Animal health
Sec. Mike Naig says the U.S. government is using what he describes as a three-legged stool approach to address the virus in the dairy and poultry industries.
Cold, snow, wind, and more – winter in the northern climates brings extra challenges for dairies and their animals.
Chapped lips and hands aren’t the only things we need to worry about now that we are in the middle of the winter season. Winter weather has a significant impact on teat skin.
Any existing herd health problems are amplified by HPAI H5N1, practitioners report. Some are asking regulatory agencies for more consistent testing and reporting protocols. They are also encouraging producers to invest dollars in better nutrition and cow comfort resources.
As 2024 comes to an end, roughly 70% of the U.S. is experiencing some level of drought and dryness. What does that mean for 2025? According to one meteorologist, in six of the past 10 years with a really dry fall, the spring to follow was also dry.
The CR includes nearly $110 billion in disaster and farmer aid, which includes $10 billion in farmer aid and $21 billion ag disaster aid. $2 billion of that disaster aid is specifically for livestock producers. The measure also includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.
The eroding health of the overall farm economy was the emphasis of the latest Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor, which is a survey of nearly 70 leading agricultural economists from across the country.
Strategically planning a dairy cow’s transition out of the herd can maximize meat quality, carcass yield, and overall profitability.
New Federal Order will require national milk testing and support state officials and dairy regulators; builds on actions to protect farms, farmworkers and communities from H5N1 avian influenza.
Sleep is becoming the next frontier in dairy research, opening discussions and posing more questions regarding its impact on animal productivity, welfare, and ethology.
In the face of fluctuating market dynamics and economic pressures, innovative profitability strategies have become crucial, particularly in the dairy industry.
How this Iowa dairy boosts their bottom line with genomics and crossbreeding.
Activity and rumination monitoring systems -- precision cow monitoring -- can revolutionize the way a dairy manages its cows. Or they can pile up frustrations and create greater expense without adding value.
USDA announced on Oct. 30 the first reported case of H5N1 in a pig in an Oregon backyard farm.
According to a CSU study presented at the 2024 BIF Symposium, heart failure can occur at any type of operation, at any age, and any level of altitude.
National disease prevention relies on systematic monitoring and biosecurity to protect animal health, trade, and economic resilience against outbreaks like Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
Pain is a natural condition for all animals and humans. But when it comes to dairy cattle specifically, the intensity and duration of their pain can have significant influence on both their welfare and productivity.
Three producers open up and share about their journey of innovation and technology as a way to spell longevity to their dairy operations.
Facilities, genetics, nutrition, stockmanship and marketing are some of the impotant factors to consider in the transition process.
It not just your diet that stands to benefit from less processing and higher fiber. According to Dr. Michael Ballou, researcher at Texas Tech University, calves also do better on a diet containing whole grains.
Maximizing pleasure and satisfaction in dairy calves isn’t required. But it does make them happier, and helps the dairy industry share a positive picture with the consuming public, according to University of Wisconsin animal behavior researcher Dr. Jennifer Van Os.
What is the world’s most expensive dairy disease? And what countries are hit hardest by these costs?
While even average crossbred animals are bringing a decent profit, healthy, well-grown calves are worth top dollar.
USDA calls these exotic arachnids “invasive pests that pose a serious threat to livestock.” Large numbers can infest a single animal, impacting growth and performance and, in extreme cases, causing death.
USDA-FSIS said it collected 30 samples from “states with dairy cattle herds that had tested positive for the H5N1 influenza virus at the time of sample collection.” No virus particles were found to be present.
According to FDA, the additional testing confirms the safety of the commercial milk supply with what it calls substantial data. The tests were done on 297 samples of milk from 38 states.
Federal officials are seeking to verify the safety of milk and meat after confirming the H5N1 virus in nine states since late March. The public health risk is low, but is higher for those exposed to infected animals.
Bust out the sunscreen and cattle misters. It’s gonna be a hot one this summer if USDA meteorological predictions are correct.
The agency will provide reimbursement for testing at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network laboratory.
The livestock industry needs a comprehensive, cohesive plan to address the virus. Producers, their employees and veterinarians need clear answers and support from U.S. agricultural leadership, moving forward.