The battle between swine producers and their neighbors over the hog production smells may be getting some new technology beyond tree and bush windbreaks. Electrostatic precipitator technology from commercial industries is being tested at Iowa Select Farms. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 19, 2018. Link. John Stinn, environmental projects manager, says, “the electrostatic … [Read more...]
Ticked off: America’s quiet epidemic of tickborne diseases
Animal owners are becoming more aware of their own risks in addition to their animals’ when it comes to ticks and mosquitoes. Sharing this article may help animal owners understand the need for prevention for themselves as well as their animals. Source: Harvard Health Publishing, May 25, 2018. Link. If infections spread by ticks have increased steadily, infections spread by … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Pinkeye cofactors reprint
We recently posted a Progressive Dairyman article discussing pinkeye in terms of primary and co-factor infections. Link. The article featured the experiences of Bruce Addison and Austin Springer with Addison Biological Laboratories. it is now available as a one-page reprint that makes it handy to share with beef and dairy producers. Source: Addison Biological Laboratories. … [Read more...]
July 2018, Journal of Dairy Science
One of the easiest ways to stay in touch with dairy research is by skimming the Interpretive Summaries section. We’ve linked that section for you. Here are some interesting studies: A role for serotonin in lactation physiology—Where do we go from here?, Link. Comparison of adhesion characteristics of common dairy spore formers and their spores on stainless steel and … [Read more...]
30-year milestone for World Pork Expo in the books
“It’s hard to believe Expo has been around for 30 years,” says Jim Heimerl, NPPC president and producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “Just as the U.S. pork industry has evolved over the years, so too has Expo.” In search of new ideas and solutions for today and tomorrow, more than 20,000 producers, employees and industry professionals attended the 2018 World Pork Expo. Among the … [Read more...]
Study of animal personality, mood to give new welfare insights
AgResearch’s Animal Welfare Team is working to expand the knowledge of livestock behavior, at a time of growing consumer demand for strong welfare standards. Studies like this could be used to compare how animals experience different farming situations and to improve design of production systems. Source: Feedstuffs, June 12, 2018. Link. New research exploring the moods and … [Read more...]
Beef business is marathon, not sprint
BEEF’s annual State of the Industry survey shows that while short- and long-term optimism have diminished, most respondents accept the roller coaster challenges of raising beef. Source: BEEF, June 2018., page 8. Link. When analyzing the responses to the short-term and long-term questions, it becomes a glass-half-full outlook versus a glass-half-empty worldview. Indeed, how … [Read more...]
Vaccine protocols, protocol shifts and immune status
Robert Lynch, DVM, writes The area of most confusion related to herd health management on dairies continues to be the vaccine program. It is rare to find just one vaccine protocol for any farm. The protocol at the vet clinic is different from the copy in the main farm office, which is different from the copy back in the manager’s office. Lynch blames a lack of understanding … [Read more...]
Corralling pasture brush: A systems approach
Regardless of what kind of brush or overgrowth producers must manage, it has to be done properly to achieve desired results. Brush and trees are beneficial as shade for livestock and cover for wildlife, but dense infestations from fence to fence erode ranch profits due to limited forage production. Brush control is an expense against income in a changing economy, so its … [Read more...]
Fly control around horses is important
Flies, fly control methods and fly products for horses are presented in this Equus advertising section . The material is worthwhile even though it may be promotional. Source: EQUUS, May 30, 2018. Link. Climate conditions vary every season, and different fly species can move into new areas with the changing weather. Here’s a quick rundown of the ways you can curb the insects … [Read more...]
Prepare as avian disease makes headway in U.S.
As backyard chicken production grows, the recent diagnosis of Newcastle disease in backyard chickens in California’s Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties is prompting warnings in Colorado. “Because the virus can live for a long time in the environment and can be spread by objects such as shoes, clothing and equipment, other flocks in close proximity can quickly become … [Read more...]
GlobalVetLINK Joins Amazon Web Services for cloud solutions
GlobalVetLink (GVL), Ames, Iowa, has migrated its online animal health documentation platform to Amazon Web Services (AWS) joining companies such as Airbnb, Netflix and GE. The transition from a traditional data center to AWS allows GVL to better support current users, improve certificate creation, enhance technology and features and gain help with customer data security and … [Read more...]
New findings with bovine pinkeye
Bruce Addison and Austin Springer with Addison Biological Laboratories discuss pinkeye in terms of primary and co-factor infections. Their laboratory experiences are further explained by electron microscope photography showing how M. boviculi attaches to M. bovis. Although the company suggests further research, results suggest M. bovoculi does not attach well to the surface of … [Read more...]
New research shows cattle resist oral exposure to CWD
Cattle fed extremely high oral doses of chronic wasting disease (CWD)-infected brain material or kept in heavily prion-contaminated facilities for 10 years showed no neurological signs of the disease according to University of Wyoming Department of Veterinary Sciences researchers. The long timespan of the research is important, as CWD is a slow disease and these results are … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo underway (slide show)
The World Pork Expo closes tomorrow at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. It is the world’s largest gathering dedicated to swine production. You can learn more at worldpork.org. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 5, 2018. Link. Willie Vogt walked around the expo as preparations were being made for the opening on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. In addition to new technology … [Read more...]
Tips and tricks for cleaning fans
Dan Veeneman offers tips cleaning large ventilation fans in dairy operations. His advice can also be applied to any ventilation fan on the farm, in shops or at home. Source: Progressive Dairyman, May 16, 2018. Link. Keeping fans, curtains, inlets and baffles clean will go a long way in extending the life of your ventilation equipment. Fans will lose up to 30 percent of … [Read more...]
SWAG is good, but more is needed
Jessica Peters, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer, shares her perspective on what is needed to help support dairy producers beyond hats, pens and trinkets. Her perspective is worthwhile, especially if you call on dairies or market dairy products. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 23, 2018. Link. Why not collaborate with farmers to help them produce and distribute fun, informative … [Read more...]
Read the calving signs
Seventeen percent or more of cows need help to deliver a calf. Calving challenges affect the cow and calf’s health, production and fertility. Recognition of normal calving behaviors and the labor process is important for cow welfare and needs to be part of farm labor training. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 10, 2018. Link. Calving behavior research shows cows want a secluded … [Read more...]
BRD is a battle we may never win
Burt Rutherford makes a case that BRD or BRDC will likely never be eliminated. His opinion was formed after reading a research study that indicates over 21 percent of cattle are effected by BRD. While BRD costs the industry $800 - $900 million annually, the challenge is making changes in how calves are managed prior to weaning, he says. Source: BEEF, May 22, 2018. … [Read more...]
Flies spread PEDV year-round
Pig producers have another good reason to think about fly control. A study conducted earlier this year confirms that even a few flies have the ability to infect pigs with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Source: PORK, May 23, 2018. Link. This new research shows flies pose a year-round risk for disease transmission, creating a new paradigm. A disease risk reduction … [Read more...]
Big heifers, like big steers, may limit beef demand
Bigger, heavier heifers may not be better for beef marketing. Over the past 50 years, the gap between steer weights and heifer weights has closed significantly. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension economist, reviews heifer development and the potential impact on beef demand. Source: Drovers, May 21, 2018. Link. Clearly, the industry continues to feed heifers … [Read more...]
Virtual pig farm tour educates grade-schoolers (includes video)
The Nebraska Farm Bureau virtual field trip program recently helped second grade students in Nebraska experience some swine production steps. Students used the internet to interact with the swine producer and learn more about where their food comes from. Source: Nebraska Farm Bureau, May 11, 2018. Link. Getting an up-close look at a pig is not something everyone gets the … [Read more...]
Virulent Newcastle disease confirmed in U.S. backyard flock
The first case of virulent Newcastle disease in the U.S. since 2003 has been confirmed in a small flock of backyard exhibition chickens in Los Angeles County, California. In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free … [Read more...]
Tom Gillespie, DVM, named among 2018 Pork Masters
Passionate aptly describes Dr. Tom Gillespie. Whether it is the pigs, production challenges, pork producers or global industry colleagues he can be counted on to help make pork production more efficient, safe and valuable. He is always ready for the next challenge. Source: National Hog Farmer, May 22, 2018. Link. For Gillespie, communication is one of the major challenges … [Read more...]
Heat index resource helps cattlemen
A common question heard in cattle country is, “Is it too hot to work cattle today?” Thanks to a collaborative effort between the USDA, Oklahoma State University, Kansas State University, the University of Oklahoma and the weather co-op known as Mesonet, we now have a National Cattle Comfort Index guide and mapping program readily available on the internet. The program was … [Read more...]
Opinion: Fly services have potential
There is historical rationale in the recommendation for veterinary practices to add a fly control service for their clients. More than 35 years ago, we had master fly-baiter contests and awards to help promote fly control at a time when our industry was just learning the science behind preventing production losses and transfer of diseases such as pinkeye and anaplasmosis. In … [Read more...]
Culling and re-homing chickens aren’t always the best options
Lisa Steele shares her perspectives for aging hens after they quit laying eggs. This information can be especially helpful for backyard chicken raisers. Source: Countryside Daily, May 15, 2018. Link. Older chickens serve a purpose, says Steele. Consider: Older chickens make better broodies Older chickens make better mothers The eggs of older chickens are generally … [Read more...]
Five dairy “do NOT do’s” in 2018
Nutritionist Mike Hutjens offers wisdom for dairymen facing low milk prices and low margins: Do not - Remove minerals from rations Cheat heifers; slow down growth Delay breeding with longer calving intervals Avoid body condition scores > 3.25 without rBST Saving a dime and lose a dollar (organic trace minerals, hoof trimming, bull breeding) Source: … [Read more...]
Pest busters for 2018
Here’s a great list of products available for animal pest control. From premise sprays to pour-ons managing insects is critical to production successes. Source: BEEF, May 2018], page 22. Link. Available products for parasites and pest management. INSIGHTS: Consider printing these pages to use as a handy reference when discussing products in these categories with … [Read more...]
Erin Brenneman sharing farm life with a new generation
Our industry is blessed to have passionate advocates like Erin Brenneman, the city girl turned pig farmer and social media maven. Her story is lived out across the country on farms and livestock production locations, but few dedicate themselves to educating a new generation. This is a must-read for animal health pros. Brenneman’s passion helps people from all backgrounds … [Read more...]