Animal health
We know the early life events of dairy replacement heifers have research-proven impacts on their later performance as adult dairy cows. Now, researchers are exploring how the development of young beef-cross calves influences their ultimate performance on the rail, with some surprising results.
Live microbes are reshaping dairy nutrition, offering new tools to support gut health, rumen stability and production efficiency from calf to cow.
New cases in Italy, France and Spain underscore the importance of surveillance and preparedness in U.S. herds.
A clean start begins at the navel. Good calving hygiene and early care are the simplest ways to prevent costly infections and improve calf health outcomes.
Prebiotic supplementation is beneficial for dairy calf health and development, and may improve milk yield in lactating cows.
Avoid inconclusive results, wasted tests, and diagnostic delays by focusing on these five practical improvements for sample selection.
“Most screwworm migration does not come from adult flies making heroic flights northward. Instead, it comes from the movement of infested animals — cattle, deer, wildlife — and yes, even in rare cases, people. Wherever the animal goes, the parasite goes with them,” says Dr. Christopher Lee.
Dr. Gerard Cramer suggests vets and producers rethink routine trimming, focusing instead on targeted interventions that deliver greater welfare and economic returns.
APHIS will host three listening sessions on new funding for Farm Bill animal health programs.
Historically, colder temperatures have played a crucial role in controlling New World screwworm’s geographical spread.
A trusted adjuvant can make all the difference in capturing a strong immune response in young calves.
Understanding and managing ketosis in dairy cows is crucial for maximizing both herd health and productivity, especially during the transition period from precalving to 100 days after calving.
With New World screwworm within 70 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, the livestock industry is on high alert. USDA continues to fight the northward spread of the parasite while debate continues on the border closure.
USDA says this is now the northernmost detection of NWS during this outbreak, and the one most threatening to the American cattle and livestock industry.
A growing population of younger cows in most dairy herds brings a hidden risk to calf health. Fortunately, it’s also a manageable one.
In a world where every drop counts, water remains an undervalued yet essential part of dairy cattle nutrition and management.
New World screwworm was essentially eradicated in the U.S. in 1966, but the persistent pest has rebounded through considerable geography in the past year, prompting the closure of the U.S./Mexico border to cattle in recent months.
As we aim for improved biosecurity measures, understanding both the challenges and solutions will pave the way for better practices on calf ranches, ultimately creating a win-win situation for both calves and humans
MEPS technology at scale is a crucial step toward delivering a commercial solution by 2026.
The importance of new-life navel care cannot be overestimated, according to Ohio veterinarian Taylor Engle. He said failing to treat the navel properly can provide a pathway for bacteria directly to the livers of young calves.
Calf researchers and rearing experts from around the world will convene in Madison, Wis. on September 24-27, 2025, for the 4th annual Smart Calf Rearing Conference.
In the quest to reduce methane emissions by cattle, grazing animals have been left out of the picture thus far. That may be changing with a new commercial additive under development.
The 2025 MILK Business Awards are your chance to earn national recognition, share your story and win a trip to the MILK Business Conference in Las Vegas! Apply or nominate a standout young leader, tech-driven farm or exceptional employee by Aug. 11.
The overall goal of a biosecurity plan is to safeguard herd health to support overall productivity and profit.
New research shows adding dry colostrum replacer powder directly to moderate-quality colostrum can safely boost its immune value.
Dr. Taylor Engle of Four Star Veterinary Services shares how producers can improve calf health outcomes by rethinking everything from pre-birth to bunk.
A shrinking labor pool is already having an impact, and ag experts say it’s only going to get tougher.
The image, the smell, the emotions: five cattle producers and veterinarians from around the world share their first-hand experience with New World screwworm.
Secretary Rollins takes decisive action and shuts down cattle, bison and equine trade due to further northward spread of the devastating pest in Mexico.
Starting calves off right with good colostrum, care and timing can make all the difference when it’s time to hit the road.