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...]
Search Results for: cattle
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...]
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...]
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...]
What if meat eaters acted like vegans?
Dan Murphy’s commentary about a recent video is comical and thoughtful. The video clip “What If Meat Eaters Acted Like Vegans,” presents a satirical look at over-the-top convictions we frequently experience about food topics. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, May 20, 2016. The running gag throughout the 3-minute clip is the absurdity of listening to the “wisdom” of a true … [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...]
World’s largest livestock vessel
This is one big boat! Learn about a new ship that can haul thousands of live cattle or sheep around the world. Will bigger really be better? Source: The Stock Exchange, April 28, 2016. The ninety million dollar (U.S.) vessel has the capacity to transport 20,000 cattle or 75,000 sheep or a combination of both, and is suited to trans-hemisphere routes. It has enough fuel to … [Read more...]
Lameness not inevitable in confined dairy cows
Cow comfort and well-being of animals in dairy production is a frequent topic. Some have suggested that cows in larger herds are more prone to injury and lameness. This study sheds some light on the topic. Source: Journal of Dairy Science, May 8,2016. (abstract only) Overall, physical well-being characteristics of this selection of high-producing, free stall-housed dairy … [Read more...]
Shorten the breeding season
This quote says it all, “While the use of estrous synchronization and AI will increase time and labor for cow-calf producers, there is great value to capture.” Veterinary teams and representatives serving cow/calf producers will gain a deeper understanding of the economics of herd bulls compared to artificial insemination from this article. As veterinarians meet with producers … [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...]
Whole Foods whops PETA
For some, this article will be a rude awakening. Others will smile and laugh with author Dan Murphy. See how a lawsuit from PETA exposes perfectly permissible premium pricing and nebulous labeling by Whole Foods. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, April 29, 2016. This entire scenario is classic. PETA sues Whole Foods because they’re not righteous enough for the extremist … [Read more...]
Professor clarifies livestock’s part in greenhouse gases
Frank Mitloehner, University of California – Davis professor and air quality specialist, is working to clear the air on the role of livestock in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. He notes that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has quantified livestock as the source of just 4.2 percent of all U.S. GHG emissions. This compared to transportation and energy sectors contribute … [Read more...]
The changing Holstein
Many of us were taught that every Holstein is genetically the same as the next. This article sheds light on how crossbreeding has changed the dairy cow, its production potential and the profit stream that flows from these living manufacturing units. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 20, 2016. We needed a heartier cow in the late 1990s. A cow that can maintain some body … [Read more...]
Cash flow is king
Declining values in cash rent, farm fuels and farm products signals those servicing the livestock area to get busy helping clients make money to avoid being looked at as an expense. Creighton University released its Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) for April 2016, and the monthly survey of bank CEOs in a 10-state Midwest region showed a downward trend of several things, including … [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...]
Grass tetany season is now
The smell of spring. The countryside is blooming into lush green vistas. Spring rains seem to clean the air. Loamy soil is turned and readied for planting. But, this may not be the case for older cows getting their fill of new grasses. This article highlights supplements and treatments for grass tetany. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, April 21, 2016. Older lactating cows … [Read more...]
Red meat won’t kill you
Most of us know someone who broke all the dietary rules and lived doctor-free into their 90’s. Dan Murphy shares why in these perspectives about a 1970s study that led to new dietary recommendations about meat and cheese. When the full study was reviewed, results showed that avoiding meat and cheese lowered patients’ cholesterol levels, but it didn’t affect the incidence of … [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...]
Implant for growth and profit
Growth implants benefit production and return in beef cattle. This is well-documented. While consumer pressure counters proven science; properly used implants facilitate additional pounds of gain at sale day. Next to wormers, they have the highest ROI in beef operations. Source: Vet Advantage, Livestock Edition, Spring 2016. Growth promoting technologies are a cost … [Read more...]
From snowstorm to firestorm
Areas the east of winter storm Goliath’s worst impact are being scorched by the Anderson Creek wildfire. The combination of the two events in the past 90 days means much of the South Central region, where livestock grazing dominates, faces more challenges. This area has been hit by severe drought in recent years, as well. Source: Associated Press, March 28, 2016. The fire … [Read more...]
NAHMS wants input for upcoming cow-calf study
The National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), a part of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is seeking input from cow-calf producers and stakeholders in preparation for an upcoming survey. “We plan to represent at least 70 percent of the beef cows and 70 percent of the beef operations in the U.S. with this study,” says Dave Dargatz, a veterinarian and one … [Read more...]
Spring in to parasite control
Spring’s greening grass brings opportunities to cow-calf producers and the channels that supply and advise them. Prevention remains a primary objective. Spring parasite control is near the top of the to-do list as cows calve and move to grass. In this article, Joe Darrington, South Dakota State University extension associate, presents a good review of parasiticide compounds and … [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...]
Gender-sorted semen can improve beef herd
The next level of sophistication in herds that use artificial insemination (AI) is the selective use of gender-sorted semen. Dairy producers have experienced the benefits of limiting male calf production as males have little value. Justin Rhinehart with the University of Tennessee Extension, discusses the advantages and challenges of using gender-sorted technology in building … [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...]
Antibiotic resistance white paper now available
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...]
Weather looks good
Art Douglas, PhD, professor emeritus, Creighton University, presented his annual analysis of the U.S. weather outlook for the coming growing season. It looks pretty good. He’s presented his long-term forecasts during the CattleFax Conference for 40 years. This quick read will help you be ready for the next discussion at the local gathering spot. Source: Drovers … [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...]