Latest News From DAIRY

Do Imported Rescue Dogs Pose Threat to Livestock Industry?
Do Imported Rescue Dogs Pose Threat to Livestock Industry?

Each year, several thousand dogs enter the U.S. for resale or adoption. In a recent Hogs on the Hill article, NPPC chief veterinarian Liz Wagstrom wrote that it’s time to sound the alarm on importing rescue dogs.

Bouncing Back from Failure
Bouncing Back from Failure

Failure is a part of life, but how we bounce back from it determines how successful we will become.

New Calf Care & Quality Assurance Program Launched
New Calf Care & Quality Assurance Program Launched

The U.S. calf-raising sector now has a program to help ensure optimal calf health and welfare via the Calf Care & Quality Assurance (CCQA) program.

Avoid, Adapt, Alter, Accept: Stress Management Tools for Farm Families
Avoid, Adapt, Alter, Accept: Stress Management Tools for Farm Families

The only certainty during spring planting is uncertainty. Farmers face many challenges: too much rain, too little rain, long hours, crop diseases and pests, machinery breakdowns.

Pull Out All the  Stops for Cow Care
Pull Out All the Stops for Cow Care

The three priorities Andy and Sarah Lenkaitis set out to accomplish when they began their renovation remain the same – take care of the cows, take care of the people and keep the farm around for generations to come.

The Surprising Truth: 4 Things You May Not Know About Reaching Goals
The Surprising Truth: 4 Things You May Not Know About Reaching Goals

Why don't we finish goals? Jon Acuff, best-selling author and motivational speaker, says we often focus on the wrong thing when we talk about our goals. Here's what he says it takes to finish the goals that matter.

Don’t Mismanage Heifer Mastitis
Don’t Mismanage Heifer Mastitis

Between 29% to 74% of heifers have mastitis pathogens present before calving, and an estimated 12% to 57% end up contracting the infection at first calving.

Vitamin E Feeding Strategies May Need to Flex
Vitamin E Feeding Strategies May Need to Flex

Supplies of Vitamin E may be limited through the rest of 2021. Dairy producers, in particular, may need help putting together a feeding plan with alternative antioxidant additives.

cows in freestall with fans
Facility Focus: Optimizing Resting Behavior

Just because a cow is resting does not mean that she is recovering properly. In order to maximize optimal rest on your facility, analyze these key areas.

Merck to Help Produce COVID-19 Vaccine, Won’t Impact Livestock Sector
Merck to Help Produce COVID-19 Vaccine, Won’t Impact Livestock Sector

Merck will start manufacturing the COVID-19 vaccine in its human manufacturing facilities later this month.

The 5 Steps for A.I. Success
The 5 Steps for A.I. Success

There’s no bull about it, artificial insemination has come a long way since its first use in dairy cattle during the late 1930s. While the technology has vastly changed, the basic principles still remain.

At the Core of Your Culture
At the Core of Your Culture

Take a minute to take stock in the values that define how you run your farm.

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Ionophores Help Control Coccidiosis and More

When used correctly, ionophores can be highly effective in preventing scours caused by coccidia in pre- and post-weaned dairy calves.

Dr. Garrett Oetzel from the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, checks blood BHBA concentrations using a hand-held meter in a fresh pen.
Knock Out Ketosis

The most common metabolic disease in U.S. dairy cows is ketosis. Research shows one case costs a producer an average of $298.

Industry experts provide tips to help keep just-weaned heifers on a healthy and productive roll.
Seven Tips To Avoid Post-Weaning Slump

When dairy calves' transition to weaning goes awry, so, too, can their health and productivity.

While the treatment of ovarian cysts has come a long way over the past few decades, properly diagnosing the type of cysts can still be a challenge.
‘She’s Cystic’: Treating Cystic Ovarian Disorders

Unfortunately, ovarian cysts are one of the most common ovarian dysfunctions in dairy cattle. In fact, approximately one in 10 cows will become cystic at some point in her life.

Researchers Hope To 'Predict and Prevent' Future Pandemics
Researchers Hope To 'Predict and Prevent' Future Pandemics

Ohio State University scientists are looking for SARS-CoV-2 in animals and the environment.

Facility Focus: Managing The Maternity Pen
Facility Focus: Managing The Maternity Pen

A well-planned calving pen gives your clients the opportunity to provide the best treatment for both the cow and the calf. But what goes in to creating the ideal pen?

Weak Calves May Need A Big Squeeze
Weak Calves May Need A Big Squeeze

Calves that have incurred traumatic births are often lethargic, clumsy and have little interest in nursing. These babies may benefit from a simple procedure called the “Madigan Squeeze Technique.”

Research Shows Rumen Additives and Controlled Energy Can Benefit Cows During Dry Period

New Research from the University of Illinois finds that diets containing consistent energy levels and a rumen supplement during dry periods may be key, rather than a gradual increase method.

Credit: REUTERS/Mike Segar
Vilsack Weighs In On Parallel Between COVID-19 and Animal Disease Outbreaks

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the country anything, it’s that there is a tremendous amount of synergy between the circumstances of a pandemic involving humans and those involving animals. 

Young Dairy Calves Ready To Transport May Benefit From An Immune Stimulant
Young Dairy Calves Ready To Transport May Benefit From An Immune Stimulant

Research showed a statistically significant decrease in respiratory disease in the animals at around 21 days of age,

Preparation for meal time on a California dairy.
High-Protein Starter Improves Dairy Calf Weight Gain, Reduces Slumps At Weaning

A high level of crude protein helps support development of the gastrointestinal system, especially important as calves go through the weaning process.

Researchers at the Ohio State recently completed a study evaluating how dietary protein and amino acid supplementation influenced milk production during the first three to four weeks of lactation.
Here’s the Benefit of Feeding a High Protein Diet During Early Lactation

Researchers at the Ohio State recently completed a study evaluating how dietary protein and amino acid supplementation influenced milk production during the first three to four weeks of lactation.

The Decade Ahead: Societal Trends Will Leave Their Mark On Agriculture
The Decade Ahead: Societal Trends Will Leave Their Mark On Agriculture

The past decade has been weird and wacky to say the least. It makes you wonder what’s in store for the next 10 years. Here are some possible hints.

Whether or not to feed hay to preweaned dairy calves is a longstanding debate, without an absolute answer.
The Pros and Cons of Feeding Hay Early

Whether or not to feed hay to preweaned dairy calves is a longstanding debate, without an absolute answer.

Broiler chicks
Court Rejects Meat Institute’s Prop 12 Appeal

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected the Meat Institute’s challenge to California’s 2018 ballot initiative that imposes new standards for animal housing.

2021 Livestock Market Outlook Roundup
2021 Livestock Market Outlook Roundup

The editors at AgWeb.com are looking at experts’ projections for commodities in 2021 to help you succeed in the coming year. Here’s a look at what analysts expect for the upcoming year in the protein segments.

Hannah Thompson-Weeman
What’s Next for Animal Activism in 2021 and What Can We Do About It?

As much as 2020 has shown us being flexible is just as valuable as having plans, I still believe there is merit to taking a moment to reflect on some of the trends we’ve seen and how they may impact us moving forward.

Genetic sequencing allows for the identification of the specific DNA footprint of a disease, which will allow for improved disease surveillance when illness is detected in a herd.
Genetic Sequencing Research Could Assist in Quicker Emerging Disease Detection

Genetic sequencing allows for the identification of the specific DNA footprint of a disease, which will allow for improved disease surveillance when illness is detected in a herd.

Meet the “Beacon of Hope” Recipient: Sam Schwoeppe
Meet the “Beacon of Hope” Recipient: Sam Schwoeppe

Meet the “Beacon of Hope” Recipient: Sam Schwoeppe Congratulations Sam Schwoeppe, a Beacon of Hope award winner for 2020.

Consumers Crave Sustainable Products and Packaging
Consumers Crave Sustainable Products and Packaging

A recent survey published in the scientific Journal of Dairy Science showcased just how much today’s consumers pay attention to the marketing on their products.

Could Caustic Paste Trigger Bad Memories for Calves?
Could Caustic Paste Trigger Bad Memories for Calves?

Do you prefer a certain disbudding method over another? You may not be the only one.

“Biosecurity only works if everyone follows the protocols.”
7 Steps to Create a Biosecurity Plan

Putting biosecurity protocols in place can help reduce the risk of disease being transferred to not only livestock, but to humans as well.

Holsteins
Proper Dry-Off Techniques Matter

Cows are at greatest risk of developing new intramammary infections during the dry period.

"Chick" or Treat: Costumes Inspired by the Barnyard
"Chick" or Treat: Costumes Inspired by the Barnyard

Thanks to our readers, here's a slide show of farm-themed Halloween costumes for everyone to enjoy. Stay tuned to the end for a do-it-yourself costume that's sure to turn heads.

Sustainability initiatives are taking shape.
Elanco Releases Healthy Purpose™ 2030 Sustainability Commitments

Elanco's new protein, planet and pet pledges aim to provide improved access to nutritious protein, reduce the company’s footprint on the planet, and support healthy pets that support people’s wellbeing.

Elanco Animal Health Unveils Sustainability Commitments
Elanco Animal Health Unveils Sustainability Commitments

Two years after becoming an independent company, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated unveiled its first sustainability commitments on Tuesday.

One hundred countries around the globe are concerned about the overuse of antibiotics.
7 Alternatives To Antibiotic Use Identified By Researchers

A new report,“Beyond Antibiotics: The Future of Animal Health Alternatives,” identifies alternatives that could help support the animal health industry and producers, while reducing antibiotic use.

A fitted and well-applied block allows the cow to walk comfortably and remains in place while the damaged claw heals.
8 Blocking And Trimming Tips For Dairy Cow Hoof Health

Sanitation, nutrition, hoof trimming and proper animal handling contribute to lameness prevention. But when a cow’s claw becomes infected or injured, timely blocking promotes healing, cow comfort and milk production.

Greg Henderson
California’s Prop 15 Will ‘Punish Farmers and Ranchers’

Californians will vote on Proposition 15, which is billed as tax reform, except neither side can agree on exactly what gets reformed. Farmers and ranchers are rightly wary of the repercussions.

Search is On for the Best Farm-Themed Costume in 2020
Search is On for the Best Farm-Themed Costume in 2020

Halloween 2020 may look a little different, but regardless of what your community says about trick-or-treating, there is no reason why your kids shouldn’t have fun dressing up this year.

Add Resiliency to Your Everyday Routine
Add Resiliency to Your Everyday Routine

Building resiliency into your daily routine begins with self-awareness.

Holstein with newborn calf.
A Pound Of Prevention For Hypocalcemia

Prevention is a key component to addressing the issue of hypocalcemia, including the subclinical stage.

Re-Surging COVID-19 Cases Could Impact Markets This Winter
Re-Surging COVID-19 Cases Could Impact Markets This Winter

Re-surging COVID-19 cases across the country could impact dairy markets this winter, with little potential relief until March if a vaccine is approved and becomes widely used.

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Farm Journal Announces 365-Day Extension of Farm Journal Field Days

Live events and online content combine to deliver information and resources when farmers need them most.

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U.S. Cattle Industry Faces Emergence of its Own Novel Virus

At a point in history when a novel virus dominates the news cycle and impacts our lives daily, another novel virus has emerged in the United States – this time, in the cattle population.

 If the industry could put together all the best parts of the genome, significant production increases could be made.
'Huge Advancements' In Dairy Possible Through Genetics

If the industry could put together all the best parts of the genome, significant production increases could be made.

Veterinary students can apply for scholarships.
National DHIA Seeks Veterinary Student Scholarship Applicants

To apply for a National DHIA Scholarship for Veterinary Students, applicants must submit a letter of application and two reference letters

Salmonella infections commonly appear as gastro-intestinal issues; however, S. Dublin most often presents in calves as a respiratory illness.
Troubleshooting S. Dublin In Dairy Calves

While Salmonella Dublin can be a problem in adult stock, it has increasingly become a health issue affecting the long-term, potential productivity of calves.