In feed analysis, we often simply look at water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and ethanol-soluble carbohydrates (ESC) to evaluate sugar content. Within these categories there are multiple carbohydrates and types of sugars, just like there are many different types of nails or screws.

There are many clichés to represent the need for the right tool to do the job. Perhaps the best one that both relates to the subject at hand, as well as in a practical application, is “don’t bring a water pistol to fight a fire.”

The spread of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) could seriously impede the sustainability of cattle industries and encourage the growth of alternative methods of producing dietary protein other than milk and meat.

Pasteurella, also known as shipping fever, affects the respiratory tracts of cattle and can cause pneumonia, permanent damage and eventually death in some animals.

The U.S. has high-quality data pipelines for the flow of production, fertility and health records, but there is not currently a pipeline of hoof health information. As an essential first step, CDCB, the University of Minnesota (UMN) and several collaborators are working to consistently identify and record hoof health traits.

When we look at calf health statistics for the U.S. dairy industry, it’s clear we have room for improvement. Data from the USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) has calculated the national morbidity rate for female dairy calves at 34% and mortality at 5%, with digestive disease or scours as the leading cause of both sickness and death.