The results of a recent study are a loud warning. Monitoring email after hours is not a primary reason for our existence. Researchers from Virginia Tech surveyed 108 employees working at least 30 hours per week, 138 significant others and 105 managers and found that the sheer expectation of monitoring work email, rather than the amount of time spent doing so, led to increased … [Read more...]
It takes effort to retain clients
Various sources predict 20 to 25 percent of clients will disappear during a normal year. Pet deaths, job moves and pet owner deaths are the largest causes. Beyond these reasons, retaining viable clients takes effort. A loyal client is a repeat client. This is especially important for veterinary practices. Studies show that it costs at least five times more to gain a new client … [Read more...]
Salmonella is helpful to poultry intestinal health
The consumer pressure to reduce or eliminate antibiotic use in poultry has resulted in an increase in intestinal disease, writes Charles L. Hofacre, DVM. In a recent US survey, veterinarians reported a significant increase in the number of broiler flocks that are experiencing intestinal disease associated with a higher incidence of coccidiosis. At the same time, the public … [Read more...]
Manage chicken coop smell to keep neighbors happy
Smell issues go with chickens as much as poop-filled yards go with big dogs. Jeremy Chartier discussed why chicken coops smell and how to reduce the problem before neighbors complain. . . . the most likely culprit is ammonia. Ammonia is a natural byproduct found in poultry manure and when in vapor form, smells incredibly strong and foul. Consider this article for posts, … [Read more...]
The numbers are clear: weaned calves bring a premium
New research provides important insight to the long-debated value of weaning and preconditioning programs. Bottom line: Data from Superior Livestock Auction show that calf buyers will pay premiums for calves that have been weaned at least 45 days, even after accounting for differences in preconditioning programs. Source: BEEF, August 23, 2018. Link. When calves arrive at the … [Read more...]
Healthy cows start with healthy people
For livestock veterinarians, maintaining the health of a herd, as well as a good relationship with their owner is an important aspect of the job. Bovine Veterinarian has three white papers available that are full of tips to help DVMs ensure a long-lasting relationship with farmers and ranchers. The topics are: Foreign-disease prevention Monitoring human health … [Read more...]
8 uncomfortable questions for dairies
Dennis Halladay speaks to consumer questions saying, “Animal welfare is turning up on dairy conference programs with rapidly growing frequency these days, often asking questions that may be uncomfortable.” He shares the toughest six questions he has heard this year and adds the last two to consider: Are dairy cattle cared for with compassion? Do they have feelings … [Read more...]
Mad cow disease discovered in Florida cow
The U.S. Department of Agriculture personnel have discovered a cow in Florida infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease. Agri-Pulse first reported this news Tuesday evening, August 28. Drovers reported it shortly thereafter Source: Drovers, August 28, 2018. Link. The infected Florida cow was not slaughtered for human consumption … [Read more...]
Teaching calves to eat: 5 benefits of creep feeding
Calves encounter a variety of challenges throughout life. Cody Schneider offers perspectives on using creep feeding to help calves prepare for what’s next. He says there are five benefits: Post-weaning performance Fewer health problems post-weaning Control coccidiosis Increase weaning weight Insurance for consistency Much like preconditioning, creep feeding … [Read more...]
Pinkeye challenges NC region
Cattle in Catawba County, North Carolina, are experiencing the worst year for pinkeye ever, according to North Carolina State University Extension agent Glenn Detweiler. He references late rains and fly populations as part of a perfect storm for pinkeye infections. Source: Hickory Record, August 17, 2018. Link. The group called face flies seem harmless since they do not … [Read more...]
GlobalVetLINK and UC-Davis form diagnostics partnership
The integration of two software solutions, LabLINK HIMS™ and Disease BioPortal®, will enable veterinarians and livestock production personnel to manage diagnostic lab results and improve the speed of health-based decision making. GVL’s LabLINK HIMS software has been used by swine veterinarians and integrated producers for more effective herd health management. With the UC … [Read more...]
FDA releases new tools to help veterinarians fight opioid abuse
Keeping opioids secure in the veterinary practice while retaining access for patients who need pain control is more important than ever. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine recently published a list of online resources to help veterinarians comply with federal and state regulations for prescribing, storing and disposing of these products; understand how to help overdosed … [Read more...]
Phone addiction; stop the cycle
Phone time affects everything from our memories and attention spans to our creativity, productivity, relationships, stress levels, physical health and sleep, says Catherine Price. We have become like Pavlov’s famous dogs, trained to salivate when they heard the sound of a bell. And when we can’t check our phones, our bodies release stress hormones such as adrenaline and … [Read more...]
Tips for reading the room before a meeting or presentation
Meeting rooms often have feelings or conversations going on that are not fully in the open. Yet, paying attention to the cues can reveal where there is tension, fear or even recalcitrant participation. Rebecca Knight offers these principles to remember that any meeting attendee, presenter or salesperson can use to keep a group headed toward the positives: DO: Consider the … [Read more...]
Opinion – Animal healthcare market trends and major industry players
Key points and trends in the press release from Global Market Insights, Inc. will interest animal health pros. It notes various growth drivers including: Growing trend of adopting pet animals Rising prevalence of food borne and zoonotic diseases Favorable government initiatives Rapidly increasing demand for animal protein in human food Technological … [Read more...]
Rural veterinary shortage continues; food safety a concern
There has been a shortage of large-animal vets in rural areas since 2003. Experts say this is because of a combination of low wages, long hours and fewer new graduates wanting to live outside a major city. Without vets, farmers and the nation's food supply are more vulnerable to disease outbreaks. Source: NPR, June 16, 2018. Link. The death of a cow can set a rancher back … [Read more...]
The veterinary significance of emerging infectious diseases
J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, provides insight into the emergence of infectious diseases and their impact on animals and humans. He reminds us that our ability to identify new viruses currently outpaces the ability to interpret the relevance of these discoveries. It is estimated that 60% to 80% of emerging diseases are zoonotic, which emphasizes the importance of … [Read more...]
Solve common foot bath mistakes
Jim Edwards focuses on the top four mistakes that are key to achieving maximum value from footbaths on dairies: Common mistake #1 – Water volume Common mistake #2 – Treatment concentration Common mistake #3 – Cow passes before refill Common mistake #4 – Footbath frequency Source: Progressive Dairyman, July 30, 2018. Link. Each mistake impacts the effectiveness of … [Read more...]
Change is in the air for U.S. cattle ID and traceability
A 2017 BEEF Survey says beef producers give cautious support to traceability, Burt Rutherford said as he spoke to members of the International Livestock Identification Association (ILIA) at their annual conference. This is important because at present, outside of those for various value-added programs, the U.S. doesn’t have a nationwide birth-to-consumer traceability … [Read more...]
The quest for more piglets has eroded quality
Litters of 15 or more piglets sounds good until you only wean 10. Mark Knauer reviews production practices and survival data, focusing on improving piglet birth weights to ensure better live-ability. Source: National Hog Farmer, August 9, 2018. Link. Piglet birth weight has clear associations with production throughput and efficiency. An increase of one piglet per litter is … [Read more...]
Does free-range access really offer poultry a better lifestyle?
We’ve linked to a one-page summary that outlines key points from a new study, “Impact of Free-range Poultry Production Systems on Animal Health, Human Health, Productivity, Environment, Food Safety, and Animal Welfare Issues.” Management is key to optimizing animal welfare in any production system. Although many perceive free-range poultry production systems to be more animal … [Read more...]
Opinion – USDA plans to contact veterinarians in animal welfare investigations
It’s not my role to cry wolf or create unwarranted anxiety. However, I believe veterinarians and their staff members need to spend time reviewing the APHIS webpage for attending veterinarians <link>. While the public relations for the new Animal Welfare Act initiative is to “strengthen relationships with the attending veterinarian community,” there may be other potential … [Read more...]
How we use our land helps customers gain perspective
Animal health pros, especially those serving livestock and wildlife sectors, often get into conversations about the best use for certain types of land. Bloomberg writers Dave Merrill and Lauren Leatherby used data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to show the major uses of land in the lower 48 states. You may be surprised at how little is used to grow our food. Source: … [Read more...]
Virtual farm-to-table experience a must-see for animal health pros
The Maschhoffs is the fourth-largest hog production company in North America. Its new farm-to-table experience, an interactive digital tool that explains how pigs are raised, opens pork production to public. Less than 2 percent of the U.S. population works in agriculture and some animal health pros are unfamiliar with how pork is produced. Consumer education has been a priority … [Read more...]
New antimicrobial stewardship efforts from FDA
“I told you so,” said an animal health colleague after reading this notice about extending the FDA’s antimicrobial stewardship reach, noting the companion animal mention as well. Some of the important issues to be addressed in this new plan include establishing appropriate durations of use of medically important antimicrobials and bringing all dosage forms of medically … [Read more...]
Get the most from manure
Farmers have started harvesting including cutting hay, wheat and oats and mowing field edges to allow for better air circulation. This is also time when manure can be broadcast on fields. Sara Brown previews an app that calculates a manure application rate, based on the choice of nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) limits and the N, P, and potassium (K) that will be applied to the … [Read more...]
6 signs of a healthy chicken
Happy and healthy chickens are confident, strong and productive. They should also exhibit the six characteristics noted here. If they don’t, improper nutrition may be the culprit. Source: Rural Marketing News, July 30, 2018. Link. “As you get to know your birds, you’ll learn their personalities and habits. Strong hens are confident, alert and strut their stuff,” says … [Read more...]
Selecting the ideal beef or dairy cattle breeds
The movement to growing your own food continues to grow. As new farmers make decisions, knowing about cattle breeds is helpful. Heather Smith Thomas reviews breed options with the smaller farmer in mind. Source: Countryside Daily, July 16, 2018. Link. Cattle farming for beginners requires researching dozens and dozens of beef cattle breeds and composites, and a half dozen … [Read more...]
Hot, humid days harder on cattle than winter
Heat and humidity are hard on cattle, especially when hauling them, says Sandy Stuttgen. She provides charts on loading capacity and the heat index as handy reference tools. Their well-being especially suffers during humid days followed by evenings that do not drop below 70°F, as under those conditions, cattle will not have a chance to recover before the next hot, humid day … [Read more...]
FDA suggests non-dairy milk isn’t milk
The FDA describes milk as "the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows." That definition doesn't leave room for vegan alternatives to call themselves "milk," though a number of products on the market do. Source: CNN, July 19, 2018. Link. The agency is not commenting on its plans or Gottlieb's observation … [Read more...]