Cheryl Day provides an overview of topics important to the swine industry. This information is a good answer to, “What did you learn at the WPX?” It provides insight into challenges swine producers face. Source: National Hog Farmer, July 2016, page 30. Day summarizes: Pork Quality Assurance Plus program 3.0 Pork, the Other White Meat lawsuit pending Waters of the … [Read more...]
Optimize calves’ welfare during dehorning
Using appropriate dehorning or disbudding procedures and minimizing the associated pain are essential for a well-managed calf program. Developing protocols for calf care and pain management can ensure that everyone caring for calves follows the same procedures on farms. Several changes being implemented in the National Dairy FARM program in January 2017 address best practices … [Read more...]
Rethinking stink about antibiotics in manure
Much of the antibiotics fed to livestock goes to waste — literally. “Often, 90 percent or more of the antibiotic is excreted, according to previous studies,” says Francis Zvomuya, researcher at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. “Manure containing these is then used as fertilizer on crops.” Source: Midwest Ag Journal, July 4, 2016. Zvomuya, Amarakoon and their … [Read more...]
New AVMA guidelines reflect ongoing animal welfare commitment
The AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals (also available in ebook format) provide guidance for veterinarians about how to prevent pain and distress in animals that have been designated for slaughter. The panel members who developed the guidelines offer expertise that is supplemented by input from additional experts and comments provided during a designated … [Read more...]
Save protocols from procedural drift
Paul R. Biagiotti, D.V.M. shares his perspective about how employees in dairies can veer off course from standard operating procedures (SOP). Termed as procedural drift, he warns dairy managers to beware of shortcuts, to keep a watchful eye and mind the details. Source: Hoard's Dairyman, June 2016, page 408. For the details to be minded, we must observe our helpers and the … [Read more...]
Journal of Swine Health and Production
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents from the latest issue of the Journal of Swine Health and Production. The paper titled Comparative efficacy of concurrent administration of a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) vaccine plus a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine from two commercial sources in pigs challenged with both … [Read more...]
Snakebite a risk for horses and cattle
All grazing animals are at risk of snakebite in areas where snakes are present. Rattlesnake venom has two types of toxins, myotoxins and hemotoxins. Myotoxins create rapid swelling, pain and bleeding at the bite site and muscle necrosis, while the hemotoxins damage blood vessels, destroying red blood cells and hindering blood clotting. Veterinarians with snakebite experience … [Read more...]
Experts react to hogs and pigs report
The Department of Agriculture reported June 24, 2016 that total hogs and pigs inventory in the United States was 68.4 million head, a two percent jump from a year ago. Source: AgriPulse, June 27, 2016. Learn what experts have to say about the increasing inventory in the audio report. Also see: National Hog Farmer, June 24, 2016. Puzzling numbers in USDA … [Read more...]
Prepare now for next spring’s calving season
Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University animal science professor and Extension reproduction specialist, offers sound advice for cow/calf producers and those who serve them. Veterinarians working with producers on VFD can include a calving season review as part of a management practices discussion. Retail associates, dealers, distributor and manufacturer reps might consider … [Read more...]
Breed cows to match forage resources
“The beef industry is on an unsustainable path because aggressively selecting for enhanced mature size, muscle and milk potential isn’t necessarily good for the commercial operation given typical forage resources,” said David Lalman, Oklahoma State University extension beef cattle specialist. He says we need to do a better job of breeding cows to match forage resources found on … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Dairy heat stress
The combination of heat and humidity can compromise a cow’s ability to get rid of excess body heat. Cooling systems and heat abatement programs are important, but even with routine summertime diet and cooling techniques in place, a cow can experience physiological changes with which she cannot cope. Source: Dairy Herd Management, June 28, 2016. Link to TechMix – Dairy Heat … [Read more...]
Mini bull riding growing in popularity
Bull riding has a new miniaturized version in the Miniature Bull Riders Association. Young bull riders participate on mini bulls, competing all over the U.S. Bull Riding for Kids is one of the fastest growing sports in rodeo. Source: Professional Bull Riders Association, February 25, 2016. The PBR recently became the presenting sponsor of the Miniature Bull Riders (MBR) … [Read more...]
Effects of shade and feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride to finishing steers
Zilpaterol hydrochloride, or Zilmax®, is a beta-agonist approved to be fed to finishing cattle the last 21 days of the feeding period. Researchers wanted to determine if feeding Zilmax to finishing cattle affected response to heat stress, mobility and body temperature, performance, or carcass characteristics when fed in the open or in shaded pens. Source: Drovers … [Read more...]
Nationwide tail docking ban coming soon
Gerard Kramer, DVM, University of Minnesota, discusses alternatives to tail docking. The National FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program is set to ban tail docking nationwide January 1, 2017. Source: Dairy Herd Management, July 2016. Page 27. Dr. Kramer discusses the advantages and disadvantages of three alternatives to managing tail switches: … [Read more...]
Journal of Dairy Science
For your convenience we have linked to the table of contents from the latest issue of the Journal of Dairy Science. Source: Journal of Dairy Science, July 2016, Volume 99, Issue 7, p4999-5965. … [Read more...]
Meet Wayne Pacelle
To some in the animal welfare community, Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, is equivalent to Prince Charming. To some in livestock production, he’s Satan incarnate. Dan Murphy shares Pacelle’s own words in this five-part series. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, June 10, 2016. When I started in 2004, I told the [HSUS] board that the … [Read more...]
Growth implants can help yearling stockers
Using an effective strategy and technique, implanting yearling stocker cattle going to grass can be efficacious and nearly guaranteed avenue to add value, says Ken Olson, South Dakota State University Extension. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, June 10, 2016. Proper implanting procedures are critical to ensure full effectiveness of the implant to accomplish this economic … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo photo gallery
Networking, showcasing innovation and educating are the mainstays of the World Pork Expo. This year was no exception. This photo gallery offers a flavor of the festivities. You may see some folks you know. I did. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 10, 2016. World Pork Expo’s extensive trade show makes it easy to shop and compare new products and technologies for use on the … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Benefits of an isotonic protein drink for pigs
This piece offers high-level look at recent field trials conducted by Tonsity on the impact of incorporating an isotonic protein drink for pigs into today’s swine production practices. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 9, 2016. Very few studies have been published to show the benefits of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) in swine. Historically, the principles of ORT — simple … [Read more...]
Misconceptions of low-stress handling
Low-stress livestock handling (LSLH) is one of many terms used to describe production animal management. Whit Hubbard attempts to clear up misconceptions about LSLH. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, May 30, 2016. LSLH is about the proper pressure applied at the proper angle and time which results in clear and consistent communication, so the animals understand and willingly … [Read more...]
Trial results: calcium supplement for improvement of health in dairy cows in early lactation
Prophylactic calcium supplementation immediately after calving is a common strategy to prevent clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia in parturient dairy cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prophylactic administration of an injected calcium supplement on blood calcium concentration at 24 hours and 48 hours after treatment, incidence risk of clinical … [Read more...]
5 freedoms guide animal welfare regulations
Farm animal welfare remains a hot topic. Gabriele Maier, resident veterinarian, with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, provides a reminder of the five freedoms that guide animal welfare standards. She also offers the National Agricultural Law Center’s web page where you can look up regulations in your own state. Source: Progressive Cattleman, June 2016. The five … [Read more...]
Celebrate National Dairy Month
June is National Dairy Month. There are many ways folks celebrate. It’s likely a dairy practice or customer has an activity going on. Here’s a list of Dairy Month activities for most states. Find out what’s going on in your area. Source: DairyGood by Dairy Management Inc. We’ve highlighted a number of events below from MOOvie nights to dairy galas. Click your state for more … [Read more...]
Diet reduces the chance of milk fever in goats
After birth, goats must provide large amounts of calcium with their milk. Does normally have enough calcium reserves in their bones. But, if a doe has been on a high-calcium diet during her dry period, her body may “forget” how to mobilize those reserves. If that happens, blood calcium levels may drop and result in milk fever. Source: Purina Mills. You can help address milk … [Read more...]
New edition of NRC for beef cattle released
Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle: Eighth Revised Edition has just been released and is available from The National Academies Press website. Commonly called the Beef NRC, the new edition has been in the works since 2000. The cattle industry has undergone considerable changes and some recommendations in edition seven are no longer relevant. Source: Beef, May 17, 2016. In … [Read more...]
Clean dairy calves are healthy calves
Keeping dairy calves healthy is easier when their exposure to harmful bacteria is limited. Even when they’re exposed and don’t become sick, it takes valuable energy to fight off disease, according to Christie Underwood, PhD, Purina calf and heifer specialist. Source: Purina Mills. To look beyond the surface and truly analyze the cleanliness of your facility, there are four … [Read more...]
First-class calf management equals lifetime of herd production
The basics of dairy calf management never go out of style. Liz Cox, M.S., DVM, with Merck Animal Health, offers the ABCs of calf care from day one to full production. This is a good refresher for old hands and a sound foundation for new employees, especially those new to the dairy business. Source: Dairy Business, May 2016, page 24. Cattle learn from interactions with … [Read more...]
Elk serve as perpetual brucellosis reservoir
Teddy Roosevelt, “the conservation president,” could not have anticipated the overlaps in wild herds and commercial livestock populations today. Nor could he have known that elk would carry brucellosis so well. One has to wonder about the elk herd expansion efforts taking place in the lower Missouri and Ohio drainages given these research findings. Source: Drovers … [Read more...]
Preconditioned calves are profitable
Proactively managing calf health pays dividends. We’ve been beating this drum for decades. Like BVD management, a critical component of pre-conditioning, we still have a long way to go, asserts Greg Henderson, editorial director. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, May 2016, page 31. Preconditioning your calves is a no-brainer. It makes money for everybody in the chain and … [Read more...]
More on VFD
The veterinary feed directive gets more explanation in two articles in this issue. The dynamics of veterinarian and nutritionist interactions are presented along with veterinarians’ perspectives on continuing industry progress. Source: Beef Vet, Summer 2016. With a consumer base that’s increasing removed from food production, yet relentlessly interested in it, the VFD could … [Read more...]