Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) infection is typically introduced to a herd with the arrival of a persistently infected (PI) animal—a bovine that appears normal but sheds large amounts of the BVD virus into the environment. Naïve cattle exposed directly to the virus through nose-to-nose contact or indirectly through contaminated materials become sick with a fever, […] Read more
Cow health — page 5
Preventing the introduction of BVD
European analysis shows dairy herds at greater risk for the disease than beef cattle
Managing veterinary medicine shortages
Cattle producers often find bare shelves when they need animal health products
In the ever-changing world of global supply, cattle producers regularly face inconsistent supplies of critical animal health products. This makes it necessary for producers to be in close contact with their veterinarians to ensure they’ve got what they need when they need it. The issues that can affect supply are varied and include: For example, […] Read more
Genetic analysis confirms stable flies as mastitis vector
Research shows flies can carry the bacteria from manure breeding sites
New genetic sequencing research shows that stable flies carry pathogenic bacteria associated with mastitis. Petri dish research is now supplemented with gene sequencing in the bacteriology lab so a team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin decided it was time for an update to the understanding of relationships between dairy barn-dwelling flies and milk […] Read more
How dairy testing for avian influenza works in the U.S.
States are taking varied approaches that range from animal testing, to recording who enters a farm
States in the U.S. are playing a key role in the nation’s response to a growing outbreak of avian flu among dairy cattle that has also infected a small number of humans. The states are chiefly responsible for testing cows and people for the virus, but they take different approaches. Scientists tracking bird flu are […] Read more
Cattle Scan’s bolus system wins pitch competition
It took five minutes for ag-tech startup founder Denis Tokarev to secure a $10,000 prize at a recent “pitch competition” in Calgary, but he hopes the buzz generated by the award as well as his networking with dairy sector stakeholders while in Alberta will eventually lead to a bigger payback for Guelph-based Cattle Scan. Inventures […] Read more
Lameness stagnation: Why hoof health issues persist in dairy cattle
Despite years of identifying causes and new approaches hoof health is still a problem
Lameness is a complex condition influenced by a diverse array of intertwined factors, from cow-level elements to environmental conditions and management practices. It is often the cumulative impact of several interacting factors that leads to the development of lameness, making it challenging to control effectively. This interdependent nature of risk factors requires comprehensive and integrated […] Read more
Dairy testing for bird flu expanded in Canada
Non-clinical dairy cattle eligible for funded testing
On June 17, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency updated their guidance for private veterinarians on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The update noted the expanded eligibility for testing, and that the CFIA would cover lab test fees at any Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) lab that is approved to test samples in domestic animals. The agency will not, however, pay veterinarian fees for sample collection or shipment to the lab.
Good early-lactation nutrition cuts risk of cystic ovaries
A drop in proper metabolic function will pose reproductive challenges in cows
Glacier FarmMedia – Most producers usually wait until estrus appears in a dairy cow at 60-70 days postpartum, then place an emphasis on getting her pregnant by 90 days. This practice maintains a 13-month calving interval. Unfortunately, the onslaught of cystic ovaries in 30 per cent of all breeding cows makes it a challenge. Yet, […] Read more
Starbucks sweetens pot for FCC sustainability program
Coffee giant to support ‘top achievers’ and ‘most improved’
Starbucks has joined Farm Credit Canada in its Dairy Sustainability Incentive Program, which offers Canadian dairy farmers interest rate rebates for sustainability initiatives. Why it matters: Starbucks says milk products are a significant source of the company’s carbon footprint. The announcement represents entry into the Canadian dairy sector of a company that has already made […] Read more
Moisture management is key in compost-pack barns
Compost barns could be a transition option for those who now milk in tie stalls
Compost bedding packs that get too wet can be bad news and result in problems with slower composting, milk quality and the need to add more bedding. Those are findings from recent research projects on Ontario dairy farms, conducted by students at the University of Guelph, including Angie Wilson, who is completing her post-doctoral research […] Read more
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