bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the relationship between udder towel hygiene, udder towel management and intramammary infection in late lactation dairy cows
Authors: Rowe S. M. , Godden S. M. , Royster E. E. , Timmerman J. A. , Boyle M.
Published: February 2023

Pre-milking cleaning and teat disinfection is a common practice on US dairy farms. Studies have shown that towel laundering practices can influence levels of bacteria in towels that are used in teat preparation. Consequently, some laboratories offer towel culture services, which are used by practitioners to evaluate the effectiveness of towel laundering systems. However, the impact of poor towel hygiene on udder health is not well understood, and few surveys have been conducted to describe towel hygiene, or management strategies to improve towel hygiene, on US dairy farms.

The objectives of this cross-sectional study are to: 1) describe the levels of bacteria in udder towels on US dairy farms, 2) describe associations between towel total bacteria count (TBC) and intramammary infection (IMI) prevalence for individual pathogens and specific pathogen groups in late lactation cows, 3) identify laundering-related risk factors for high towel bacteria count, and 4) identify critical levels of bacteria in towels, that might be used as cut-points to guide practitioners when interpreting towel culture reports. This study is ongoing, with results currently being assembled. In this abstract we report preliminary results.
Effects of local anesthetic or systemic analgesia on pain associated with cautery disbudding in calves
Authors: Winder C. B. , Miltenburg C. L. , Sargeant J. M. , LeBlanc S. J. , Haley D. B. , Lissemore K. D. , Godkin M. A. , Duffield T. F.
Published: February 2023

Disbudding is a common management procedure performed on dairy farms and, when done without pain mitigation, is viewed as a key welfare issue. Use of pain control has increased in recent years, but full adoption of anesthesia and analgesia by veterinarians or dairy producers has not been achieved. Part of the gap between primary research and application in the dairy industry may be driven by the lack of a consistent set of recommendations from primary research papers. Likewise, narrative reviews typically do not include evidence-based methods to identify, assess, and synthesize results; as a result, conclusions may suffer from bias. Conversely, properly conducted systematic reviews offer a more robust and transparent methodology to identify, evaluate, and summarize evidence on a given topic. Meta-analysis also allow for synthesis of overall effects as well as identification and exploration of causes of heterogeneity among studies, possibly identifying sources of variability that may be further examined or used to guide inferences of the robustness of the observed effects across different study designs or settings. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effects of these pain control practices for the most common method of disbudding (cautery) on outcomes associated with disbudding pain in calves.
Transitioning from film to farm
Authors: Ostrum Peter
Published: February 2023

As a food animal veterinarian in a rural community, it can sometimes be difficult to appreciate the contributions that our profession provides to the local and global healthcare arena. As trusted and respected professionals, veterinarians may be the ideal messenger to help promote the "One Health” initiative of interdisciplinary collaboration and communication in all aspects of healthcare for humans, animals, and the environment.  Modern agricultural trends and demographic changes in recent decades have allowed many consumers to lose touch with their historical agrarian roots. To help bridge this gap, technically proficient veterinarians with excellent communication skills can play a key role to clarify animal agriculture practices in the US today.  Drawing on our previous life experiences, our responsibility to the veterinary profession as bovine practitioners is to embrace new challenges with imagination and grace. Recent graduates and seasoned veterans need to remain confident, yet humble, as we realize our personal and professional goals and aspirations.
Establishing a diagnosis
Authors: Roussel Allen J.
Published: February 2023

The physical examination may be becoming a lost art. Perhaps every generation of veterinarians has had the same feeling as they see more and more technology enhancing our ability to reach a diagnosis, but at the same time replacing some of the time-tested techniques of the physical examination. 1 am certainly not against technological advances-most of us at academic institutions are drawn there because of the advanced diagnostic equipment available to us. I am chagrined, however, by the growing dependence upon imaging, laboratory evaluation, and other sophisticated techniques to make a diagnosis when often a physical examination and a very simple confirmatory test would reach the same conclusion in less time and for less cost. My goal in this presentation is to review the techniques of physical examination for both the part-time bovine veterinarian, as well as the experienced bovine veterinarian. There is no question that the combination of excellent physical examination and rational use of sophisticated diagnostic equipment will achieve the optimal results.
Taking the wheel of your future
Authors: Fox Trent
Published: February 2023

This presentation is an outline of how I got to where I am with a few pointers I have learned and help me every day. I grew up on a small farm in south-central Kansas. I knew 1 wanted to work in a feedyard, but wasn’t exactly sure in what capacity. I attended Kansas State University upon high school graduation, and pursued a degree in animal science, again, no idea what I was going to do. I was lucky enough with my grades that I was afforded the opportunity to join the Honors program and conduct a research trial on cattle. It was extra work, but I quickly learned that I like research and answering production-related questions.
Guidebook for mentors and mentees
Authors: Apley Michael D.
Published: February 2023

Someone who respects you more than you deserve, and expects from you more than you think you can give. That is my working definition of a mentor. All of us have mentors, and many of us have mentors yet to be discovered. Not everyone that you encounter who is more experienced or older than you will be a mentor. The term mentor implies an investment in you, an interest in your success beyond just giving input on doing your job. Mentorship may start with technical skills, but any relationship that truly molds you soon evolves into life skills; those skills that allow you to cope with pressure, balance life and work, and interact with other people. This presentation covers some key points about being both a mentor and a mentee. These are learned from tuition paid in both roles. Tuition? It comes in a lot of forms other than $$$.
Cow-calf chute-side data collection and reports
Authors: Bolinger John D.
Published: February 2023

Management event reports can be used to help cowcalf producers make decisions at key points throughout the year. These reports can be created chute-side using an iPad and allow the veterinarian to provide instant information to discuss with producers. This presentation details how tablets are used during farm visits to collect health and performance data, and to generate reports for the producer before leaving the farm.
Assessing the efficacy of autogenous vaccines in bovine diseases
Authors: O'Connor Annette M.
Published: February 2023

Vaccination is an important tool for preventing disease. In human medicine and veterinary health, the eradication of smallpox and rinderpest are stellar examples of how effective vaccinations can be. Other outstanding examples include vaccines against measles, mumps, and rubella in humans. In animal health, most vaccines are marketed broadly for use on multiple animals and farms. However, autogenous vaccines, which are intended for use on a single farm, are also common in livestock health worldwide. For this presentation, I discuss concepts related to assessing the efficacy of vaccines and provide a summary of the publicly available evidence from the scientific literature regarding the efficacy of autogenous vaccines.
New era of parasite control
Authors: Navarre Christine B.
Published: February 2023

Control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) may have economic and health impacts in beef cattle operations. In the past several decades, GIN control has relied almost exclusively on the use of anthelmintics. With the increase in anthelmintic resistance (AR) new strategies must be developed. Knowledge of GIN biology and epidemiology in the region based on climate and weather, and specific information from the ranch, such as quantitative fecal egg counts, estimates of AR through fecal egg count reduction tests, ages of the cattle and pasture management are necessary to develop GIN control programs. Control programs should integrate grazing management, management of the immune system so cattle can resist infection, and anthelmintic use.
Genetic predictions used to mitigate disease and increase profitability
Authors: Spare Randall K.
Published: February 2023

Veterinarians have much opportunity to add value to services by having a robust understanding of EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences) in beef cattle. As producers work to increase profitability, sustainability and transparency, veterinarians, as trusted members of the management team, are positioned to consult in the area of genetics. Management practices that decrease disease risk, increase growth, modify temperament, and increase the quality of the carcass at harvest are all influenced by the genetic makeup of each animal.
Genomics and the beef industry
Authors: Spangler Matthew L.
Published: February 2023

Genomic selection has become pervasive across all animal breeding programs. In the beef industry, genotyping a non-parent animal is equivalent to that animal having already produced approximately 5 to 25 offspring, depending on the trait. Although this increase in information can greatly increase the rate of genetic gain, if utilized, the benefit of genomic information could be multiplied if it were to be used throughout all sectors of the beef industry. This would ideally require a data feedback loop whereby commercial-level phenotypes were used in genetic evaluation and prediction of genetic merit to inform management decisions of commercial animals. The decisions made could be enhanced using sophisticated software to contemplate genetics, environment, management, and societal demands many of which manifest into economic constraints. The objective of this paper is to briefly summarize the current state of genomic selection and to propose a path forward relative to a more comprehensive use of genetic information throughout the beef industry.
robot uprising
Authors: Treichler Brandon K.
Published: February 2023

As more and more dairies in North America and globally turn to robotic milking, the same technology that reduces labor and allows the cows to milk at the times and intervals they choose can also separate us from the cow. The integration of robotic milking technology also tends to make practitioners and consultants less likely to feel capable and qualified to help robotic milking herds produce high quality milk and diagnose production and milkability issues. By remembering that robotic milking functions with the same principles of milk harvest as conventional milking facilities, and that the same factors that lead to high quality milk production in conventional milking facilities will also lead to high quality milk in robotic milking, practitioners and consultants can stay focused on the key areas that matter most to milk quality. Practitioners and consultants can play a role in helping robotically milked dairies succeed through observation and testing that ensures the dairy is milking clean teats, gently, quickly, and completely in order to maintain teat health.
Ruminate on this
Authors: Stangaferro Matias L. , Perez Martin M. , Giordano Julio O.
Published: February 2023

Over the past several years, the structure of the dairy industry has changed dramatically, with fewer dairy operations, larger herd sizes, higher labor costs, and a reduction of qualified labor. These factors, along with a recent explosion in the development and commercialization of sensor-based automated systems for dairy farms, have become major drivers for the automation of different farm activities. In this regard, new technologies have the ability to positively change herd management in many ways. For example, they have the potential to reduce the burden associated with health monitoring programs by reducing labor cost, improving cow time-budgets, and providing tools for more accurate and earlier disease diagnosis. Similarly, these systems can provide valuable information in other areas such as reproduction and nutrition. Still, sensor data are only useful if interpreted and used efficiently in the decision-making process. This article aims to describe current knowledge about the potential use of automated health monitoring systems (AHMS) to identify cows with health disorders, with special focus on the practical “on farm” implementation of these technologies.
Facilitating knowledge transfer through producer meetings
Authors: Capel Michael
Published: February 2023

Producer meetings can be a valuable tool for providing information to clients and receiving feedback. Meetings can cover a wide range of topics and material. They can be used to deliver new information, highlight opportunities, and challenge producers to improve. They may involve a variety of participants and can take place in a variety of locations. Participating in non-traditional services such as producer meetings helps to maintain the veterinarian’s position as an engaged information provider.
On the journey for great diagnostics
Authors: Thompson Belinda S.
Published: February 2023

Diagnostic medicine is an integral part of bovine medicine and veterinary production animal medicine. These proceedings will discuss the standard of care related to diagnostic medicine. Strategies will be presented for minimizing diagnostic errors in the critical thinking process associated with making diagnostic decisions, as well as in the logistics of sample handling and requesting testing. Common diagnostic errors will be highlighted with suggestions on how to avoid them. Recommended resources for bovine veterinarians are included.
what, why, and physiologic cost of leaky gut syndrome
Authors: Rodriguez-Jimenez S. , Horst E. A. , Mayorga E. J. , Kvidera S. K. , Abeyta M. A. , Goetz B. M. , Carta S. , Baumgard L. H.
Published: February 2023

Heat stress and metabolic maladaptation to lactation (ketosis) are 2 economically devastating hurdles to profitability. These stressors affect herds of all sizes and almost every dairy region in the world. The biology of heat stress and ketosis has been studied for almost a half century, but the negative impacts of both are as evident today as they were 30 years ago. Our recent discoveries suggest that endotoxin is the common culprit in both disorders and the intestine appears to be the etiological origin of both metabolic disorders. Endotoxin stimulates the immune system and activated leukocytes switch their metabolism away from oxidative phosphorylation to rely more on aerobic glycolysis. In multiple species, we estimate that immune activation consumes about 0.45 g glucose/lb (1 g/kg) BW0.75 or about 0.9 lb (2 kg) glucose/day in an adult lactating dairy cow. Thus, an activated immune system reprioritizes nutrient partitioning away from the synthesis of economically valuable products.
Bluetongue in small ruminants
Authors: Bowen Joan S.
Published: February 2023

Case descriptions and photographs depicting characteristic symptoms of bluetongue in small ruminants will be presented as well as recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of further cases for this insecttransmitted viral disease.
Technology in the veterinary workplace
Authors: Rooker Eric J.
Published: February 2023

Grace Hopper said that the most dangerous phrase in our modern language is, “We’ve always done it this way.” Her statement is truer today than ever. In an age of rapidly evolving technology and innovation, we as veterinary medical professionals must strive to keep up and continue innovating if we wish to remain relevant in the highly competitive food animal consultant industry. This means that veterinarians need to provide clients with new cutting-edge services that will ultimately improve the quality of life for their operation’s animals and provide positive economic returns.
Using feedback to enhance motivation and performance
Authors: Stup Richard E.
Published: February 2023

Giving your team feedback on their performance is your most important job as a supervisory leader. Your team won’t know how they are doing unless you give them feedback that they can understand and use. Even worse, without good feedback, employees who are performing badly might think they are doing great, and employees who are excelling might think they are failing. In either case, feedback is powerfully connected with motivation, either to improve substandard performance or to continue improving already strong performance.
Growing a milk quality stream in practice
Authors: Meadows Phil
Published: February 2023

The elimination of milk equipment analysis by Dairy Farmers of Ontario left a void for this service. With a dairy farm background and interest in milk quality services, this speaker added a milk quality consultation service to his veterinary practice. For this endeavor to be successful, include the herd veterinarian and a milk equipment company representative in the action plan to improve milk quality.
Mentoring milkers while bridging the language barrier
Authors: Swan Ashley J.
Published: February 2023

The dairy industry is increasingly reliant on hired employees, much of which is represented by immigrant labor. Thus, there is a growing need for training and education of dairy employees as there is often a lack of previous dairy experience, and employee turnover rates are problematic on many farms. This is especially the case for tasks related to milk quality, i.e., milking, moving cows, housing management, etc. Veterinarians are uniquely qualified to help bridge the gap between the labor needs of the dairy farm and the needs of employees so that they can better engage in the productivity of the farm.

This article will offer personal experiences from the perspective of a private practitioner, on how to develop and sustain an employee training model that not only includes ‘how to do things’, but ‘why they are important’. Cultural and language barriers may intimidate some practitioners from participating in employee training if the farm workforce includes Latino employees. However, these issues can be addressed and economic value for the farm and employee satisfaction can be attained.
Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing arrival versus delayed vaccination of high-risk beef cattle with 5-way modified-live viral vaccines against BHV-1, BRSV, PI3, and BVD types 1 and 2
Authors: Snyder E. R. , Credille B. C. , Berghaus R. D. , Heins B. D.
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in North American beef cattle, and thus a major economic and welfare concern of individuals involved in the beef cattle industry. The most common viruses implicated in BRD are Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), Parainfluenza 3 (PI3), and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Viruses types 1 and 2 (BVD 1 and 2), and it is common practice to administer vaccines against these viruses to cattle entering feedlots and stocker operations at arrival. However, there have long been concerns that cattle may not mount an optimal immune response when vaccinated at this time. A number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of vaccination timing on morbidity and mortality, but often include other interventions that might confound interpretation of the results. This can make an objective evaluation of the effects of only vaccination timing difficult. It is therefore our goal to provide a systematic review of these studies, and extract relevant data to perform a meta-analysis of vaccine timing on BRD morbidity, retreatment rate, and mortality.
Comparison of whole-genome sequencing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis for characterizing relationships in Mannheimia haemolytica
Authors: Snyder E. R. , Logue C. M. , Credille B. C.
Published: February 2023

It has long been presumed that cattle developing BRD tend to become sick from their own native strains of Mannheimia haemolytica. Previous work by others has demonstrated that the diversity of Mannheimia haemolytica, as evaluated by PFGE, within a pen of cattle remains high during BRD outbreaks. Prior to the development of whole genome sequencing (WGS), pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) had been considered the gold standard for characterizing outbreaks of bacterial disease. Recently, many studies from the human literature have raised question regarding the accuracy of PFGE as WGS has become more widely implemented. Studies investigating Acinetobacter baumanii, Clostridium difficile, and vancomycin resistant Enterococci outbreaks in hospitals have shown WGS to have superior discernment and more accurately classify strains when compared to PFGE. Considering the superiority of WGS in characterizing outbreaks in all of these species, if may be that relationships inferred in Mannheimia haemolytica based on PFGE could be inaccurate. It is therefore our goal to compare the discernment ability of PFGE and WGS for Mannheimia haemolytica isolates collected from beef cattle.
Intramammary casein hydrolysate compared with other dry treatments in dairy cattle
Authors: Wilson D. J. , Britten J. E. , Rood K. A.
Published: February 2023

Consumers and the dairy industry are interested in alternatives to standard antibiotic dry cow therapy (DCT) for dairy cows. Objectives were comparison of intramammary (IMM) casein hydrolysate (CH) alone or combined with DCT and/or internal teat sealant (TS) with DCT + TS (Control) dry treatments. Comparisons between treatments included change in mammary involution markers bovine lactoferrin (bLf) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in milk during the first 10 d dry and the intramammary infection (IMI) outcomes Cure, Chronic or New IMI following calving.
Effects of anthelmintic treatment on production performance, carcass quality, and predominant nematode species in feedlot cattle from western Canada
Authors: De Seram E. , Penner G. , Gilleard J. , Campbell J. , Redman E. , Pollock C. , Ekanayake S. , Uehlinger F.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of currently used anthelmintics on production performance, carcass quality characteristics, and species diversity in western Canadian feedlot calves. Changes in climate and anthelmintic susceptibility are changing the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock. However, the production impact of gastrointestinal nematodes in beef cattle from western Canada has not been studied in decades.
Histologic comparison of inflammatory cells in the penile and preputial epithelium of young vs mature beef bulls
Authors: Rush J. B. , Edmondson M. A. , Roberts J. , Passler T. , Wolfe D. F. , Maxwell H. , Maman Z. S. , Gard J. A.
Published: February 2023

There is evidence supporting clearance of the Tritrichomonas foetus in young bulls. The reasons for mature bulls becoming chronic carriers and resolution of venereal infections in young bulls have not been illuminated. It has been hypothesized that there is variation in the inflammatory response in the reproductive tract as the bull ages. Hence, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the immune cell population in the normal bovine penile and preputial epithelium and to examine any differences in cell populations between young and mature age groups. Our hypothesis was that there are significant differences in immune cell types within the penile and preputial epithelium and dermis of young versus mature bulls.
Prevalence of ‘Mycoplasma wenyonii’ and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos in Wisconsin and Michigan dairy cattle herds
Authors: Schambow R. A. , Poulsen K. , Bolin S. , Krahn D. , Norby B. , Sockett D. , Ruegg P.
Published: February 2023

Mycoplasma wenyonii (fmr. Eperythrozoon wenyonii) is a hemotrophic, epicellular bacterial parasite of cattle and is associated with clinical disorders including hemolytic anemia, decreased milk yield, and scrotal, teat, and hindlimb edema. M. wenyonii and related organism, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos have been found in apparently healthy cattle in other countries, but little is known about their prevalence in the U.S. The objective of this prospective, cross-sectional study was to determine herd-level prevalence of M. wenyonii and C.M. haemobos in dairy cattle located in WI and MI.
Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in domestic animal species in South Africa
Authors: Sellge Stephanie , Wolters Rachael , Qekwana Daniel Nenene , Oguttu James , Odoi Agricola
Published: February 2023

The problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in veterinary medicine is increasing globally. Unfortunately, little is known regarding the patterns of AMR in dairy farms in South Africa and how farming practices may be contributing to the problem. For instance, infection with mastitis-causing pathogens is an important problem in the dairy industry in South Africa and injudicious use of antimicrobials against these pathogens might contribute to development of AMR. Understanding non-therapeutic management practices used in mastitis control, as well as how farmers use antimicrobials both prophylactically and therapeutically due to these infections, is important in providing information to curb or slow down the development of AMR. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess: 1) management practices used by farmers to control mastitis in dairy farms in Gauteng Province, South Africa; 2) knowledge and antibiotic use practices among dairy farmers; and 3) antimicrobial resistance patterns among selected mastitis-causing pathogens.
Alterations in the fecal microbiome of lactating dairy cows during experimentally induced heat stress
Authors: Witzke M. C. , Rodrigues R. O. , Shangraw E. M. , Ericsson A. C. , McFadden T. B. , Adkins P. R. F.
Published: February 2023

Heat stress costs the dairy industry over $1.2 billion annually as a result of decreased milk production. Mastitis incidence is higher during the warmer months of the year, presumably due to a seasonal increase in Gram-negative organisms in the bedding of dairy cows. It is currently unknown if the increased environmental load of Gram-negative organisms during warmer months is associated with cows shedding more of these organisms in their feces, which has been documented in laying hens. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of heat stress on the fecal microbiome of lactating dairy cows. We hypothesized there would be a decrease in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and an increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in the feces of dairy cows during heat stress; specifically, an increase in Gram-negative environmental mastitis pathogens.
Genomic characterization of Salmonella Dublin recovered from Ohio cattle
Authors: Habing G. , Byrne B. , Zhang Y. , Cui J.
Published: February 2023

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica is a threat to animal and human health. Salmonella Dublin, a bovine-adapted S. enterica serotype, causes severe outbreaks among calves that frequently result in high mortality. Additionally, S. Dublin causes invasive infections in people, and the incidence of S. Dublin infections in people has been increasing over the past decade. Recovered isolates are frequently resistant to antimicrobials necessary for the treatment of invasive infections in calves and people. The transmission pathways of virulent Salmonella serotypes are not well characterized. Genomic characterization of recovered strains can be used to elucidate the genetic relatedness and identify potential routes of transmission. Therefore, the objective of this study as to characterize the genetic relatedness and genomic antimicrobial resistance determinants of S. Dublin recovered from cattle in Ohio.
Evaluation of the accuracy of an electronic point-of-care analyzer to quantify blood creatinine concentration in goats
Authors: Boileau M. J. , Wagner L. F. , Taylor J. D.
Published: February 2023

The main objective of this study was to validate the accuracy of the Nova StatSensor creatinine POC meter (measurement range: 0.3 to 12 mg/dL) for quantifying the blood creatinine concentration in goats presented to Oklahoma State University Boren Veterinary Medical Hospital. A secondary objective was to compare this POC meter against a standard chemistry analyzer to triage goats into 3 clinically applicable categories: healthy, pre-renal azotemia, and postrenal azotemia. We hypothesize that the Nova StatSensor POC meter will generate blood creatinine values comparable to those obtained via the chemistry analyzer.
Tips from a physical therapist
Authors: Uhlenhake Scott Jeffrey
Published: February 2023

Bovine veterinarians must perform very physically challenging tasks and often disregard simple injury prevention techniques due to such things as a lack of knowledge, prioritizing the animals over themselves, and/or not taking the time to consider options. Applying basic principles of body mechanics while performing essential duties could assist with decreasing stress on their bodies and prevent or at least delay the onset of pain or other symptoms. Additional knowledge regarding topics such as good posture, sleep positioning, and basic orthopedic care including stretching could improve the health of the veterinarian, allowing them to continue providing veterinary care while also being able to participate with activities outside of work as desired. A physical therapist spent significant time with a group of bovine veterinarians providing individual examinations and observing job tasks in a wide range of environments. To be indispensable for the long term, bovine veterinarians must become more aware of HUMAN injury prevention and treatment options for themselves.
Calving detours
Authors: Masterson Margaret A.
Published: February 2023

Many times, it is not possible to deliver a calf vaginally. Veterinarians need to be familiar with the indications for a cesarean section (C-section), how to perform the surgery, and to move on to this option in a timely manner to achieve the best results. This paper will cover the indications for a C-section. There are several surgical approaches, but in general the left flank approach is the easiest to perform. Anesthesia is typically achieved with a paravertebral block of inverted “L”. Once the abdomen is open, the uterus is brought to the incision. A uterine incision starting at the hock and extending to and around the hoof is made through which the calf is delivered. If the uterus cannot be brought to the incision, it can be opened in the abdomen with the aid of a letter opener. Severely contaminated calvings may require a special approach. Once the calf is delivered, the uterus is closed with an inverting pattern, and the body wall is closed in a standard manner. Knowing how to perform a C-section in the field will give the veterinarian another option when a calving detour is indicated.
Review of respiratory pathology for field clinicians
Authors: Janzen Eugene
Published: February 2023

For all various production methods, bovine respiratory disease has been described as the most common, causing the greatest production loss. With the current increasing scrutiny on the prudent use of antimicrobials, a definitive diagnosis has increased in importance. In commercial cattle operations, buiatricians are rarely called to attend to individual animals with respiratory disease. More often, we are tasked with a problem in a herd or a cohort of that herd. Almost spontaneously part of that task becomes making necropsy diagnoses. Examination of the respiratory tract at necropsy includes dissection of the upper respiratory tract, thorax, and abdomen. Explanations for clinical disease are usually evident with an extensive gross dissection of the aforementioned areas. In many cases the use of diagnostic support like histopathology, microbiology and molecular diagnostics, like immunohistochemistry, may be critical to outline changes to the management of the problem.
Joints, ears, and navels!
Authors: Depenbrock Sarah M.
Published: February 2023

Infectious diseases of the joints, ears, and umbilicus are common diseases of the calf. Many different infectious agents can play a role in disease at these different anatomic sites. Combinations of these diseases often present in the same population of calves, and the problem can often be traced back to inappropriate colostrum management practices. This review provides an overview of septic arthritis, otitis, and navel ill in calves as well as a brief discussion on colostrum management practices.
Dairy benchmarks
Authors: Middleton Gabe
Published: February 2023

Dairy farms have a tremendous amount of data available for consultants to evaluate and interpret. Veterinarians are in a unique position on most dairy farms to be trusted consultants because of their observational skills, frequent exposure to the cows, and knowledge surrounding many different biological processes on the farm. Benchmarking means to evaluate something compared to a standard. Benchmarking data on farms can be both helpful and dangerous at the same time due to several factors. Dairy managers should be encouraged to set goals, monitor trends, suggest changes, and evaluate results. Again, the herd veterinarian is in the position to be able to consult with the farm on all of these items. If veterinarians do not get involved in the analysis, other consultants will likely fill that void.
Mental health in the head catch
Authors: Tanguay Joshua Paul
Published: February 2023

Similar to cattle in the head catch, mental illness and its effects are not going anywhere in the veterinary field. This paper addresses mental health stigma in the veterinary field and provides both concrete tools to address this challenge as well as recommendations for future direction. After a brief literature review of mental health in the veterinary field, a constructive critique is offered regarding how the field appears to be minimizing and distorting the effects of mental illness. There appears to be an imbalance between emphasizing “wellbeing” and euphemizing mental illness. Lastly, some concrete tools and recommendations are provided by encouraging the use of local resources, national resources and actively working to build empathy versus apathy for those who struggle with mental illness. In this light, two brief and true case studies are presented as means to generate empathy versus apathy.
Antibiotic stewardship
Authors: Pantaleon Lucas
Published: February 2023

Antibiotic resistance is a complex emergent issue affecting not only public heath but veterinary medicine as well. As part of a holistic infection prevention and biosecurity plan, antibiotic resistance and stewardship should be addressed from a One Health point of view, where multidisciplinary collaboration is vital. In the US and other first world countries, animal agriculture is playing an important role controlling and improving the use of antibiotics in animal production systems; however, lower-income countries must further improve in this regard.
Getting the most out of your grass, strategies for implementation of Management-intensive Grazing (MiG)
Authors: Tower Jason
Published: February 2023

To get the most out of grass (one should really say forage), producers need to comprehend some grazing related terminology, understand the basics of a managed grazing system, evaluate the natural resources available to the manager, understand that grazing management is some science and a great deal of art, realize that 1 system does not always fit, each grazing season is different and a learning opportunity, and know that often times the biggest road block to implementation of a grazing system is the gray matter that sits between our ears. This is a quick overview to get a producer thinking of what goes into a managed grazing system. There are a great many detailed resources available through local extension, in books, and from industry personnel.
Producer/veterinarian perspective
Authors: Mongini Andrea
Published: February 2023

Commercial dairying has broadened my understanding of the key factors affecting small ruminant dairies beyond my veterinary background. Owning a sheep dairy and managing a goat dairy has allowed for insights into what it really takes to survive the hardships, failures, and successes related to milking sheep and goats. Certain trends are present in successful and failing dairies that are easy to find, once you know what to look for. In this talk, we will review the commonalities of successful and unsuccessful small ruminant dairies.
Conflict resolution
Authors: Oster Kurt A.
Published: February 2023

Just mentioning conflict is enough to make some people cringe. However, when thinking of conflict resolution, it is important to remember a few key concepts. First, not all conflict is bad. Second, most conflict does not go away on its own, so it is better to address it sooner than later.

I have always heard that veterinarians avoid conflict. While not every veterinarian is the same, I will say that I have found that the majority of veterinarians I have known certainly do prefer to avoid conflict. On the flip side, a small percentage choose to confront conflict head-on and aggressively, which only serves to push the conflict underground.

What we know is that employees want someone to step up and resolve the conflict so everyone can move on. The realty is you don’t have to always get it right, but you do have to try. Ignoring the conflict and hoping it will resolve itself only makes valuable team members disengage and eventually leave.

In this session we will introduce you to some styles of conflict resolution, but more importantly, to some conflict resolution skills that are universally applicable to all types of conflict at work and at home.
Climbing Mt. Debt
Authors: Bartels Tony , Pion Paul
Published: February 2023

Student loans do not have to be a barrier to building wealth. All too frequently, recent graduate veterinarians are paying more than their income requires towards their student loans, sacrificing other areas of financial health in order to do so. Financial resources are limited and timing is important when it comes to financial wellness and building wealth. The earlier you can start, the better your long-term self will be. Allocating your income wisely after graduating from veterinary school can help you jump-start your financial plan and build wealth long-term while reducing the stress around student loan repayment.
Tips and tricks for managing bovine dystocia
Authors: Estill Charles T.
Published: February 2023

Acquisition of skills in bovine obstetrics is essential for every food animal practitioner, especially those engaged in dairy or cow-calf practice. A dystocia is often the first call a veterinarian makes to a cattle producer’s facility and demonstrating competence, confidence, and professionalism many times leads to the development of a long-term relationship with that producer. A conversation with the producer describing the practitioner’s requirements for patient restraint is paramount to avoiding frustration and a poor outcome. Planning and the willingness to modify the dystocia management plan “on the fly” requires thoughtful consideration when the initial procedures do not result in relief of a dystocia. Purchase of a full array of high quality obstetrical equipment and learning their proper application greatly facilitates dystocia management. Knowledge and skill in handling complications of dystocia such as uterine rupture, uterine prolapse, and perivaginal hemorrhage are required to preserve the reproductive potential of the patient.
Effect of hyperketonemia on circadian patterns of blood metabolites and milk predicted constituents in dairy cows
Authors: Seely C. R. , Bach K. D. , Barbano D. M. , McArt J. A. A.
Published: February 2023

Estimates of milk and blood constituents by Fourier-transform mid-infrared (FTIR) analysis of milk offer a promising tool to monitor energy deficit in dairy cows. We sought to explore: 1) diurnal changes in plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and FTIR estimates of milk BHB and milk predicted blood NEFA (pbNEFA); 2) correlation between plasma BHB and NEFA; and 3) effect of hyperketonemia (HYK) on circadian patterns of plasma and milk metabolites.
effect of pre, pro and symbiotic supplementation in milk to preweaned holstein heifers on body weight gain and health outcomes
Authors: Lucey P. , Lean I. , Golder H. , Aly S. , Rossow H.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of pro, pre and symbiotic supplementation on average daily weight gain (ADG), diarrhea length, age at incidence of diarrhea, shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts, enteric pathogens, and the odds of pneumonia in pre-weaned dairy heifer calves on a commercial dairy
Alternative feed additive strategies to reduce antimicrobial use in finishing cattle
Authors: Bourek J. R. , Kreikemeier K. K. , Thomson D. U.
Published: February 2023

With the onset of the Veterinary Feed Directive, there is a need to evaluate the current strategies used for the control of liver abscesses as well as coccidia species (Eimeria bovis & Eimeria zuernii) in the feedlot cattle. Additionally, removing coccidiostats and other antimicrobials from the feed will decrease costs of beef production. A study conducted in the summer of 2018 (unpublished) showed no difference in the prevalence of liver abscesses at slaughter nor Eimeria spp in feedlot cattle. The primary objectives of this study are to evaluate the effects of different feeding strategies on the prevalence of liver abscesses and coccidia in feedlot cattle. Secondary objectives of this study are to evaluate the effects of antimicrobials on average daily gain and feed conversion in feedlot cattle.
Effect of vaccination of beef cows during gestation on transfer of passive immunity and clinical protection of calves against experimental challenge with BRSV
Authors: Chamorro Manuel F. , Martinez David , Woolums Amelia , Stockler Ricardo , Passler Thomas , Silvis Scott , Raithel Gage , Walz Paul H.
Published: February 2023

The bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is the leading cause of death of beef calves older than 3 weeks of age and causes major economic losses to producers (USDA NAHMS Beef Part IV. 2007-2008). The bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is an important cause of respiratory disease in young calves. Clinical protection against BRSV provided by vaccination of young calves at different ages and with different levels of maternal antibodies has not resulted in significant reduction of BRDC-associated morbidity and mortality (Theurer et al, J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2015). Clinical protection provided by maternally derived immunity against BRSV has been inconsistent in the literature and could negatively affect the efficacy of vaccination programs in young calves (Ellis et al, Can Vet J, 2014). In contrast, failure in the transfer of passive immunity and rapid decay of colostral antibodies have been suggested as risk factors of pre-weaning beef calf pneumonia (Smith DR, Anim Health Res Rev, 2014). The objective of this study was to determine if vaccination of beef cows during gestation resulted in greater transfer of BRSV-specific maternal immunity and provided prolonged clinical protection of calves against experimental challenge with BRSV.
Calf age does not affect test sensitivity or specificity for detection of BVD virus in New Zealand
Authors: McDougall S. , Rhoades J.
Published: February 2023

Bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a common viral infection which results in immunosuppression, gastrointestinal disease, and impaired fertility. Where cattle are less than 150 d pregnant and are exposed to the virus, the fetus may become persistently infected (PI) resulting in lifetime shedding of the virus. Control strategies include testing and removing PI calves based on testing ear-notch tissue samples to minimize the risk of false negative results associated with persistence of maternal antibodies.

This study aimed to define the prevalence at herd and calf level amongst 6-week-old calves from herds that had evidence of BVDV in the lactation preceding the calves’ birth. The objective of this study was to assess test sensitivity when calves are tested at <35 days of age.
Investigation of the relationship between method of processing recycled manure solids bedding and udder health and production on Midwest dairy farms
Authors: Godden S. M. , Mosca F. P. , Royster E. , Crooker B. , Hadrich J. , Raynor P. , Singer R. , Janni K.
Published: February 2023

There has been a rapid increase in adoption of recycled manure solids (RMS) as bedding in Midwest dairy herds over the past 10 to 15 years due to perceived advantages such as cost and availability. Several studies have reported increased bedding bacteria counts (BBC) and increased mastitis risk in herds using RMS as compared to inorganic or organic non-manure materials. Although many RMS dairies use either green/raw (GRN) solids or solids first processed through an anaerobic methane digester (DIG), some herds have adopted mechanical composters (COM) or dryers (DRY) in an effort to lower BBC and control mastitis. Research is needed to evaluate potential benefits and costs of adopting these technologies. This research team initiated a study to evaluate udder health, air quality, antimicrobial resistance in solids, and economics, for herds using different RMS processing methods. The objective of this portion of the study was to investigate if method of processing RMS is associated with udder health and milk production on Midwest dairy farms.
Oral electrolyte composition and fluid meal type influence the abomasal environment 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

Oral electrolyte solutions (OES) are an important supplemental therapy to reestablish hydration and electrolyte balance in scouring calves. The osmolality and the type of alkalinizing agent in OES must be considered when evaluating commercial products and developing treatment protocols.

Management constraints may restrict OES administration to occur shortly following milk replacer (MR) feeding. Consumption of volumetrically large, nutrient-dense fluid meals may result in prolonged elevations in gastric pH and delayed abomasal emptying rates. Alterations to the functionality and environment of the abomasum may elicit growth of potentially pathogenic bacterial populations, ultimately resulting in clinical abomasal disease (e.g. abomasitis, bloat). The objectives were to determine the effects of OES composition and liquid meal type on the abomasal environment in healthy Holstein calves.
effect of early vs late pairing on measures of dairy calf health, performance, and behavior through weaning
Authors: Knauer Whitney A. , Godden Sandra M. , Barka Natalie
Published: February 2023

Pair housing of dairy calves during the preweaning period improves some measures of performance and socialization as compared to calves housed individually. However, there is little evidence to guide producers and veterinarians as to when to pair preweaned calves to maximize social and performance effects while minimizing potential detrimental health effects. The objective of this randomized trial was to investigate the effect of pairing at birth vs pairing at 30d of age on measures of calf health, performance, and behavior.