University of California Cooperative Extension researchers are evaluating how much fine fuel like grasses and other plants known to start fires cattle eat and how their feeding behavior may affect flame activity. There is more to learn, but it this preliminary study shows cattle may be valuable in reducing fire risk. . . . without cattle grazing, there would be hundreds to … [Read more...]
Decoding vaccine titers in companion animal practice
Sara E. Gonzalez, DVM, MS, provides a literature-based review of the limitations and benefits of this type of testing and guidance for interpreting results. In the summary comments she shares: The gold standard laboratory techniques for detecting circulating blood antibody titers against the core canine vaccine antigens and FPV are VN and HI. Core vaccine titer testing … [Read more...]
Goats, a decade-plus commitment
Expecting a goat to live a decade or more is part of an informed decision for potential goat owners, writes Janet Garman. She shares shelter requirements, hoof care, health maintenance, vaccination and nutrition. Source: Backyard Goats, September 15, 2020. Link. While goats are hardy little ruminants for the most part, they do not tolerate wet weather as well as cattle and … [Read more...]
Speaking of nasal swabs, moove over
Bovine respiratory disease researchers are diligently working to reduce diagnosis time for the variety of pathogens involved with the disease. Current test results can take days to be returned. Purdue University researchers are seeking to shorten that time to about 30 minutes. Bovine respiratory disease can be triggered by a number of bacteria and viruses, making treatment … [Read more...]
Warm beer = bad vaccine?
Monitoring the performance of refrigeration units is critical to vaccines and pharmaceuticals labeled for temperature control. Older units may develop inconsistent temperature zones with items freezing in one area and getting too warm in another. The context for the article is dairy, but almost any veterinary clinic or on-farm drug storage area can have the issues shared in … [Read more...]
Is feed a Trojan horse for the ASF virus?
Feed ingredients are the new “Trojan horse” that helps move the African swine fever virus and they could bring the worst pig virus in the world to North America, according to Scott Dee, DVM and director of applied research at Keystone Veterinary Services. Speaking at the recent Animal AgTech Innovation Summit, he says the way grain is dried in Asia allows it to get contaminated … [Read more...]
The endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids
Beyond obvious regulatory challenges, there is a definite need to ensure the safety and effectiveness of cannabis use in animals. The challenge for pet owners and veterinarians is to become educated with about the endocannaboid system and cannabis administration. Gary Richter, DVM, MS, provides an introduction to understanding how the endocannabinoid system functions and how … [Read more...]
4 emotions chickens may be feeling
“The sky is falling, the sky is falling,” proclaimed Henny Penny (also known as Chicken Little) in the famous Danish children’s story. Henny Penny had an anxiety attack and emotionally ran hither and yon after an acorn fell on her head. Fast forward to 2020. . . Ana Hotling brings us a more modern day look at chicken emotions flock keepers may observe on a day to day basis. … [Read more...]
Handling cattle the right way
With winter around the corner, beef producers are working cattle, weaning calves and moving herds as harvest progresses. Two articles from the Angus Beef Bulletin refer to handling practices and animal husbandry. While we think cattle producers should know these things, handling clinics remain popular as in-person and online events Source: Training cattle for easy handling, … [Read more...]
Top livestock genetics closer to being available for all
Scientists have created cattle, goats and pigs that can serve as viable “surrogate sires,” male animals that produce sperm carrying only the genetic trains of donor animals. Published September 14 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, this feat may speed available of desirable livestock characteristics and improve food production worldwide. The study is the … [Read more...]
Mortality is extremely complicated. So is sample size.
When conducting studies where mortality is an important outcome, let's revisit how we go about answering the question "how many?" The authors remind us that simply recognizing the limitations of our knowledge is a critical step. This leads us to their discussion on ultimately decreasing pig mortality. Some of their logic may help us better understand our current situation … [Read more...]
Intervention® disinfectants receive approval against ASFv
Virox™ Animal Health has received EPA approval for the use of of Intervention® use against African Swine Fever virus (ASFv). The addition of the ASFv claim provides confidence that Intervention will be highly effective in the event of an outbreak in North America. When used as directed, Intervention is non-toxic, non-irritating, and readily biodegradable. Source: Virox™ … [Read more...]
CattleFax CEO shares beef industry outlook
Occasionally, it is important to revisit how we got to where we are. Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, shared similar perspectives at this year's virtual Feeding Quality Forum. “It’s not been a straight line,” he said. On the global stage, the U.S. is the top beef and poultry producer, and third in pork, dominating meat trade overall. The reason, he said, is because the lion’s … [Read more...]
Some perspective on drive-through or curbside services
COMMENTARY Louis Sullivan (1856-1924) helped pioneer and change the face of architecture. This quote is attributed to him, “form follows function.” In this context, writer Mark Wilson reviews fast food chains’ $290 billion race for the perfect drive-through. What does this have to do with animal health? Drive-throughs have been a staple of fast-food revenue for decades, … [Read more...]
Water quality and the microbiome
Drinking water quality is considered important to the health and productivity of pigs and all animals for that matter. The classification of "quality" water includes more than just the mineral content. Preliminary data from a study at North Carolina State University suggests that drinking water and location may influence the sow microbiome. . . . oral, nasal, rectal and … [Read more...]
Don’t kiss the calves.
We’ve featured more than a few posts about not kissing chickens. The same caution applies to calves. According to Jeff Bender, DVM, MS, DACVPM, the Centers for Disease Control reported 59 disease outbreaks tied to animal contact in 2017. Of these, 25 were linked to farm livestock and 15 to poultry. Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 14, 2020. Link. The zoonotic … [Read more...]
Clouds of mosquitoes killing livestock, deer in Louisianna
Exhausted from constant moving, bleeding under their skin and anemic from swarming mosquito bites, horses, cattle and deer across southwest Louisiana are dying from mosquito bites. The swarms are part of the aftermath of hurricane Laura. Source: Huffington Post, September 11, 2020. Link. Luckily for humans, the species of mosquitoes that are swarming don’t transmit human … [Read more...]
Tyson becomes first in U.S. to verify sustainable cattle production
The challenge of sustainability in our food supply chains requires taking care of people, the planet and animals. Many corporations are working to include sustainability as part of their corporate structures and responsibilities. Working with Where Food Comes From, the largest provider of certification and verification services to the food industry, Tyson will source cattle … [Read more...]
Rabies laws: What you need to know
September 28th is the 14th World Rabies Day < link >. Meanwhile, laws surrounding rabies vaccination and exposure vary across the United States. Kate Boatright, VMD, shares what animal health pros need to know about rabies laws. SAY WHAT? . . . only 39 states mandate rabies vaccination for dogs; 11 states have no statewide legal requirement for rabies vaccination of … [Read more...]
What have we learned from the 2020 pandemic?
“Don’t let a good crisis go to waste,” is an overused, but sometimes appropriate quote. Crises can reveal vulnerabilities in business that were otherwise hidden. These authors look at reinforcing those cracks before the next challenge emerges. The context is dairy. The value extends beyond a dairy setting. They share 15 lessons from their observations of the last few … [Read more...]
Rats on the rise during the pandemic?
Researchers at three universities indicate the number of people reporting rat sightings has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Citing past examples, researchers share that rat populations increase after natural catastrophes. Source: Dairy Herd Management, August 31, 2020. Link. The two most common rats found in the United States are Norway and Black rats. Both … [Read more...]
Fostering chicks and ducklings is all fun and games UNTIL . .
Maureen Anderson describes the increasing attention to backyard poultry as a pandemic pastime. She then reminds us that new poultry owners need strong education about stewardship and the zoonotic potential of these feathered, would-be friends. . . . backyard chickens are becoming increasingly popular – despite some of their associated infectious disease hazards . . . - … [Read more...]
Rabies response
We received a compliment about a recent post about rabies in cattle < link >. Rabies is a focus for this person’s company as part of their wildlife removal services. We’veve included rabies information from their website. It is worthy of sharing with animal owners via social media and newsletters. . . . even in 2020, there are some states that only require rabies … [Read more...]
Dairy workers need to be wearing gloves and aspirin increases milk production
It is increasingly important to implement good hygiene on farms. Mastitis caused by contagious bacteria on a farm is hard to cure and results in loss of milk production and money. Being proactive in preventing new mastitis infections now will help to decrease the chance of an outbreak. The opening subhead on this article says it all! Wearing gloves is a very simple management … [Read more...]
Webinar: Cowside calcium analysis and economics of subclinical hypocalcemia
Complimentary Commercial Content Deb Nickelson, DVM, invites you to attend a free webinar at 6:00 p.m., September 23, 2020. She and team her team will discuss the incidence and economics of subclinical hypocalcemia while sharing information about the development and practical use of a portable calcium analyzer for dairy cows. The analyzer was developed by Arkray Inc., a … [Read more...]
KCAHC Digital Animal Health Summit was successful and challenging
This year’s KC Animal Health Corridor Summit was forward-looking, thought-provoking and even disturbing at times, living up to its sound reputation. Congratulations to the KCAHC team and thank you for all those who contributed as presenters, panel members and participants. The overarching takeaway was that, to meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly protein and pet … [Read more...]
Rare case of fading elk syndrome found in central Iowa
Fading elk syndrome has long been associated with wapiti-type red deer hybrids farmed in New Zealand. The authors report on a case of naturally-acquired fading elk syndrome in a herd of 34 elk (Cervus elaphus) in Ames, Iowa, at the National Animal Disease Center. Fading elk syndrome, or chronic ill-thrift of elk, is a disease associated with abomasal parasitism with Ostertagia … [Read more...]
Facial, voice recognition coming soon to a farm near you
With accurate facial recognition technology for humans in almost 630 million facial recognition cameras throughout China, Chinese entrepreneurs see opportunity in applying the technology to livestock operations. Alibaba, China’s tech giant, is developing voice recognition technology for pigs to detect if they are in pain. Another company is working on an artificial intelligence … [Read more...]
Milk alternatives are missing a lot
“There’s a lot of things you’re missing out on if you’re not drinking milk,” said Yvonne Greer, a registered dietitian who recently shared her views on alternative milk beverages. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, August 24, 2020. Link. Coconut milk and almond milk . . . don’t have enough protein. So, if you’re substituting that to children, they’re not getting the same things they … [Read more...]
Check out the top 21 value-added beef programs
Value-added beef marketing programs can be divided into two categories, consumer-based programs and calf-based programs. Consumer programs provide animals that fit specific criteria while calf-based programs focus on procurement of specific value requirements. These programs help increase beef quality, while producers remain more engaged in the total marketing process. Jamie … [Read more...]