The animal health industry works hard to ensure continual improvement of antibiotic use. Diverse groups of stakeholders participate in ongoing National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) symposiums to seek common ground and develop solutions to the emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogen populations. NIAA with support from the Beef Checkoff, released a white paper … [Read more...]
It’s go time for newborn calves
Scientists continue to learn more about the importance of colostrum in newborn calves. The first 24 hours of life remain the most critical period for them to ingest colostrum. Beyond the well-known, lifetime benefits linking colostrum and immune system function, ongoing research indicates colostrum helps develop other organs after birth. Source: High Plains Journal, January … [Read more...]
Social studies for calves
The headline stopped me. Dairy veterinarians and reps servicing dairy accounts need to consider the practice of pairing calves based on the study this article references. It is surprising separation anxiety is not referenced given our experiences with early and post-weaning stress in most animals. This is not unlike trying to lessen anxiety by pairing two puppies or two … [Read more...]
Reps can be full business partners
Veterinarians, especially those working toward more active veterinarian-client-patient relationships in the face of the veterinary feed directive regulations, can be considered reps in this article by Pat Malone of The PAR Group. (See VFD-still much to do, 2/4/16). Leaders, he says, gain and keep wholehearted followers for a given course of action. Consider Malone’s five key … [Read more...]
VFD – still much to do
“Ignorance of the law excuses no man from practicing it,” wrote, Addison Mizner, a 19th century architect. This quote is appropriate to Wes Ishmael’s article. It says many producers and some veterinarians are still unaware of how critical the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) and veterinary feed directive (VFD) are to future production practices. Source: Beef, … [Read more...]
100 years of cattle numbers
The cattle inventory is experiencing the highest increase in U.S. cattle inventory in 35 years. This retrospective of 100 years of history lends perspective to the ups and downs of the cattle industry. Source: Cattle Trader Center, January 31, 2016. The cattle inventory reached 100 million head for the first time in 1962. It remained over 100 million for 26 years until … [Read more...]
Biosecurity vigilance urged as PED immunity dissipates
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus is still circulating in the U.S., according to Paul Sundberg, DVM, executive director of the Swine Health Information Center. Noting lowered incidence, he says improved biosecurity and a buildup of natural immunity by exposed herds have helped reduce the level of PED. This natural immunity may be short lived, however. Source: The Pig Site, … [Read more...]
Help producers prep for VFD implementation
During last week’s Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, Kerry Keffaber, DVM, advisor for scientific affairs at Elanco Animal Health, shared four ways producers can get ready to implement the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Presented to members of the Livestock Publications Council, you’ll soon see more information in livestock media. There is opportunity in each of the … [Read more...]
Death-loss still a conundrum in feedlots
Veterinarians today have access to better vaccines, better treatments and generally better overall cattle management than in the past, and yet the prevalence of feedyard death loss continues to run higher than just a few years ago. And with pressure continuing to end the use of some antibiotics for disease prevention, the industry will need to employ alternatives, beginning … [Read more...]
Beef herd rebuilding in 2016
We’ll have more cows to keep healthy this year, but producers will likely see profits decline. For animal health pros, this is sweet and sour. It means more doses but they have less value to producers. This signals the need for re-promoting comprehensive health plans at all levels of production visit by visit. When markets decline, animal health products are often overlooked. … [Read more...]
74,650 in 365 days – a new record
200-plus pounds of milk each day from a single cow? Astounding! It’s all the more reason I often see the dairy cow as a living manufacturing plant, or a milk-making machine. Stories like this underscore the continuous need to maintain preventive health protocols, in addition to optimizing nutrition. In a cow like Gigi, even the slightest health problem could negatively … [Read more...]
Biosurveillance vital to swine industry
Technological advancements support increasing biosurveillance activities to react more rapidly to disease outbreaks. Understanding active and passive disease surveillance processes is critical for marketing and sales personnel working in the swine segment. Building the network of communication is well underway. This article indicates developments will strengthen the network, … [Read more...]
Celebrating seedstock icon Dave Nichols
Dave Nichols made his mark on the beef seedstock business over the last 60-plus years. His father’s coaching, “Your word is better than your bond,” remained as a guiding principle for this man and his operation. Known as a character, Nichols’ persistence, commitment to learning and undying support of family and employees make this article worth reading. Source: Drovers … [Read more...]
Three stages of calving (parturition)
This is a nice review of the stages of the calving process. A note in the third stage reminds some of what Grandpa always did may not be the best method for placental shedding. This article is a sound reference for veterinarians to review with their cow/calf clients, as well as clinic personnel. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, January 20, 2016. Animal scientists and … [Read more...]
VFD regulations affect dairies
We will tire of VFD articles almost before we get started. However, compliance and understanding come with repetition and multiple perspectives. Fred Gingrich, an Ohio DVM, concisely discusses VFD regulations from a product perspective. Source: Dairy Herd Management, January 5, 2016. It is important to recognize what products are affected by these rules. For cattle, the … [Read more...]
Hoe, cows hoe!
Training their palates so cows eat noxious weeds is the topic. Producers will find this article intriguing and valuable. It is an interesting take on managing forage density. Source: Modern Farmer, January 11, 2016. For years, livestock educator Kathy Voth has been telling farmers and ranchers exactly this—that cows can be trained to eat broadleaf “weeds,” which can … [Read more...]
Editorial – Free range is not bug free
I have a small town rural background where chickens roaming free was common. We called it scratchin’ in the stuff and eatin’ the things. The free-range movement has been a growing concern of mine, especially for veterinary practices in urban or ruralpolitan areas. This story begs the question, “are small animal veterinarians or dealers ready to service Chicken Little and her … [Read more...]
Swine research review, 2015
Genetic markers for PRRS, foaming manure, bump feeding sows and testicle temperature in boars are just a few of the research articles featured in this issue. If you’re involved in swine health, this is a good overview of the hot topics and trends in 2015 and 2016. Source: National Hog Farmer, December 2015. Research reviews from across Canada and the US in 2015. … [Read more...]
Mastitis update
Mastitis continues to steal dairy profits. This article provides information about mastitis research, management and the resulting economics. If dairymen are reading at this level, then veterinarians and sales representatives need to be familiar with it, as well. Source: Dairy Herd Management, January 2016. According to data and a cost estimation model from the National … [Read more...]
Editorial – Serving seedstock producers
There is a hidden resource in this article for livestock veterinarians, livestock sales reps or dealers serving this market: the Beef Seedstock Top 100 listing. Sortable, it is easily managed for your area. If you already work with these producers, send them a note of congratulations. They’ll appreciate it. If not, then you have ample information to engage them as a … [Read more...]
Rabies in cattle
Learn or review how cattle get infected with rabies, the two primary forms of it and what to help producers watch for. Gregg Hanzlicek, with the veterinary diagnostic laboratory at Kansas State University, says skunks are the most likely carriers. This is good information to offer 4-H or FFA groups, include with clinic communications or during VFD planning sessions. Source: … [Read more...]
Editorial – Popular poultry stories of 2015
Chickens in backyards are becoming more popular than ever. These backyard birds are often within city limits. Small animal hospitals and any team treating birds need to stay aware of poultry health issues, including any effects of the Veterinary Food Directive. Source: WATT Poultry Update, January 4, 2015. Avian influenza, antibiotic-free poultry production are topics of … [Read more...]
Editorial – Tough “Goliath” start to 2016 in cattle industry
Holiday storm Goliath will hurt the beef and dairy industries for months to come. An estimated 40,000 dairy cattle were lost to the storm. Beef losses will be from lost weight gains. For veterinarians and suppliers, helping customers find ways to replace lost animals will help ensure ongoing revenue from animal health products and services. Source: Dairy Herd Management, … [Read more...]
Selling cow patties online
American pioneer stories recount using buffalo chips in place of firewood. I doubt those pioneers would ever have conceived a day when a city person would place an order for cow patties and have them gift wrapped and delivered via commercial carrier. We highlight this story for perspective, fun or head-scratching. Source: Associated Press, December 28, 2015. The patties—cow … [Read more...]
Clearing up VFD confusion
Learn what is critical in the short term and what’s to come in 2016 from this review. Source: Beef Magazine, January 2016, page 36. Keep in mind that veterinarians will only be able to authorize label uses of the VFD antibiotics. Currently, any use of a feed drug other than according to the label is illegal. INSIGHTS: The noise about VFD slowed during the holidays. In … [Read more...]
Dairy – Top ten things learned in 2015
Top ten lists are a quick way to keep in mind topics that may impact business in the coming year. Learn what Dennis Halladay, Hoard’s Western Editor views as top tens. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, December 28, 2015. The Upper Midwest has muscle. With South Dakota, Michigan and Wisconsin leading the way, the Upper Midwest is “producing like its life depends on it,” according to … [Read more...]
Why Asia craves America’s pig DNA
Experience the dynamics of swine exporting and decision-making in this intriguing story. In a business fraught with financial risks and potential catastrophes, exporters must navigate countries’ various regulations, financing arrangements and cultural norms. Animal diseases, currency fluctuations, and politics can quickly destroy markets. Yet, this is part of feeding the … [Read more...]
Strategic replacement heifer production and selection has huge impact on operations
This article is full of considerations about heifer replacements. It references multiple tools to help with the selection process. Realize that some traditional sire-selection and cow-size criteria may not be appropriate for best-value replacement heifers. Veterinarians and representatives will appreciate this article as they work with herd owners and managers. Source: … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Set up replacement heifers for long-term success
Replacement heifers are a lifeline to a herd’s success. This article highlights how to get them started right and reviews factors for a successful replacement heifer program. Source: Beef, December 17, 2015. Producers should look for heifers that display these characteristics: 1) a mature body size that matches the ranch resource availability; 2) an ability to get bred and … [Read more...]
Cold Stress: What is cold to a cow?
The shortest day of 2015 is here. The winter solstice, December 22nd, signals the official beginning of winter. Weather’s unpredictable nature requires cattlemen and their veterinarians be prepared. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork Daily, December 21, 2015. Cattle are most comfortable within the thermoneutral zone when temperatures are neither too warm nor too cold. During the … [Read more...]