There has been significant research studying the effects of space allowances on grow-finish pigs. But little information is available regarding the effects on them. With increasing concerns for animal welfare and getting weaned pigs off to a good start, finding appropriate space allowances based on animal behavior, health and performance considerations will be … [Read more...]
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Before running a photo contest
Many veterinary hospitals and retailers promote pet photography. Some of these photos are used in files and some end up on bulletin boards or social media. Jeff Wignall offers tips on taking adorable pet photos in this article. Pet owners will appreciate getting these, along with a photo contest announcement via social media, websites and newsletters. Source: BottomLine Inc, … [Read more...]
Ex-racehorses are not for beginners (includes video)
Just for fun! Nick Bull’s video of his runaway experience with an ex-racehorse underscores the reality that thoroughbreds retired from racing may not make the best horse for a novice rider. Source: Horse Network, March 2017. Retired racehorses are not for everyone. While thoroughbreds are some of the most willing and loyal partners on the planet, at the core they are … [Read more...]
Lack of sleep can make you sick
Researchers believe that improving sleep habits could help reverse conditions influenced by disrupted sleep schedules, such as insomnia. The article shares the top six damaging side effects caused by lack of sleep: Sleep disorder Low vitamin D Weight gain High triglycerides High cholesterol Source: University Health News, January 17, 2018. Our circadian … [Read more...]
Ideas for cats who won’t eat
Finicky cats were made famous by 9 Lives’ spokescat Morris in the 1970s. JaneA Kelley offers some tips for getting today’s Morrises back on feed. Information on this common issue will be appreciated in social media posts, newsletters or as website content. Source: Catster, January 17, 2018. Here are some things to try when a cat won’t eat: Make sure the cat is healthy … [Read more...]
Hilarious chicken questions; or not
These questions make it easy to see that most folks are generations away from on-farm poultry experiences. On the one hand, they are amusing; on the other, disturbing at best. Animal health pros have a long way to go to educate people about the animals in our food chains. Easter is Sunday April 1, 2018. Before the eggs hatch and the chicks get delivered to the local farm … [Read more...]
Feed cows at dusk, calve in the daytime
A feeding practice developed in the 1970s called the Konefal method, remains the most dependable practice to promote daytime calving. Daytime calving makes overseeing cows more efficient and help ranchers get some rest. Source: Progressive Cattleman, January 16, 2018. Kansas State University scientists recorded data on five consecutive years in a herd of spring-calving … [Read more...]
Keep the pressure on lice
Whether or not it’s been a warm or cold winter in your area, winter lice infestations can be a problem. There are two types of lice that infect cattle and both spend their entire lifecycle on cattle hosts: Biting lice - feed on the skin and secretions on the outside of the animal Sucking lice - these species are blood feeders and pierce the skin Source: Beef, January … [Read more...]
Canine fecal transplants; phut, sputter, gag.
Coprophagic dogs are bad enough. Still, there may be some benefit to fecal microbial transplantation to aid in adjusting the microbiome of our canine friends. And we thought veterinary nurses had it bad enough doing stool floats! This area of microbiome science is advancing, so we share the information with you for your consideration before a dog owner comes to you with a … [Read more...]
Prepare for trade shows at upcoming conventions
National conventions are great to gain new continuing education credits, reconnect with schoolmates and academic colleagues and enjoy some new environments. Beyond these benefits, the trade shows that accompany conventions are important venues to compare new items, research options and reconfirm product knowledge. The swag that comes with them is often fun to take back home, as … [Read more...]
How working parents can feel less overwhelmed and in control
Working parents are frequently haunted by the nagging sense of not getting enough done, of failing in some way, of giving things that really matter too little attention and, of course, feeling as if the wheels may come off the bus very, very soon. The problem isn’t in your organizational system or work ethic, it’s in how human brains are wired. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, … [Read more...]
Canine parvovirus 101
CPV emerged in the 1970s and is still a menace to unvaccinated dogs.The virus itself is small and nonenveloped, making it one of the most robust viruses affecting animals. Because of its environmental persistence, both indirect and direct contact can efficiently spread the virus. When protected by organic matter, the virus may remain infectious for months. Source: … [Read more...]
Seedstock 100 shows bull influence
The 4th annual edition of Beef Magazine's Seedstock 100 (S100) lists the biggest seedstock producers in the beef industry, including bull sales volume and contact information. The list of breeds and composites that these S100 operations offer speaks to the genetic diversity borne by customer need and demand, as well as breed concentration. Source: Beef, December 28, … [Read more...]
“Leave it,” an important K9 training basic
One of our objectives for curating content for animal health pros is to support behavior training. Annie Phenix is a force-free trainer who addresses the “leave it” training dog owners find challenging. This article is suitable for printing for puppy classes or as social media content. Source: Dogster, January 10, 2018. There are some cues we must teach our dogs that could … [Read more...]
Consistent evidence still needed on bugs
Microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast, that are administered to prevent or treat disease are known as probiotics. A very lucrative industry emerged to produce and sell these particular organisms. However, despite well-established basic science showing the importance of the microbial flora to health, it is not a simple matter to produce safe and effective probiotic … [Read more...]
Farm Town Strong to address rural opioid epidemic
The American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union have announced Farm Town Strong, a new campaign to raise awareness of the effect of the opioid crisis on farming communities. The two groups have launched a new website that offers information and resources to help farm families and rural communications. Source: Progressive Forage, January 3, 2018. While just … [Read more...]
Horse body clipping basics are important
Though it’s often an essential part of good horse management, clipping can be a daunting task. The authors offer questions and tips to help horse owners when clipping is required. Consider this article for a social media post or as information when educating horse owners and horse enthusiast groups. Source: Horse Network, October 2017. Topics cover: considerations … [Read more...]
Geese make good flock guardians
Duck, duck, goose is not just a kids’ game revitalized by end zone hijinks of the Minnesota Vikings. Geese make excellent guardians against predators common to backyard poultry flocks. They are naturally loud alarms and don’t require any training or behavior modification to protect. A threat, sign of trouble or intruder will cause them to call loudly, alerting their flockmates … [Read more...]
Cross-matching is important for first blood transfusion (includes video)
Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM), discusses cross-matching and blood transfusion perceptions and myths. If transfusion records are not appropriate, or if a new veterinary practice assumes a patient has never received a transfusion and they do another mismatch, that could result in very serious consequences or even death. Source: American Veterinarian, January 15, … [Read more...]
Wheek! Good info on guinea pig care
Wheeking is what excited guinea pig vocalization is called. They are the second-favorite rodent kept as pets in the U.S. Guinea pigs are docile, social animals that enjoy interaction with their caretakers. Their husbandry needs are relatively simple. However, they have specific dietary and housing needs. Improper at-home care can result in illness or injury. Source: … [Read more...]
Donating a pet’s body is alternative to burial, cremation
The passing of a cherished pet is something every pet owner dreads. Yet, it is something most of eventually face. In addition to burial or cremation, educational memorial programs or willed body programs are offered at several veterinary universities in the United States. Modeled similar to human cadaver donation programs, pet owners can donate the body of their beloved dog … [Read more...]
Autopsies by general practitioners can help owners (photographic guide)
Many pet owners want to know why their pet passed away. A limited cosmetic necropsy may produce a reason, add closure and potentially alert the veterinary staff of local risks. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 2017. The term “autopsy” is widely preferred in the pathology community, particularly to emphasize the primary goal of unifying human and veterinary medical … [Read more...]
Back to school on heartworm
The American Heartworm Society (AHS) is strengthening efforts to bring the latest heartworm information directly to veterinarians and veterinary nurses via scientific symposia and proceedings. Heartworm University, a traveling four- to six-hour symposium taught by AHS faculty, provides practical clinical information in an interactive format that enables presenters to address … [Read more...]
Alternatives to declawing becoming mandatory
The tide is turning against cat declawing, writes Steve Dale in a piece for Fear Free Happy Homes. Denver recently became the first city outside California to ban declawing surgery. When cats scratch (an innate behavior), they send an aromatic message via the pheromones delivered by glands in the paws, as well as a visual message: those long claw marks. The ability to offer … [Read more...]
Sponsored: Sample water supplies properly
Water quality affects animal health from the backyard to the largest confined operation. Jesse McCoy of Neogen Corporation writes about how to properly sample a water supply. Source: National Hog Farmer, November 30, 2017. Several considerations must be taken when sampling the site. The first is the sample must be the best representation of the water coming in to the … [Read more...]
Help bees get through winter
Angi Schneider shares it’s a good idea to give domestic bees extra help to survive the winter, especially if you are bee farming in areas that have severe winters. She discusses hive types and winterization protocols. Veterinary teams and retailers may want to keep information like this handy for new beekeepers. Source: Countryside Daily, January 8, 2018. Keeping the queen … [Read more...]
Insulin resistance and cold weather laminitis in horses
Eleanor Kellon, VMD, says cold-induced hoof pain strikes horses with insulin resistance (IR). IR is a well described risk factor for laminitis. Even when a horse is not glaringly lame it is causing damage to the laminae. We haven’t uncovered all the mechanisms behind laminar damage from high insulin levels but one known factor is elevated levels of endothelin-1. Source: … [Read more...]
These are horses, not teddy bears
Thomas Gumbrecht shares a story of horse care, animal temperament and a momentary lapse of judgement that resulted in getting kicked by an old friend. It is a good reminder to be present around horses or any animal. Source: Horse Network, January 3, 2018. As she passed, I noticed something on her underside and instinctively reached out to touch it. I forgot for a moment … [Read more...]
Make sure backyard chickens get proper nutrition
Janet Garman sorts through a variety of choices for feeding backyard chickens. Between types and stages of chickens and a multitude of brands, buying chicken feed is not a simple choice. Source: Countryside Daily, January 4, 2017. Chickens need protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with the appropriate vitamins and minerals. Most starter and grower rations will have 18% … [Read more...]
Stockers, the shock absorbers for the beef industry
It is easy to argue the stocker sector serves as the fulcrum that makes current beef industry efficiency possible. Stocker operators warehouse cattle, spread seasonal surpluses and deficiencies into a balanced mix of volume. They assemble and sort cattle into more homogenous groups—weight, sex, type and such. Along the way, stocker producers straighten out the high-health-risk … [Read more...]