60,000 or more dairy producers and industry persons subscribe to Hoard’s Dairyman. 5% of subscribers are dairymen Only 1.7% are veterinarians Nearly 80% own more than 50 cows More than 55% of subscribers are younger than 55 years old 30% of subscribers are younger than 44 years old As VFD oversight begins, veterinarians must pay careful attention to what … [Read more...]
Mycoplasma pneumonia in dairy calves
Robert B. Corbett, DVM, PAS, ACAN, Provo, Utah wrote a nice primer on controlling and preventing mycoplasma pneumonia in calves. Livestock veterinarians and representatives will find it to be a good review and refresher. While we often concentrate on the pneumonia, Corbett reminds us of other problems this bacteria causes and its hidden persistence once it gets … [Read more...]
Injection biosecurity, rethink the routine
This article underscores the need for single-needle dosing in dairy herds. Not a common practice, Mark Thomas, DVM BA BVP, shows health and total-cost benefits. He reminds readers of the public pressure and scrutiny of herd health practices and calls for industry leaders to set expectations for a standard of care. Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 2015, page 20. Many … [Read more...]
Five ways to avoid reproductive diseases
Isolate, test, hold and vaccinate are common best practices in disease prevention. This article by John Maday reminds cattle producers to work with their veterinarians to build a solid prevention strategy that includes diagnostics. Basic articles like this one help develop preventive thinking by cattle producers. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork Daily, December 2015, page … [Read more...]
Ag research should not be a mere afterthought
You don’t have to be a swine DVM or hog farmer to appreciate the message in this story. A large-scale health and economics problem, applied science, collaboration and dedication underscore the topic of PRRS-resistant pigs in this blog entry. Congratulations to many professionals who have remained focused on “finding a way” for the last two to three decades. This type of … [Read more...]
First two hours of calf’s life critical to survival
This straightforward article is a stark reminder of the challenges calves experience at birth. DVMs, veterinary staff members, dealers and sales reps should find at least two things they have forgotten or no longer use in their approaches to calves at birth. Dr. Garry offers a simple timetable to ensure a newborn gets started on a successful, healthy life. Source: … [Read more...]
Vaccinate calves against pneumonia to fulfill their productivity potential
Significant dollars are spent annually to monitor market conditions and test assumptions. This short article shares results from independent research completed for Zoetis. Veterinarians, dealers and salespersons will find value in understanding the research results as they discuss calf management strategies with producers. The article discusses the long-term effect of disease … [Read more...]
Cattle herd now in expansion phase
The cattle herd is now firmly in expansion phase and producers should be thinking in those terms, says Marty Foreman. The article takes readers through a look at trends, reasons and economic factors to consider. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork Daily, December 2015. Rising beef cow numbers will lead to a larger calf crop, increasing fed-cattle supply, rising beef production … [Read more...]
Bad birds
There are no references to Hitchcock's 1963 film The Birds, in this quick read. Still, the challenge of managing both feed loss and contamination can be problematic for producers. North Dakota State University Extension Service dairy specialist J.W. Schroeder provides some perspective and elimination ideas for consideration. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 29, … [Read more...]
Elimination of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from breed-to-wean farms: A review of current protocols
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) remains one of the most prevalent and economically significant respiratory pathogens in the swine industry. Economic losses related to M. hyo are associated with decreased feed efficiency, reduced average daily gain, and increased medication costs. Learn about current protocols with emphasis on herd closure and medication in this peer-reviewed … [Read more...]
How to handle and store livestock vaccines
Tracey Erickson, South Dakota State University Extension's Dairy Field Specialist, provides a solid reference document for handling and storing vaccines in this quick read. While valid vet-client-patient relationships help in establishing the vaccine of choice, Erickson offers tips for how to keep and store animal vaccines and provides an overview of the types of livestock … [Read more...]
Invest in pig health and get a big ROI
ROI discussions are often challenging for representatives and veterinary teams who work with pork production personnel, ownership and facilities. Producers working to increase their revenue often cut-back on medical costs. Information in this article may be valuable to restart a conversation with clients or customers waffling on preventative and disease prevention measures. … [Read more...]
America’s pig farmer – doing it right
It is easy to forget that people anchor quality meat production. This article celebrates a more traditional pig farmer who is also the first recipient of the Pig Farmer of the Year award, Keith Schoemetter. This article is a refreshing perspective on environmental stewardship, animal health, community involvement and employee management. Source: National Hog Farmer, November … [Read more...]
Making a VFD game plan with Doc
The Drovers CattleNetwork Daily featured a great reminder of the need for the veterinary-client-patient relationship to be planned before being executed. Set to go into effect January 1, 2017, Veterinary Feed Directice (VFD) rules may seem like a long way away, but producers need to start working with their veterinarians now to develop plans. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork … [Read more...]
Hoard’s Dairyman on intranasal vaccines and colostrum
Two articles from the November 2015 issue of Hoard’s Dairyman are worthy of consideration when interacting with dairymen, herdsmen and/or their veterinarian. 1) Geof W. Smith, D.V.M., NC State Raleigh, NC, walks through the features, functions and benefits of intranasal vaccines and makes some general recommendations for when to use them. 2) Colostrum efficacy is discussed … [Read more...]