World Pork Expo remains a premier event for swine producers and the swine industry. The two day event draws more than 10,000 pork producers and ag professionals across the world each year. Nearly 400 companies from North America and around the world will be on-site, displaying products and services at booths, outdoor exhibits and hospitality tents at the 2025 WPX. Promoted by … [Read more...]
Advances in swine housing, health and welfare
New legal requirements, consumers’ opinions, challenging epidemiological conditions and increased pork demand are driving an imminent transition in swine production. New housing conditions and the need for improved welfare are top of mind issues across the industry. Two of the five articles presented in this special issue of Animals investigate finishing pen space and … [Read more...]
Estrous synchronization, not just for doing artificial insemination
One of the main advantages of using synchronization technology is that it provides an extra opportunity for females to be bred during the first 21 days of the breeding season. The authors present opportunities and challenges for producers using synchronization along with natural service including potential improvements to herd cost-to-reward ratios. Source: Drovers, May 19, … [Read more...]
Breeding heat-tolerant cattle (video)
When temperatures hit 70oF, cattle begin experiencing heat stress. Dairy farmers breeding heat-tolerant cattle using the Australian Breeding Value are reducing lost milk yield during hot, sticky summer months. The ABV testing has drawn considerable attention worldwide as heat losses are often seen between 25 percent and 40 percent of their herd’s milk yield. Source: Good … [Read more...]
K-State researchers update African Swine Fever virus stability to cold, heat
A new study from Kansas State University found that the ASF virus was still detectable in samples that were repeatedly frozen and stored at 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 degrees Fahrenheit), thawed and then frozen again. ASF is known to be a particularly tough virus to destroy. Still, the viability may allow for samples of the virus could be frozen and stored or transported over … [Read more...]
USDA closes southern border, NCBA supports decision to halt the New World screwworm
Despite the United States' work to control the New World screwworm, weak governmental participation in Central America allowed the insect to spread north out of Panama. This has been coupled with a lack of timely action by officials in Mexico and now the U.S. cattle herd, other livestock, wildlife, pets and humans are at risk again. Consequently, the USDA has closed the U.S. … [Read more...]
Can oxytocin boost colostrum?
Seeking what might be called the holy grail of dairy production, researchers at Cornell University recently completed a study to evaluate whether supplemental oxytocin at the first milking could improve colostrum volume, quality, or both. They found: First-calf heifers responded favorably to the highest dose of oxytocin Generally, multiparous cows did not show the same … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Foot rot
Foot rot, also known as interdigital necrobacillosis, is an infectious disease that affects the sensitive tissues of the feet in cattle. Foot rot can affect cattle of all ages, with increased incidences during or following wet, muddy and humid conditions. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the primary agent responsible for foot rot. Although a common skin bacterian, F. … [Read more...]
Hay, forage outlook for 2025
Marian Viney provides a timely look at hay prices in different areas and how drought can affect availability and prices. Forage availability and costs play into producer confidence and their relationships with animal health pros. Source: Progressive Forage, May 1, 2025. Link. Related: Tips to manage cow-calf pairs through a drought, UNL Beef, April 1, 2025. … [Read more...]
FDA approves PRRS-resistant pig
After years testing a rainbow of pigs, Genus has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the gene-edited PRRS-resistant pig in the U.S. food supply chain. Source: National Hog Farmer, April 28, 2025. Link. Addressing PRRS can allow us to improve animal welfare and reduce the environmental impact of raising pigs. Recent research indicates that PRRS … [Read more...]
Large animal internship guidelines emphasize mentorship, supervision, outcomes
It’s a first! AVMA’s Large Animal Hospital Internship Guidelines and Veterinary Large Animal Ambulatory Internship Guidelines outline the structure of a successful large animal internship for both scenarios, accounting for issues specific to working in such practices. Source: AVMA, April 28, 2025. Link. The internship guidelines say that such programs should be a one-year … [Read more...]
Better feed, fewer burps: Scientists target dairy gas emissions
University of Florida research provides a different perspective on methane gas which is consistently under fire in the greenhouse gas dialogue. When cows’ stomachs make methane, they lose valuable energy that could otherwise be used to make milk or meat. Keeping methane in is better than having it come out. The researchers investigated a potential dairy cattle … [Read more...]
Lowering unit cost of production in cow-calf herds
Although the beef market remains strong, there is a limit to how much an animal will bring in the marketplace. At some point, cow-calf producers must consider managing input costs to yield higher profits. Aaron Berger shares ways to address the costs of production in this article. Source: The Stockman, April 2025. Link. Commentary Historically, producers often reduced … [Read more...]
Tick control may be possible from exposed animals’ immune systems
Could it be? New Washington State University research reveals that animals like deer mice, rabbits and cattle can develop resistance to tick bites. And once they do, tick populations start to plummet. Ticks feeding on previously exposed animals were 23 percent less likely to reach adulthood, and female ticks that did survive produced 32 percent fewer larvae. Simulations … [Read more...]
Is it time to legalize horse slaughter in the U.S.?
Commentary Kudos to Sarah McNaughton-Peterson for addressing a volatile topic. As a horse owner, she is grounded in doing the best for her animals. Still she asserts, “there comes a time . . .” Her comment about culling practices is notable. With welfare issues top of mind, she reminds us that the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 classifies horses as livestock, of … [Read more...]
Reminder: Don’t bring home more than ribbons from shows
Fair and show season is here and Sophie Varner’s article reminds us of the importance of planning for animal biosecurity to protect our livestock investments before, during and after shows. The same goes for horses going to events or trail rides. AND . . . don’t forget to protect the pets that travel to shows and events. Veterinary teams can use Varner’s article as a … [Read more...]
Extended colostrum feeding adds $500 per heifer, slashes treatment costs, boosts lifetime milk
Leading producers are capitalizing on the untapped potential of extended colostrum feeding, writes Andrew Hunt. He shares research from Dr. Michael Steele at the University of Guelph showing that transitioning quickly from colostrum to milk replacer could limit a herd’s genetic potential and reduce the operation’s future revenue. Source: The Bullvine, April 11, 2025. … [Read more...]
Make temperature monitoring part of daily calf care
A lot has been written on keeping calves warm in cold weather and easing environmental heat during summer heat waves <Link>. In this article, Maureen Hanson shares the importance of urging producers to make temperature monitoring a routine part of daily calf care. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, February 26, 2025. Link. Early detection of disease is critical to avoid … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 24, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 17, 2024. Link. Most read posts from April 17, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Pain in dairy cattle: a narrative review. Link. Your part in heartworm prevention. Link. More than half of U.S. pet owners skip, decline needed vet care. Link. Sales reps are struggling: 10 ugly truths sales leaders must … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply launches service to streamline pet prescriptions
Tractor Supply launched Tractor Supply Rx in a bid to enhance convenience for customers ordering pet and animal medications. Its features include automatic delivery through the Autoship program, access to expert pharmacy advice and a price match guarantee. The objective is to provide an easy, one-stop shopping destination for the 38 million Neighbor’s Club members, of whom 75 … [Read more...]
Livestock producers, veterinarians urged to consider and manage Q fever zoonotic risk
Q fever is a highly contagious zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, which infects cattle, goats, and sheep. It is found in an infected animal’s bodily fluids and excretions, such as placental tissues, amniotic fluid, urine, feces and milk. The main signs of infection in animals include abortion, infertility, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. C. … [Read more...]
Tick-borne pathogen threats to U.S. cattle operations
Serving as a reminder for cattle producers and their veterinarians, this article urges staying alert for signs of tick infestation within their herds. The authors say early diagnostic testing at the first sign of a suspect illness in their cattle should be considered. Major tick-borne threats to U.S. cattle producers include cattle tick fever (Bovine Babesiosis), Anaplasmosis … [Read more...]
Livestock producers concerned about diseases, uncertain about level of threat
Commentary Iowa is a top U.S. producer of red meat and eggs. The information here is likely representative of many livestock producers in the U.S. For veterinary teams and animal health pros serving owners of any herd or flock size, the research results are informative, concerning and actionable. We must dedicate ourselves to improving producer education on diseases and risk … [Read more...]
USDA develops resource to help veterinary professionals recognize, respond to screwworm
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are important in recognizing New World screwworm should an invasion of Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm fly, occur. To help in these efforts, the USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program has developed the training module, Module 41: New World Screwworm: A 21st Century Perspective. It goes over signs of NWS, its life … [Read more...]
H5N1 in North America: implications for small animal veterinarians
The spillover of H5N1 from wild birds and poultry to dairy cattle, cats and more raises new questions about virus evolution and its implications for veterinary medicine. J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, FCAHS, shares an overview of the disease, cross-species infection potential, viral mutation, risk mitigation and symptoms. Staying informed, practicing good biosecurity, and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 17, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 10, 2024. Link. Most read posts from April 10, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Don’t assume, check to be sure. Link. ‘Treat Me Like a Dog’ campaign seeks to close the cat treat gap. Link. Factors affecting early pregnancy loss in cattle. Link. Mismatched background music affects employees. Link. … [Read more...]
Improving productivity key to reducing antibiotic use in livestock
Commentary Seeing research and projections like these are important in managing the effects of livestock production practices domestically and globally. The information in this article is likely to elicit a “well duh” response from many animal health professionals. Regardless of species or country, improving adherence to best practices requires continual education and … [Read more...]
Participation in industry surveys critical to hog industry decisions, support
Response rates on hog inventory surveys keep falling, writes Lee Schulz, noting that only 63 percent of pork producers surveyed for the March 2025 report responded. Asserting the importance of reporting data, he shares how the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service collects and shares industry metrics. To get reliable, representative data, NASS needs to survey and … [Read more...]
Pain in dairy cattle: a narrative review
Commentary This narrative review looks at the need for pain control, industry practices and stakeholder expectations and opportunities. It gives veterinary teams insight into how pain is being addressed in multiple dairy operations and possible ways to overcome barriers dairy producers may assert when recommending pain management protocols. From the summary Proper pain … [Read more...]
Life-size dairy cow model helps students learn birthing, milking other tasks
Birtha and Decalf are among the latest additions to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and are helping show students how to deliver calves, tend udders and ensure calves get milk. Taika von Konigslow, assistant professor, creates multiple scenarios of calf delivery and udder challenges so students can learn before practicing on live bovines.. Source: … [Read more...]