This article follows previous discussions about colostrum <link> and how dairymen are rethinking how to feed and support pre-wean calves. Similar to colostrum nutrition, there is still an abundance of knowledge to be discovered about the next phase of nutrition for the dairy calf: milk feeding. Source: Progressive Dairyman, July 16, 2018. Link. . . . we have largely … [Read more...]
Search Results for: email
How much do you feed a cat?
A 2011 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found that more than 50 percent of cats were obese or overweight. So, what is happening that predisposes our domestic felines to a life of sedentary obesity? The answer is multifactorial but to simplify, just remember this: any individual mammal will gain body weight if it consumes more calories than it burns as … [Read more...]
Natural cat litter alternatives may benefit the environment
JaneA Kelley compiled a list of six natural cat litter alternatives touted to be better for the environment. The argument for litter made from plant material is that it is friendlier to the environment, it generally weighs less than clay litters and cats like it. Here’s the list: Corn Grass Green tea Walnut shells Wheat Wood pellets Source: Catster, July … [Read more...]
Why vaccine opponents think they know more than medical experts
A research group recently sought to identify why skepticism about vaccines is perpetuated. They found strong evidence of the Dunning-Kruger effects which addresses the inability to accurately appraise one’s own knowledge. Their results point to the uphill battle the scientific community faces as it confronts growing anti-vax sentiment from the public and politicians alike. The … [Read more...]
Prevent heat stroke in dogs (includes infographic)
Heat stroke in dogs can occur for a variety of reasons. They are especially susceptible since they might push themselves or stay in the heat to please owners. Jennifer Lesser shares how to recognize the symptoms of heat stroke in dogs and how to prevent it. Source: Dogster, July 9, 2018. Link. “Heat stroke is a rapidly progressive and dangerous disorder in which the dog’s … [Read more...]
New checklist helps kids stay safe on the farm
It’s natural that parents and grandparents want to protect their children. Because each agricultural setting is unique, as is each child, addressing child safety requires an individual approach. The new Child/Youth Agricultural Safety Checklist from the National Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety helps parents perform customized safety checks. It is free and … [Read more...]
NAVTA’s Animal Health Bi-Weekly, July 5
Genetic disorder database, heartworm grant, email goofs and canine cancer survivors. These and more are in the July 5 edition. Source: NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly: July 5, 2018. Link. Check out the upcoming NAVTA education sessions and events. <link> … [Read more...]
The 10 biggest expenses on a dairy
We often hear that animal health pros struggle to understand the financial picture for dairy customers. According to 2017 income and expense summaries from Genske, Mulder & Co., the nation’s largest dairy accounting firm, the average cost of production for its clients last year was $16.86 per hundredweight. (That amount does not include current debt repayment and owner … [Read more...]
Water consumption crucial to horse health
Getting enough water sounds elementary doesn’t it. But for horses, and cattle, as well, . . . water is the most important nutrient, especially in hot weather. Without it, horses die within a few days, whereas they may be able to go weeks without food. Source: BEEF, June 25, 2018. Link. Ambient temperature affects water intake, and horses typically drink less water in cold … [Read more...]
How gut health promotes animal welfare in monogastrics
Jackie Roembke reviews how changes in production systems and animal welfare expectations challenge nutritionists and producers to maintain healthy animal populations. Focusing on immunity first to reduce antibiotic use requires a gut health perspective. With 70 percent of an animal’s immunity concentrated in the gut, fostering a strong gastrointestinal system will improve its … [Read more...]
9 tips to keep kitties cool
JaneA Kelley shares tips about keeping cats cool and comfortable when the weather gets hot: Cool your cat down with ice Add a home-made air conditioner to the cat’s favorite lounging spot Elevate the cat’s bed Provide a fan for the cat Pet cats with a wet towel Close curtains Avoid cooling gel packs Postpone play time Never, never, never leave a cat … [Read more...]
Hot pavement burns paws (includes video)
Hot pavement can have gruesome and painful consequences for dogs’ paws. Sarah Schweig offers burnt paw information worth sharing with pet owners in social media, blogs and on websites. Source: the dodo, June 11, 2018. Link. Put the back of your hand on the pavement, and if you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot for your pup's feet. Also see: 9 tips on how … [Read more...]
Electroceuticals reduce anxiety, stress in pets (includes video)
"Electroceuticals are, as a prescription medical device, approved for anxiety," says Ava Frick, DVM. Because of how electroceutical microcurrents function throughout the brain, animal stress levels can be reduced. Source: American Veterinarian, July 3, 2018. Link. Microcurrents are introduced to the body through little clips that go on the ears. The low frequency, … [Read more...]
Pet food transparency: telling stories to reach consumers
As consumers demand more transparency, are pet food companies learning to better tell their stories and communicate what they make, but why and how they make it, and what they stand for? Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry, says, “Yes.” She writes a commentary about her experiences at Super Zoo 2018 and the changing approach to … [Read more...]
U.S. veterinary services changing, consolidating
The U.S. market for veterinary services is undergoing transformation, according to Packaged Facts’ new report, “Pet Industry Outlook: Veterinary Services and Pet Product Retailing.” The industry has long been the domain of independent practitioners, but recent years have seen significant consolidation in the industry, with veterinary practices being bought up under one … [Read more...]
Supreme Court ruling provides sales tax victory for veterinarians
Since 1992, online retailers have been able to skirt sales tax laws because of a statute established prior to today’s thriving e-commerce market. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of veterinarians June 21, allowing states to require online retailers to collect sales tax. Source: AVMA, June 21, 2018. Link. The ruling allows, but does not require, states to begin having … [Read more...]
Colostrum is more valuable than we thought
It is well understood that the calf’s first meal is of vital importance. For the most part though, the reason it is so highly valued is the immunoglobulins (Ig) transmitted through that first feeding and its exceptional energy level. Research is now showing that colostrum is packed full of signalers that are working to position the calf for success in both immunity and … [Read more...]
Geriatric pets have different needs than senior pets
Dogs older than 10 years and cats older than 14 years are considered geriatric, not senior, according to Mary Gardner, DVM. Geriatric pets do not have the same issues as senior pets and need to be treated differently. Educating clients and providing useful tips helps the pet and family members, who usually are frustrated and scared of what lies ahead. Source: Veterinary Team … [Read more...]
AAHA newly accredited practices for May and June
Twenty-three AAHA practice teams completed accreditation since May 15, 2018 to claim the coveted Accredited Practice status. Take a few minutes to view the list to find a practice you call on or where someone you know works. These teams meet the highest standards in veterinary medicine. Give them a call, send a note or email them your congratulations. Source: AAHA Red, June … [Read more...]
Modern technology helping to manage smelly pigs
The battle between swine producers and their neighbors over the hog production smells may be getting some new technology beyond tree and bush windbreaks. Electrostatic precipitator technology from commercial industries is being tested at Iowa Select Farms. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 19, 2018. Link. John Stinn, environmental projects manager, says, “the electrostatic … [Read more...]
Latest JAVMA
We’ve linked you to the table of contents for this issue of JAVMA. The following summary is from the JAVMA news segment: Veterinarians, caught in a chronic opioid shortage, are turning to other anesthetics that may be less effective. In other news, the social climate at veterinary colleges is improving overall, but among students, sexism, racism, and homophobia may be … [Read more...]
Ticked off: America’s quiet epidemic of tickborne diseases
Animal owners are becoming more aware of their own risks in addition to their animals’ when it comes to ticks and mosquitoes. Sharing this article may help animal owners understand the need for prevention for themselves as well as their animals. Source: Harvard Health Publishing, May 25, 2018. Link. If infections spread by ticks have increased steadily, infections spread by … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Pinkeye cofactors reprint
We recently posted a Progressive Dairyman article discussing pinkeye in terms of primary and co-factor infections. Link. The article featured the experiences of Bruce Addison and Austin Springer with Addison Biological Laboratories. it is now available as a one-page reprint that makes it handy to share with beef and dairy producers. Source: Addison Biological Laboratories. … [Read more...]
Dealing with dog lipstick, or not
Dr. Eric Barchas shares perspective on the often embarrassing, happy dog attribute in male dogs, the dog penis. His approach quickly moves away from nicknames to anatomy in an article that makes it easier to answer a dog owner’s question. This will make a good resource when supporting telemedicine calls or during sensitive conversations with a pet owner. Source: Dogster, … [Read more...]
Common skin masses in veterinary patients (image gallery)
The phrase "one look is worth a thousand words" is attributed to Frederick R. Barnard. Link. Elizabeth R. May, DVM, DACVD, presents an image gallery of skin masses that proves the old idiom, “a picture is worth 1,000 words.” She prefaces her comments with the following: Although most skin tumors encountered in veterinary patients are benign, malignant tumor types do occur. … [Read more...]
Canine flu risks affected by lifestyle
Southwest Airlines’ tagline, “You’re now free to move about the country,” may represent the reality of canine influenza risks. Catherine Ashe, DVM, shares her perspectives on diagnosing, testing, treatment, transmission and vaccine decisions. She reinforces the AVMA’s lifestyle vaccination designations. Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 2018. Link. Overall, while canine … [Read more...]
July 2018, Journal of Dairy Science
One of the easiest ways to stay in touch with dairy research is by skimming the Interpretive Summaries section. We’ve linked that section for you. Here are some interesting studies: A role for serotonin in lactation physiology—Where do we go from here?, Link. Comparison of adhesion characteristics of common dairy spore formers and their spores on stainless steel and … [Read more...]
30-year milestone for World Pork Expo in the books
“It’s hard to believe Expo has been around for 30 years,” says Jim Heimerl, NPPC president and producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “Just as the U.S. pork industry has evolved over the years, so too has Expo.” In search of new ideas and solutions for today and tomorrow, more than 20,000 producers, employees and industry professionals attended the 2018 World Pork Expo. Among the … [Read more...]
Study of animal personality, mood to give new welfare insights
AgResearch’s Animal Welfare Team is working to expand the knowledge of livestock behavior, at a time of growing consumer demand for strong welfare standards. Studies like this could be used to compare how animals experience different farming situations and to improve design of production systems. Source: Feedstuffs, June 12, 2018. Link. New research exploring the moods and … [Read more...]
Beef business is marathon, not sprint
BEEF’s annual State of the Industry survey shows that while short- and long-term optimism have diminished, most respondents accept the roller coaster challenges of raising beef. Source: BEEF, June 2018., page 8. Link. When analyzing the responses to the short-term and long-term questions, it becomes a glass-half-full outlook versus a glass-half-empty worldview. Indeed, how … [Read more...]