3 limitations of drug delivery devices

Progressive Cattle Editorial Intern Kate James

Pinkeye, foot rot, bovine respiratory disease: These are all common cattle infections producers want treated, and treated quickly. With time and access to facilities being a common constraint on many operations, it’s reasonable to opt for the most convenient drug delivery device – a dart gun.

In a University of Nebraska – Lincoln webinar, Dr. Brian Vander Ley, veterinary epidemiologist at the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center – Clay Center, Nebraska, weighs the convenience and efficiency of dart gun use against three key limitations.

Consider the drawbacks before investing in a dart gun for drug delivery.

Research shows alarming increase in stock dam saltwater during 2021 drought

Progressive Publishing welcomes editorial intern Kate James

Vytelle releases public feed efficiency database

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Cow Camp Ranch named BIF Seedstock Producer of Year

How cattle vaccination and nutrition connect

Managing rumen health in feedlot cattle during heat stress

Contributed by Tim Clark

A combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause dangerous heat indexes for people and cattle. For livestock, the high heat index can dramatically reduce performance. The annual economic impact of heat stress on livestock is estimated to be between $1.69-$2.36 billion.

Production losses begin to occur at a heat index of 72ºF. We humans feel relief when the temperature drops in the evening, but cattle don’t really get a break. Cows under heat stress will hold heat, and their rumen function will add to the heat load. During times of heat stress, cattle will stand more, change their eating patterns to fewer (but larger) meals and ruminate less due to open-mouth breathing, and they are also at an increased risk of periods of low rumen pH, which we define as subacute rumen acidosis (SARA).

Prevent subacute rumen acidiosis (SARA) with these considerations.

What kind of drought management measures do you have in place? (Check all that apply)

Vote here.

Picking wildflowers

Erica Ramsey Louder for Progressive Cattle

In country music, picking wildflowers is a euphemism for the kind of shenanigans my 8- and 5-year-old daughters know nothing about. Their earnest cries to pick wildflowers is completely innocent and 100% literal.

Ever since the first of May when they saw the balsam root blooming, they’ve been asking me to take them out to pick wildflowers. They’d been out on their ponies in the pasture, pushing cattle down to the corrals for the last breeding, when Cora spotted the small, yellow, daisylike flowers.

Take the unexpected opportunities to "pick wildflowers."

What to expect at NCBA 2021 – Tune in to Tennessee

Defending dogs from fleas and ticks

Contributed by Aimee Robinson

Having dogs in rural life, whether they spend their days relaxing indoors or working alongside ranchers and cattle, is a treat for us and a dream come true for them.

It’s important to remember that no matter the dog’s lifestyle or environment, all dogs deserve protection against harmful fleas and ticks, and summertime is prime time for protecting against these harmful, everyday pests.

Identify flea and tick symptoms in dogs and prevention methods.