Just for fun, here are some stats on record farm animals from Guinness World Records. 5 - Most calves born in a single birth, at the Santa Clara Ranch in Mexico. Each calf weighed 35 lbs. 16 oz. - Heaviest chicken egg, laid by a White Leghorn hen in New Jersey. 07" - Shortest cow, from hoof to withers, named “Manikyam,” raised in Kerala, India. 5" - Largest horn … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo kicks off next month
There is more to the World Pork Expo than hogs walking around a show ring. It is a destination worthy of consideration for any animal health professional, especially those working in swine markets. The show can help open your eyes to industry changes on the way. If you plan to be near Des Moines, Iowa, June 8 to 10, consider adding it to your plans. Source: National Hog … [Read more...]
Another E. coli
E. coli O165:H25, is an enterohemorrhagic strain that can cause disease in cattle and could poses a food safety hazard for humans. It is a potential risk in young calves and recently caused enteric disease in feedlot heifers. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, April 25, 2016. The 0165:H25 serotype is similar to E. coli O157:H7, and could be an emerging food-borne pathogen in … [Read more...]
Professor clarifies livestock’s part in greenhouse gases
Frank Mitloehner, University of California – Davis professor and air quality specialist, is working to clear the air on the role of livestock in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. He notes that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has quantified livestock as the source of just 4.2 percent of all U.S. GHG emissions. This compared to transportation and energy sectors contribute … [Read more...]
Egg producers lose to cage-free activists
It has never been the primary responsibility of retailers and restaurant chains to explain and defend animal husbandry practices, says Terrence O'Keefe, editor of Egg Industry and content director of agri-business at WATT Global Media. Egg producers and their lenders aren’t happy because they now face what could be a cumulative $6 billion to $10 billion capital outlay to … [Read more...]
The changing Holstein
Many of us were taught that every Holstein is genetically the same as the next. This article sheds light on how crossbreeding has changed the dairy cow, its production potential and the profit stream that flows from these living manufacturing units. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 20, 2016. We needed a heartier cow in the late 1990s. A cow that can maintain some body … [Read more...]
Pork trademarks under fire by HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States will continue its legal challenges to a 2006 sale of “Pork. The Other White Meat” and other Pork trademarks by the National Pork Producers Council to the National Pork Board for $35 million. HSUS contends the sale and ensuing payments were unlawful and the Pork Board is prohibited from using checkoff dollars to influence … [Read more...]
Grandin concerned about dairy cow breeding
As U.S. dairy producers continue to breed cows that produce more milk, some folks think we may be pushing things too far. Temple Grandin, animal scientist and animal welfare specialist, Colorado State University, is one of them. She shared her comments with Roberto A. Ferdman, a Wonkblog reporter for The Washington Post. Source: The Washington Post, April 21, 2016. With … [Read more...]
Increase in dairy herd size in last 25 years is noteworthy
The average herd size in dairies has increased nearly 300 percent, while the midpoint of near 900 cows is a 600-plus percent increase. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, April 25, 2016. Just 20 years ago, farms with less than 100 cows, 135,000 in total, were home to half of the nation’s milk cows. That same group, under 100 cows, had only 17 percent of the total in 2012. Meanwhile, … [Read more...]
Cash flow is king
Declining values in cash rent, farm fuels and farm products signals those servicing the livestock area to get busy helping clients make money to avoid being looked at as an expense. Creighton University released its Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) for April 2016, and the monthly survey of bank CEOs in a 10-state Midwest region showed a downward trend of several things, including … [Read more...]
Implants can help increase revenue
This good article reminds animal health professionals of the value and safety of implants. Dan Thompson, DVM with Kansas State University, says consumer fears of hormones in beef are generally unfounded. That’s because hormones are products of living cells naturally found in both plants and animals that stimulate cellular activity. He further explains hormone levels in several … [Read more...]
DFA reimagines the future
The Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) cooperative conducted its annual meeting in Kansas City in late March. The meeting focused on reimagining the future for its dairy members. DFA has more than 14,000 dairy farmer member-owners on nearly 8,500 farms in 48 states. The cooperative directed the marketing of 62 million pounds of milk in 2015 from members and non-members representing … [Read more...]
Grass tetany season is now
The smell of spring. The countryside is blooming into lush green vistas. Spring rains seem to clean the air. Loamy soil is turned and readied for planting. But, this may not be the case for older cows getting their fill of new grasses. This article highlights supplements and treatments for grass tetany. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, April 21, 2016. Older lactating cows … [Read more...]
Large herds, less lameness
Research from the University of Minnesota study debunks animal rights activists’ assertions that large dairy herds equal less care and more welfare issues. The study reveals variances based on bedding type, footbath use and robotically milked dairies. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 15, 2016. The one factor that seemed to make a difference was whether a herd had a hoof … [Read more...]
Red meat won’t kill you
Most of us know someone who broke all the dietary rules and lived doctor-free into their 90’s. Dan Murphy shares why in these perspectives about a 1970s study that led to new dietary recommendations about meat and cheese. When the full study was reviewed, results showed that avoiding meat and cheese lowered patients’ cholesterol levels, but it didn’t affect the incidence of … [Read more...]
Dewell simplifies cattle euthanasia
For bovine practitioners, humane euthanasia is important in proper animal care and veterinary medicine. In the field, euthanasia of cattle often involves using a firearm or a captive-bolt device. Renee Dewell, DVM, MS, presented a simple way to determine the optimal point of entry for euthanizing cattle with either. She cleared up confusion on the issue. Source: Bovine … [Read more...]
Smaller producers still unfamiliar with BVD
The results of a 2007-2008 study on producer awareness of BVD forms the foundation for a new study set to begin in 2017. The original study identified that BVD was unknown by smaller producers. For example, 15.5 percent of producers with fewer than 50 cows and 5.2 percent of producers with 50 to 99 cows were unaware of BVD. If you’re a veterinarian, large animal clinic staffer, … [Read more...]
FDA targets Carbadox for removal from swine production
Carbadox, the active ingredient in Mecadox ®, a Phibro Animal Health product, helps U.S. hog producers safely control bacterial diseases in early growth stages of pigs. Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took the first steps to take this valuable pharmaceutical away from the swine industry. Tom Burkgren, DVM and executive director of the American Association of … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens and the VFD
A subscriber sent us this article about the chicken debate in Irving, Texas. This discussion represents issues in all American cities, suburbs and rural developments. VFD regulations apply to these animals as much as they do to those in a feedlot. Veterinarians who don’t plan to practice food animal medicine, must be well-versed in the VFD regulations. The law allows any … [Read more...]
USDA issues revised Senecavirus A guidelines
The USDA has issued a revised guidance document describing procedures and responsibilities for handling swine herds suspected of having Senecavirus A to ensure that foreign animal disease investigations occur per agency guidelines. While swine specialists have working knowledge of these guidelines, veterinary teams in mixed animal practices may not be aware of these … [Read more...]
Milk replacer feeding levels studied for growth, transition
Milk replacer is important in dairy operations. However, a recent study suggests that calves need moderate amounts of milk replacer to more successfully transition to dry feedstuffs post-weaning. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 6, 2016. The study, published in the April 2016 issue of the Journal of Dairy Science, and summarized by Colleen Chapman, PhD candidate the … [Read more...]
Setting the record straight on animal antibiotics
Dr. Richard Raymond, well-known in food safety and animal health circles, shared his thoughts about animal antibiotics in a recent commentary on Meatingplace. In it, he responded to an article with the headline, “FDA report shows antibiotic sales on the rise.” Raymond feels the organizations representing animal agriculture should do a better job of explaining to consumers and … [Read more...]
Implant for growth and profit
Growth implants benefit production and return in beef cattle. This is well-documented. While consumer pressure counters proven science; properly used implants facilitate additional pounds of gain at sale day. Next to wormers, they have the highest ROI in beef operations. Source: Vet Advantage, Livestock Edition, Spring 2016. Growth promoting technologies are a cost … [Read more...]
Reduce needle stick injuries
Jeff Bender, DVM, MS, ACVPM, University of Minnesota, encourages veterinarians and herd managers to continuously train employees, create awareness of the dangers of needle sticks and encourage a working environment that minimizes risk. Bender referenced the UMASH website, at the University of Minnesota, during a recent webinar. The website contains fact sheets and videos about … [Read more...]
Dairy Industry Trends
Leading dairy offer a look at the challenges of marketing to dairy producers. Read about their ideas on: Current Situation Outlook and competition Current Trends Technology Source: AgriMarketing, March 2016. Trends in the Dairy Industry, page 18. … [Read more...]
Welcome Tammy Platt
Please welcome Tammy Platt, PhD, as a contributing editor to the Animal Health Digest team. Formerly the equine program coordinator and assistant professor of animal science at Morehead State University, Platt brings extensive academic and industry expertise to the group. In addition to working as a veterinarian technician, Platt has experience in distribution, in-house … [Read more...]
Do you know dairy?
A fun quiz features statistics and perspectives about the U.S. dairy industry. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, April 4, 2016. Dairy farming in the U.S. is an amazing industry. It is big, yet it is getting smaller all the time. Its basics are the same everywhere, yet how they are done differs everywhere – and often dramatically. … [Read more...]
It’s all in the genes
Cheryl Day’s team at National Hog Farmer has dedicated the April issue to the topic of genetics and the management of these blueprints to strengthen pig production. What follows her opening notes is an issue full of insight and perspective on managing swine genetics. Source: National Hog Farmer, April 2016. Blueprint focus. Developing quality swine genetics can boost the … [Read more...]
Shearing 101
This article provides a do-it-yourself guide for those who struggle to hire a shearing crew. Meat, not wool demand, is currently driving U.S. sheep numbers higher. Producers must still deal with the wool and a shearing routine. Source: On Pasture, March 28, 2016. While I’ve never sheared a sheep myself, I feel like these three videos give me what I need to know if I were … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Voice of Sustainable Pork Debuts
Featuring a mix of original and contributed content, plus news aggregated from a variety of sources, Voice of Sustainable Pork aims to bring the global pork industry together to more effectively balance the needs of pigs, pork, people and planet — now, and for generations to come. The website is sponsored by Zoetis. Source: Voice of Sustainable Pork, email March 29, … [Read more...]