoors. As the weather cools, rodents migrate to livestock and poultry houses seeking warmer conditions and food sources. The same migrations occur in cities, suburbs, ruralpolitan acreages, farms and ranches. Jim Eadie shares ways to get ahead of the migration using bait stations. He says early placement is vital … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 12, 2021
Last week’s most read AHD post Relief Rover raises $10K from virtual 5K event benefitting NOMV. AHD, Link Last week’s Animal Health Digest Bulletin - August 5, 2021. Link. Scientists have worked out how to send viable mouse sperm on postcards Source: New Scientist, August 5, 2021. Link. This study raises the intriguing idea that human spermatozoa could … [Read more...]
6 criteria for culling cattle during drought
Drought conditions throughout cow country eventually force culling decisions. Multiple factors should be considered when deciding culling strategies, and there’s no one-size-fits-all set of criteria that will work for every producer. The process begins with an inventory of available feed resources. Source: BEEF, August 5, 2021. Link. The author shares some options for where … [Read more...]
Feed bait contraceptive may help reduce feral hog reproduction
A new hog contraceptive is being used to manage the feral hog population in Texas. The strategy is to provide an all-natural feed bait that is made of ingredients fed to cattle and deer but combined in such a way that it makes feral boars sterile. The non-toxic formula reduces the fertility of feral hogs within five days and maintains fertility interruption for at least 30 … [Read more...]
Cattle bunching on dairy farms: Causes and solutions
The ongoing advancements in animal stewardship at the farm or ranch level, are fascinating as they are revealed. Sadly, the public often holds an Old MacDonald point of view about animal care. Dairy and cattle producers are continually observing and working toward solutions to limiting production factors that ultimately improve animal health and stewardship. Brian Dougherty … [Read more...]
ASF information for community and media available from OIE
The latest information about African swine fever and tools for communicating about it to the public and the media are now available from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). From a thorough overview of the disease, diagnostics, and prevention and control, the information quality is expectedly high. Additionally, a link to media resources that include posters, … [Read more...]
Pain management is quickest route to improved animal welfare
Pain management was pinpointed as one of the more accessible wins among animal welfare challenges and positive interventions identified during a recent Ruminant Health and Welfare workshop in the United Kingdom. Session attendees included veterinarians, researchers, farmers and other industry professionals. Widening the range of conditions where non-steroidals can be … [Read more...]
Covetrus issues inaugural environmental, social and governance report
Complimentary Commercial Content Covetrus released its first environmental, social and governance report last week. It affirms the company’s commitment to providing ethical and sustainable solutions that improve the lives of its employees, customers and partners, while positively impacting the communities it serves. Source: Business Wire, August 5, 2021. Link. In 2020, … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health announces new naming for cattle vaccine portfolio
Complimentary Commercial Content New packaging and naming will appear on cattle vaccines produced by Merck Animal Health soon. All cattle vaccines will lead with Bovilis followed by the current product name, such as Bovilis Vista, Bovilis Vision or Bovilis Guardian,” said Scott Nordstrom, DVM, director of livestock innovation and discovery, Merck Animal Health. “In … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 4, 2021
Last week’s most read posts – we have another tie Modeling fierce self-compassion. Link. Lincoln Memorial University pilots new advanced degree option for veterinary professionals. Link. Baby boomers can’t stop looking at their phones Source: Vice, August 3, 2021. Link. While stereotypes paint millennials and Gen Z-ers as phone and social media-obsessed … [Read more...]
ASF in one third of Dominican Republic provinces, pigs will be slaughtered
The Dominican Republic will slaughter tens of thousands of pigs after detecting outbreaks of African swine fever in 11 of the country’s 32 provinces, according to authorities. Reports indicate the government will pay pig farmers the market price of each animal slaughtered. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Associate Administrator Jack Shere said safeguards are … [Read more...]
Survey says U.S. producers are split over nationwide traceability system
Farm Journal conducted a survey to glean U.S. livestock producers’ thoughts about animal traceability. The top reason producers would participate in a traceability program is to track disease outbreaks. For those opposed, the second-highest reason would be to qualify for a premium or branded program. Traceability has two fronts: one to track diseases and one to address … [Read more...]
Pointers for pinkeye
Commercial Content Moraxella bovis is a commensal organism of the bovine eye meaning that it can be found on the eyes and periocular tissues of healthy animals nearly all the time, writes Tim Parks, DVM, and Lowell T. Midla, VMD, MS. The veterinarians explain Moraxella bovis generally does not cause infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, unless there … [Read more...]