Content by Russ Daly
5 Things Hog Producers Should Know: Flu at Swine Exhibitions
Every year, thousands of youth across the country raise pigs and show them off at local exhibitions and county and state fairs. These experiences allow young people to learn about animal care and management, and also allow the public the rare opportunity to observe pig care and behavior.
Neospora-Positive Status: Impact on heifers/cows and their calves
Neospora caninum is a protozoal germ that has the potential to affect reproduction in beef and dairy herds. Neospora-related reproductive problems can arise from two different kinds of infected cattle: 1) cows or heifers that became infected by eating contaminated feed, and 2) cows or heifers that were born with Neospora and pass it on to their offspring in utero.
Wildfire Aftermath: Beef Cattle Health Considerations
Smoke inhalation, burns and thermal injury, exertion, stress, and injuries suffered during escape can all cause longer-term effects on cattle that have survived wildfires or building fires.
Swine Respiratory Health: Detecting Multiple Viruses
Over the past decade, surveillance and diagnosis of respiratory agents have been revolutionized by the use of non-invasive techniques such as oral fluids sampling.
How Often Should You Check Cows During Calving Season?
The routine “calving check” is one of the most important tasks on the list of beef cattle producers during calving season.
Dairy Calf Respiratory Disease: Treatment in the Aftermath of Cold Weather
Cold weather is not just hard on the people taking care of animals, it can be tough on the animals themselves. Consider respiratory disease (pneumonia) in dairy calves.
Johne’s Disease Management: Preventing Manure Contact is Key
The key to decreasing Johne’s Disease transmission is preventing young stock from coming in contact with manure from potentially infected animals.
Small Ruminant Abortions: Cleanup and facility considerations
Sheep and goat producers in the upper Midwest rely on annual lamb or kid crops to maintain economic viability. Reduction in the lamb or kid crop due to abortion (premature birth) and stillbirths are a common occurrence on many farms. Some of these problems have implications for human health as well as animal health.
Can You “Make” a Cow Deliver Better Colostrum?
Cattle producers and veterinarians are aware of the large body of evidence clearly pointing to the benefits of colostrum for baby calves. As such, much attention has been given to the “intake side” of the equation (the calf’s side): how to ensure a calf consumes an adequate amount of high-quality colostrum.
Where Do the Sharps Go?
Sharps used in livestock husbandry practices are considered medical or infectious waste. Regardless of why an animal received a shot, it is important to dispose of the needle in a safe way.