bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of veterinary student attitudes toward animal welfare and pain
Authors: Martin M. S. , Baysinger A. , Viscardi A. , Kleinhenz M. , Edwards-Callaway L. , Johnstone E. , Coetzee J.
Published: February 2023

Discrepancies in the background and training of veterinarians regarding the painfulness of procedures across species may impact their decision to use analgesia. The objective of this study was to investigate veterinary student attitudes toward pain and animal welfare.
survey of dairy cattle veterinarians’ perspectives on timely management and euthanasia for common adult cow conditions
Authors: Cramer M. Caitlin , Dietsch Alia M. , Shearer Jan K. , Proudfoot Kathryn L. , Pairis-Garcia Monique D.
Published: February 2023

Timely euthanasia of compromised animals on dairy farms can reduce the poor welfare outcomes when recovery is prolonged or impossible. However, little to now research exists regarding euthanasia decision-making. The veterinarian is often involved in euthanasia decision-making, but it is not clear if there is consensus amongst dairy veterinarians on which conditions warrant euthanasia or appropriate timelines. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine dairy veterinarians’ perspectives on euthanasia decisions in response to 13 common adult cow conditions, 2) to assess preferred timelines for euthanasia for each condition, and 3) determine if gender or age of the veterinarians influenced their decision-making.
Milk residues following multiple doses of meloxicam and gabapentin in postpartum and mid-lactation dairy cows
Authors: Mzyk D. A. , Bublitz C. M. , Baynes R. E. , Smith G. W.
Published: February 2023

Management of pain is a significant welfare concern for lactating dairy cattle. There is a lack of approved pain medications for lactating dairy cattle. A combination therapy of gabapentin, a GABA analog and meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, are commonly used for analgesia in cattle in an extra-label manner. The objective of this study was to determine the number of days milk residues could be detected when meloxicam was administered alone or in combination with gabapentin in both postpartum and midlactation cows following multiple doses.
effect of prepartum negative dietary cation-anion difference and serum calcium concentration on blood neutrophil function in the transition period of dairy cows
Authors: Serrenho R. C. , Morrison E. I. , Pascottini O. B. , LeBlanc S. J.
Published: February 2023

Hypocalcemia and impaired immune function are recognized risk factors for clinical disease in the transition period of dairy cows. At the onset of lactation, calcium homeostasis is disrupted by redirection of calcium for colostrum production, which triggers a substantial decrease in the blood calcium concentration for 1 to 4 days. Blood calcium concentration is associated with neutrophil function, which turn is associated with the risk of retained placenta, metritis, and mastitis. Negative Dietary CationAnion Difference (DCAD) diets fed during the prepartum period increase postpartum blood calcium concentrations and reduce the risk of disease.

Our objectives were to assess the effects of a negative dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) on phagocytosis (P) and oxidative burst (OB) function of circulating neutrophils and to determine the associations of serum ionized (iCa) and total calcium concentrations (tCa) with P and OB. We hypothesized that multiparous cows fed a negative DCAD prepartum would have greater serum ionized (iCa) and total calcium concentrations (tCa), and thus improved P and OB.
Intramammary infusion of casein hydrolysate for involution of single mastitic mammary quarters that are elevating cow-level somatic cell count
Authors: Wilson D. J. , Britten J. E. , Rood K. A.
Published: February 2023

Mastitis in a single quarter can cause high somatic cell counts (SCC), clinical mastitis, and death in dairy cows. Casein hydrolysate (CH) is an intramammary (IMM) infusion treatment reported to induce mammary involution. Objectives were to study cessation of milk production in one mastitic quarter per cow following CH IMM infusion, 3-quartered cow milk production and cow-level SCC for the remainder of lactation, and after calving, whether the mastitic quarter resumed milk production, cow and quarter-level milk production, SCC and elimination of previously isolated mastitis pathogens.
Effect of bi-modal milk letdown on milk production
Authors: Erskine R. J. , Thomson R. S. , Norby B.
Published: February 2023

The dairy industry is relying more on hired labor to milk cows and many dairy operations are increasing pressure on employees to maintain high levels of milking parlor throughput. This management emphasis negatively impacts milking protocols that are aligned with milk quality. Parlor efficiency is often defined in terms of cows milked per hour. However, we need to consider milking efficiency to include milk quality, milk flow, and employee performance (Moore-Foster et al., 2019; Erskine et al., 2019). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of poor pre-milking preparation (as evidenced by bi-modal milk letdown) on subsequent milk production.

Erskine, RJ, B Norby, LM Neuder, et al. 2019. Decreased milk yield is associated with delayed milk ejection. J. Dairy Sci. (in press)

Moore-Foster R, B Norby, RL Schewe, et al. 2019. Herd-level variables associated with delayed milk ejection in Michigan dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 102:696-705.
effect of individual vs pair housing during the pre-weaning period on dairy calf well-being to four months of age
Authors: Knauer Whitney A. , Godden Sandra M. , Endres Marcia I. , Crooker Brian A.
Published: February 2023

Pair housing of dairy calves during the pre-weaning period helps meet the natural social needs of the calf and has been shown to improve growth and starter intake during the pre-weaning period as compared to individual housing. However, there is little evidence to suggest that pair housed calves maintain their social and growth advantages past the weaning phase. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pair housing on measures of behavioral and physiologic well-being during the first four months of life.
Evaluation of the use of the California Mastitis Test, last test somatic cell count, or a computer automated algorithm for detecting intramammary infection at dry-off
Authors: Vasquez Amy , Eicker Steve , Godden Sandra , Gorden Patrick , Lago Alfonso , Rowe Sam , Nydam Daryl
Published: February 2023

Selective dry cow therapy (SDCT), the identification and treatment of only cows or quarters that have or are at risk for an infection over the dry period, constitutes a prudent strategy when considering antibiotic use. Milk culture by a professional lab, which takes ≥ 1 day and may not be accessible to all dairies, is currently recognized as the gold standard for determining intramammary infections (IMI). Identification of cows or quarters for SDCT requires timely and cost-beneficial diagnostics with acceptable sensitivities (Se) and specificities (Sp) to decrease under, as well as overtreatment of animals at dry-off (DO). For this purpose, our objectives were to explore the test characteristics of the California Mastitis Test (CMT), use of the last-test DHIA somatic cell count (LTSCC), and use of an automated algorithm (ALG) based on sequential somatic cell count (SCC) and mastitis events to identify IMI in quarters and cows at DO using 2 categories of IMI (all or only major pathogens).
Reduction of aflatoxin M1 in milk of Holstein cows administered a clay adsorbent
Authors: Allen S. C. , Compart D. M. , Russo K. N. , Kelly K. M. , Ward S. H.
Published: February 2023

Aflatoxins (AF) are secondary metabolites commonly found in dairy feeds that can be transferred into the milk of lactating cows. Because of their negative effects on dairy cows and humans consuming contaminated milk, they are strictly regulated. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of an aluminosilicate clay at reducing the transfer of aflatoxin M1 into the milk and its impact on production parameters of lactating dairy cows fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the effects of the aluminosilicate clay on body condition, body weight, and respiratory rates of cows consuming aflatoxin B1-contaminated feed.
Acoustic Pulse Therapy (APT) as non-antibiotic treatment and prevention for mastitis in dairy cows
Authors: Leitner Gabriel , Eduard Papirov , Sela Shefy
Published: February 2023

The prevalence of clinical and subclinical mammary infections ranges between 20 to 40%. As of today, the excess drug treatment in clinical mammary infections are antibiotics given during lactation. In cases of subclinical infections, no treatment is used during lactation and treatment is delivered upon entry into the dry-off period. In recent years, the awareness of the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria led to legislative processes to reduce the use of antibiotics in animal farming, therefore there is a need for a non-antibiotic treatment for mastitis. Acoustic Pulse Therapy (APT), known as “shockwave treatment”, has been widely reported to be used in orthopedics, physiotherapy, sports medicine, urology, and veterinary medicine. APT produces various responses in biological tissues, such as angiogenesis and antiinflammatory effects. A new APT-based device developed specifically for treating dairy cows produces high power, deep penetration acoustic pulses distributed over a large treatment area. Previously a number of experiments with APT were conducted on 262 cows identified with clinical or subclinical mastitis and showed >70% success in curing the infected quarter. Significant milk yield increase, reduction in SCC as well as bacterial elimination was shown, with an 80% reduction in culling rate of clinically infected cows in the APT group compared to the control group. The specific objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of APT on SCC and milk yield when applied on cows at the dry-off period.
Serum amyloid A concentration as an inflammatory marker in endotoxemic model calves
Authors: Otsuka M. , Nishi Y. , Tsuchiya M. , Suzuki K.
Published: February 2023

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein that increases in concentration in the serum in the early stages of inflammation. SAA is used to diagnose inflammatory diseases in humans, cats, and horses. Such an inflammatory marker to diagnose inflammatory diseases needs to be investigated in cattle. Furthermore, the relationship between systemic inflammation and serum SAA concentrations needs to be examined in order to improve food animal health care. However, no studies have been reported on the sequential change in SAA in cattle with endotoxemia. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine serum SAA concentrations in cattle with systemic inflammation caused by endotoxin.
Mastitis causes negative reproductive performance similar to other genital diseases
Authors: Kitade Yasuyuki , Tsukano Kenji , Miyamoto Yuichi , Sarashina Shinya , Suzuki Kazuyuki
Published: February 2023

Reproductive efficiency is directly related to economic efficiency in dairy farms. Genital diseases affect reproductive performance, but it is not well known which diseases have reproductive effects. In this study, the most frequently occurring diseases from calving to pregnancy in cows at a tie-stall dairy farm were investigated as to whether they affected reproductive performance.
Bacterial topography of the bovine respiratory tract
Authors: McMullin C. , Léguillette R. , Alexander T. W. , Timsit E.
Published: February 2023

It is generally accepted that the nasopharynx is the primary source of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) pathogens for the lower respiratory tract (LRT) of cattle. Indeed, it has long been held that the nasopharynx plays a causative role in the development of BRD. However, it has been shown that there is poor agreement between the microbiota of the nasopharynx and the LRT in cattle. Conflicting results from recent studies suggest that BRD pathogens in the nasopharynx may not always significantly differ between healthy cattle and those diagnosed with BRD. These observations make sense in light of recent research in human medicine, which suggests that bacterial pathogens that cause lung infections don’t originate from the nasopharynx and that the nasopharyngeal microbiota contribute very little to composition of lung microbiota. There was surprisingly more similarity between the mouth/oropharyngeal microbiotas and the lung microbiota. In the pursuit of finding alternative strategies for controlling BRD at the feedlot such as probiotics or local antimicrobials, it is crucial to understand which upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiotas contribute the most to the LRT microbiotas so that we can modulate the correct bacterial communities. Therefore, the objective of this study is to map the bacterial microbiotas present along the entire beef cattle respiratory tract and determine the relative contributions of these communities to the microbiota of the lung.
Identification of epigenetic markers predictive of late embryonic mortality in milk
Authors: Droscha C. J. , Kesler K. W. , Smith Katie , Sporer Kelly , Zenchak Jessie
Published: February 2023

Current industry standards of pregnancy diagnostics include transrectal palpation, ultrasound and measurement of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) levels via ELISA; however, there is no available diagnostic that can predict embryonic mortality, which is a major contributor to reproductive failure (Inskeep and Dailey, 2005). Early embryonic mortality (EEM) occurs before day 30 of gestation and is generally associated with failures of implantation and maternal recognition of pregnancy (Pohler et al., 2016a; Pohler et al., 2016b; Thatcher et al., 2001). Late embryonic mortality (LEM) occurs between days 30 and 60 of pregnancy is generally attributed to placental insufficiency (Pohler et al., 2016b). LEM has an inordinate economic impact for the producer due to calving interval extension (Pohler et al., 2016; Silke et al., 2002).

Developmental processes enlist epigenetic factors that tightly control the timing and magnitude of gene expression within and between mother and fetus. Detection and quantification of soluble and circulating epigenetic factors such as microRNAs to determine embryogenic fidelity is at the forefront of modern molecular diagnostics as demonstrated in non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) within humans (Biró et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2017; Zhu et al., 2013). Circulating miRNAs in serum and milk have been shown to be reliable non-invasive biomarkers of acute animal physiology due to their stable, sensitive, and specific nature (Pohler et al, 2017; Etheridge et al., 2011; Gilad et al.,2008; Izumi et al., 2012). We hypothesized that LEM-specific microRNAs in milk are present, predictive and robust biomarkers.
Euthanasia by intrathecal injection of lidocaine in calves
Authors: Rousseau Marjolaine , Tremblay-St-Jean Gabrielle , Denicourt Martine , Ndiaye Kalidou
Published: February 2023

Injectable alternatives to pentobarbital overdose euthanasia of cattle are needed to improve the safety of carcass disposal. Intrathecal injection of lidocaine has been investigated as a method of euthanasia in anesthetized horses and results in low residues in the carcasses. Its efficacy has not been evaluated in cattle. The objectives were to describe the intrathecal distribution of a dye in cadavers and to investigate its efficacy as a method of euthanasia in calves.
Trends in antimicrobial susceptibility of salmonella recovered from cattle diagnostic samples in Ohio
Authors: Orso K. M. , Cui J. , Jurkovic D. M. , Habing G.
Published: February 2023

Salmonella enterica is an important cause of illness and death in humans. There has been a great deal of efforts to reduce its impact; yet Salmonella infections continue to burden the health of U.S. consumers more than any other foodborne pathogen. Salmonellosis is also an important cause of disease in cattle, causing diarrhea, dehydration, depression, fever, decreased milk production, and anorexia. Surveillance for antimicrobial resistance within healthy food animal populations captures predominantly susceptible Salmonella serovars that are infrequent causes of human illness; however, data from cattle diagnostic submissions can be used to capture trends in antimicrobial susceptibility of strains with a higher public health relevance. Our objective was to evaluate trends in antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella recovered from diagnostic samples from clinically ill cattle submitted to the Ohio Department of Agriculture between 2006 and 2017.
Assessment of goat colostrum quality and passive transfer
Authors: St. Clair E. V. , Russell R. W. , Van Saun R. J.
Published: February 2023

Colostrum provides agammaglobulinemic newborns with immunity though immunoglobulin (IgG) passive transfer shortly after birth. Research on goat colostrum quality and passive transfer assessment is limited. Study objectives were to evaluate colostrum quality in goats defining a relationship between Brix reading and IgG concentration, document serum IgG concentration based on total IgG consumed, and determine a relationship between total protein and serum IgG concentrations.
Pharmacokinetics and anti-inflammatory effects of intravenous and transdermal flunixin meglumine in healthy goats
Authors: Reppert Emily J. , Kleinhenz Michael D. , Montgomery Shawnee R. , Magnin Geraldine , Sidhu Pritam K. , Zhang Yuntao , Joo Hyun
Published: February 2023

Flunixin meglumine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for its antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties in multiple mammalian species. In the United States (US), cattle are the only food-producing ruminant species that have an approved flunixin meglumine label. A new transdermal (TD) formulation of flunixin meglumine has been developed for use in cattle and has recently been released for use in cattle in the US. Selection of drugs for use in goats, in the US, is problematic due to the paucity of labeled products. More specifically, there are no NSAIDs labeled for use in goats in the US. Dosing, routes of administration, and indications for use of NSAIDs are extrapolated from cattle. Understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of NSAIDs in goats is critical to minimizing negative side effects of the drugs and mitigating tissue residues to ensure a safe food supply. The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic properties and anti-inflammatory effects of intravenous and transdermal flunixin meglumine in healthy goats.
Anabolic implant strategies in beef production
Authors: Parr Sandi Lee
Published: February 2023

Anabolic implants reduce the cost of production in all phases of beef production from suckling calves to finishing. There are many types of implants available with varying dosages and payout mechanisms. The value of different implants and implant strategies have been well documented in the literature, allowing for economic models to be easily generated based on biological outcomes. These data can aid in designing the optimal strategy for each phase of beef production across operational logistics.
Practical and applied use of veterinary feed directives in production
Authors: Quinn M. J.
Published: February 2023

Feed additives are important tools for livestock producers to improve animal health, wellbeing, and productivity in modern livestock production. Feed additives used for the improvement of efficiency, weight gain, and carcass characteristics have been well documented in the literature. Feed additives with animal health implications require a more diligent approach to use, and therefore require a higher level of evaluation. There are numerous labels, combinations, and dose ranges associated with feed additive use. In the current regulatory environment, the understanding of these labels and how to effectively implement the compounds which require veterinary feed directives in a practical manner is important to both those who create the directives, and those who implement them. Practical, cost-effective decisions with respect to the use of in-feed antimicrobials are multi-faceted and complex.
Disease investigations
Authors: Janzen Eugene
Published: February 2023

Bovine practise in the 21st century has changed from an emphasis on individual animal diagnosis and treatment to a diagnosis and management of a herd or a cohort of that herd. That change has meant a more comprehensive examination of the animals, environment, and the cattle management on that premises is indicated. A system of diagnostic support in a herd situation is even more important and extensive than on an individual bovine. A necessity for a herd diagnosis is a site visit and the creation of a database that includes a history, individual animal exams and their diagnostic support, necropsies, and environmental scans. A definitive clinicalpathological diagnosis is often not made, but a good clinical or epidemiological diagnosis may lead to improved cattle management that will eliminate or minimize the specific herd problem.
Neonatal distended abdomen
Authors: Depenbrock Sarah M.
Published: February 2023

The case of the neonatal distended abdomen is often referred to as “bloat”. Despite the common name, there are many different possible underlying etiologies for a distended abdomen in calves. This session discusses differential diagnoses, clinical reasoning, and diagnostic tools for investigation of common causes of bloat in calves.
What every practitioner should know about calf barn ventilation
Authors: Bovine Practitioners American Association of
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is financially significant to a dairy operation due to treatment costs, veterinary costs, loss of replacements, and reduced future production potential. High air bacterial counts have been shown to increase incidence of respiratory disease. Positive pressure tube ventilation systems aim to reduce air bacterial counts and noxious agents by driving fresh, outside air to the microenvironment of the calf. It is important for dairy practitioners to understand the basics of these systems so that they can make recommendations or troubleshoot problems.
Antibiotic use monitoring in feedlots and dairies
Authors: Apley Michael D.
Published: February 2023

Antibiotic use monitoring suffers from a lack of uniformity in the metrics used and the related terminology. There are 8 key concepts which can help guide veterinarians through the initial steps of deciphering antibiotic use data. First, there is no one perfect metric. It is also critically important to understand the granularity of the data from which the antibiotic use is calculated. Weight of antibiotics is confounded by different potencies. Regimens can help normalize antibiotic use, but be sure to know the difference between a documented regimen and estimated defined daily doses (DDDs) and Defined Course Doses (DCDs). When using the number of reported regimens or estimated number of animals exposed as a proxy for disease incidence, be sure to understand how multiple exposures for the same disease incident were addressed. Kilograms of product sold for each food animal species has a unique relationship to the production cycle and time at risk for antibiotic use. Duration of antibiotic administration may be quite different from the duration of therapeutic effect and the duration of selection for antibiotic resistant bacteria. And, lastly, comparison of antibiotic use between food animal species by any antibiotic use metric is poorly advised.
Vaccination strategies for beef cattle
Authors: Richeson John T.
Published: February 2023

Vaccines are used at various times during the beef production system with the goal of safe immunization and prevention of diseases caused by viral and bacterial pathogens. Immunization involves a complicated but coordinated network of innate and adaptive immune responses to antigen(s) over a period of days to weeks, ideally in an immunocompetent host in a state of homeostasis. However, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) involves stress and immune dysfunction in its pathogenesis, it usually occurs soon after arrival, and vaccination with modified-live virus (MLV) during stress and natural BRD challenge may be harmful in some animals. Complicated factors to consider regarding vaccination of beef cattle include timing, antigen inclusion, route of administration, and frequency of vaccination. Calves that are marketed to feedlots without previous vaccination are typically considered high-risk because they are likely to also lack weaning, deworming, and castration prior to marketing. Furthermore, high-risk cattle experience stress-induced immune dysfunction because multiple stressors occur simultaneously. Veterinary practitioners should consider new research on vaccination during physiological stress and natural pathogen exposure to better guide recommendations and expectations of their clients.
Differentiating causes of neonatal calf enteritis to enhance management and prevention
Authors: Garry Franklyn
Published: February 2023

There are numerous different agents that cause infectious enteritis in neonatal calves. Although each of these agents have some unique features, the pathophysiological effects on calves can be grouped into 2 categories that are useful in establishing appropriate treatment protocols and management guidelines. One group includes the viral pathogens rotavirus and coronavirus plus the protozoal agent Cryptosporidium. These are non-invasive, cause diarrhea with associated fluid and electrolyte loss that responds well to fluid therapy and are not affected by antibiotic treatment. The other group includes bacterial pathogens that cause different pathophysiologic changes including significant inflammatory response and invasion beyond the intestinal lining. The differences between these groups should guide treatment methods and help establish realistic prognostic expectations and preventive practices. Most affected calves are treated by the workers on a cattle operation. Educating these workers about clinical signs of disease that distinguish between causes of neonatal enteritis could help guide more successful treatment and more judicious antibiotic use.
Making the best of what you’ve got!
Authors: Locatelli Lynn
Published: February 2023

Cattle, herd animals who live in extensive environments surrounded by herd mates, can present a significant challenge to handlers tasked with sending the cattle through confined processing facilities, which often resemble an obstacle course. There are design elements that are cattle friendly, and those that are not cattle friendly which significantly impacts the technique and skill required to successfully move cattle through these processing facilities. Assessment tools and critical control point use allow handlers to create a strategy for successful movement of cattle through processing facilities.
Darts to deliver medications is a serious BQA challenge
Authors: Griffin Dee
Published: February 2023

Bottom line … DON’T DO IT! Darts for delivery of medication or vaccines to animals intended for food are not under any circumstances or in any way recommended, approved, or condoned by any veterinary organization. There is no indication from dart manufacturers that their darts met FDA and USDA required sterility requirements, and the manufacturers do not provide guidance for sterilization procedures needed to meet sterility requirements. Dart used to deliver fluoroquinolones, ceftiofur, or compounded medications (mixed or diluted other than specifically instructed on the label) is strictly illegal and considered a criminal act under the FDA Code of Federal Regulations. There is no research documenting that dart delivery of medical liquids reaches the labeled SQ or IM requirement. Not reaching the intended SQ or IM compartment eliminates all but 1 food animal medication, oxytetracycline, and there are no darts sufficient in size to accommodate the dosage requirement of the drug. Improper dosing, including under-dosing, of antibiotics can seriously risk antibiotic resistance development. Since darts do not have ballistic characteristics similar to bullets, targeting is unpredictable. This makes delivery to the neck region, the only acceptable IM or SQ injections site, inconsistent and potentially very dangerous to the animal if the cervical vertebrae are hit with a dart’s needle. This concern heightens when darts are used beyond 10 yards, and there are no dart delivery charges for this distance which do not pose the potential for embedding the dart’s cylinder through the animal’s hide into muscle.
Data driven decision making
Authors: Muller Fred J.
Published: February 2023

When I began my veterinary career in the late 1990s there was a lot of talk about production medicine in food animal medicine. And while the profession has been evolving since it began, I think at that time there was a real struggle to establish just what production medicine was. As many veterinarians described what they did as herd advisors or consultants, it was common to declare our role was to assist with establishing herd health protocols, such as vaccination or treatment protocols, and then help analyze whether those protocols were effective or not. The only problem was our evidence of whether something was working on-farm was slim to non-existent. Or, our evidence was either statistically irrelevant or incorrectly interpreted.

In the early 2000s several production medicine-oriented veterinarians began working towards improving the data we had available to evaluate herd performance and improving our ability to make good management recommendations. This started with improving our farm records systems and then developing additional analytical programs to improve the efficiency of analyzing farm records. The final step to using data to make decisions is to improve our knowledge of statistics and our ability to accurately interpreting farm data.
Leveraging social media for small ruminant practices
Authors: Miller Blake H.
Published: February 2023

Fortunately or unfortunately, having a presence on Facebook, Instagram, Google, and other social media outlets has become the most common way for clients to discover their local veterinarian. Because of this, it is important to be able to be able to engage the customer through creating online business profiles on social media, posting on social media outlets, curating positive reviews, and responding to positive and negative reviews.
Securing employment, mentorship and quality of life from the new employee perspective
Authors: Barnhardt Tera Rooney
Published: February 2023

Concluding one’s educational career and venturing into the arena of employment in the veterinary profession can be a daunting, yet exhilarating apex in life. Unfortunately, our personalities often set us up as achievers who assume the perfect job must be obtained in order to be professionally fulfilled. The perfect job probably doesn’t exist. This paper will discuss navigating the first year of employment following graduation from the perspective of the recent graduate. Suggestions will be made about how to reverse the traditional job interview and use the opportunity to find a position that fits your goals best.
Experiences of faculty mentorship of students in the job search and interview process
Authors: Brick Troy A.
Published: February 2023

The method of veterinary education will vary slightly from university to university depending on location of the college and makeup of the veterinary student body. Understanding that there are differences can help you prepare to hire a new associate. You should also understand that your input at the college level can help guide of some of the decisions with respect to content and methods of teaching veterinary students. This discussion will address experiences in teaching veterinary students at a few university colleges of veterinary medicine.
Building your bullpen
Authors: Rooker Eric J.
Published: February 2023

According to the AVMA, 20% of veterinarians are expected to retire in the next decade. This means that nationwide there will be a need to replace this highly qualified workforce. However, 1 of the top complaints on list-serves for veterinary clinic owners is the inability to find and retain quality employees, specifically veterinary associates in rural America.

For years, veterinary clinics have been able to rely on the tried and true “job listing ad” to garner replacement associates for their private practice. However, for a variety of reasons, today’s generation of veterinarians is more likely to choose an alternative path into corporate, urban, or relief-type work.

To compete with these areas, we must rethink our recruitment process, beginning earlier, evaluating continuously, and offering aggressively. Fostering long-term relationships with job candidates that span years, not weeks, and wooing them with contract offers that extend beyond traditional salary and benefit packages.

To compete in today’s aggressive hiring economy, we must adapt and pursue other avenues that make our practices more appealing to the next generation of veterinarians.
Factors influencing job and career satisfaction in veterinarians 10 years or fewer from graduation
Authors: Gilliam Gabryelle N. , White Brad J. , McLellan Jiena G. , Pendell Dustin L. , Larson Robert L.
Published: February 2023

Retention of veterinarians in practice is critical to longterm practice success. Understanding factors influencing satisfaction can provide information for practice managers to positively influence the work environment. The study objective is to identify potential factors influencing job and career satisfaction in veterinarians less than 10 years from graduation. Secondary outcomes include factors influencing current financial, physical, and emotional health. A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey with 82 complete responses was used for analysis. Respondents were representative of recent graduates and most respondents were satisfied with their job (83.0%) and career (84.1%). Both job and career satisfaction were higher when respondents believed they received adequate recognition. Financial health was associated with technician-to-veterinarian ratio, adequate recognition, current debt, and raise frequency. Physical health was associated with length at the current job and current debt. Emotional health was significantly associated with years at the current job, having held an internship, and technician-to-veterinarian ratio. In general, most veterinarians within 10 years of graduation were satisfied with their job and career choice. Several factors influenced job satisfaction, career satisfaction, and financial, physical, and emotional health. Understanding these factors can help employers and employees maintain a healthy working environment.
Building blocks for positive team culture
Authors: Taylor Becky
Published: February 2023

This session will explore fundamental principles and actions that contribute to positive team culture. Building on best hiring, retaining and performance development practices, understanding team dynamics, setting ground rules, holding everyone accountable and being honest with positive intentions can set the stage for practice culture that contributes to overall practice success. Overwhelmingly, high functioning teams are those with contributive and open team communication and shared values.
easier way to deliver calves
Authors: Hilton W. Mark
Published: February 2023

Prevention of dystocia is the goal for nearly every beef and dairy herd owner, but a zero-dystocia incidence every year is highly unrealistic. Veterinarians must be skilled not only in assisting clients in preventing dystocias, but also in treating them. Various techniques are suggested for assisting a cow with a dystocia. The Utrecht method is a time-tested technique that reduces the stress on the cow, calf and technician before, during and after the delivery process.
American cow vet
Authors: Hake Marissa
Published: February 2023

The role of a bovine veterinarian continues to change and differentiate, as the structure of the traditional farm evolves. Our cow vets will adapt into new roles on these farms and within our communities. Veterinarians have long been trusted sources of non-biased information for consumers and community members alike. As consumers, customers, and brands look for greater transparency from their supply chains, veterinarians can help facilitate meaningful communication and value-added services.
How to save the eye on 95% of your cancer eye surgeries
Authors: Hilton W. Mark
Published: February 2023

The overwhelming majority of cows with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC or “cancer eye”) can have the neoplastic tissue removed so that the eye does not have to be removed. Early detection of SCC is the key to only having to excise the neoplastic tissue while saving the eye. A lesion of approximately 1 cm or less can be readily seen when the cow walks through the chute for yearly vaccinations and/or pregnancy examination, and it is easily removed at this time.

Cows with SCC should not necessarily be automatic culls. A cow with a small lesion on the third eyelid or on the cornea that is removed in a timely fashion can have a long and productive life in the herd.
Determination of fetal viability
Authors: Lear Andrea S.
Published: February 2023

Assessment of the feto-placental unit is needed during maternal states of health and disease. This presentation will discuss practical approaches to assess reproductive efficiency and placental health. Biomarkers including pregnancy-associated glycoproteins, and the use of ultrasonography will be described. Current literature review will be presented describing the utilization of different markers to assess placental health during times of disease or determine fetal outcome following conception. The practitioner will be exposed to cutting-edge research in the area of placental health, yet walk away with a practical understanding where these progressive techniques can be used in practice.
Field necropsy and diagnostic sample submission
Authors: Griffin Dee
Published: February 2023

Field necropsies can provide a wealth of information that can help guide production management decisions. Techniques outlined can allow a veterinary practitioner to complete a thorough necropsy of a bovine, including examination of the brain when indicated, in less than 20 min. Outlined procedures emphasize not detaching organs from the carcass unless necessary, thereby making carcass removal by rendering companies more efficient and minimizing cleanup on the production unit premise. An observation and history collection system using form templates and photographs is outlined that improves efficiency of recording necropsy results. One key to necropsy efficiency, speed, and enjoyment is having sharp knives. The first part of this paper includes tips for sharpening knives, and also includes detailed information on appropriate diagnostic specimen handling, packaging, and shipping.
Embryo quality and development in sub-fertile dairy cows
Authors: Reisenauer C. , Kasimanickam V. , Kasimanickam R.
Published: February 2023

Embryo Transfer (ET) is a valuable tool that producers can use to decrease the generation interval and/or quickly increase the genetic potential of the herd. Several factors affect the implantation and establishment of pregnancy with embryos such as fresh vs frozen, produced in vivo vs in vitro, and disease in the recipients. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of embryo quality and subclinical endometritis (SCE) in Holstein Friesian recipient cows on early embryonic death (EED) between d 7 to d 16.
Evaluating the ability of quarter and cow-level somatic cell count to diagnose intramammary infections with non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) and Corynebacterium species
Authors: Jeffrey C. E. , Barlow J. W.
Published: February 2023

The ability to readily and dependably identify high cell-count quarters in dairy cattle that may have intramammary infections is key before any steps can be made to improve bulk-tank milk (BTSCC) quality. Prior work evaluating quarter-level somatic cell count (SCC) showed it can be a poor predictor of intramammary infection (IMI), but this work focused on a high SCC herd and broad categories of pathogens. The objective of this project is to establish how well quarterand cow-level SCC corresponds to culture data for diagnosis of IMI in 10 herds with a low BTSCC, specifically evaluating 2 minor mastitis pathogens of increasing importance, non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) and Corynebacterium species. We will also explore if either composite or quarter SCC before and after sampling dates may predict a change in IMI status.
Retrospective analysis on timing of non-infectious heart disease deaths during feeding period in US fed cattle
Authors: Johnson B. T. , Amrine D. E. , Larson R. L. , Weaber R. L. , White B. J.
Published: February 2023

Non-infectious heart disease sporadically affects fed cattle and is commonly thought to cause death late in the feeding period. Data relating days on feed to heart disease deaths in US feedyards are limited. The study objective was to evaluate days on feed when heart deaths occurred during the feeding period, and potential effects of cohort demographics related to heart disease death timing.
Transcriptomic profiling of BRD-attributed mortality in stocker cattle identifies active inflammatory and antiviral pathways at arrival
Authors: Scott Matthew A. , Woolums Amelia R. , Swiderski Cyprianna E. , Perkins Andy D. , Nanduri Bindu , Smith David R. , Karisch Brandi B. , Epperson William B.
Published: February 2023

Diagnosis and management of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), the most significant disease complex in post-weaned beef cattle, relies predominantly upon nonspecific clinical signs. Research is necessary to discern the underlying biological processes associated with BRD acquisition and severity. We hypothesize that at-arrival whole blood transcriptomes of stocker cattle will distinguish host immunologic responses that influence BRD severity, defined by BRD-attributed mortality.
Mixed methods study investigating the effect of veterinary experiences prior to and during veterinary school on job satisfaction in mixed practice
Authors: Gibbons P. M. , Roberson J. , Roberson S. , Pierce R. , Fogelberg K.
Published: February 2023

Factors attributing to the high veterinary attrition rate are numerous, but previous studies have focused primarily on small animal veterinarians.
Surveillance of Anaplasma marginale in Arkansas beef cattle herds
Authors: Apple G. L. , Thomas L. R. , Ward H. M. , Reif K. E. , Anantatat T. , Flowers M. , White A. C. , Powell J. G.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to utilize both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) tests to determine the general prevalence of A. marginale in Arkansas beef cattle within 6 different geographical regions of the state. Anaplasmosis is an economically devastating disease in cattle that is caused by the rickettsial parasite Anaplasma marginale. It is estimated that this parasite causes over $300 million in expenses for the US cattle industry annually. In Arkansas, the beef cattle industry is the fifth largest agricultural commodity in the state. As a result, a better understanding of this disease and its prevalence within the state is needed.
survey to identify factors associated with veterinarian and administrative staff turnover in rural veterinary practices
Authors: Gilliam G. N. , White B. J. , Dodd C. C.
Published: February 2023

Employee recruitment and retention is challenging for rural veterinary practices. Employee turnover creates personnel replacement costs that hinder profits. This survey identified factors potentially associated with veterinarian and administrative personnel turnover.
Blood calcium as a prognostic indicator of left-displaced abomasum postsurgical correction success
Authors: Bach K. D. , McArt J. A. A.
Published: February 2023

Subclinical hypocalcemia, a reduction in blood calcium concentrations without apparent clinical signs of milk fever, occurs in 25 to 50% of early-postpartum dairy cows. Compared to their normocalcemic counterparts, research has shown these cows are at an increased risk of additional early-lactation diseases, including left-displaced abomasum (LDA). However, no work has assessed the association of total calcium (tCa) concentration at the time of LDA correction on subsequent milk yield and survival within the herd. Pending future development of an economical and accurate on-farm test for hypocalcemia, the ability to assess LDA prognosis post-surgical correction based on pre-correction blood tCa concentration is of great interest to practitioners. Therefore, our objective was to determine the association of blood tCa concentration at the time of LDA surgical correction on milk yield and removal from herd in the 60 d post-correction.
Identifying barriers to successful dairy cow lameness management using stakeholder focus groups
Authors: Wynands E. , Ventura B. , Roche S. , Cramer G.
Published: February 2023

Lameness is a leading animal welfare concern in the dairy industry as it is painful and impacts cow longevity in the herd. Multiple stakeholders are involved in lameness management on a dairy farm including farmers, hoof trimmers, and veterinarians. The objective of this study was to explore perceptions of lameness and barriers to improved lameness management in these groups.
Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiolic acid in cattle following oral dosing of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa)
Authors: Kleinhenz M. D. , Magnin G. , Lin J. , Griffin J. , Kleinhenz K. E. , Curtis A. , Martin M. , Coetzee J. F.
Published: February 2023

Industrial hemp (IH) (Cannabis sativa containing <0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]) has gained recent traction as a novel agricultural commodity. Hemp plants and byproducts are considered to have nutritional and potentially therapeutic value. The presence of bioactive cannabinoid compounds including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and 9-tetrahydrocannabolic acid (THCA-A) in hemp may result in drug residues in edible tissues that pose a food safety risk to the consumer. The absence of published data describing the pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids in livestock is a significant impediment to research.
Passive immunity and colostrum management practices on Ontario dairy farms and auction facilities
Authors: Winder C. B. , Marshall J. , Tuer B. , Genore R. , Renaud D. L.
Published: February 2023

Failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in dairy calves has substantial health consequences, impacting wellbeing and performance. There have been no recent estimates of the prevalence of FTPI on Ontario dairy farms. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the level of FTPI in both male and female dairy calves across the province of Ontario, as well as determine colostrum management practices through an in-person questionnaire.
Association of uterine fluid metabolites with the occurrence of metritis in dairy cows
Authors: Caixeta L. S. , Guo Y. , Calles V. F. , Rocha C. , Cheeran M. , McCue M. , Chen C.
Published: February 2023

Metritis is highly prevalent (10-30%) in dairy cows leading to decreased reproductive performance and economic losses. Recent studies demonstrated that aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are present in the uterine lumen of all cows immediately after parturition. Although the etiology of uterine diseases is mainly attributed to bacterial infection, bacterial contamination alone is not sufficient for the development of metritis. Reduced immune function and impaired regulation of inflammation are other components in the pathogenesis of metritis. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the association of the uterine fluid biomarkers at the day of calving and metritis incidence within the first 2 weeks postpartum. We hypothesize that a disturbed uterine fluid metabolic landscape at the day of calving contributes to the development of metritis in dairy cows.