Every bag of livestock feed and mineral sold has a tag attached that offers an analysis of the product, ingredients and feeding directions. This may seem like basic information. But, for youngsters or those starting out in the livestock business with no background, these labels are a good start to ensure their livestock get a sound nutrition regimen. Source: Noble Research … [Read more...]
Beef bulls + dairy cows can compromise milk production
Unable to return a surplus of female calves, dairies are assertively seeking to breed and sell surplus calves for meat production. However, many strongly antagonistic traits associated with calving performance and carcass merit can be detrimental to the cows’ ability to calve and re-establish pregnancy early postcalving without any compromise in milk production. Researchers … [Read more...]
New foot-and-mouth disease vaccine granted license by The Pirbright Institute
The Pirbright Institute has granted MSD Animal Health (known as Merck Animal Health in the U.S.) an exclusive commercial license for a new vaccine to protect livestock against several serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. Offering greater stability than current FMD vaccines, it’s less reliant on a cold chain during distribution which is hugely beneficial in regions … [Read more...]
Lead contamination risks in backyard poultry
Rearing backyard chickens carries some zoonotic concerns and potential risk for the birds being exposed to chemicals or heavy metals like lead. These can get passed on to consumers through eggs or meat. Birds may pick up lead from various sources, such as contaminated water and feed. But, the main source of lead exposure for backyard poultry is likely contaminated … [Read more...]
Three possible pathways for African swine fever to enter US
How easy is it for African swine fever (ASF) to enter the U.S.? Patrick Webb, DVM and National Pork Board director of swine health Programs, explains three ways it can enter. Dr. Scott Dee’s studies on feed ingredients coming in from China are discussed, as well as the important role diagnostics play in trying to rule in or rule out a foreign animal disease. Source: The Pig … [Read more...]
Cows really do benefit the planet!
People still think it’s cows that are causing climate change, writes Amanda Radke. She offers resources to help continue to offset the false 2006 claim made by the United Nations and marketing claims made by makers of of plant-food products. Source: BEEF, August 31, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: More ammunition for meat vs. meatless diet debates. … [Read more...]
Rumen soup, a jigsaw of cow gut microbes
Agricultural Research Service scientists and their cooperators are using high tech tools to better understand the microbial "soup" of the cow's rumen. The rumen is the first of four stomach chambers where tough plant fibers are turned into nutrients and energy. Derek Bickhart, a research microbiologist, estimates there are more than 30,000 species of rumen-dwelling organisms. … [Read more...]
Boosting immunity in cattle may mean more productivity
Barry Bradford with Kansas State University presented new information from his study of immunometabolism at the American Society of Animal Scientists in July. He researched inflammatory responses during times of stress, especially those that impact on liver health. The interactions between normal organ function and the immune system are becoming much tighter than we used to … [Read more...]
Climate change: Longer growing season bodes well for crops, feed supply
A researcher at the Institute of Water Security and Science at West Virginia University says one silver lining from climate change that he’s seen is a longer growing season which is more conducive to agricultural production. This could mean big changes. He explains why traditional crops are floundering while non-traditional crops could gain momentum. Source: The Cattle Site, … [Read more...]
Brace for a “polar coaster” this winter
According to the 2020 Farmers’ Almanac, this winter will be filled with so many ups and downs, it may be a “polar coaster.” Our extended forecast is calling for yet another freezing, frigid, and frosty winter for two-thirds of the country" – Philom Peter Geiger, Farmer’s Almanac Editor Source: Prevention, August 26, 2019. Link. People on the East Coast will endure the worst … [Read more...]
USDA wants nominations for areas short on vets
Veterinarians who commit to practicing in areas short of veterinary services can get help from USDA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. It is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA identifies the locations in greatest need for veterinarians through a nomination process. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, September 3, 2019.Link. The … [Read more...]
Humility in the workplace is not a sign of weakness
Humility tends to be overlooked in the workplace. It is frequently misconstrued as a weak attribute. That is actually a far cry from the true meaning of the word. And, it is a further cry from the way it should be applied in leadership. It's about showing respect and recognizing truth in all situations, including in the workplace. Source: Inc., August 23, 2019. Link. Humble … [Read more...]
Opinion – Pharmaceutical industry ranks poorly in Gallup poll
OUCH! . . . The pharmaceutical industry has hit a new low. It now ranks last of the 25 industry sectors Gallup tests annually. Source: Gallup, September 3, 2019. Link. Americans are more than twice as likely to rate the pharmaceutical industry negatively (58%) as positively (27%), giving pharma a net-positive score (-31). Joining it in the net-positive negative numbers are: … [Read more...]
35 tips to make email soar
Email communication with clients is as important to the small veterinary practice as it is to a corporation. It allows regular interaction, client education and promotion of services. Ann Gynn’s list of 35 email mistakes offers meaningful tips to get the most from your email marketing efforts. Source: Content Marketing Institute, August 13, 2019. Link. Taking advantage of … [Read more...]
Veterinary telemedicine is a sticky legal wicket
Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD, discusses the challenges of using non-face-to-face interactions in veterinary medicine. He calls the various segments of teledoctors a confusing jungle of legal fact, opinion and outright speculation. For each segment, primary concerns fall into three general categories: 1) malpractice liability, 2) licensing and 3) criminal … [Read more...]
Zoonotic diseases drive One Health approach
Seventy five percent of emerging infectious diseases of people are zoonotic, or originated with animals according to the CDC. John Maday reminds us that these diseases can pose a health risk to farm workers through animal contact, and potentially to the public overall, either through contact with animals or disease vectors such as mosquitos or ticks, or through contaminated … [Read more...]
Fall foliage toxic to some animals (includes video)
Autumn is nigh. While fall foliage is popular, the science behind the leaves changing color isn’t widely known and often misrepresented. For some animals, fall leaves can be toxic as they break down. Source: Smithsonian, August 14, 2019. Link. Owen Reiser’s time lapse video depicts the pigments within the plant matter as they break down and transform from green to color. . … [Read more...]
Alternative ways to reduce antibiotic use in the pig herd
Homeopathic approaches can help swine producers reach a long-term reduction in antimicrobial use. Irene Camerlink, a researcher at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, explains the first steps to reducing antimicrobials are to assess the quality of the environment and to mitigate stress. She then dives into specific homeopathic options that producers can … [Read more...]
Strategic deworming important to cattle management
“Controlling parasites is a proven practice to improve performance in all stages of cattle production while also giving a significant return on investment,” says Boehringer Ingelheim’s Joe Gillespie, DVM. He reinforces the importance of understanding parasite life cycles and strategic treatment to improve cattle performance in all stages of production. Source: Feedstuffs, … [Read more...]
Temperature-humidity index heavily affects dairies
Research from dairy scientist Sha Tao reveals two important takeaways about the negative impact of heat stress on milking cows and growth performance in dairy calves: When cows are exposed to a temperature-humidity index above 68, milk production levels begin to decrease Feeding large amounts of milk replacer twice per day, may not be a valid option to improve calf … [Read more...]
How-to videos educate dairy personnel
A series of how-to videos from Dairy Herd Management is available to help educate dairy personnel about key practices. Titles include: Culture to achieve a bacteriological cure Identify cows with mastitis Protect the cow after milking Properly attach milking units Prepare a cow for milking Get anovular cows pregnant Pay attention to injection … [Read more...]
Handle MLVs with care (includes video)
Modified-live vaccines must be handled and stored properly if they are to be efficacious. This article and a YouTube video cover basics that are helpful for newbies and old hands alike. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, July 3, 2019. Link. Incorrect storage, exposure to sunlight and delayed administration all can reduce or even eliminate the effectiveness of an MLV, cautioned New … [Read more...]
Back to basics: air, water, feed
Jon DeJong, PhD, reminds us that pigs have three basic needs: feed, water and air. These apply universally to all types of livestock and pets. These basics have not been firmly imprinted in some animal owners. One or more may go unnoticed. Source: PORK, August 13, 2019. Link. Also see: Follow these tips to succeed as a newbie pet parent, Inside Pet’s World, August 7, … [Read more...]
Plastic bags kill horses and cows
Single-use plastic bags can kill cows and horses if they eat them. Death can be slow or quick. Neither speed is pretty. The best bet is to not let them get loose in the first place. The second best bet is to pick up every one you see around corrals, stalls and pastures. Source: The Texas Tribune, August 14, 2019. Link. When West got to the pen, the colt had already swallowed … [Read more...]
E-Commerce Summit reconvenes in KC
Following the success of its 2018 inaugural gathering, NAVC Media will host the second annual E-Commerce Summit at The Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri, September 17-18, 2019. The dynamic two-day conference will focus on changing consumer dynamics, retail trends, blending channels, emerging care models and best practices affecting business strategy. Source: … [Read more...]
New interactive rabies law map available
Rabies laws vary by state and change often. With more pets traveling and being relocated, animal health pros can use the new rabies law map to view what the laws are in the 50 U.S. states and District of Columbia. Source: Policy Surveillance Program. Link. The map includes data on state-level pre-exposure rabies vaccination laws for domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets across … [Read more...]
Largest dairy locations shown in 2017 Ag Census
Serving the dairy industry is a big undertaking for animal health pros. The 2017 USDA Ag Census reported data on scores of ag statistics, including dairy cow inventory by county. For the first time, it included data on dairies with more than 5,000 cows. California and Idaho are tied with the most dairies with more than 5,000 cows. Texas has 25. Wisconsin and Minnesota rank … [Read more...]
DVM shares farm safety tips
Dairy veterinarian Kelly Reed reminds us how easily people can get hurt during routine farming activities. She promotes protocols to cover aspects a farmer may not typically consider. This includes when to treat a worker on-farm instead of calling emergency services and which supervisor to contact in off hours based on who can respond quickest to a specific location. In … [Read more...]
Hot topics in bovine veterinary medicine
Citing constant changes in bovine medicine, Brittany Bowman assembled past article on topics worthy of sharing again: Coccidiosis affecting young calves, Bovine Veterinarian, June 7, 2017. Link. Cattle rabies is no laughing matter, Bovine Veterinarian, November 12, 2018. Link. Prime the pump, Bovine Veterinarian, April 22, 2019. Link. “Purple gut” in calves can … [Read more...]
IPPC report does not say, “eat less meat” (includes video)
Recent media buzz (see second source below) claimed the newest Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPPC) suggested consumers eat less meat in order to curb climate change. The report < link > focused on land use and land use change, it didn’t tell consumers to eat less meat. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, says by focusing on eating less meat, consumers are being … [Read more...]