“Overuse of antibiotics is a very significant threat to our industry,” stated Pamela Ruegg, DVM, Michigan State University as she addressed a crowd of dairy producers at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. 

Mixing temperature and feeding calves IgYs can have a bigger impact on calf weight gain and health than expected.

The term “antibiotic stewardship” might sound high level, but it’s something cattle producers and veterinarians practice every day. In human health care, antibiotic stewardship means ensuring that antibiotics are used only when necessary and appropriate.

It’s really important to make a conscious effort to analyze this past year’s herd health and objectively reflect on what worked and what didn't. Doing so will help guide decisions for an even better year ahead and maximize the success of your operation from an animal health perspective.

As we roll into the new year, one thing is on almost every rancher’s mind: calving season. For those who calve in January and February, the rapid changes in temperature may play a role in calf sickness and growth.

The ionophore, monensin, is a class of antibiotics that can improve animal health, maintain body condition and increase feed efficiency, yet limit feed intake. This supplement may be beneficial during dry spells when ranchers scramble for additional feedstuffs.

As 2023 draws to a close, there is no shortage of agricultural law news to reflect on over the past 365 days. Looking forward to 2024, many of these issues will remain critical issues for many agricultural producers around the country.

In early 2015, a disease outbreak affected people in Wisconsin and several other states. Of those sickened, nearly half were young children and most reported direct contact with cattle, primarily dairy calves.

Neonatal diarrhea, or calf scours, is one of the costliest diseases in the cattle business and is responsible for more mortalities in calves under 1 month old than any other disease.