bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful public engagement
Authors: Bremmer Kim L.
Published: February 2023

As the average consumer becomes farther removedfrom the farm and is continuously bombarded with misinformation, there’s never been a more critical time to better communicate the message of sustainability in agriculture. Your profession has a specific challenge in connecting with a general public that too often values opinion over science. Agriculture is under attack from the increasing number of activists, non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and environmental groups. Incorrect stories about agriculture continue to circulate daily throughout the media, going mostly unchallenged. This has become dangerous over time, as the misinformation has disguised itself as the truth. It’s time for everyone involved in agriculture to better lead the discussion to help protect the use of science, technology, and innovation in how we grow and raise food.
Conducting successful on farm clinical trials
Authors: Capel Michael
Published: February 2023

One of the greatest values we can bring to our clients is information and the ability to apply that information to their farm business for the improvement of the lives of their cattle and employees, and their financial wellbeing. Our knowledge base comes from a variety of sources, each with their own strengths and limitations. Scientific literature, presentations at professional meetings, our own clinical observations, and networking with colleagues provide the source for most of our knowledge base. When we are unable to find answers, on-farm clinical trials can serve as an immensely valuable resource. Conducted properly, this tool can provide timely, targeted, and specific answers to important questions. However, caution is necessary before embarking on this journey. It is important to remember that trials are very involved, time consuming and a great deal of work. Failure to properly design, execute, and interpret data from an on-farm trial can be frustrating, expensive, and detrimental to the farm. On-farm trials represent a great opportunity for veterinarians to provide valuable information to their clients, but should be conducted with great planning and oversight.
When dairies do beef
Authors: Hall Stuart
Published: February 2023

Dairy farmers are realizing they can generate profit from more than just milk. One of the most underdeveloped potential profit centers is the production of specialized dairy-crossed steer calves and excess heifers that can be profitably fed and marketed. These proceedings will discuss the opportunity and the feed and management approach to help producers understand and raise profitable dairy-beef cattle.
Field euthanasia techniques for small ruminants
Authors: Still Brooks Kelly M.
Published: February 2023

Goats, sheep, and camelids present unique challenges when selecting a safe, aesthetic, and environmentally responsible method of field euthanasia. Although barbiturate euthanasia products are frequently used in companion settings, access to these drugs is restricted and carcass residues limit viable disposal options. Gunshot, penetrating captive bolt, and adjunctive techniques commonly used in cattle are appropriate for use in small ruminants with modifications to reduce the risk of over-penetration and improve anatomic accuracy. While farm personnel can be trained to safely and effectively use gunshot techniques in adult sheep and goats, safe options for euthanasia of neonatal goats and lambs is severely limited by their small size. Manual blunt force trauma is an unacceptable method in these species; however, non-penetrating captive bolts devices are acceptable for stunning or euthanasia of perinatal kids and lambs. Additionally, carbon dioxide inhalation is an effective and humane technique for goat kids < 3 weeks of age. Intrathecal lidocaine injection is an acceptable method in anesthetized horses and early clinical experience suggests it may be reasonably applied by veterinarians in the field for all ages of small ruminants.
“Ain’t doin’ right”
Authors: Bowen Joan S.
Published: February 2023

Veterinarians and producers often underestimate the amount of useful information that can be gained thorough necropsy of small ruminants that die or are euthanized following puzzling clinical signs. Necropsy is a valuable tool for identifying underlying health problems in the herd as well as discovering the cause of an acute or unexpected death. Thorough examination of the body as soon as possible after death allows for collection of multiple samples for diagnostic purposes, while information gathered about body condition, nutritional status, and subclinical diseases may alter management and treatment choices for cohorts on the same premise.
Creating careers, not just jobs
Authors: Whitehair Michael
Published: February 2023

When the baby boomer generation first began looking for employment decades ago, they had the mindset that they would be starting a career, which would involve taking ownership, responsibility, dedication and a time investment in order to achieve personal satisfaction as well as having strong ties to the community and professional associations. The mindset of the millennial generation differs, however, as many are just looking for a job and value their leisure at a higher level than previous generations. This can create a challenge for baby boomers who want to recruit hires who have a similar work ethic and who will eventually take over the practice. This paper will make observations and suggestions about how this gap can be addressed so that employers can identify and attract new hires who associate work with being a career and not just a job, which allows practices to continue offering a high level of service to their clients.
Pathogen-based treatment programs for milk quality
Authors: Nydam Daryl V. , Vasquez Amy K. , Eicker Steve W. , Virkler Paul D. , Lynch Rob , Wieland Matthias , Capel Michael B.
Published: February 2023

Blanket dry-cow therapy has been recommended for decades. For a variety of reasons, this recommendation is being reconsidered. The alternative is selective treatment. Diagnostics and dry-cow therapy treatment decisions can be performed at the quarter or cow level. Selective antimicrobial use at dry-off creates an opportunity to practice good drug stewardship. In many situations, it has been shown to offer economic benefits. Research indicates that success of a selective dry-cow therapy (SDCT) program is farm specific. Veterinarians should remain abreast of current research findings and consider farm management and pathogen presence as they work with producers to develop a best SDCT strategy.
Effect of postpartum milking strategy on plasma calcium concentration and risk of subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows
Authors: Valldecabres A. , Lopes R. , Lago A. , Blanc C. , Silva-del-Río N.
Published: February 2023

Subclinical hypocalcemia affects most of multiparous dairy cows within the first 48 h after parturition. Most likely increased Ca requirements for colostrum synthesis at lactation onset drive the decrease in blood Ca concentration observed around parturition. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different postpartum milking strategies on plasma Ca concentration and risk of subclinical hypocalcemia in multiparous dairy cows.
Genotyping and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni isolated from the upper and lower respiratory tract of feedlot cattle
Authors: Timsit E. , Alexander T. W.
Published: February 2023

In the last 10 years, the prevalence of Pasteurellaceae resistant against drugs typically used for bronchopneumonia (BP) control has increased in feedlot cattle. Surprisingly, it is not clear whether this increase in the prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria is due to the spread of 1 or few multiple MDR clones among cattle during the feeding period (i.e. horizontal spread) or due to the recrudescence of MDR clones already present in the respiratory tract of cattle upon arrival at feedlots. Recently, we reported a high prevalence of MDR M. haemolytica, P. multocida, and H. somni isolated from cattle with BP in 4 feedlots in Western Canada. Unfortunately, as we did not genotype these isolates, it was not possible to determine whether a few or a large number of MDR clones were present in these feedlots, supporting either a horizontal spread of MDR clones among cattle or a recrudescence from carriers. Therefore, the objective was to genotype M. haemolytica, P. multocida, and H. somni isolates using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
Comparison of the nasopharyngeal bacterial microbiota of beef calves raised without the use of antimicrobials between healthy calves and those diagnosed with bovine respiratory disease
Authors: McMullin C. , Orsel K. , Alexander T. W. , Van der Meer F. J. , Plastow G. , Timsit E.
Published: February 2023

It has been shown that the composition of the nasopharyngeal bacterial microbiota plays a role in respiratory health. However, the role of this microbiota in the development of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is still not well defined. What we know about the composition of the bovine nasopharyngeal bacterial microbiota mainly comes from beef calves that have received mass medication (metaphylaxis) with an antimicrobial on arrival at a feedlot. Unfortunately, antimicrobials do not just target pathogenic bacteria, and antimicrobial use can have an impact on the entire respiratory microbiota, including commensals. There are currently no data on the composition of the nasopharyngeal microbiota of healthy feedlot cattle and those diagnosed with BRD that are raised without antimicrobials (i.e. natural cattle), limiting our understanding of the disease. As the beef industry begins to move away from the use of antimicrobials, this information will become increasingly valuable. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize and compare the nasopharyngeal bacterial microbiota in feedlot cattle raised without antimicrobials that were healthy or diagnosed with BRD.
Survey investigating cattle veterinarian and producer perceptions of pain experienced by beef and dairy cattle undergoing castration and dehorning
Authors: Johnstone E. C. S. , Coetzee J. F. , Pinedo P. J. , Edwards-Callaway L. N.
Published: February 2023

Despite the recognition that many livestock management practices cause pain in cattle, the routine use of pain management at the time of these procedures in dairy and beef cattle remains limited. The decision to use pain management requires identification and evaluation of the significance of the pain experienced by cattle during procedures, such as castration and dehorning. The objective of this study was to evaluate how cattle veterinarians and producers qualify the pain experienced by beef and dairy cattle and how this qualification relates to their use of pain mitigation.
Effects of the administration of a bovine non-specific immune stimulant around transportation on health and performance of Jersey and Jerseycross heifer calves in the first 60 days of life
Authors: Omontese B. O. , Celestino M. L. , Paiva D. , Menta P. , Garcia-Munoz A. , Masic A. , Machado V. S. , Caixeta L. S.
Published: February 2023

Health and performance of pre-weaned dairy calves have great influence on adult life performance. Amongst the diseases that affect young dairy calves, diarrhea and pneumonia are the most prevalent and economically important. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a non-specific immune stimulant (IS; Amplimune, NovaVive, Inc., Canada), administered around transportation, on the health and performance of Jersey and Jersey-cross heifer calves during the first 60 days of life. We hypothesized that calves receiving IS would have decreased disease treatment hazard, lower weekly health scores (HS), decreased mortality, and superior performance.
Adoption of biosecurity practices on Canadian dairy farms
Authors: Denis-Robichaud J. , Kelton D. F. , Bauman C. A. , Barkema H. W. , Keefe G. P. , Dubuc J.
Published: February 2023

Biosecurity refers to management practices aiming to prevent the introduction and the spread of infectious diseases, and it has been associated with reduced odds of disease, improved productivity, and decreased use of antimicrobials. In 2013 the Canadian dairy industry developed a tool to help producers implement biosecurity practices; the National Standard for Biosecurity. There was, however, no information available detailing the adoption of the different practices on Canadian dairy farms. The objective of this study was to describe the adoption of biosecurity practices on Canadian dairy farms in order to inform strategies and priorities for implementing the tool.
Outbreak of sudden death in weaned calves on a New York dairy caused by Strongyloides papillosus
Authors: Pinn-Woodcock T. L. , Duhamel G. E. , Lejeune M. , Thompson B. S.
Published: February 2023

S. papillosus are slender hair-like worms that have a predilection for the duodenum and proximal jejunum of ruminants. The third larval stage of S. papillosus penetrates the skin, often in the coronary band region of the limb, and migrates to the gastrointestinal tract where it matures to the parthenogenetic adult stage. Typically S. papillosus infection of calves in North America is associated with clinical signs of diarrhea, dehydration, anorexia, and weight loss or poor weight gain (Thamsborg et al, 2017).

Outbreaks of sudden death associated with heavy S. papillosus burden are rare and have only been reported in 2-5 month old calves in Japan (Taira and Ura, 1991). These Japanese outbreaks occurred in the summer, where common conditions included sawdust bedding, high environmental temperatures, and high humidity. Experimental studies revealed the sudden death of calves with heavy worm burdens to be preceded by cardiac arrhythmias for 1-2 days and ventricular arrhythmias leading to cardiac arrest (Tsuji et al, 1992). These researchers hypothesized that S. papillosus may produce a cardiotoxin that leads to cardiac arrest of infected calves.

S. papillosus has recently been implicated as the novel cause of an outbreak of sudden death in weaned dairy calves on a well-managed farm in New York State. The following report describes this first documented North American outbreak of sudden death in calves caused by S. papillosus.
Evaluation of disease occurrence and production parameters of dairy cows treated with pegbovigrastim
Authors: Oliveira M. X. S. , McGee D. D. , Brett J. A. , Stone A. E.
Published: February 2023

Pegbovigrastim is a modified form of the naturally-occurring bovine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. At the time of the study, pegbovigrastim was commercially available under veterinary prescription as Imrestor (Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, Indiana). According to the product label, when the product is applied 7 days before calving and again at the day of calving, clinical mastitis incidence decreases by 28% in the first 30 days of lactation in dairy cows and heifers. The objective of this study was to further demonstrate the effectiveness of Imrestor at reducing clinical mastitis incidence, and to demonstrate the effectiveness at reducing metritis incidence in the first 30 days of lactation on a commercial dairy operation.
Sequential changes in serum iron concentration and hepatic hepcidin mRNA expression in LPS-challenged calves
Authors: Nishi Yasunobu , Tsukano Kenji , Shimamori Toshio , Fukuda Tatsuya , Otsuka Marina , Kitade Yasuyuki
Published: February 2023

Inflammatory diseases caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are the most frequently observed diseases in dairy and feedlot cows. The acute-phase response to LPS may regulate transcription factors and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and hepcidin. Iron is known to play roles in many enzymatic activities, and is an essential trace element for the host and pathogen. Previous reports demonstrated that serum Fe levels decrease in inflammatory diseases due to intestinal absorption and reduction of the release of Fe by reticuloendothelial cells.

In this study, we measured sequential changes in the serum Fe concentration in calves after LPS challenge in order to clarify whether the serum Fe concentration is useful as a marker of inflammation. We also examined sequential changes in mRNA levels of IL-6 and hepcidin to evaluate the inflammatory response.
Evaluation of flunixin meglumine and suture selection on post-operative pain following abdominal surgery in cattle
Authors: Kleinhenz M. D. , Smith J. S. , Jackson N. , Gorden P. J. , Kleinhenz K. E. , Schleining J. A.
Published: February 2023

There is very little published literature objectively measuring analgesics and influence of suture selection on pain in bovine surgery. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of intravenous flunixin meglumine and suture material selection on pain measures following ventral midline celiotomy.
Investigating the dynamics of Johne’s Disease on Ontario dairy farms
Authors: Imada Jamie , Kelton David , Roche Steven , Bauman Cathy
Published: February 2023

Johne’s disease (JD) is an untreatable disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. The long latent period and variable manifestation in clinical presentation poses some significant challenges in its detection and control on farms. JD results in economic losses from early culling and production loss due to chronic enteric disease. In January 2010, Ontario began a voluntary control program called the Johne’s Education and Management Assistance program. The program consisted of an on-farm risk assessment survey and whole herd testing by either milk or serum ELISA with subsequent permanent removal of any high titre cow. The purpose of the risk assessment surveys or RAMPs (Risk assessment and management plans) were to identify areas on farm that would result in increased risk of acquiring or transmitting JD. After completing the RAMP, the farm would be given a score out of 300; a higher score correlating with a higher risk of JD. The veterinarian would then make a maximum of three recommendations for improvement of facilities or management for JD control. Based on data collected from over 2,000 dairy farms in Ontario from 2010 to 2013, using individual animal ELISA testing of milk or serum, approximately 26% of farms had at least one test positive animal. Through testing of bulk tank (BT) milk from all Ontario farms in 2013, roughly 50% of farms had a positive bulk tank test for Johne’s. There are numerous barriers to the efficacy of extension programs targeting JD control, and the benefit of risk assessment-based programs for a disease such as Johne’s remains unclear. The objectives of the study are to 1) assess changes in herd-level prevalence of JD 2) to describe associations between RAMP score and herd bulk tank test changes.
Elucidating the immune suppressive effects of antibiotics in cattle
Authors: Herman J. A. , Wheat W. H. , Dow S. W.
Published: February 2023

The impact of antibiotic therapy on antimicrobial drug-resistance is well known in the cattle industry yet the potential effects of antibiotic administration on immune modulation is unknown. Data from various animal models indicate that some antibiotics can suppress adaptive immune responses. Azithromycin for example, can suppress inflammation and innate immune defenses inferring that indiscriminate use of antibiotics may paradoxically increase susceptibility to infection and interfere with vaccine immunity. For cattle, we aim to identify classes of immune modulatory antibiotics to determine whether treatment interferes with vaccine responses. We hypothesize that macrolide and tetracycline antibiotics will significantly suppress immune responses in cattle which will be tested using assays that evaluate immunity in vitro.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous and transdermal flunixin meglumine in alpacas
Authors: Reppert Emily , Kleinhenz Michael D. , Montgomery Shawnee R. , Magnin Geraldine , Sidhu Pritam K. , Zhang Yuntao , Joo Hyun , Coetzee Johann
Published: February 2023

Selection of drugs for use in South American Camelids (SAC) is difficult due to lack of approved products for use in these species. Drugs and drug dosages are selected from limited published data or extrapolated from other species. Administration of intravenous (IV) medications to SAC can be difficult due to challenges in restraint, limited venous access, and unique cervical anatomy. Pharmaceuticals administered routes other than IV are attractive for use in SAC. Flunixin meglumine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in many species for its antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In cattle, flunixin meglumine is specifically labeled for IV administration. A new transdermal (TD) formulation of flunixin has been developed and approved for use in cattle. The topical nature and longer duration of action compared to IV flunixin make this product ideal for use in SAC. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of IV and TD flunixin meglumine in alpacas.
Effects of multimodal pain management strategies on acute pain behavior and physiology in disbudded neonatal goat kids
Authors: Knauer Whitney A. , Barrell Emily , Guedes Alonso , Ventura Beth
Published: February 2023

Disbudding of goat kids is a common husbandry procedure in the dairy goat industry, typically carried out in the first week of life via a hot cautery iron without the application of pain relief. The objective of this study was to identify a practical, efficacious pain management strategy for disbudding by monitoring acute changes in behavior and plasma biomarkers in goat kids disbudded with varying combinations of pain relief.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa mastitis in goats was also isolated from an essential oil-based teat dip
Authors: Wilson D. J. , Kelly E. J.
Published: February 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that has been associated with mastitis in dairy animals, including goats (Yuan et al, 2017). An outbreak of mastitis in dairy goats was investigated at the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UVDL). Identification of the etiologic agent(s) and source of infection was the primary objective.
Using DC 305 to help your clients achieve success
Authors: Capel Michael
Published: February 2023

Dairy Comp 305 is a dairy management software program designed to help producers manage the cows on their farm. It allows the user to record important pieces of information about each cow for later retrieval and use by dairy employees and consultants. Veterinarians, through their understanding of biology, animal husbandry and farm operations, are uniquely qualified to help producers utilize this program to manage their farms, monitor trends, and intervene quickly when problems arise. Additionally, management programs like Dairy Comp 305 will be critical in helping farms remain compliant with regulatory guidelines. Veterinarians can help farms design and implement data recording, generate “action” lists of cows requiring management intervention, provide concise and easy reports to evaluate disease trends, and regularly monitor reproduction and milk production. A sound understanding of dairy management software opens considerable opportunities for the engaged practitioner to demonstrate value and help their clients achieve success.
Teat surgery
Authors: Masterson Margaret A.
Published: February 2023

Veterinarians are often called to perform teat surgery, whether due to congenital malformations of the teats or due to trauma. Anytime that teat surgery is performed, sterility is extremely important as one does not want to create a case of mastitis. This paper will cover the basics of common teat surgeries including supernumerary teats, slow milkers, teat obstructions, teat spiders, fistulas and repair of teat lacerations.
Sorting out umbilical abnormalities in the young calf
Authors: Gordon Eric D.
Published: February 2023

Umbilical abnormalities in the calf can result from multiple underlying problems. Given the potential complicities of some of those conditions, umbilical growths can be daunting for some practitioners to handle in the field. A systematic approach to diagnosis utilizing palpation and ultrasound, along with aspiration in some cases, can allow for accurate diagnosis and successful first line treatment. Surgical evaluation is sometimes required to confirm the diagnosis and often necessary for resolution. This article will offer practical tips for the workup of umbilical disorders.
Practical application of techniques for performing C-sections in beef cows
Authors: Lewis Keelan
Published: February 2023

As a newly graduated veterinarian, the idea of a calf delivery via cesarean section is daunting. As a young veterinarian I would avoid c-sections so readily I would be exhausted by the time the procedure was the last remaining option. Mentorship and functional tricks can help avoid this misguided fear in new veterinarians.
Understanding the economic impact of mastitis therapy
Authors: Ruegg Pamela L.
Published: February 2023

Mastitis occurs on all dairy farms, and veterinarians can help producers reduce losses and promote more judicious antimicrobial usage. In the US, 7 intramammary (IMM) antibiotics are approved for treatment of mastitis, but no antibiotics are approved for systemic treatment of mastitis. Most cases of clinical mastitis present with mild or moderate clinical signs and there is no evidence that use of systemic antimicrobials is of benefit. Farmers typically underestimate costs associated with treatment of clinical mastitis, and about 75% of costs are associated with milk discard. Selection of drugs and duration of treatment are both areas that can have significant impact on economic losses associated with mastitis therapy. The distribution of etiologies is associated with the value of antimicrobial therapy, and use of intramammary antibiotics should be determined based on knowledge of etiology. Clinical outcomes of most mastitis cases that are culture-negative or caused by E. coli are not improved by use of antimicrobials, and considerable losses can be incurred when longer-duration therapy is used as the standard protocol. When etiology of non-severe clinical mastitis is unknown, use of narrow-spectrum IMM antimicrobials for short duration results in optimal economic outcomes.
Rational treatments for mineral disorders in fresh cows
Authors: Oetzel Garrett R.
Published: February 2023

Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia are important metabolic diseases of fresh dairy cows. Many dairy practitioners and dairy producers may need to update their approaches to these diseases based on current scientific information. Hypocalcemia in standing cows is best treated orally; intravenous calcium should be reserved for recumbent cases of milk fever because it may cause cardiac toxicity and rebound hypocalcemia. Glucose or additional electrolytes should not be included in intravenous solutions administered to cows with hypocalcemia. Hypophosphatemia is a less common mineral disorder that is usually secondary to hypocalcemia. Mild to moderate cases of hypophosphatemia are best treated with oral phosphorus; intravenous phosphorus should be reserved for severe cases. Hypomagnesemia may be a clinical problem in grazing herds or a subclinical problem in confinement dairies with cows fed stored feeds. Clinical hypomagnesemia may be treated intravenously or via rectal enema; subclinical cases are best managed by oral magnesium supplementation. Hypokalemia may follow prolonged periods of anorexia in early lactation cows and typically presents as severe, flaccid paralysis. Oral potassium supplementation is the preferred means for treating and preventing hypokalemia.
Rational treatments for ketosis in fresh cows
Authors: Oetzel Garrett R.
Published: February 2023

Hyperketonemia affects over 40% of dairy cows in early lactation. The prevalence of hyperketonemia (determined by spot checks within herds) is about 20%. Negative impacts of hyperketonemia most notably include decreased milk yield, increased risk for displaced abomasum, and increased risk for early lactation herd removal. Cowside blood betahydroxybutyrate tests are now available for rapid and accurate diagnosis of hyperketonemia. Urine and milk tests can also be used, but have substantial disadvantages. Accurate and early diagnosis of hyperketonemia after calving allows early and effective treatment. This mitigates about half of the negative impacts of hyperketonemia such as decreased milk yield, increased risk for displaced abomasum, and increased risk for herd removal. Mild to moderate cases of hyperketonemia in individual cows are best treated with an oral glucose precursor such as propylene glycol. Intravenous glucose should be reserved for severe cases and followed with oral glucose precursors.
Nutritional interventions for prevention of metabolic disorders in transition cows
Authors: White Heather M.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this presentation is to overview the biology and hepatic metabolism that contributes to onset and progression of metabolic disorders. Nutritional interventions that decrease metabolic disorders will be discussed within the context of nutrient partitioning and hepatic metabolism in order to understand the mechanism of action. Although there are many nutritional interventions that can be considered to influence metabolic health, recent research on fermented ammoniated condensed whey, fatty acids, and choline are of interest here given their ability to influence nutrient partitioning, metabolic health, and production or feed efficiency in peripartum dairy cows.
Uterine health problems
Authors: Thomas Mark J. , Stangaferro Matias L. , Couto Serrenho Rita
Published: February 2023

A successful calving event and the following transition period are critically important to the future reproductive performance and productivity of the dairy cow. Although the diagnosis and treatment of uterine diseases are generally considered straightforward by most veterinarians, there are many misconceptions and a lack of data to support many of the recommended treatments. Other metabolic disorders such as hypocalcemia and hyperketonemia can further complicate the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Not only is an understanding of reproductive physiology and normal uterine involution important, but also the economic outcomes of uterine disease. The effects on milk production, fertility, risk to other diseases, and exit from the herd need to be recognized by both the dairy herd managers and veterinarians alike.

This article will review the definitions, risk factors, treatment options and economics of uterine diseases: retained placenta (RP), metritis, and endometritis.
Why heifer maturity matters
Authors: Staley Gavin
Published: February 2023

Evaluation of dairy farm records from across the United States revealed an interesting, yet not surprising, pattern: heifer immaturity appears to have a significant and lasting adverse impact on future milk production. This impact manifests primarily in the first and second lactations, but may persist beyond the third lactation. Initial observations used the age of calving as a proxy for maturity. Further review of a large number of dairy herd records revealed key observations: 1) average annual herd milk production approximates Week 10 milk of first-lactation animals; 2) there is a fixed relationship (difference of 30 lb; 13.6 kg) between lactation 1 and 2 at Week 5 milk; and 3) age at calving impacts lactation 1-3. By implication, it is imperative that the heifer raising enterprise utilize objective parameters, such as body weight, to manage the process so that the heifers attain desired maturity at calving to achieve maximum lifetime milk production.
Dry-cow management and the unborn and neonatal calf
Authors: Robison Jon D.
Published: February 2023

The dry period of cows has not received the level of attention in management of other classes of dairy cattle over the years. The primary measurements of dry-cow management effectiveness have primarily been focused on the cow’s ability to transition from the dry period into lactation. Little to no emphasis has been granted to the management of dry cows for the mutual benefit of the cow and the unborn and neonatal calf. Dry-cow management strategies must be founded upon a rational understanding and application as to the physiological dynamics of late-term gestation, cow transitioning from non-lactating to a high level of lactation, colostrogenesis, birth and calf transitioning from in utero through the first 30 days of life. When properly designed, implemented, and monitored, these dry-cow management strategies will result in success for both the cow and the calf. Monitoring measurements beyond those commonly employed should be added in order to more completely evaluate the impact of management on both the cow and the calf. These should include, assessment of colostrum quality and quantity, calf birth weight, and 24 to 48-hour serum IgG in the calf.
changing landscape of parasite control in small ruminants
Authors: Kaplan Ray M.
Published: February 2023

Control of gastrointestinal (GIN) parasites is of primary concern in any small ruminant health management program, and is critical to profitability of the farm. For many years, GIN were controlled by the frequent use of anthelmintics, and this approach was quite effective. However, we now know that this strategy is shortsighted and unsustainable. Anthelmintic resistance is bounding out of control, and many of the drugs relied upon for decades no longer are effective on many farms. Furthermore, despite the occasional development of new anthelmintic classes, history clearly demonstrates that the development of resistance is almost certain to outpace the introduction of new drug classes. Thus, anthelmintics can no longer be viewed as inexpensive management tools, but instead must be viewed as extremely valuable and limited resources. Furthermore, parasite control must no longer be equated with a deworming program. Rather, parasite control will only be sustainable if it is approached as an integrated parasite management program, where anthelmintics are only 1 of several components. Additionally, there are new strategies for how we need to use our anthelmintics, the most important of which are that treatment is given selectively to animals based on need, and multiple anthelmintics are administered as a combination treatment.
Research updates in small ruminant parasitology
Authors: Kaplan Ray M. , Gianechini Leonor
Published: February 2023

For years, livestock farmers have relied on the use of anthelmintics as their sole means for controlling helminth infections; however, this strategy has proven to be unsustainable. The current high levels of anthelmintic resistance to multiple drug classes makes it difficult to control parasites using chemical means alone. Furthermore, the lack of new classes of anthelmintic drugs means that the drugs we have now will be all we have for quite a long time. Thus, parasite control needs to be viewed more holistically within an ecological context and practiced in a multi-pronged integrated manner. Here, we review some of the recent literature on parasite control in small ruminants that addresses these issues.
Starting off in small ruminant practice
Authors: Miller Blake H.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this presentation is to provide useful and applicable information about common diseases and conditions that are encountered when including small ruminants and camelids in your daily veterinary practice. Being able to diagnose, manage, and treat common diseases requires basic knowledge and tools that any veterinarian can easily acquire. Anecdotally, the most common ailments encountered in practice, and that will be discussed today, include foot rot, urethral obstruction in male goats and sheep, rhododendron toxicity, dystocia, grain overload, pregnancy toxemia, external and internal parasites, arthritis, and polio.
AAA mentors
Authors: Rooker Eric J.
Published: February 2023

Mentorship is recognized as one of the most important features of a modern job. Applicants seek jobs that will allow them to grow and that provide a clearly identified/accomplished mentor to help facilitate this growth. This has become more critical in recent years with mentorship playing a key role in employee retention for millennials. In fact, providing a mentor for an employed millennial can double their five-year retention rate.

Seventy-one percent of Fortune 500 companies have recognized the importance of mentorship and implemented formal mentorship programs but a much small percentage of small businesses recognize or utilize the importance of such a mentorship program. For this reason, a program for the basic education of mentors and the facilitation of the launch of a mentorship program is needed. The AAAs of mentorship focuses on instructing prospective or current mentoring techniques to improve their availability to mentees, improve affirmation techniques, anchor their mentee, and instruct them in post-doctoral school scholarship.

While many ways exist to improve these four areas, this presentation will focus on techniques that can have the largest and most immediate impact. Growth in these areas will provide a solid foundation and measurable improvements for mentorship programs.
Driven to serve
Authors: Barnhardt Tera Rooney
Published: February 2023

Being driven to serve a clientele on large-scale production farms.
On-farm calf assessment and practical fluid therapy
Authors: Lear Andrea S.
Published: February 2023

Large animal practitioners are faced with varying levels of dehydration in neonatal cattle. The goal of this talk will be to describe and formulate fluid therapy plans in varying circumstances in an ambulatory setting. Determining dehydration, acid-base status, and electrolyte abnormalities will be reviewed. Following this presentation, the practitioner will be able to identify the proper use of oral and intravenous fluid in clinical cases and appropriate volume to be administered on-farm.
Packaging and shipping diagnostic samples
Authors: Griffin Dee
Published: February 2023

This document discusses packaging and shipping veterinary diagnostic specimens (fresh tissues, fixed tissues, bacteriology specimens and cultures), US Department of Transportation packaging and shipping safety, and package labeling requirements for both standard “biological” samples and for samples shipped in dry ice. Additionally, examples of the required symbols are noted in the document examples.
Effect of preweaning plane of nutrition on abomasal dynamics in Holstein calves
Authors: Kasl B. A. , Hoff C. K. , Silva T. H. , Caetano I. , Machado V. S. , Carroll J. A. , Ballou M. A.
Published: February 2023

Feeding dairy calves a higher plane of nutrition (PON) through either greater quantities of milk solids or fluid volume has become increasingly common on commercial operations. Administering more nutrient-dense milk rations may compromise the functionality and environment of the abomasum, potentially resulting in clinical abomasal pathologies. The objectives of this experiment were to determine the effects of PON on the abomasal environment in healthy Holstein calves.
Logistic analysis of responses to the 2018 survey of AABP members about gender bias
Authors: Gilliam G. N. , White B. J. , Fajt V. R. , Wagner S. A. , Apley M. D.
Published: February 2023

In 2018, a survey regarding member perceptions related to gender bias encountered in clinical practice settings was made available to the members of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. The definition of gender bias included with the survey was “when a member of 1 gender is advantaged or disadvantaged for the reason of their gender”.
Animal instincts
Authors: McArthur Morgan J.
Published: February 2023

Newly-graduated veterinary practitioners are equipped with an impressive science education when they step into their first jobs. They’re enthused about their new careers and eager to ply their skills. The post-graduate Real World is full of challenges; however, and not all of them were addressed in the veterinary curriculum. Consider the stresses of moving into a new community. Or trying to sort out the peculiarities, people and politics in the practice. There may be clients who are openly skeptical of the new graduate because they are inexperienced and/or unfamiliar to them. The shift to the working world can be daunting. The success-limiting species for veterinary practitioners walks on 2 legs, not 4. The power and practice of applying fundamental ‘people skills’ like listening, learning and leading will build credibility, relationships and serve as a foundation for success in practice.
Coping with the stress of practice
Authors: Brock Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

Veterinary practice is stressful and always will be. Stress is a natural animal adaptation that allows us to face challenges and survive. The thinking human brain gives us the unique opportunity to convert a physiologic mechanism meant to protect us into a chronic condition that causes us bodily harm. How then do we create coping strategies to stop our propensity for chronic, maladaptive stress? While there is excellent data that proper diet, exercise and sleep habits help, bovine veterinarians may be limited in their ability to employ these tools. Practicing techniques like meditation, gratitude, self-compassion, and story-checking, all of which can be done in the truck between calls, can wake us up to our habits of thought and change the volume and channel on the chatter in our brains. Waking up to our thoughts is the first step to changing how we relate to stress as it arises in the moment and being more resilient in our ability to cope with it.
Practical immunology and beef and dairy vx protocols
Authors: Chase Chris
Published: February 2023

Vaccination is an important component for the prevention and control of disease in cattle. However, too often vaccines are viewed as a catch-all solution for management and nutrition errors; the “best” vaccine can never overcome these deficiencies. Proper vaccination in the young and developing heifer is the key to long-term development of that animal as a reproductive unit in the herd. Modified-live vaccines (MLV) have been used because of the good antibody response, longer duration of immunity, fewer doses needed per animal, and lower cost. However, non-adjuvanted MLV vaccines fail to booster well vaccinated animals, as active vaccine-induced immunity neutralizes vaccine virus preventing the MLV from replicating and preventing a booster immune response. Improved adjuvants have increased the scope and duration of both MLV and inactivated virus immunity. The periparturient period (the last 3 weeks prior to calving and the first 3 weeks following calving) are poor times to initiate an immune response—hormonal, dietary and metabolic factors limit immune responsiveness. Postpartum is also a difficult time to vaccinate as lactation energy demands supercedes immunity. Each vaccine program needs to be designed based on animal flow, actual “disease” threats, and labor on the farm.
How to win clients by taking the right samples and ordering the “best tests” for bovine respiratory disease
Authors: Dorn Corale
Published: February 2023

Respiratory disease in nursing beef calves presents unique challenges, from recognizing disease to obtaining samples. New graduates need to be able to use a combination of basic knowledge of disease and risks as well as soft skills to advocate for diagnostics and communicate with the client. Utilizing these skills can foster trust with clients. Ultimately, there is opportunity to turn this challenging disease into professional relationships for life.
Making the right culling decisions on the dairy
Authors: Fitchhorn-Walker Jennifer
Published: February 2023

Data indicates that the decision to ship compromised cull cows is too common. Compromised culled dairy cattle continue to arrive at slaughter plants. Leadership within the industry is needed to address this welfare challenge. Dairy cattle veterinarians are uniquely positioned to and responsible for meeting this task. It is supposed by the author that while the next generation of cattle veterinarians are also uniquely qualified to deliver meaningful progress, there is no secret weapon, treatment or single answer that will deliver success; merely one simple ingredient, compassion.
Salmonella in dairy calves
Authors: Sockett Donald C.
Published: February 2023

Modern calf-raising facilities are not designed for effective cleaning and disinfection. Common issues are lack of a sanitary design, absence of wash bays, improper floor drainage, plus open side curtains and peaks, which negates the use of thermal fogging, which is the only effective method available to decontaminate buildings. Doorway entry and exit points use outdated technology (foot baths) to control infectious agents, and there is a general unawareness by calf raisers and veterinarians of the dangers posed by a relatively small number of Salmonella serotypes such as Salmonella Heidelberg. The dangerous serotypes of Salmonella spp can quickly circumvent current best practices for raising dairy calves and lead to high morbidity and mortality disease outbreaks.
Basics of dairy diet design
Authors: Schcolnik Enrique
Published: February 2023

The challenges of feeding dairy cows to maximize production while doing it in an economically sustainable way, requires dairy nutritionists and veterinarians to have a great understanding of rumen microbial output and the feeds we utilize to feed the rumen. It is the purpose of this presentation to describe and explain some very basic concepts of rumen dynamics and microbiology that are utilized to make decisions on how to include different feeds into diets while maintaining rumen and cow health and maximizing rumen output.
Implementing pain management into your beef cattle practice
Authors: Dewell Renée
Published: February 2023

Implementing pain management practices in typical production settings may present real and perceived challenges for US beef cattle practitioners. Convincing producers, and sometimes, fellow practitioners, that pain management strategies and practices may benefit cattle welfare and potentially contribute to health and/or performance benefits is not always an “easy sell”. Additionally, practitioners and clients may be concerned with the legality, cost, and feasibility of implementing strategies in typical beef cattle production environments. Provision of education and training, demonstration of their use in typical production settings, and communication of relevant guidance resources may empower interested beef cattle veterinarians to increase the use of pain management practices.
Debt management: a testimony of conquering the financial burden of veterinary school
Authors: Satkowiak Anne
Published: February 2023

Paying veterinary school debt is a major concern for many re­cent graduates as they enter practice and are expected to take a portion of their income, sometimes a significant amount, to pay back the lender. I am here to share how I paid off my stu­dent debt of $184,000 in less than six years. This journey was not free of struggles and setbacks, but I can attest that it is possible to pay off your student debt if you set and commit to realistic goals. It is a rewarding feeling to be free of that heavy cloud of debt looming overhead. Here I will describe how I earned that feeling of being debt-free and the available repayment plans for you to conquer your debt as well.
Producer perspective on the future of dairy
Authors: Wavrin Bill
Published: February 2023

Future outcomes of the dairy industry will impact those in sup­porting roles to include the practicing veterinarian. Lifestyles, and therefore consumer trends, are not static over time. Suc­cessful industry segments are those that respond adequately to that changing landscape. The dairy industry enjoys a firm position in consumer choice of food supply in the current pe­riod, providing 16% of all protein consumed in the U.S. Oppor­tunities for growth exist in both domestic and international markets, but accessing those growth opportunities is not guaranteed.