Media of all types has paid great attention to plant-based protein of late. However, the hype leaves out the importance of factually discussing issues surrounding meat production. We agree with Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, that collaboration by all parties will lead to science-based solutions to protein supply challenges. Simmons issues a call to … [Read more...]
Search Results for: cat food
Yeast infections, causes and treatments
Groomers are often the first to discover yeast infections in pets. Columnist Jonathan David shares information about it with his groomer audience. He talks about skin issues, pododermatitis (toes and nails) and issues with the ears and ear canals. Yeast infections can creep up at just about anytime it seems.” – Jonathan David Source: Groomer to Groomer, December 2019, page … [Read more...]
AKC on alternative meat diets and the grain free question
There has been confusion and misinformation in past months about boutique, exotic ingredients, or grain-free diets (BEG) and the prevalence of DCM. The recent issue of AKC Family Dog presents information on the DCM story and what is being considered as food sources for dogs. Source: AKC Family Dog,January/February 2020. Update: The grain-free question. Link. Where’s … [Read more...]
BQA is trust insurance
Beef Quality Assurance certification is proof that cattlemen really care about how they raise their animals, said Josh White. More than 85 percent of beef comes from BQA-certified producers. While most cattlemen are familiar with the program, it is important to re-certify every two years to keep current with changes, updates and new information regarding cattle handling and … [Read more...]
Opinion: A new decade begins
Our industry has experienced innumerable changes since the turn of the century. Some worth noting include: Resizing of major pharmaceutical companies and distributors through mergers and acquisitions Veterinary school graduates are now predominately female Expansion of corporate ownership of veterinary clinics Massive growth in the companion animal sectors … [Read more...]
Cleaning the stuff dogs use daily (video)
Gear dogs use every day often harbor mold and bacteria. Here's how to clean dog bedding, toys, food and water bowls, collars and other dog stuff. The short video is very suitable for social media, newsletters and pet owner communications. A little effort from pet owners to maintain dog gear goes along ways to prevent the possibility of more serious issues. Source: Web MD. … [Read more...]
The evolution of metaphylaxis
Tom Latta, DVM, outlined the history and current trends in metaphylaxis for feedyard cattle during the recent AABP Conference. Since its beginnings in the 1970s, procedures have evolved with the availability of more effective antibiotics, more regulation of veterinary medications, greater emphasis on food safety, antibiotic residues and prevention of antibiotic resistance. … [Read more...]
Talk about it! Antibiotic Awareness Week
The U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) is an annual observance that highlights steps everyone can take to improve antibiotic prescribing and use. The USAAW observance is November 18-24, 2019 and aligns with CDC’s educational effort, Be Antibiotics Aware: Smart Use, Best Care < link >, the year-round effort to improve antibiotic prescribing and use and combat … [Read more...]
PHP reminder program successful in reactivating inactive clients
Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together? Focusing on the bond between the practice, the pets and their owners, instead of the services a practice provides, has proven successful. Two years ago, the Partners for Healthy Pets Inactive Client Program, a client-centric email reminder program was initiated. 1612 practices enrolled 126,576 previously inactive … [Read more...]
U.S. antibiotic council member shares perspectives
Mike Appley, DVM, has served four years on the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria, < link >. He believes one of the biggest behavioral problems is that the problem always seems to be what someone else is doing, and what we are doing without fault. Antibiotic resistance is a real and pressing problem, and everyone needs to pitch … [Read more...]
Opinion – Addressing push-back on cows, emissions, planet benefits (video)
Our September 3, 2019 post, Cows really do benefit the planet! < link > ruffled some readers’ feathers. Each day our industry understands more about the impact we have on animals, food resources, the planet and, of course, human beings. In those posts, we offered information that debunks the 2006 United Nations claim that cattle were the greatest contributors to … [Read more...]
Burdock plants and cows don’t mix
Eye problems in livestock can be caused by foreign material. One of the more challenging problems is burdock slivers, according to Heather Smith Thomas. A tenacious and invasive weed, burdock is readily spread to new areas by burrs stuck to animals or clothing. When ripe, the burrs release hundreds of microscopic barbed slivers that contain tiny seeds. If a sliver gets into an … [Read more...]
USDA wants nominations for areas short on vets
Veterinarians who commit to practicing in areas short of veterinary services can get help from USDA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. It is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA identifies the locations in greatest need for veterinarians through a nomination process. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, September 3, 2019.Link. The … [Read more...]
Veterinary telemedicine is a sticky legal wicket
Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD, discusses the challenges of using non-face-to-face interactions in veterinary medicine. He calls the various segments of teledoctors a confusing jungle of legal fact, opinion and outright speculation. For each segment, primary concerns fall into three general categories: 1) malpractice liability, 2) licensing and 3) criminal … [Read more...]
Zoonotic diseases drive One Health approach
Seventy five percent of emerging infectious diseases of people are zoonotic, or originated with animals according to the CDC. John Maday reminds us that these diseases can pose a health risk to farm workers through animal contact, and potentially to the public overall, either through contact with animals or disease vectors such as mosquitos or ticks, or through contaminated … [Read more...]
New product awards showcased at SuperZoo by WPA
Revamping the New Product Showcase Award categories, the WPA named a winner in each of seven categories: Innovative (never-before-seen solutions) Lifestyle (products designed to improve pets’ health and well-being) Shelf Appeal (packaging that stands out and clearly conveys the product’s benefits) Point of Purchase (in-store displays that grab shoppers’ … [Read more...]
KC hosts a who’s who of animal health pros
More than 1,000 people networked and celebrated during the 14th annual 2019 KC Animal Health Corridor Homecoming last Monday. Animal health leaders were challenged to consider the importance of their companys’ corporate souls. Attendees recognized Linda Rhodes, VMD, PhD, with the Iron Paw Award < link > for her contributions to our industry. New Horizon Ranch < link … [Read more...]
Lack of understanding of livestock production driving trends
According to market intelligence firm IRI, 57 percent of U.S. consumers are motivated to purchase products based on factors within social strategy and cultural alignment. Animal welfare certifications on packaging and companies that promote responsible production are moving rapidly to capitalize on the growing influence of millennial and Gen Z purchasing power. For … [Read more...]
Rust, dust are not good retail looks
Brian Conrad, CVPM, does not advocate veterinary clinics try to copy or be like the box stores. Veterinary hospitals are about education and deliberate, methodical recommendations, while big box stores focus on product choices and other options. Conrad says it is important is to showcase what you have to offer regardless of how much space is dedicated to retail … [Read more...]
Activity monitors pay on dairy operation
Using neck collar activity monitors to measure individual cows’ activity plus rumination has paid for Hardscrabble Dairy in Wisconsin. Instead of blanket health or reproductive protocols for all cows, producers can treat and breed each cow at the best time for it. Dairies can find considerable savings in health costs and labor with payback in less than 24 months. Source: … [Read more...]
USDA scientists, researchers reveal 320 new inventions in 2018
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently discussed the latest Technology Transfer Report <Link >. He reported 320 new inventions from USDA laboratories in fiscal 2018, along with 471 licenses, 120 patent applications and 67 actual patents. Feedstuffs’ Jacqui Fatka shares the new developments and the potential economic impact. Source: Feedstuffs, July 3, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
DVM walks us through Fair Oaks Farms video (video)
Jan Shearer, DVM, breaks down a Fair Oaks Farm video shot at a milking parlor and barn. Shot by an activists, the video was intended to harm the dairy’s and agricultures images. Shearer discusses practices scene by scene. The Center For Food Integrity established an Animal Care Review Panel of top veterinarians to assess this undercover video and provide clarity of what’s … [Read more...]
Rabbits, herbs and gastro-intestinal stasis
Brittany May focuses on four garden herbs rabbits may encounter and the rabbits' delicate and unique digestive system. The best food for rabbits is high-quality pellets, hay, vegetables and herbs. Source: Countryside Magazine, February 13, 2019. Link. . . . if you notice your rabbit acting like he is in pain, lethargic, or not eating and drinking, or notice a change in his … [Read more...]
Walmart opens news vet clinics, launches online pet pharmacy
Walmart is opening enough new, in-store vet clinics this year to grow its current 21 clinics to 100. The retail behemoth will also launch the online pharmacy, WalmartPetRx.com to rival Chewy.com. The company is also expanding online offerings for pet food, pet vitamins and supplements, including Walmart-branded products. Source: CNBC, May 7, 2019. Link. Walmart has seen a … [Read more...]
Biosecurity beyond the farm is important
Kansas State University researchers are identifying if and how feed mill biosecurity could be involved with disease transmission. The efforts are important as U.S. swine producers brace for possible African swine fever challenges. Source: National Hog Farmer, April, 24, 2019. Link. A lot of what we have learned about how to assess biosecurity and personnel compliance has … [Read more...]
Finicky feline eaters: born or made?
Most finicky cats have likely been trained by impatient, overly concerned owners, according to nutritionists at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Cats in general are happy to eat the same food day after day. . . . just put out the food and let the cat eat or not as he desires. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 2019. Link. In some cases, a change in a cat’s diet is … [Read more...]
Alternatives for feeding dogs with diarrhea or other stomach issues
Marc Smith, DVM, draws from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) food therapy when addressing a dog with stomach issues. His approach is to optimize the individual’s qi (life force) by balancing the internal energies of yin (cold) and yang (heat). According to TCM, all foods have properties that either warm the body, cool the body or are neutral, says Smith. Most acute … [Read more...]
To engage or disengage: when issues become obstacles on social media (infographic)
Diane Martin discusses when and how to deal with bully-like behaviors on social media from persons whose comments indicate a lack of knowledge or understanding. She provides an infographic to help determine when it is acceptable for a brand or business to offer comment on social media and when it best to stay silent. Martin’s examples involve Ag and food supply examples. The … [Read more...]
Opinion – Animal well-being IS as people problem
Taking care of animals is more challenging today because we know more about their needs and behaviors. Still, day to day management often falls into the category of chores. It should instead rise to the category of opportunity. With consumer and ecological pressures rising, we’ve been seeing a variety of changes in how we care for animals. Yet, one common denominator to … [Read more...]
Millennials fuel growing market for posh pet items
Millennials are fueling a growing market for luxury pet items as they put raising children on hold or chose to be childless. One example is street-inspired clothing for dogs with price tags that reach $202 each. Millennials are also dropping cash on pricey foods and day care for their pets. Many are treating their pets as if they were kids and devoting a growing share … [Read more...]