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...]
Search Results for: cat food
Xylitol can kill or poison dogs
Xylitol, a common sweetener in chewing gum, mints and other products can kill or severely poison dogs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued, ‘Xylitol and Your Dog: Danger, Paws Off,’ May 12 after a surge in death and several illnesses from dogs that had accidentally ingest Xylitol, according to pet poison-control centers. Source: The Wall Street Journal, May 12, … [Read more...]
Gene differences in fat Labradors
Labrador retrievers have a tendency to get fat. Studies indicate 50 percent to 60 percent of labs are classified as overweight or obese. Overeating is possibly in Labs’ genes according to a newly published study. Source: Washington Post, May 3, 2016. What we’ve found in the study is that there really is a hard-wired reason for some Labradors to be completely obsessed by … [Read more...]
Another E. coli
E. coli O165:H25, is an enterohemorrhagic strain that can cause disease in cattle and could poses a food safety hazard for humans. It is a potential risk in young calves and recently caused enteric disease in feedlot heifers. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, April 25, 2016. The 0165:H25 serotype is similar to E. coli O157:H7, and could be an emerging food-borne pathogen in … [Read more...]
Research simulates PEDv route of entry from China
Scott Dee, DVM, Pipestone, Minnesota, led a study designed to simulate the shipping route of a feed source from Beijing, China to Des Moines, Iowa. Results show feed could be a transfer medium for PEDv. It also modeled potential mitigation strategies. Dee’s findings set the stage for more research. Source: Pork Network, April 25, 2016. Under the conditions of this study, … [Read more...]
Implants can help increase revenue
This good article reminds animal health professionals of the value and safety of implants. Dan Thompson, DVM with Kansas State University, says consumer fears of hormones in beef are generally unfounded. That’s because hormones are products of living cells naturally found in both plants and animals that stimulate cellular activity. He further explains hormone levels in several … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens and the VFD
A subscriber sent us this article about the chicken debate in Irving, Texas. This discussion represents issues in all American cities, suburbs and rural developments. VFD regulations apply to these animals as much as they do to those in a feedlot. Veterinarians who don’t plan to practice food animal medicine, must be well-versed in the VFD regulations. The law allows any … [Read more...]
Setting the record straight on animal antibiotics
Dr. Richard Raymond, well-known in food safety and animal health circles, shared his thoughts about animal antibiotics in a recent commentary on Meatingplace. In it, he responded to an article with the headline, “FDA report shows antibiotic sales on the rise.” Raymond feels the organizations representing animal agriculture should do a better job of explaining to consumers and … [Read more...]
It’s all in the genes
Cheryl Day’s team at National Hog Farmer has dedicated the April issue to the topic of genetics and the management of these blueprints to strengthen pig production. What follows her opening notes is an issue full of insight and perspective on managing swine genetics. Source: National Hog Farmer, April 2016. Blueprint focus. Developing quality swine genetics can boost the … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during July 4th celebration
July 4th and its accompanying fireworks will be here soon. Help clients get ready for the noisy celebrations that often scare pets. The specialists at the VPI Pet HealthZone offer sound tips about dealing with noise, food toxicity and lost pets. Source: July 4th Pet Safety Tips, Veterinary Pet Insurance™, a Nationwide Insurance® company. If you include your pets at a 4th of … [Read more...]
Editorial – Home delivery still growing
Articles about opportunities in the pet retail business often make me scratch my head. How can retailers get so excited and veterinary hospitals remain blasé’. For nearly 15 years, veterinarians have been offered opportunities to use various home delivery platforms to auto-fulfill standing prescriptions, brand diversity in large categories and specialty products. Yet, these … [Read more...]
Airborne transmission suspected in human M. bovis cases
The human-animal bond takes on a different meaning when zoonotic diseases are involved. Cases like these underscore the importance of best management practices in production protocols, food safety and disease prevention. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, March 09, 2016. Investigations into two human cases of Mycobacterium bovis infection resulting in tuberculosis (TB) in … [Read more...]
Help clients with species-appropriate diets
One hundred percent of dogs and cats that visit a veterinary hospital or retail center eat some type of food. The diet category gets more confusing every day. Most animal owners make diet choices with little information. This article compares the needs of cats and dogs eating raw diets and presents the realities of species differences. Source: Dogs Naturally, February 19, … [Read more...]
Beta-agonists exonerated
Recent efforts to identify whether zilpaterol and ractopamine were a cause of fatigued cattle syndrome determined that the products have no effect on problems seen in fed cattle at the packing plant. The alternative explanation is that heavier cattle respond negatively to aggressive handling. Source: Beef Magazine, February 2016, page 18. “But the one thing that was … [Read more...]
Coupon use trending to digital
Goodbye cut-out and print coupons. Welcome digital point-of-choice incentives. This article follows our recent references to millennials and their mobile-based preferences. More concerning than a change in point-of-sale promotions is the reference to no planning and the “get-it-now” mentality. Clearly changes are underway. Animal health retailers, dispensing DVMs and … [Read more...]
Myth Buster: corn edition
Reading dog food labels is beyond challenging. The proliferation of specialty veterinary and commercial diets coupled with myriad ingredient choices is confusing for most pet owners. This article and the resources it references will help veterinary teams and reps servicing owners’ pet diet choices sift through the confusion. Source: Trends, January 2016, page 40. (direct … [Read more...]
Editorial – Pet industry trends for 2016
This article presents important food for thought. Highlights include: Pet industry sales will grow to $91.72 billion by 2019 50% of dogs and cats are considered overweight 39% of dogs and 43% of cats are considered old 60% of pet spending will come from high-income households Veterinary and dealer segments will experience these same retail trends. It is important … [Read more...]
New dietary guidelines for Americans
A more sensible approach to nutrition is reflected in the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans recently announced by the Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. This round of guidelines focuses less on recommendations for individual nutrients and more on broader dietary patterns. As the DGA website puts it, “people do not eat food groups and nutrients in … [Read more...]
What should eating right look like?
It is again time to set new year’s resolutions. For many, that will include moving toward becoming healthier. Physical activity and eating right are important at all life stages, and the benefits last a lifetime! What should eating right look like? remains a common question. While focused on beef as a protein source, this article is worthwhile as you set your health goals for … [Read more...]
Welcome to the “antibiotic-free” fear factory
The debate continues regarding antibiotic residues. The video accompanying this article in Drovers CattleNetwork Daily is not the marketing hype of large, branded fast-food chains, rather it is an excellent resource to utilize in support of safe, meat protein production. Regardless of your role, as an animal health professional please take time to consider the value of … [Read more...]
Four top nutrients every animal needs
Learn what pet owners are reading about nutrition in the October/November issue of Animal Wellness. Jean Hofve, D.V.M. walks readers through the top nutrients needed by dogs/cats: Omega 3 Fatty Acids Digestive Enzymes Probiotics Antioxidants Other articles address liver, pH and supplementation. Source: Animal Wellness, Oct/Nov 2015 page 42. Many people, … [Read more...]