Commentary with Commercial Sponsored content from Virox® Animal Health Veterinary clinic owners and managers frequently reference staff members who are worn down, tired and near exhaustion. Pandemic safety protocols have added much more diligence beyond 24/7 mask wear. Disinfecting protocols have been adjusted and remain a primary measure in curbing pathogen transfers. In … [Read more...]
Drought! Is it time to worry?
For those east of the Mississippi River, drought is not a great concern. However, areas west of there are experiencing a growing drought footprint. Currently, 67% of the country is afflicted with varying levels of drought, with 22% in the two most severe categories – “extreme” and “exceptional.” Source: Feedstuffs, December 16, 2020. Link. Forecasters are concerned that soil … [Read more...]
6 tips to identify calves susceptible to BRD
John Richeson typifies BRD as the most difficult mammalian diseases to manage in the world. He shared a more focused approach to managing feeder cattle risk and six things feeders can look for to identify high-risk calves. Targeted metaphylaxis is using certain metrics to try to predict whether an animal is going to be at greater risk for BRD, so we can make individual animal … [Read more...]
75 days to prep for calving
Say what?! It’s time to plan for calving season as the first of the 2021 crop will start dropping around March 1. Greg Henderson provides tips to help producers prepare: Assess the body condition of your cows and heifers Review the herd health plan Conduct an inspection of your calving facilities to make sure everything is in working order Check your calving … [Read more...]
Honey, I shrunk the goat
When considering a backyard pet, a manageable 4-H project for a child, or smaller livestock for a homestead or hobby farm, consider these small goat breeds. Theresa Miller offers a concise catalogue of compact caprines. Source: Backyard Goats, October 9, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
RFD-TV celebrates 20th anniversary (includes video)
Complimentary commercial content Founder Patrick Gosch’s conviction from 20 years ago is certainly as true today as ever. He set out to connect city and country for with rural programming that was being ignored by urban broadcasters. Today, Rural Media Group is the world’s leading provider of multimedia content dedicated to the rural and Western lifestyle. RFD TV is … [Read more...]
So long, BEEF, Feedstuffs and National Hog Farmer. “It’s been a heckuva ride.”
BEEF, Feedstuffs and National Hog Farmer will suspend print publications with January 2021 issues. Some digital presence of each will remain. We’ve shared plenty of their articles and web postings since Animal Health Digest began and their contributions are appreciated. Source: BEEF, November 25, 2020. Link. By suspend, they mean that BEEF print, along with the print … [Read more...]
National Pork Board launches AgView to respond to disease outbreaks
The National Pork Board launched AgView, a tool to help the pork industry respond quickly to a foreign animal disease outbreak. The voluntary system is designed to enable producers to input premise identification data, diagnostic data and pig movement data for pig contract tracing in the event of a disease outbreak. Source: The Pig Site, November 11, 2020. Link. “AgView is … [Read more...]
Animal welfare through an animal activist’s eyes
Dairy farmers met an activist during a recent Dairy Cattle Welfare Council webinar. Taylor Leach reports on the discussion, including the biggest three concerns from activists’ point of view: Individual calf housing Tie-stall barns Bull calf treatment Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 2, 2020. Link. Being aware of what animal welfare is – that it’s going … [Read more...]
The never-ending parasite dilemma
John Gillam, DVM, discusses parasites in ungulates including types, life cycles, treatments, testing and slowing down resistance. . . . understanding parasite treatment and the worms that can plague cattle is critical to developing healthy herds.” - John Gilliam, DVM Source: High Plains Journal, December 2, 2020. Link. “We actually select those parasite populations for … [Read more...]
Water: the forgotten nutrient
Water is known as the forgotten nutrient. Google it and you’ll find references to many species. Pedro E. Urriola shares perspectives from discussions at the recent Lehman workshop on water’s importance in pig production. . . . water can absorb a lot of heat before it starts to get hot. . . it is essential to thermal homeostasis of pigs, and all living species . . … [Read more...]
Role of veterinarians, nutritionists changing on dairies
University of Kentucky Extension professionals say the role of veterinarians in the dairy industry is everchanging. The size and sophistication of dairies has reduced the hands-on need for exams and treatments. Now veterinarians play an intrinsic role in establishing protocols, especially as they relate to treatments with antibiotics, pain management and training farm employees … [Read more...]
Manna Pro Products launches “YolkTube” YouTube channel for chicken aficionados
Manna Pro Products launched “YolkTube by City Folks,” a YouTube series that helps teach first-time and established chicken owners basic and advanced care for chickens in backyard poultry setups. The channel is Manna Pro’s latest resource to expand its community of urban and suburban chicken owners can connect and share tips. Source: AgriMarketing, December 8, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Preparations now will ease winter on chicken flocks
Shelby Stone shares tips on winterizing coops and preparing chickens for colder months. Her guidance covers bedding, heated waterers, care with heat lamps and updating diets. Note the tip for protecting combs and waddles using a coating of Vaseline. Source: Acreage Life, November 2020, page 23. Link. INSIGHTS: Chicken keepers will appreciate getting this article from … [Read more...]
Fences revisited, this time without wire
Last week we shared an article about the ecological impact of fences < link >. In ongoing research in Nevada, ranchers are experimenting with virtual fences using technologies that work like pet fencing but use GPS technologies instead of a wire in the ground. They hope to use the technology to improve rotational grazing and restrict cattle from grazing areas where toxic … [Read more...]
Swine vets, producers invited to participate in survey about pig castration pain management
No drugs in the US are approved for castration pain relief in pigs, but veterinarians have options to administer pain-relieving drugs via extra-label methods. Three focus groups conducted at the recent AASV annual meeting identified three factors that influence the use of pain management. They are: Lack of approved pain reliving productions that have been validated for … [Read more...]
Promising new test for Johne’s disease in dairy cattle
The Institute for Global Food Security and School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast has developed a new test to detect more infected animals by milk testing than milk-ELISA. This could potentially facilitate control of Johne's disease faster, the university said. As well as bovine milk, the new test can also be applied to feces and blood from … [Read more...]
Steve Dale: Rats! They are everywhere!
Steve Dale helps explain the expanding issues with rats, their propensity to disperse leptospirosis and the priority of protecting dogs with lepto vaccines. Consider sharing his post on social media or in newsletters. Source: Steve Dale Pet World, November 28, 2020. Link. . . . this is the time of year when young rats born just a few months ago are seeking food competing … [Read more...]
Who’s watching the kids?
Commentary Two articles and Thanksgiving experiences prompt this post. Whether rural, urban or suburban, parents are taxed. The effects of changing school schedules, daycare limitations, restrictions on gatherings and physical distancing play out in family lives and at work. Virtual care helps, but only goes so far. Even with optimum resources, parents are stressed to know … [Read more...]
Mark Five episode 5: the role of vet technicians, vet nurses in telemedicine
Complimentary content from VVCA Mark Cushing, JD, addresses the empowerment or restriction of veterinary technicians or vet nurses as telemedicine grows in veterinary practice. Although it is an area that has been widely debated, he clarifies areas to consider: The 3 NOs for vet techs/nurses Types of supervision of vet techs, vet nurses by DVMs Use of these … [Read more...]
Stocker cattleman shares systems thinking
Wes Ishmael shares what must have been a refreshing discussion with John Groves, DVM from Eldon, Missouri. They discuss how applying elements of system thinking impacts overall outcomes and flexibility in stocker beef operations. Whether systems thinking or a holistic approach, the animal is seen as being part of the complete farm ecosystem. The most exceptional operations are … [Read more...]
Zoetis video celebrates human-cattle bond
Commentary For those of us who grew up in or near the country, the Born of the Bond YouTube video clearly celebrates the commitment, connection and efforts of cattlemen and cattlewomen to their animals. It is as moving as some messages from the companion animal segment. Source: Born of the Bond, YouTube, Zoetis, October 29, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: The human animal … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of chicken coop heating
Jeremy Chartier recommends setting chicken coop heating to about 40oF to help chickens continue to lay eggs, keep eggs from freezing and have liquidwater to drink. Source: Backyard Poultry, November 16, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
To pigs, water is much more than something to drink (webinar)
Complimentary commercial content Water, quality water is a core element to our existence and life quality. While the webinar focuses specifically on swine, much of the content is applicable to all monogastrics. The central role of water in the body, water requirements, water delivery and water quality issues are discussed by John F. Patience, PhD, Professor at … [Read more...]
Floor resurfacing reminder
Providing confident, non-skid footing for dairy cattle is vital to their health, performance, and well-being and is one of the basic elements required in any dairy housing system. Dan McFarland discusses various surfaces and the importance of stable footing for cows. Source: Dairy Herd Management, May 26, 2020. Link. Reconditioning flooring surfaces cattle use may seem like … [Read more...]
Free water necessary for rumen development
It’s challenging to feed water to young dairy calves in the freezing months of winter, but it’s also highly important. And, the earlier calves get access to free water the better! Milk or milk replacer does not constitute free water, because it bypasses the rumen and reticulum and travels straight to the abomasum via the esophageal groove, which is active in calves until about … [Read more...]
Emerging arboviruses manuscript collection
Collectively, the authors have assembled a manuscript collection to provide scientists up-to-date information on diverse pathogens and their respective insect vectors. It is estimated 60 to 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases in humans are of zoonotic origin. Up to one third of these emerging infectious diseases are caused by vector-borne pathogens, which cause more … [Read more...]
Washing livestock trailers with infection control certainty
Sponsored Content Regardless of the pathogens, transporting increases risks for all livestock. Livestock trailers pose a significant risk for pigs, cattle, horses and poultry as they are moved from one location to another. Cleaning with scoops, forced air or pressure washers is as best a first step to controlling pathogen spread from remaining residues before the trailer is … [Read more...]
Detecting heat in high production cows
High producing cows exhibit fewer overall standing events, coupled with a high proportion of heat periods classified as short duration and low intensity. This makes the practice of using tail paint rubs less precise. Joseph C Dalton discusses milk production specifically from the many factors that influence mounting and standing activity. Source: Dairy Herd Management, … [Read more...]
Cow Buoy pops up anew (slideshow)
No livestock person is happy about a downed cow. Getting one up is near impossible. Typical of the hands-on work of producers, Roger Swihart remembered and updated the original Cow Buoy creating the Cow Crane. Source: Missouri Ruralist, November 2, 2020. Link. You can see how it operates on the company website <video demonstration> INSIGHTS: Like portable chutes, … [Read more...]