David Ramey, DVM, shares experiences in managing the VCPR with horse clients. He focuses on the challenges of communications and reminds us that the P is what it is all about. . . . it seems that just about anything that I say to people about their horses comes with an undertone of apprehension. Given that people are asking me advice for how to care for their horses, I am … [Read more...]
National FFA Week in progress (video)
Agriculture is more than planting and harvesting. It involves science, business and more. There’s no doubt that some of today’s 700,000-plus FFA members are tomorrow’s future biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers and entrepreneurs. 2020’s National FFA Week (Feb. 22-Feb. 29) is a time for FFA members to host activities that raise awareness about the role of FFA in … [Read more...]
PRRS made swine industry better
PRRS remains the number-one cause of economic impact in the U.S. swine industry. First described in the U.S. in the late 1980s < link >, PRRS has challenged swine veterinarians and producers to improvement all management practices. In addition to biosecurity advancements, PRRS made the swine industry better in five ways: Improved communication Fostered … [Read more...]
The Easter bunny has company
Farm stores are preparing for the classic Easter chicks and rabbits. Now, some sell miniature goats. Angela von Weber-Hahnsberg discusses goat farming with pygmy goats and other miniature goat breeds. The small size and unique traits of miniature goats attract children, newcomers to the world of goats, and veteran goat breeders alike. Miniature goats of all kinds are … [Read more...]
The emotional gauntlet of raising meat chickens and other livestock
One person’s chicken is another person’s dinner. It is an age-old challenge for animal owners who work hard at having healthy food animals. Consumers avoid visualizing a living, breathing animal as the source of the neat, plastic-wrapped package sliding over a scanner at the grocery. Marissa Ames provides thought-filled perspectives on raising animals for meat protein. She … [Read more...]
Pathogen-specific risk factors in acute outbreaks of respiratory disease in calves
Animal health pros and bovine veterinarians working with dairy producers may find validation for some of their hypotheses in this research. The conclusion statement tells the story: Viral infections play an important role in epidemic outbreaks of respiratory disease, and a strict winter seasonality is especially present for bRSV. Bovine coronavirus was most prevalent and … [Read more...]
Delaying on-arrival vaccination may reduce morbidity, mortality
Vaccine labels all contain verbiage like, “. . . is indicated for vaccination of healthy cattle as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by . . .” For years veterinarians have recommended vaccination against respiratory viruses during initial processing of high-risk cattle on arrival to the feedlot or background operation. New research indicates it may be better to … [Read more...]
BI releases Cattle First documentary about commitment to cattle health
Cattle First, a documentary about the Johnsons, a six-generation ranching family who owns the Flying Diamond Cattle ranch in Colorado, premiered during the recent 2020 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio. The Johnson’s story focuses on the importance – and benefits – of putting animals first and the importance of being transparent about how beef is produced. Watch the … [Read more...]
Global ASF update: China outbreaks continue
Dr. Dave Pyburn, head veterinarian at the National Pork Board, shares that ASF virus is still causing outbreaks in China and cash pig prices have doubled. In Europe, Poland has had an ASF outbreak that puts the virus right on Germany’s border, an important swine producing country in the EU. Learn more about how the U.S. Customs and Border Protection team is working to keep ASF … [Read more...]
Poultry and protein trends covered at IPPE
Global experts spoke at the Poultry Market Intelligence Forum at the 2020 International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta recently, describing trends in the poultry and egg industries. Dr. David Hughes, professor at the Imperial College of London, predicted that during the first two decades of this century, we will see 40 percent growth in protein consumption, which … [Read more...]
Chickens in a minute (video)
Sponsored content from Nutrena With Easter around the corner and farm stores getting ready for new chicks, basic chicken care questions are eminent. Consider this video for social media posts, websites and newsletters. Source: Backyard Poultry, March 2019. Link. Chickens are hardy creatures that are lower maintenance than many house pets, but they do need some basic care … [Read more...]
Open cow knowledge more important than preg status
Preg checking is a much-anticipated exercise for cattle producers anxious to predict their calf crop. Taylor Leach provides a helpful reminder that open cows represent opportunity more than failure. Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 11, 2019. Link. . . . the most important controllable component of any breeding program is to identify your open cows, according to Donna … [Read more...]
Castrating pigs, lambs, and goat kids
Janet Garman’s article on castration appeared a few weeks after we updated our readers on how dehorning and castration guidelines have been updated to include pain mitigation <link>. Garman’s review is a good reason to communicate about pain management to animal owners. Castrations are routinely done on the farm without veterinarian support, so determining how to … [Read more...]
Bovine Veterinarian: What to expect from the 2020s, 8-part series
Veterinarians provide their thoughts on the key challenges and opportunities for success during the 2020s in this insightful series. Their comments are a directional microcosm facing bovine practices, as well as veterinary practices in general. . . . veterinarians serve as forward-looking change agents in animal agriculture, as they continuously evaluate new systems, products, … [Read more...]
Fire ants getting busy, especially after heavy rains
Sponsored by Neudorff USA Already fired up by warmer weather, red imported fire ants will become even more active and dangerous after recent heavy rains in southern states. Livestock, poultry and pet owners are advised to watch for the telltale mounds the pests build. Newborn calves and foals are especially at risk in … [Read more...]
Coronavirus and ASF are different beasts (comparison PDF)
Jennifer Shrike walks through the differences between 2019-CoV and African swine fever viruses in a discussion of sources, risks, similarity and differences. ASF has a DNA genome. CoV has an RNA genome which allows the virus to mutate and change similar to influenza viruses. This is how CoV acquires the ability to infect different tissues and to infect different species of … [Read more...]
New BVDV-PI rule in Texas
The Texas Animal Health Commission adopted a rule to mitigate the risk of uninfected cattle being exposed to bovine viral diarrhea virus persistently infected cattle. . . . newly adopted rule defines which cattle are classified as BVDV-PI . . . requires the seller of a BVDV-PI animal to disclose the status in writing to the buyer prior to or at the time of sale. Source: … [Read more...]
Choosing and administering oral electrolytes to calves
Robert Corbett, DVM, says not all calf electrolytes are created equally. Additionally, ingredients are expressed in a variety of ways that make label comparisons difficult. He shares what a good oral electrolyte should include and how to feed them. Note that he warns against mixing with milk or milk replacer emphasizes spacing electrolyte administration between milk … [Read more...]
Hatching calculator determines incubation period
As more poultry moves back into neighborhood backyards, some hobbyists are interested in using incubators to hatch eggs. This handy calculator determines the incubation period for chicken, duck, goose, turkey, quail, peafowl, guinea fowl, pheasant and emu eggs. Source: Backyard Poultry, February 3, 2020. Link. The article also has links to several how-to … [Read more...]
Ticks responsible for 7 of 17 U.S. vector-borne diseases
Thomas Mather, PhD, believes everyone should be better educated about ticks and able to identify the small number of tick species in the United States that threaten human health. “Different ticks carry different diseases in different parts of the country,” he explained. . . . if <people> saw how many ticks are waiting on twigs and leaves and in the brush . . . they would … [Read more...]
Opinion – Caretaker training improves animal welfare
Samantha Marais presents the value of employee training and how it improves pig welfare. From this, we can assume that training people to care for animals of any species likely increases animal welfare. Our industry routinely separates food animals, companion animals, equine and poultry. Universally however, people receiving proper and continuing education about animals in … [Read more...]
One Health certification available for DVMs, physicians
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association is offering a 20-module online certificate program for physician and veterinarian members to become certified as One Health Practitioners. The course is free to WSVA and AVMA members as well as human doctors. Source: DVM 360, December 4, 2020. Link. The hope is that both veterinarians and physicians will eventually take the … [Read more...]
Rethinking dairy footbath use
The dairy business is carried on cows' hooves. Digital dermatitis (DD, also known as hairy warts, strawberry warts) remains the number 1 cause of lameness in dairy herds with increasing concern among feedlot cattle. Hoof trimmer Jamie Sullivan suggests DD remains prevalent due to the way we have been trying to prevent or treat the lesions in the first place. He shares research … [Read more...]
Labor challenges are the norm for livestock employees
Farm Journal’s survey of more than 2,000 farmers, ranchers and dairy producers reveals challenges of ag workers. From the workers’ perspective, getting paid a good wage, paid time off and employer-subsidized benefits top the list of preferences. Employers find increasingly difficult to find qualified candidates and to maintain profitability before increasing wages or adding … [Read more...]
Backyard chicken feed growing in pet food and treat market
What started as a backyard option to get fresh eggs has quickly moved the backyard chicken from livestock to pets. The pet food industry is responding to this growing trend. Source: Petfood Industry, January 27, 2020. Link. In APPA’s survey of 10,090 current pet owners: 10 percent reported owning backyard chickens: this equates to approximately 10 million U.S. … [Read more...]
Opinion – Animal protein versus plant-based protein. A discussion worth having.
Media of all types has paid great attention to plant-based protein of late. However, the hype leaves out the importance of factually discussing issues surrounding meat production. We agree with Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, that collaboration by all parties will lead to science-based solutions to protein supply challenges. Simmons issues a call to … [Read more...]
Egg in an egg, a double egg phenomena (video)
Animals do the darndest things. While rare, it is well-known that a hen will occasionally lay an egg inside of an egg. Called a counter-peristalsis contraction, a double egg occurs while the hen is in the process of forming an egg in her oviduct. Source: Backyard Poultry, January 7, 2020. Link. A tiny, fully formed egg was found inside of a regular-sized egg in Britain. This … [Read more...]
A whole lot of bull: BEEF’s 6th annual Seedstock 100
Sponsored by Boehringer-Ingeheim Veterinarians, retailers and sales representatives all work with producers to deliver the best beef products. The Seedstock 100 is a survey of these combined efforts for the top bull genetic producers. The distribution map < link > is interesting on its own. Source: BEEF, January 21, 2020. Link. The Seedstock 100 represents the … [Read more...]
Cowmoonication: Research finds cows ‘talk’ to each other
Hugh Lofting’s character, Dr. Dolittle, might not be so far-fetched. Research at the University of Sydney has shown that cows maintain individual voices in a variety of emotional situations. Cows ‘talk’ to one another and retain individual identity through their lowing. We found that cattle vocal individuality is relatively stable across different emotionally loaded farming … [Read more...]
Accommodating cows and calves, one birth at a time
Academics summarize animal behavior research from a recent conference and suggest ways to apply it in everyday dairy operations. Dairy producers and veterinarians will find their focus on behavioral preferences of cows ahead of calving, pros and cons of group pens and adjusting weaning practices to optimize cow-calf relationships interesting and worth considering by … [Read more...]