Latest News From VETERINARY

Despite Mild Winter, Spring May Bring Forage Challenges
Despite Mild Winter, Spring May Bring Forage Challenges

Unusual winter weather conditions have created benefits for some ranchers, but that could change and ranchers should consider whether winter feed supplies are enough to stretch into spring in case of delayed turnout.

National DHIA Names Veterinary Student Scholarship Recipients
National DHIA Names Veterinary Student Scholarship Recipients

Erika Oosterheert, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, and Alexandra Trulsen, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, are the 2024 National DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarship recipients.

Promoting Fertility and Milk Fat Production at Turnout 
Promoting Fertility and Milk Fat Production at Turnout 

As cows transition from a controlled winter ration to grazed grass, the rumen has to adapt to the differing and more-variable forage source.

AABP Recent Veterinary Graduate Conference Provided 'Keys to Unlocking Longevity'
AABP Recent Veterinary Graduate Conference Provided 'Keys to Unlocking Longevity'

The 213 recent graduates in attendance learned how to use their skills to increase their longevity in bovine practice. The event also featured 31 speakers, 40 exhibitors plus AABP leadership and VIPs.

America's Heifer Shortage is Preventing Expansion. Is the Big Money for Beef-on-Dairy a Factor?
America's Heifer Shortage is Preventing Expansion. Is the Big Money for Beef-on-Dairy a Factor?

Higher prices for beef calves are incentivizing dairy producers to breed crossbred bull calves

Q&A With a Veterinarian: Bovine Lameness
Q&A With a Veterinarian: Bovine Lameness

Bovine lameness is one of the costliest animal health issues to the beef industry and it’s also a major animal welfare concern that we can mitigate.

How Much Water do Cows Really Need During Cold Weather?
How Much Water do Cows Really Need During Cold Weather?

Dehydration is an added stress for cows in cold weather. Help cows deal with winter stress and maintain their body condition by ensuring they have adequate water.

Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies
Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies

In recent years, agricultural employers consistently emphasized talent acquisition, but there has been a noticeable shift towards prioritizing retention as the primary focus in 2024.

He Started Out as a Milker Nearly 30 Years Ago. Now, He's the Manager and a Leader in Technology at Wisconsin's Largest Family-Owned Dairy
He Started Out as a Milker Nearly 30 Years Ago. Now, He's the Manager and a Leader in Technology at Wisconsin's Largest Family-Owned Dairy

Chris Szydel began working as a milker at Pagels Ponderosa nearly 30 years ago. Today, he's the herd manager of both the Pagel Ponderosa and Hilltop Farm dairies and oversees three different parlors and 65 employees.

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When to Assist with Calving

Deciding when to offer assistance for a calving cow is a judgment call and good judgement is the result of experience. Here are tips to help make the determination.

Humane Euthanasia of Cattle
Humane Euthanasia of Cattle

Euthanasia of an animal that is suffering from irreversible disease or injury is a primary responsibility for cattle producers and veterinarians.

The Plywood Guide (And 6 Other Helpful Calf Barn Tips)
The Plywood Guide (And 6 Other Helpful Calf Barn Tips)

Whether you’re building a new calf barn or retrofitting an existing structure, there are measures that can be taken to ensure the best possible calf comfort, welfare, and health.

Peel: Planned and Impulse Heifer Breeding
Peel: Planned and Impulse Heifer Breeding

Statistically, impulse heifer breeding is about 80 percent more variable than planned heifer breeding. Therefore, impulse heifer breeding plays an important role in the dynamics of cattle cycles.

Getting Implant Application Correct
Getting Implant Application Correct

When used correctly, growth-promoting implants can increase ADG by 20% in growing cattle. With a 100-day feeding period, 48 lbs. more of liveweight could mean $40 to $50 per head more, depending on the price slide

BVDV-Resistant Calf Created Through Gene Editing
BVDV-Resistant Calf Created Through Gene Editing

Gene editing has been used experimentally to produce polled calves and calves with lighter-colored haircoats. Now, USDA researchers, have produced a calf with reduced susceptibility to bovine viral diarrhea virus.

NASDA Supports Access to Approved Vaccine Technologies
NASDA Supports Access to Approved Vaccine Technologies

NASDA supports farmers and ranchers’ ability to safeguard animal health through the responsible use of vaccines.

Farm Income Forecast to Plunge Further in 2024
Farm Income Forecast to Plunge Further in 2024

USDA’s initial forecast calls for net farm income to plunge $39.8 million (25.5%) to $116.1 billion in 2024.

University of Missouri’s John Middleton receives NMC Award of Excellence
University of Missouri’s John Middleton receives NMC Award of Excellence

This award recognizes an NMC member who has provided sustained contributions to mastitis prevention and control through research, extension and/or education, clinical practice or service to dairy producers.

Monitor Cow Condition During Weather Stress
Monitor Cow Condition During Weather Stress

Melting snow has created special challenges for beef cattle producers and monitoring the body condition of gestating cows during times of cold stress becomes critical for calving and rebreeding.

Merck Introduces Allflex CleanVax Nozzles and Shields for Intranasal Vaccination
Merck Introduces Allflex CleanVax Nozzles and Shields for Intranasal Vaccination

The CleanVax intranasal vaccination system includes shorter nozzles that are less invasive than conventional cannulas, as well as clear plastic disposable shields that can be replaced between animals.

Tips for Dealing with Wet, Muddy Feedlot Conditions
Tips for Dealing with Wet, Muddy Feedlot Conditions

Following last month's blizzard, warmer temperatures and recent rains have created muddy feedlot conditions that present challenges for cattle and cowboys. Nebraska extension offers these strategies to cope.

Companies Partner to Launch Single-Application Horn Fly Control Bolus
Companies Partner to Launch Single-Application Horn Fly Control Bolus

To give cattle producers more flexibility and convenience in their fly control program, Cargill has partnered with Central Life Sciences to develop a feed-through fly control bolus containing Altosid IGR.

Two Legacy Companies Form Novonesis
Two Legacy Companies Form Novonesis

Novozymes and Chr. Hansen have successfully merged. As Novonesis, the new company will provide biosolutions.

Sow Death Loss Reaches All-Time High in 2023: What Can Producers Do Now?
Sow Death Loss Reaches All-Time High in 2023: What Can Producers Do Now?

The latest MetaFarms reports show sow death loss in 2023 was at an all-time high at 15.3%. That’s up 1% from a year ago – a trend that continues to move in the wrong direction. 

Pork and Beef Industries Advocate for Clear Labels for ‘Fake Meat’
Pork and Beef Industries Advocate for Clear Labels for ‘Fake Meat’

A new act aims to boost transparency and clarify labeling requirements for plant-protein and cell-cultured protein products so consumers know what they are buying. Here's what you need to know.

You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet: Why Economists Say Cattle Prices Will Soar Even Higher This Year
You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet: Why Economists Say Cattle Prices Will Soar Even Higher This Year

Oklahoma State's Derrell Peel points out with the U.S. beef cow herd the smallest since 1961 and the all cattle inventory the lowest since 1951, it’s setting the cattle market up for higher highs.

What is the Biggest Challenge in Animal Agriculture? The Answer Might Surprise You
What is the Biggest Challenge in Animal Agriculture? The Answer Might Surprise You

The list of challenges facing animal agriculture is complex and multifaceted. This is what Dr. Robert Hagevoort from New Mexico State University Dairy Extension shared at the 2023 Milk Business Conference in Las Vegas. 

Merck Introduces the ALLFLEX® A-Tag™ Feedlot V2 Tag and Applicator
Merck Introduces the ALLFLEX® A-Tag™ Feedlot V2 Tag and Applicator

The redesigned tag and applicator save time and reduce stress on cattle and crews at arrival processing.

Are Your Cows Too Large?
Are Your Cows Too Large?

The increased cow mature weight equates to an increase in stocking rate if cow numbers are not adjusted. As stocking rate increases we know that weaning weights and rebreeding rates decrease.

Bovine Veterinary Salary and Benefits Survey Results
Bovine Veterinary Salary and Benefits Survey Results

There were 720 completed and usable survey responses from all 13 districts of the AABP in the United States and Canada. For veterinarians in private practice, mean-reported income was $143,333.

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Launches Initiative To Address Mental Health Crisis Among Technicians
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Launches Initiative To Address Mental Health Crisis Among Technicians

The Grotto was developed and designed by Sherri Jerzyk, a veterinary technician. In creating the new space, Jerzyk hoped it would give technicians a place to relax, recharge and connect with colleagues while on the job.

Lubbers Named To Presidential Council
Lubbers Named To Presidential Council

The U.S. departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture and Defense have appointed Kansas State University's Brian Lubbers, DVM, to the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria.

Study Confirms Facial Recognition Technology’s Success in Disease Prediction
Study Confirms Facial Recognition Technology’s Success in Disease Prediction

Ag tech startup MyAnIML and USDA find first-of-its-kind facial recognition technology successfully analyzes cattle muzzles to predict illness.

Internal Teat Sealant Can Help Prevent Mastitis
Internal Teat Sealant Can Help Prevent Mastitis

A cow is most susceptible to getting a new mastitis infection at the beginning of a dry period. A sealant stimulates a natural barrier, providing protection. Here are 10 ways to use such stimulants properly.

Climate and Tech Expected to Affect Ag Most This Year
Climate and Tech Expected to Affect Ag Most This Year

Steve Cubbage provides insights on the five areas expected to have the biggest impact on agriculture this year.

Congress Mulls Bills Meant to Help Ranchers Defend Calves From Vultures
Congress Mulls Bills Meant to Help Ranchers Defend Calves From Vultures

While estimates suggest that black vultures are responsible for the loss of thousands of calves every year, as a protected species, the bird may not be killed without a permit.

What to Feed When There's Nothing to Feed
What to Feed When There's Nothing to Feed

Missouri's drought in 2022 and 2023 may have been underrated, says Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension. He offers tips for stretching your feed during the next few months.

New Oral Vitamin and Mineral Supplement for Cattle
New Oral Vitamin and Mineral Supplement for Cattle

Bimeda, Inc. announces BOVitalize™ an oral vitamin and mineral supplement for beef and dairy cows, bulls and ruminating calves.

New Dairy Cattle Nutrition Model Coming From Cornell Soon
New Dairy Cattle Nutrition Model Coming From Cornell Soon

For the past 13 years, Cornell researchers have been developing the latest, highly anticipated CNCPS version 7.

Winter Months 'Notorious' For Increased Colic Risk
Winter Months 'Notorious' For Increased Colic Risk

The reason is as clear as water.

South Dakota State University Dairy Makes Plans to Close Doors
South Dakota State University Dairy Makes Plans to Close Doors

Despite efforts to keep its farm doors open, students attending South Dakota State University (SDSU) will longer have a working dairy come June 2024.

Cold Weather Calves
Cold Weather Calves

Calves born in extreme cold quickly utilize all body fat reserves and exposure to wind can exacerbate temperatures. Preparing in advance of inclement weather can lead to improved calf survival.

AI-Powered Feed Bunk Reader Launched by PLT
AI-Powered Feed Bunk Reader Launched by PLT

The first system to make feeding recommendations via artificial intelligence (AI) and machine vision has been announced by Precision Livestock Technologies.

Winter Weather Challenges for Bulls Can Affect Breeding Season
Winter Weather Challenges for Bulls Can Affect Breeding Season

While most cows are in larger groups, bulls tend to be in small groups, resulting in more exposure to the elements. Keeping them protected from the elements is crucial.

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USDA Launches Remote Beef Grading Pilot Project

Technology and robust data management will allow more cattlemen and smaller processors access to USDA graders to remotely assign official quality grades for beef carcasses, providing an opportunity to increase value.

How Will Dairy Fare Alongside New Weight-loss Drugs?
How Will Dairy Fare Alongside New Weight-loss Drugs?

Where do dairy products fit into the changing picture of weight management?

Mental Health Challenges Among Veterinary Teams: Study Says It's Getting Better
Mental Health Challenges Among Veterinary Teams: Study Says It's Getting Better

The latest Veterinary Wellbeing Study shows greater levels of job satisfaction and pride in work across veterinary teams, but challenges like student debt and a shortage of qualified veterinary team members remain.

Effective Parasite Management in Beef Calves
Effective Parasite Management in Beef Calves

Cow-calf producers know their deworming program is an essential part of their overall parasite management plan, but what isn’t as clear is which animal to deworm and when.

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Three Ways to Better Manage Milk Fever on the Dairy

Subclinical hypocalcemia has been reported to affect up to 73% of U.S. dairy cows on third or greater lactations, and costs an average of $150 per case. But there are typically no visible symptoms.

Managing Cows in Severe Cold Weather
Managing Cows in Severe Cold Weather

For each 1-degree Fahrenheit the average daily temperature is below 30 degrees a cow in moderate BCS will need an additional one percent in daily energy requirement.