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...]
Virtual reality grant to help increase interest in animal welfare
This is great news, but I wonder, “how will the scratch ‘n sniff be deployed”? Joking aside, congratulations to Nicole Anderson for a sizeable grant to use virtual reality to increase student interest and understanding of farm animal welfare. The funds will help develop four virtual reality modules that focus on operating commercial dairy and swine farms. Source: … [Read more...]
Llamas, great for small farms
Llamas, members of the camelid family, are a growing choice of ruralpolitan farmers and small acreage owners due to the animals’ relatively small size compared to horses, ponies or cattle. Their unique digestive system and highly efficient use of forage means llamas require less acreage per animal. They are excellent guardian animals, but require planning and education for good … [Read more...]
Wolf success story
The gray wolf population is thriving in the lower 48 states after more than four decades on the endangered species list. The Department of the Interior announced it has removed the gray wolf from the list, signaling a successful recovery under the Endangered Species Act. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin, November 3, 2020. Link. Also see: Gray wolf (Canis lupus), U.S. Fish and … [Read more...]
Coccidiosis a nagging old problem in swine
Appearing like hot melted parmesan cheese, coccidiosis scours start in pigs around 7 to 14 days of age. Give it a starting point in a barn and soon many more litters show up greasy. In my experience, I've seen pretty high morbidity, up to 90%, but low mortality and very few cases that I have pigs actually die from <coccidiosis>. It is more likely <pigs> are … [Read more...]
Diagnostics important with bloody calf scours
Treating calf scours requires more than a one-approach-fits-all treatment plan. Keith Poulsen asserts that the source of calf scours changes over time. He cites three main causes of calf scours and presents the importance of diagnostics to sort out whether the cause is a bacteria, virus or parasite. Source: Dairy Herd Management, May 10, 2019. Link. Poulsen identifies these … [Read more...]
75 things you didn’t know about beef
Whether you’re an old cowhand or have never seen a live cow, you’ll enjoy this list of 75 things about beef. Compiled by the Noble Research Institute in celebration of its 75th anniversary, you’ll be amazed at how beef positively affects our daily lives. Source: Noble Research Institute, October 9, 2020. Link. Since 1945, the Noble Research Institute has supported farmers … [Read more...]
Top goat predators in the U.S.
Predation of goats is a very real risk, according to Theresa Miller. She shares her top nine goat predators and describes the differences in kill evidence between them. As most would guess, the coyote is number one. Dogs and predatory birds are next in line. Feral pigs kill more goats than wolves, which ranked ninth on her list. Source: Backyard Goats, October 26, 2020. … [Read more...]
Rat bomb. . . eeekk!
Colder weather and the ongoing harvest are signals to button up buildings, businesses and residences to keep out rodents. Chris Bennett shares the destructive capacity of rats in detail from his interviews with a rodentologist known as the Rat Czar of New York City. It conjures images from the 13th century legacy of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Germany. . . . any hole where a … [Read more...]
An update on U.S. feral swine disease surveillance
Like a storm cloud on the horizon, 6 million feral hogs create ongoing challenges and disease threats to rural and ruralpolitan areas. Jennifer Shike shares an update from the collaborative feral swine multi-disciplined team’s progress reports. . . . feral swine pose a threat to our domestic herd in several ways, and we are committed to working with our government and industry … [Read more...]
Cows put their own calcium into milk – more than half of mature cows have subclinical hypocalcemia
The demand for calcium from cows to enrich colostrum is highest at calving. This is because cows are literally drawing from their own calcium stores to put the mineral into the milk. The result is often a negative calcium balance that occurs before the mechanisms to pull calcium from the cow’s skeletal system get activated. Calcium homeostasis is fragile around calving time. … [Read more...]
Cattle and corn stalks
U.S. farmers have harvested over half of their corn and three-fourths of their soybeans, according to the October 19 USDA crop progress report. For dairy and beef operators this means the ability to supplement waning pasture grasses with corn stalks. But, there are considerations before turning the cattle into the stalks according to Aaron Berger, a University of Nebraska … [Read more...]
Backyard poultry Salmonella update
Backyard chickens aren’t inherently bad. There’s risk and there’s reward says Scott Weese, DVM. He says disease risk is also an important consideration, so we need to figure out how to reduce risks while maximizing the benefits of pet contact. For chickens, the big risk is Salmonella. The risk of chicken-to-human transmission is very well established, and there are outbreaks … [Read more...]
EHD takes half of Minnesota Zoo reindeer
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease recently caused deaths in the Minnesota Zoo’s reindeer herd. Officials say the virus that causes the disease is transmitted between deer by biting midges, or gnats, which are most active in the first frost of the fall. EHD is fatal in deer and it can also affect other hoofed mammals. Source: Fox 9, Apple Valley, MN, September 17, 2020. … [Read more...]
Farm women face extra risks
More than 30 percent of U.S. farm operators are women, and there are many more performing daily farm tasks. Lindley Reilly, DVM, shares four areas where women could be at a heightened risk for injury and should take appropriate precautions: Equipment Animals Hormones Mental health Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, October 5, 2020. Link. Safety should be a part of … [Read more...]
Speaking of herd immunity
The media has been full of references about herd immunity and its companion individual immunity. The two are inextricably linked, as Ellen Crawford writes. Her article is a good reminder and worth reviewing as it contains horse, human and cattle references. The three objectives of vaccination are to: Induce protection against disease Reduce susceptibility of an … [Read more...]
Biosecurity lessons learned from animal ag to fight COVID
It’s hard to take the lessons learned from animal ag and incorporate them into daily human life, writes Ann Reus. Even in the agri-food sector where biosecurity is almost second nature, companies are increasing their efforts to protect the health and safety of the animals and, by default, the health and safety of consumers. Source: Feed Strategy, September 24, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
But I have corn to harvest
Complimentary Content This beef producers’ excuse resonates across the corn belt this time of year when approached by livestock veterinarians wanting to schedule herd work, “. . . but I have corn to harvest!” W. Mark Hilton, DVM, PAS, DABVP, shares his experiences with delayed cattle work and the economics of working cattle ahead of harvest. The best day of the year to own … [Read more...]
Calves: Start them off right
How calves are fed and managed can affect their lifelong health and productivity. The Dairy Herd editors cover four early life areas to help calves now and throughout their lives: Tips to improve colostrum What to provide for calves so they can perform Keep scours down when feeding volumes go up Feeding transition milk; another tool in the toolbox Source: Dairy … [Read more...]
Resiliency trumps size on smaller dairies
Sometimes bigger is not better. That is one conclusion that can be drawn from a recent University of Minnesota study of small- to medium-sized dairies. The study data set combined animal health, production and farm financial data to help dairy farms create more financially sustainable operations. Financial resiliency was defined using the adjusted net farm income ratio. … [Read more...]