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...]
Search Results for: cattle
9 new pickups for 2016
If you are in animal health, trucks are part of discussions. Here’s a look at what’s available for 2016. Source: Beef, January 14, 2016. Today’s pickups give you jaw-dropping technology, stylish, comfortable interiors plus plenty of horsepower under the hood teamed with muscle in the powertrain to haul the livestock and get the job done. Whether it’s fixing fence, moving … [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...]
Winter storms’ impact
The devastating effect of winter storms Goliath and Jonah will hurt livestock producers for months. The former killed more than 50,000 dairy and beef cattle. The latter’s effect on dairy, swine and poultry won’t be known for weeks. An untold number of veterinary hospital visits that were scheduled before the storms will likely never be rescheduled. Keeping those businesses … [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...]
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...]
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...]
2015, 40 under 40 from Vance Publishing’s Agribusiness Group
“You won’t find the selfish, cynical Gen X'er or narcissistic Millennial snowflake in these profiles”, says Greg Johnson, editorial director, Vance Publishing’s Agribusiness Group. “These agriculture industry professionals are examples of hard working, young people, leading their organizations and helping meet the challenge of feeding another two billion people worldwide by … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Sponsored Content – First-ever equine leptospirosis vaccine
Equine veterinarians, dealers and sales/marketing representatives who serve them will want to know about this e-blast delivered for Zoetis. Western Horseman has 160,000 subscribers, 20,000 web visits and 500,000 in total readership. Certainly, this large circulation will draw attention and create questions. The notice includes a link to a risk assessment tool, as … [Read more...]
What We’re Reading
Animal Health Digest, LLC is a content curation and aggregation service for animal health professionals. We continuously read and review more than 150 publications that produce articles, studies, reviews, white papers and other material for the animal health industry. Here is a list of publications we're currently reading: Veterinarian and Vet Hospital Staff AIM - (AAEP … [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...]