Have You Herd? AABP PodCasts

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Latest Episodes:

Epi. 219 – 2024 Year in Review Dec 16, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich provides and end-of-year update and a look forward to what AABP will have for its members in 2025. Gingrich begins by providing an update on the current HPAI outbreak affecting dairy cattle and reminding members of the resources available to them on the H5N1 page located here. The USDA dashboard of affected cases, funding opportunities, federal orders, biosecurity documents, and webinar recordings are available to AABP members. He encourages all veterinarians to familiarize themselves with the disease and the surveillance testing programs that have been implemented. AABP will also have a webinar to share the results of the survey and serologic testing of 100 attendees at the 2024 AABP Annual Conference from Columbus, Ohio. Find all AABP webinars under the Continuing Education menu of the AABP website at this link. All AABP webinars are recorded. Webinars approved for CE are on the online CE portal under the Continuing Education menu and webinars related to HPAI are on the H5N1 page of the AABP website.

December 27 is the deadline for casting your vote for the 2025 AABP Vice President election. Candidates are Dr. Jen Roberts and Dr. Elizabeth Quesnell Kohtz. Find the ballot and information about each candidate on this page. The AABP Nominations Committee is also accepting applications to be considered for the 2026 Vice President election. Self nominations are accepted and Gingrich suggests that members can contact anyone to encourage them to submit their name for consideration. Interested AABP members should send a letter of interest and CV/resume to fred@aabp.org by January 31.

The AABP Foundation also announces a call for research grant proposals by December 27 at 5 pm eastern. Funding is available for both beef and dairy research projects associated with cattle health, welfare and production. Up to $25,000 in financial support will be provided for up to two grants in 2025. For more information or to submit your proposal, visit this page.

AABP also reminds listeners that applications to attend the USDA grant-funded Building Excellence in Rural Veterinary Practice workshops closes on December 20 at 5 pm Eastern. Attendance is free for those who qualify for the grant, and additional seats are available for purchase by AABP members by emailing fred@aabp.org. Visit this link for more information.

The 8th Recent Graduate Conference will be held in Norman, Oklahoma February 13-15, 2025m including preconference seminars. Registration closes January 31 and the hotel block will close on January 23. Find out more information and register here.

If you are an AABP member who needs your CE certificate, membership dues receipt or your donation receipts, simply hover over your name after logging in to the AABP website to access these documents. During this season of giving, we encourage you to consider the AABP Foundation or one of its scholarship funds through this link.
Reminder to all members that in 2025, AABP will change its dues year to match the calendar year and give members the option of a 6-month or 18-month renewal to transition to the calendar year dues cycle. The AABP board has devoted significant resources to improving access to continuing education opportunities including webinars, online CE, publications and seminars held outside the annual conference. We welcome everyone to join AABP and renew your dues to support our advocacy of helping cattle veterinarians.

Happy holidays and best wishes to each of you in the new year.

Epi. 218 – A One Health Approach – Collaboration in the Field with the Experts Dec 02, 2024

AABP Membership Committee chair Dr. Dan Cummings is the guest host for this episode of Have You Herd? on One Health. Guests for this podcast include AABP member Dr. John Groves, an exclusive beef cattle veterinarian in central Missouri, and Dr. Greg Gray, a human physician and Professor in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Read Dr. Gray’s profile at this page.

Our guests define what One Health means to them and how it applies to a practicing veterinarian as well as educating physicians on the meaning of One Health. There are sometimes challenges from clients on exploring One Health, and our guests dive into its implications with the current HPAI disease outbreak in dairy cattle and poultry. Gray discusses his work with zoonotic diseases and working with coronaviruses and influenza viruses throughout his career. Groves and Cummings discuss a collaborative surveillance project that will be presented as an abstract at the upcoming Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CWRAD) in Chicago, Ill., January 18-21, 2025. Find information about this conference at this link.

One Health remains an important topic for both veterinarians and physicians. Working collaboratively to protect human and animal health by sharing knowledge is important for both communities.

Epi. 217 – Forage Nutrition for Beef Cows Nov 25, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Sara Linneen, a PhD ruminant nutritionist on the beef cattle technical consultant team at Elanco Animal Health. The overarching theme for this episode is “nutrition is everything”, and Linneen walks us through how nutrition impacts all aspects of cow-calf production.

We discuss some of the challenges and opportunities for wintering beef cows and determining how to supplement cows over the winter. Linneen also discusses how drought affects forage quality and the impacts that has not only on dry matter intake, but intake of energy and protein which are critical nutrients for the cow and gestating fetus. The veterinarian is often the technical resource for the cow-calf ranch, and over 30% of the time, a call from a producer to the veterinarian is related to the nutrition program. Veterinarians have an opportunity to impact cow health, productivity, calf health and farm economics by becoming involved in the nutrition program.

Linneen points out that body condition score at calving is the greatest predictor of reproductive success in the next year. It is also important to remember that we are feeding the cow, the gestating calf and the rumen micro-organisms with our nutrition program. Fetal programming, weaning weights, lactation performance and reproductive performance are influenced by how we feed cows over the winter and manage pastures in the spring and summer.

Finally, Linneen offers some suggestions for improving forage efficiency in the cow by feeding monensin. Many cow-calf producers overlook this opportunity to improve forage efficiency which will decrease the amount of hay needing to be fed to cows over the winter which is a net economic return to the farm.

Gingrich reminds listeners of the opportunity to learn beef cow nutrition from AABP. We will host an eight-hour beef cow nutrition seminar at the 8th Recent Graduate Conference in Norman, Okla. On February 13. Find out information here. We will also have a beef cow nutrition seminar at the 58th AABP Conference in Omaha, Neb.; conference registration will open in May.

Epi. 216 – Update on the HPAI Dairy Cattle Disease Outbreak Nov 18, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP members Dr. Pat Gorden and Dr. Keith Poulsen to provide a situational update on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 disease outbreak in dairy cattle.

This podcast is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim 3600 coverage. Every lactation cycle, cows are up against the threat of mastitis. Which really means you’re up against it, too.

Thankfully, Boehringer Ingelheim has you covered with 360° coverage solutions. From prevention to treatment options designed for judicious antibiotic use, the 360° coverage mastitis portfolio has the products you need to defend udders at every angle. What’s in your cattle health toolkit? For more information, visit this link.

We discuss a wide range of topics, including how this virus jumped from birds to cows and has since spread to over 500 dairy farms in the U.S. via cow-to-cow transmission and fomite spread from dairy-to-dairy and dairy to poultry. Our guests discuss the importance of biosecurity, national surveillance and vaccination to eliminate this virus from the U.S. dairy herd. We discuss diagnostic surveillance and the importance of getting all farms to participate in surveillance to identify positive herds and prevent further transmission. The bulk tank PCR test will be positive two weeks before the herd shows clinical signs, providing an opportunity for dairy farmers and veterinarian prepare as well as implement biosecurity practices to protect other premises in their area.

Our guests also discuss the work of AABP, in collaboration with other stakeholder groups, to provide advocacy, guidance and resources to our members. Organized veterinary medicine plays a critical role in a disease outbreak and we encourage all cattle veterinarians to join AABP to help us in our efforts.

Links:

Join AABP or pay dues at this link.

AABP H5N1 resources page.

USDA confirmed cases dashboard page.

Epi. 215 – 2025 AABP Vice President Candidates Nov 11, 2024

It is time to vote for your 2025 AABP Vice President leader. AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the candidates for a question-and-answer period so members can get to know their candidates and cast their vote. Candidates for the 2025 ballot are Dr. Jen Roberts and Dr. Elizabeth Quesnell Kohtz.

AABP provides several opportunities to get to know your candidates during the election period. This includes an introductory speech at the AABP Annual Conference, a question-and-answer document in the November newsletter, and a podcast with questions for each candidate.

The candidate with the most votes will be seated at the 2025 AABP Annual Conference in Omaha, Neb. They will then ascend through the four offices of the Executive Committee where they will plan preconference seminars for 2026, the annual conference for 2027, serve as president in 2028 and then past president for 2029. This office is the only nationally elected seat for the organization.

Current AABP veterinarian members are encouraged to cast their vote by visiting the ballot page found here. The ballot page includes candidate biographies, links to the video presentation from the 2024 Columbus Annual Conference, and the candidate interviews published in the November newsletter.

The ballot will close on December 27, 2024 at 5 pm Eastern time.

Epi. 214 -- 8th AABP Recent Graduate Conference -- Be the Beginning Nov 04, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the program committee for the upcoming 8th AABP Recent Graduate Conference. The program committee includes Dr. Cody Sacquitne, committee chair and AABP Emerging Leader, Dr. Colleen Potter, dairy chair, Dr. Patrick Schmitz, cow-calf chair, and Dr. Annika Johnson, feedlot chair. The conference will be held February 14-15, 2025 at the Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma. There will also be pre-conference seminars on February 13 which offer additional CE opportunities.

The conference is open to AABP members who graduated between 2017-2024. All AABP members will have access to the recordings from the conference presentations by going to the Continuing Education menu of the AABP website and click on Online CE (recorded sessions). This is a free member benefit and allows you to access virtual CE that is RACE approved for no charge! AABP also welcomes all registered/credentialed veterinary technicians of any graduation year to attend the recent graduate conference as well. Make sure your dues are paid before registering and note it can take up to three business days to process dues payments. Go here to pay your dues so that you can register for the conference.

The theme of the conference is “Be the Beginning” with the intent to empower recent graduates to be the source of change and opportunity in their practices. The conference keynote presentation will be delivered by Dr. Michelle Schack and is titled “Enhancing Sustainability through Animal and Human Well-Being”. General sessions will follow that focus on health – physical health, financial health, and emotional and mental health. The conference will also offer sessions on mixed animal, clinical skills, practice management, beef, dairy, and practice tips from the program committee.

Registration is limited so we encourage members to register now. View the conference schedule on this page. Register for the conference at this link. Make sure you are logged in to the website before registering! All attendees are required to book reservations at this link to attend the conference. Make sure to come a day early for the great preconference seminars that are offered for additional hands-on CE. Find seminar descriptions here.

Epi. 213 - AABP Update from AABP President Dr. Dave Sjeklocha Oct 28, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich has a conversation with current AABP President Dr. Dave Sjeklocha. We start with a little background about our president who is a graduate of Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Sjeklocha is currently a technical services veterinarian for Merck Animal Health and has focused his career on feedlot medicine and consulting.

We start our conversation by discussing AABP Guidelines and Position Statements. These documents are publicly available under the ‘About’ menu of the AABP website. The president reviews these guidelines and opens them for a formal scientific review every 3-5 years. Sjeklocha has opened the Dehorning Guideline, Transportation of Cattle Guideline, and the Antimicrobial Resistance Position Statement. The first step in the review process is to open each document for a member comment period. AABP members can go to the guidelines page here to submit comments. AABP committees will review the comments and the document for any revisions before submitting their recommendations to the AABP Board of Directors. The comment period closes on November 15.

Sjeklocha also talks about volunteer opportunities. We discuss that committees are a great way to get involved in AABP. Sjeklocha emphasizes that you do not need to be an expert on a topic to serve on a committee but just an interest in the topic. Review the committee descriptions under the committee page of the AABP website and if interested, click the send an email to this committee button and include your name, veterinary school, graduation year, professional employment and your interest in the committee to be approved by the board. We welcome all volunteers!

Sjeklocha updates AABP members on the decision by the board to change the AABP dues year from July 1-June 30 to the calendar year. This will be implemented in 2025. When AABP members receive their dues invoice in the spring of 2025, they will have the option to renew for the next 6 months at 50% of the annual dues rate, or for 18 months, at 150% of the annual dues rate. This will shift everyone to the calendar year for their dues expiration date and allow members to choose which option works best for them. Sjeklocha reminds members that owners can pay for associate veterinary dues when they renew as well as pay for the dues for credentialed veterinary technicians.

We also discuss several upcoming events from AABP including registration for the 8th AABP recent graduate conference, USDA grant funded practice management workshops, AABP vice president election, and upcoming webinars from AABP. We also discuss our new process for preconference seminars and will offer a limited number of seminars for the 2025 annual conference in Omaha as well as seminar opportunities for members outside of the annual conference. We close by inviting all cattle veterinarians to join AABP to take advantage of the many new continuing education resources for members as well as supporting the advocacy efforts of the organization that help all cattle veterinarians.

LINKS:

8th Annual AABP Recent Graduate Conference

Vote for the 2025 AABP Vice President

Apply for the practice management workshops

Podcast describing the workshops

Ep. 212 - What do You Need to Know about Extra Label Drug Use and Using Aspirin in Cattle? Oct 14, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the Dr. Alison Vander Plaats, chair of the AABP Committee on Pharmaceutical and Biologic Issues (CPBI). This podcast was created to update cattle veterinarians and farmers about extra label drug use (ELDU) and FDA’s stance on the use of aspirin in cattle. With the current HPAI H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle, it is critical that veterinarians understand how to develop treatment protocols that are in compliance with current regulatory positions.

Veterinarians should make sure they full understand the federal Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994 (AMDUCA) which outlines to criteria that must be met to incorporate ELDU in their drug treatment protocols. Vander Plaats explains that veterinarians must first utilize labeled drugs that are approved for a specific indication in that class of animals and also understand that AMDUCA allows for the ELDU of approved animal or human drugs. Aspirin is not an approved drug and does not have a New Animal Drug Approval (NADA) number, therefore it has always been illegal to use. FDA has previously stated that aspirin was of low regulatory concern, however that is no longer the position of the agency. Other unapproved drugs utilized in bovine practice, such as lidocaine, calcium solutions, and epinephrine, are not of regulatory concern due to their critical need and no alternatives that are approved. Such is not the case with aspirin and therefore veterinarians should not use aspirin in treatment protocols.

If you are an AABP member and would like to get involved with CPBI, or another committee, please go to the committee menu on the AABP website and review the committee that is of interest. On the individual committee page, you can click the email button to send an email to the committee chair and vice-chair to express your interest. Committee appointments are approved by the board and interested applicants should submit a brief biography with name, veterinary or veterinary technician school and graduation year, professional employment and your interest in the committee. AABP welcomes all volunteers to serve and guide our organization.

Epi. 211 – Post Conference Wrap-Up Sep 23, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich provides a wrap-up of the 57th AABP Annual Conference. Gingrich walks through registration numbers and answers some of the questions and comments submitted in the post-conference feedback survey. Eight-six percent of respondents to the survey rated the conference four or five stars. He also discusses how AABP books conference locations and some of the requirements placed on the organization for food and beverage costs as well as hotel room block requirements.

AABP is changing preconference seminar offerings to reflect the changing needs of members. AABP Vice President Dr. Mark Hilton will work with the program committee and existing AABP committees to develop the seminars that will be offered in Omaha at the 2025 AABP 58th Annual Conference. Members who have suggestions for seminar or program content should email fred@aabp.org prior to October 5th. AABP will expand the number of seminars offered outside of the annual conference to offer more CE for our members. This will include one beef and one dairy seminar at the AABP office in Ashland, Ohio, as well as one beef and one dairy seminar in a regional location within AABP districts.

Gingrich also reminds our members that all conference sessions and webinar recordings are available as a free member benefit. Members can download the free “BCI Mobile Conference” app from their device’s store or view online at this link. Draft proceedings from the conference will be published after copyediting. You can view draft proceedings prior to publication at this link.

AABP Have You Herd? Podcast -- Epi. 210 -- Information for Attendees of the 57th AABP Annual Conference Sep 07, 2024

Annual 57th AABP Annual Conference Helpful Hints

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich welcomes you to Columbus, Ohio, for the 57th AABP Annual Conference. Special thanks to the program committee, led by Dr. Dave Sjeklocha and seminar chair Dr. Callie Willingham for planning the scientific CE for this conference. The theme of the conference is “Challenging the Norm”. Gingrich walks through some of the sessions and events from the conference, including thanking our sponsors for their support of our meals and events:

Boehringer Ingelheim for sponsoring the Wednesday welcome reception and the 5K Stampede Fun Run.

Diamond V for sponsoring the Thursday breakfast presentation.

Zoetis for sponsoring the Friday breakfast presentation and Friday dinner and scholarship presentations and auction.

Vaxxinova for sponsoring the Quiz Bowl

Endovac for sponsoring the student reception.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors for their support of the conference which includes Hoard’s Dairyman, Elanco, Merck Animal Health and Udder Tech. Thanks also to all of the companies that exhibit in our trade show and make sure to check out the fun things to do in the trade show while visiting the booths and products available to you!

Make sure to pick up your registration pack near room A110 at the bottom of the escalators in the convention center when you arrive. After the conference, make sure to fill out our conference feedback survey in Slido and get your CE certificate by hovering over you name and select “My CE Certificates”.

Other useful links:

Slido – this can be downloaded as an app or use your browser to participate in polls and submit questions to speakers.

Ride Share – submit your travel information to connect with other attendees.

Conference website – find all the information you need for the conference in one location.

Auction items – browse the live and silent auction items to prepare your bids.

Epi. 209 – Fostering a Community of Veterinarians, Sponsored by Heritage Veterinary Partners Sep 02, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by three veterinarians from Heritage Veterinary Partners, Dr. Luke Strehle, Dr. Tera Barnhardt and Dr. Dan Cummings. Cummings also serves as the AABP Membership Committee chair. This episode is sponsored by Heritage Veterinary Partners, a community of rural mixed animal and food animal veterinarians. Find out more information about Heritage Veterinary Partners at this link.

Rural veterinary practice can be isolating, especially for recent graduates who have built a community network of colleagues while in school. Providing opportunities for networking with other veterinarians can overcome the challenges of isolation for rural veterinarians. Cummings discusses a paper published in the Bovine Practitioner which was a qualitative analysis of experiences of recent graduates and how Heritage Veterinary Partners has used these assessments to build a community across their practice groups.

We also discussed the HPAI H5N1 disease outbreak in dairy cattle. Barnhardt and Strehle discuss how they worked within their practice group as well as how they managed this disease for their clients. Gingrich reminds our listeners that there is a dedicated webpage for AABP members with links and information on this outbreak.

Visit Heritage Veterinary Partners in the exhibit hall at the 57th AABP Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio, September 12-14!

Epi. 208 - Risk Factors Associated with Case Fatality and Treatment Success following Initial Bovine Respiratory Disease Treatment in Feedyard Cattle Aug 26, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Brad White from the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute to discuss a paper published in the Bovine Practitioner titled “Risk factors Associated with Case Fatality and Treatment Success following Initial Bovine Respiratory Disease Treatment in Feedyard Cattle”. This paper was a retrospective analysis of existing feedyard data to identify potential relationships between risk factors known at the time of initial treatment for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and treatment outcomes. The three post-treatment outcomes evaluated were first treatment success, post-treatment deaths from any cause, and post-treatment deaths due to BRD.

The investigators found the overall first treatment success for BRD to be 67.8% with all-cause mortality of 10% and BRD related mortality of 6.3%. White discusses associations found with each post-treatment outcome evaluated which can be useful information as veterinarians evaluate the success of their BRD treatment, prevention and control protocols for their customers, and define expectations with clients.

Neal, K. B., White, B. J., Amrine, D. E., Lubbers, B. V., Tessman, R. K., & Larson, R. L. (2024). Risk factors Associated with Case Fatality and Treatment Success following Initial Bovine Respiratory Disease Treatment in Feedyard Cattle. The Bovine Practitioner, 58(2), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol58no2p1-8

Epi. 207 – Antimicrobial Stewardship – What is the Veterinarian’s Role in Antimicrobial Use and Disease Prevention? Sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories Aug 19, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Eric Moore from Norbrook Laboratories, and Dr. John Sharpe, a practicing veterinarian in Kansas and a 2023 graduate of Kansas State University.

This podcast is sponsored by Norbrook. Having the right antibiotics is critical to successfully treating seasonal diseases. Norbrook offers a variety of effective and value driven solutions such as Noromycin 300 LA, Norfenicol Injectable Solution, Tulieve Injectable Solution, Enroflox 100 Injectable Solution, and Cefenil RTU. To learn more, contact your Norbrook sales representative, your animal health distributor, or visit the Norbrook website.

Sharpe discusses the seasonal variation of disease patterns he sees in his bovine practice and how these patterns influence antibiotic use as well as the producer’s bottom line. He also shares his experiences with the implementation of GFI #263 which transitioned the remaining medically important over-the-counter antimicrobials to prescription status with veterinary oversight. We also discuss how he, as a veterinarian, walks through his decision-making processes for selecting an antimicrobial to treat an animal, herd or in protocol development. Moore provides some background on the frustration producers face when they experience treatment failure, how prevention is the most important part of a stewardship program, and what antibiotics do not do so that producers can understand how to use them properly and promote animal health.

Listen to the previous podcast with Dr. Eric Moore on implementation of GFI #263 here.

Make sure to visit the Norbrook booth at the AABP tradeshow at the upcoming 57th AABP Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio, September 12-14, 2024.

Epi. 206 - AABP Guidelines for Practicing Veterinarians Providing Milk Quality and Mastitis Control Program Services to Dairy Cattle Aug 12, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the chair of the AABP Milk Quality and Udder Health Committee, Dr. Pam Ruegg, to discuss a new resource available to AABP members that was developed by the committee.

This episode is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and their 360 mastitis portfolio. Find out more information at this link. Join us in Columbus, Ohio at the 57th AABP Annual Conference and visit the BI booth in the trade show and attend the opening reception on Wednesday, September 11 sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.

The resource document we discuss provides guidelines for both the novice and experienced veterinarian. Find all committee resources on this page. These guidelines will assist veterinarians in a total milk quality program and include resources for monitoring udder health, mastitis detection and diagnosis, treatment of mastitis, and prevention of mastitis. Each topic discusses the body of knowledge needed by the practitioner and the capabilities needed to provide this service.

If you are interested in assisting the Milk Quality and Udder Health Committee, or any AABP committee, please go to the committee menu on the AABP website and select a committee to contact.

Epi. 205 - Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis Jul 22, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. John Angelos, University of California-Davis, and Dr. Dustin Loy, Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, to discuss infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), commonly referred to as pinkeye. This is a multi-factorial disease that can sometimes be difficult to manage during outbreak situations.

Our conversation begins as a review of the major pathogens associated with IBK which includes Moraxella bovis and Mycoplasma bovoculi which are associated with the majority of cases submitted to diagnostic labs. Our guests also review the various risk factors associated with IBK including flies, mechanical trauma and viral infections. There are nine commercially available bacterin products, two conditionally licensed products, and autogenous vaccines to aid in the prevention of IBK in cattle. Our guests review some best practices for incorporating vaccination into herd health protocols as well as other prevention measures veterinarians may recommend to beef and dairy producers such as clipping pastures, fly control, mineral supplementation and managing viral risk factors.

When prevention fails, treatment protocols are important for veterinarians to develop for producers during both individual animal cases and herd outbreaks. Oxytetracycline and tulathromycin are two antimicrobials currently labeled in the U.S. for treatment of IBK in cattle. There are no Veterinary Feed Directive products labeled for IBK treatment, prevention or control and veterinarians should be aware that it is prohibited to write a VFD for an extra-label use of in-feed antimicrobials.

Veterinarians are an ideal resource to develop prevention and treatment protocols for managing IBK on beef and dairy operations. Continuing to monitor cases and risk factors can aid in managing this important disease.

Epi. 204 – Challenging the Norm at the 57th AABP Annual Conference Jul 15, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP President Elect and AABP Annual Conference Program Chair Dr. Dave Sjeklocha. Sjeklocha thanks his program committee who are volunteer AABP members who develop the content for the conference.

The theme of the conference is “Challenge the Norm” and Sjeklocha states he picked this theme to encourage members to challenge themselves with what they are doing for their clients and continue to improve and advance their practice. The keynote speaker, Dr. Shawn Baker, will challenge the norm on assumptions about eating an animal-sourced diet and help our members advocate for the products that our clients produce. We will also hear from the AABP vice president candidates for 2025, Dr. Elizabeth Quesnell Kohtz and Dr. Jennifer Roberts, after the keynote address.

We walk through some of the highlights from the sessions including presentations on small ruminants, beef, dairy, clinical skills, practice management, student sessions and case competition, and research summaries. Sjeklocha also developed a cattle welfare track this year at the conference. This session will be for beef and dairy veterinarians and provide an opportunity for advancement in the field of animal welfare, an important part of our oath in caring for cattle.

The conference is typically planned 10 months in advance, but we leave two time slots open for hot topics. This year, we will hear a presentation on the draft updated AVMA Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals, focusing on the cattle portion of the document. We will also have a panel presentation on Influenza A H5N1, providing attendees with experiences from a diagnostic lab, practicing veterinarian, and a producer who is a veterinarian and went through the disease. There will be ample time for question and answer during this panel presentation. Sjeklocha also describes the clinical forum breakfast presentations which are an additional two hours of CE facilitated by an expert and is discussion-based in a small-group format.

The AABP conference is not only about CE sessions, but networking and socializing opportunities as well. We have an opening reception sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, breakfast presentations from Diamond V and Zoetis, the scholarship presentation and Amstutz Scholarship Auction sponsored by Zoetis, Stampede 5K sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and the Saturday Awards and Business Lunch sponsored by AABP. We also will have a student reception sponsored by Endovac and the student Quiz Bowl sponsored by Vaxxinova/Newport Laboratories.

Reminder that the early-bird registration discount ends August 1, and online registration and hotel block closes August 22. We encourage all attendees to book in the AABP hotel block and only use the online AABP housing link to ensure your room confirmation. You can reserve your hotel and read the guide to hotels on this page.

Detailed session descriptions can be found at this link. Find the full schedule of events here. Register for the AABP conference on this page.

Epi. 203 - Seminars at the 57th AABP Annual Conference Jul 08, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP Vice President and Preconference Seminar chair Dr. Callie Willingham to discuss the many opportunities for advanced learning in seminars at the upcoming AABP conference, Sept. 12-14, in Columbus, Ohio (preconference are Sept. 8-11, others are during conference). Seminars are small group meetings led by an expert faculty and are approved for 8 hours per day of additional continuing education credits.

We discuss how seminars that we have taken have advanced our practice skill set, provided opportunities for new or expanded services for clients, created billable hours, and allowed networking with colleagues and faculty with similar professional interests. This year there are eight seminars offered prior to the conference at the headquarters hotel, three seminars offered off-site with wet lab instructional opportunities, and three seminars during the conference. Each seminar is limited to 30 attendees which offers low attendee-to-faculty ratio for interactive learning.

Students are welcome to attend the seminars, as well as sign up for the Student Lameness seminar to learn proper hoof trimming and surgical techniques from members of the AABP Lameness Committee.

Seminars that have an inadequate number of registrations by August 1 are subject to cancellation. We encourage you to register for the conference and a seminar prior to that date. If you are registered for a seminar that cancels, your registration fee can be applied to an alternative seminar or is 100% refundable. Seminars are an AABP member benefit and therefore limited to AABP members who are registered for the conference. If you are taking a seminar that occurs prior to the conference and not attending the conference itself, there is a reduced seminar-only registration fee.

Find information about the seminars offered this year at this link. When you go to that link, you can click on the seminar title to view the faculty list, seminar fee and a detailed agenda of topics that will be discussed. Register for the AABP conference on this page.

Epi. 202 - FARM Program Version 5 – Be Open to the Opportunities - Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Jul 01, 2024

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Richard Doak to discuss the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program.

This episode of Have You Herd? is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and their 360 coverage mastitis portfolio. For more information, visit this link.

Doak begins the discussion by explaining why it is important to have a national dairy farm audit program to demonstrate continual improvement to milk buyers and consumers. Doak has a unique perspective because he is a private practice veterinarian, provides third party audits, trains evaluators and serves on the task force for NMPF that is charged with reviewing and updating the standards which are ultimately approved by the NMPF board of directors. Version 5.0 of the FARM program begins on July 1, 2024 and it is important for veterinarians to review with producers the updated standards so they are prepared for their next audit. There are not a lot of significant changes in this version but there have been updates to the standards on lameness, colostrum feeding and humane euthanasia.

We discuss training and the importance of training. Doak mentions that training occurs every day on dairy farms and veterinarians are an important part of training to protect the safety of people and animals, prevent residues, and improve animal health. Although training occurs all the time, it must be documented for the FARM program. The five focus areas for training occur when the animals are most vulnerable and include newborn calf care, down cow management, humane euthanasia, fitness to transport and stockmanship. This training can mitigate risk for dairy farms and is another reason to provide and document the training.

AABP members who are interested in preparing their clients for FARM Version 5.0 can attend a seminar during the conference. More information about this seminar can be found here and the registration page for the conference can be found on this page.

Find NMPF FARM information on this page. Click on the Resources menu to find resources mentioned in this podcast. Be sure to review the AABP Humane Euthanasia of Cattle Guidelines to ensure your euthanasia protocols are compliant with the guidelines.

Epi. 201 - Case-control Study to Identify Management Practices Associated with Morbidity or Mortality Due to Bovine Anaplasmosis in Mississippi Cow-calf Herds Jun 11, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Isaac Jumper, Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine to discuss the paper “Case-control study to identify management practices associated with morbidity or mortality due to bovine anaplasmosis in Mississippi cow-calf herds” published in the Bovine Practitioner and available open-access in the online first edition. Jumper starts by discussing bovine anaplasmosis and the challenges associated with its control in cow-calf herds.

The objective of this study was to determine if management practices, such as feeding chlortetracycline (CTC), are associated with illness or death from bovine anaplasmosis in Mississippi cow-calf herds. We discuss some of the epidemiologic terms used in the paper and the results of the study. This study found that providing CTC was associated with case herd status and Jumper provides some possible explanations for this finding. Veterinarians should routinely review protocols, especially antimicrobial protocols for treatment, prevention and control of disease, to optimize antimicrobial stewardship and animal health.

Jumper, W. I., Huston, C. L., & Smith, D. R. (2024). Case-control study to identify management practices associated with morbidity or mortality due to bovine anaplasmosis in Mississippi cow-calf herds. The Bovine Practitioner, 58(2), 16–22.

Epi. 200 -- Case Series: Surgical Success and Reproductive Performance After Correction of Penile Deviations in 10 Bulls Jun 03, 2024

In the 200th episode of the AABP Have you Herd? podcast, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Jessican Klabnik, a theriogenologist on faculty at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Klabnik was one of the authors on a paper published in the Online First edition of the Bovine Practitioner. This case series paper evaluated the surgical success and reproductive performance of bulls undergoing surgery for correction of penile deviation.

Klabnik reviews penile deviation syndrome in bulls which can include spiral, ventral or sigmoid deviations due to an abnormality in the dorsal apical ligament. Surgical correction or culling are the only management considerations for these bulls; however, there is a lack of peer-reviewed data on the outcomes from surgical correction. Klabnik discusses some of the challenges with collecting data from these 25 cases with 10 cases meeting the inclusion criteria for the study.

The surgery does not have a high risk of complications and was deemed successful in seven out of the ten bulls evaluated. Of these seven, six bulls achieved intromission and five sired progeny. Although this study represents a small number of cases, the surgery appears to have a 50:50 success rate, but due to the low risk of complications, bulls that do not successfully return to herd sire capabilities can still be culled for salvage value.

This case series report can help to guide veterinarians performing bull breeding soundness exams when they observe a penile deviation, and also help veterinarians in private practice or referral institutions when evaluating bulls as surgical candidates.

Mossallam, A. F., Schumaker, O. J., Mulon, P.-Y., Dohlman, T. M., Meisner, M. D., Jarrin-Yepez, P., Anderson, D. E., Rush, J. B., Prado, T. M., Armstrong, C. L., & Klabnik, J. L. (2024). Case series: Surgical success and reproductive performance after correction of penile deviations in 10 bulls. The Bovine Practitioner, 58(2), 9–15

Epi. 199 - Impacts of Hematogenous Mycoplasma Infections in Dairy Cattle May 27, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP member Dr. Dave Krahn to discuss a disease that may be unfamiliar to many listeners – infection from hematogenous mycoplasma species. Krahn has been a practicing dairy veterinarian in central Wisconsin since graduating from veterinary school in 1989.

This episode of Have You Herd? is sponsored by Addison Biological Laboratories, manufacturers of MAXI/GUARD Pinkeye Bacterin and Moraxella bovoculi bacterin to protect your herd before pinkeye season. For more information, visit https://addisonlabs.com/.

We start our conversation by reviewing the characteristics of the hematogenous mycoplasmas and clinical signs that may be attributable to infection. Diagnosis of the disease is done via PCR and a presumptive diagnosis can be made via a blood smear to look for the organism on red blood cells. Krahn worked with university partners to do a study on his client’s herds as well as a prevalence study in Michigan and Wisconsin which found that 100% of farms were positive for one or both of the organisms. The within herd prevalence for hematogenous mycoplasmas was 75%.

Krahn has implemented protocols for use of pasteurized colostrum for feeding calves and individual needle use for all injections to control the spread of the disease. He reports that herds show a resolution of clinical signs within 4-6 months after implementation of control measures.

Schambow RA, Poulsen K, Bolin S, Krahn D, Norby B, Sockett D, Ruegg PL. Apparent prevalence of Mycoplasma wenyonii, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, and bovine leukemia virus in Wisconsin and Michigan dairy cattle herds. JDS Commun. 2021 Jan 22;2(2):61-66. https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2020-0033

Ep. 198 - Water-based Medium-expansion Foam Depopulation of Adult Cattle May 20, 2024

AABP Executive Director is joined by Dr. Justin Kieffer, a Clinical Veterinarian Associate Professor at The Ohio State University to discuss a paper published in June 2023 in Translational Animal Science. The paper evaluated a water-based medium-expansion foam as a method for depopulation of adult cattle. Kieffer defines depopulation and euthanasia as well as describing the differences between the two terms. Euthanasia methods can be used for depopulation, however limitations can make them difficult to implement in cattle should a large scale depopulation event be required. Kieffer discusses currently approved depopulation methods for cattle described in the AVMA Guidelines for Depopulation of Animals and the limitations of currently available methods.

This study evaluated if a water-based foam could be used to depopulate cattle in a specially designed trailer. Kieffer mentions that a small pilot study was first performed with the animals under general anesthesia to validate their methods before moving to the large study in un-anesthetized animals. This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at Ohio State. Biologgers were used to track activity and electrocardiograms. Average time to fill the trailer with foam was 90 seconds, cessation of movement was 2.5 minutes and time to cardiac death was 8.5 minutes which is similar to euthanasia methods such as gunshot or penetrating captive bolt.

Kieffer reviews some of the advantages identified with this method as well as considerations for what method of depopulation may be employed on a farm. Consideration should be given to the effect on human mental health during these events. He also mentions some the importance of research in this area to ensure that in the event a mass depopulation event occurs, we have the tools needed to perform the procedure.

Vittoria M Capria, Andréia G Arruda, Ting-Yu Cheng, Magnus R Campler, Brad L Youngblood, Steven J Moeller, Andrew S Bowman, Justin D Kieffer, Water-based medium-expansion foam depopulation of adult cattle, Translational Animal Science, Volume 7, Issue 1, 2023, txad065, https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txad065

AVMA Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals (2019)

AABP Humane Euthanasia of Cattle Guideline

Epi. 197 - Practice Applicable Beef Cow Nutrition May 13, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Jeffery Hall, a technical services veterinarian with Huvepharma and the coordinator for an AABP seminar titled "Practice Applicable Beef Cow Nutrition.” AABP recognizes the challenge of attending seminars before the conference and has expanded our CE offerings to include seminars outside of the annual and recent graduate conferences. The purpose of these seminars are to offer a small group setting where attendees can go home and immediately offer a new service or improve and expand a service they are currently offering to clients.

We walk through the topics that will be taught during this seminar and their importance to veterinarians. Hall describes how veterinarians can get involved with the vitamin and mineral nutrition program for the beef cow producer clients and make an impact on health, productivity, economics and immune function. This seminar is also being taught by Dr. Chris Chase, who will review the impacts of nutrition on immunology. Dr. Dave Rethorst will discuss cow-calf nutrition and impacts on fetal programming as well as some ration balancing skills for veterinarians. Attendees will also learn about feeding cows and evaluating feedstuff opportunities during drought situations.

This seminar was conducted at the 2023 AABP Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Wis., and has been expanded to a two-day course based on feedback from participants. Additional topics included in this seminar will cover fly control and coccidiosis control for cow-calf ranches. Hall also discusses the wet-lab portion of this seminar where attendees will learn how to perform a liver biopsy on live beef cows. Attendees will be able to go home and implement this service to their cow-calf clients as well as interpret and make management recommendations to their clients.

This seminar will be held at The Ohio State University Marysville Large Animal Ambulatory Clinic June 27-28, 2024. This facility recently underwent a remodel with an excellent handling system to perform the wet-lab. The seminar has been approved for 15 hours of continuing education in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. A hotel block has been reserved for attendees to secure rooms. The cost of the seminar is $450 and includes lunch each day.

Attendance is limited to 20 attendees and we encourage interested AABP members to register today. For more information and to register for this seminar and book your hotel room, visit this link.

Epi. 196 - Case Report: Salvia reflexa-contaminated Hay Poisoning in Cattle May 06, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Clint Stonecipher, a rangeland management specialist with the US Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service - Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory. Stonecipher was the first author of the paper published in Volume 58 Number 1 in the Bovine Practitioner. Salvia reflexa is a plant in the mint family sometimes known as lance leaf sage and often is seen on dry range pastures. Stonecipher reviews this case report which affected two herds with mortalities due to the hepatotoxic effects of this plant. We walk through the clinical presentation and the diagnostic investigation. Stonecipher also discusses a survey as part of this publication where plant specimens were analyzed in 12 different states and submitted to the poisonous plant research laboratory. He also provides some tips for veterinarians who are investigating suspected intoxications and how to work with the laboratory for diagnostic submissions.

LINKS:

Stonecipher, C. A., Gardner, D. R., Webb, B. T., Laegreid, W., Welch, K. D., Stegelmeier, B. >, & Cook, D. (2024). Case Report: Salvia reflexa-contaminated hay poisoning in cattle. The Bovine Practitioner, 58(1), 63–68. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol58no1p63-68

Bryan L. Stegelmeier, T. Zane Davis, Michael J. Clayton, Dale R. Gardner, Identifying Plant Poisoning in Livestock in North America, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice, Volume 36, Issue 3, 2020, Pages 661-671,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2020.08.001

Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory webpage

Epi. 195 – Epidemiologic Tools for Bovine Respirator Disease Risk Assessment in Dairy Calves Apr 29, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by guest Dr. Sharif Aly, an epidemiologist at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center in Tulare, Calif. Aly graduated from Cairo University and practiced in Egypt before coming to the United States for advanced studies in preventive medicine and epidemiology. His team developed and published the BRD 100 and BRD 10K studies to identify various risk factors for Bovine Respirator Disease (BRD) in dairy calves.

Aly explains the incidence of BRD in calves and how it has failed to improve despite improvements in tools for detection and prevention. We review the risk of various areas on BRD including colostrum management, housing, season, environment and nutrition. He also discusses the role of on-farm diagnostics and the California and Wisconsin scoring systems that veterinarians can use with producers to manage BRD risk in dairy calves, including the BRD scoring system developed into an app for on-farm use.

Links:

CA BRD Risk Assessment Brochure (English)

CA BRD Risk Assessment Brochure (Spanish)

UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center website

Epidemiology of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in preweaned calves on California dairies: The BRD 10K study
S.A. Dubrovsky, A.L. Van Eenennaam, B.M. Karle, P.V. Rossitto, T.W. Lehenbauer, S.S. Aly
J Dairy Sci https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-14774

A novel risk assessment tool for bovine respiratory disease in preweaned dairy calves
G.U. Maier, W.J. Love, B.M. Karle, T.W. Lehenbauer, A.L. Van Eenennaam, S.S. Aly
J Dairy Sci https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-17650

Epi. 194 - Review of Two Bovine Practitioner Papers on the Use of Internal Teat Sealants in Dairy Cows Apr 22, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Pat Gorden and Dr. Michelle Buckley from Iowa State University to discuss two publications from the Bovine Practitioner Volume 57 Number 2, 2023. Links to the published papers are at the end of the podcast show notes.

Our guests review the use of internal teat sealants and some of the challenges with producer use of internal teat sealants. We also review the importance of equivalence studies for practicing veterinarians, who are the target audience for papers in the Bovine Practitioner. The first study discussed was an equivalence study comparing two different internal teat sealants. The take-home message from this study for practicing veterinarians is that both products studies demonstrated equivalent results when comparing the outcome variables studied.

The second paper evaluated the persistence of the internal teat sealant in the mammary gland during the dry period. This paper was from one herd and looked at migration of the teat sealant from the teat into the cistern of the mammary gland using radiographs as well as strip yields after freshening. The authors also investigated if location of the internal teat sealant impacted risk for new intramammary infection during the first 120 days in milk.

Both of these studies are relevant to the practicing dairy veterinarian as they work with clients to implement dry-off protocols to decrease the risk of mastitis and improvements in milk quality.

Links to publications:

Buckley, M. P., Bayne, J., Tomazi, T., Miller, B. E., Godden, S. M., Silva, G. S., & Gorden, P. J. (2023). A randomized equivalence study evaluating the efficacy of two commercially available teat sealants in dairy cows. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(2), 36–50. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol27no2p36-50

Buckley, M. P., Bayne, J., Tomazi, T., Miller, B. E., Silva, G. S., & Gorden, P. J. (2023). Evaluation of internal teat sealant persistence in the mammary gland during the dry period. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(2), 51–59. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol27no2p51-59

Epi. 193 - An Iterative Approach to the Development of a Sole Ulcer Induction Model in Holstein Cows Apr 15, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Gerard Cramer, Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota and current chair of the AABP Lameness Committee. This podcast is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and their 360 mastitis portfolio. What’s in your cattle tool care kit? Experience the power of complete mastitis care at choose360coverage.com.

The topic of the discussion is to walk through a research project that was funded by the AABP Foundation to investigate a model for inducing sole ulcers in dairy cattle. Sole ulcers are one of the major causes of lameness in dairy cattle and yet we still have much to learn about the pathogenesis of this disease to improve prevention and treatment strategies. Cramer discusses the importance of proof-of-concept studies to benefit future research and how they approached the welfare implications of this study. Three induction model challenges were implemented in this study included lying time restriction, dry matter intake restriction and a lipopolysaccharide challenge. Cramer reviews the results of the study and the difficulties in successfully inducing sole ulcers in this group of cows.

We also discuss some of the limitations of this study and future research opportunities to improve our ability to prevent and treat sole ulcers in dairy cows which can improve the welfare of cows. The AABP Foundation supports advancements in the health, well-being and productivity of cattle through scholarship programs, educational opportunities, and applied clinical research that benefits present and future cattle veterinarians. Research projects that are funded by the AABP Foundation must be applicable to practicing cattle veterinarians, have limited opportunity for funding elsewhere, and can serve as seed money for future larger-scale projects. The AABP Foundation research projects are supported entirely by member donations. Please support this type of research by donating today at this link.

Publication:

G. Cramer, E. Shepley, W. Knauer, B.A. Crooker, S. Wagner, L.S. Caixeta, An iterative approach to the development of a sole ulcer induction model in Holstein cows, Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 106, Issue 7,2023, https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22726.

Epi. 192 - Tips and Guidance for AABP Foundation Scholarship Applications Apr 08, 2024

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP members Dr. Michelle Barrett and Dr. Becky Funk. Both guests have served on the Amstutz Scholarship Committee and Funk is the past-chair of the AABP Foundation.

Our guests discuss the scholarship application process, how scholarships are reviewed, and offer tips for filling out the application. Students who qualify for a scholarship should consider applying using the links on the Students menu of the AABP website. We discuss the requirement for a CV/resume for some scholarships, and what to consider including in that document. Questions are also asked for all of the scholarships and answering these questions is part of the review process.

Letters of recommendation are also considered by reviewers. Tips for asking for a reference as well as how to provide a good letter of reference for a student are great pointers for those applying. Finally, we remind students to make sure to not wait until the deadline date and time to finalize your application. This includes making sure your dues are renewed well in advance of the deadline and checking the scholarship/grant portal to make sure your letters of reference are submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications are not reviewed.

A special thank you to all of the donors to scholarship funds and AABP member volunteers from committees who review the scholarship applications. If you are interested in joining a committee, please contact fred@aabp.org. Donate to the AABP Foundation scholarship funds at this link.

Links:

Join AABP and pay dues at this link. It can take 3 business days to renew your dues, so if you are applying for scholarships this year, please renews your dues in advance of the deadline! Students, make sure to have your application complete, including reference letters submitted online, by the deadline of May 31 at 5 pm Eastern. Check the status of your application at this link.

Scholarship opportunities:

Amstutz Scholarship – AABP Foundation premier scholarship for AABP student members graduating in 2025 or 2026.

Zoetis Foundation Scholarship – Funded by the Zoetis Foundation this $7,500 scholarship is for AABP student members graduating in 2025.

Merck Bovine Student Recognition Award – Funded by Merck Animal health, this $10,000 scholarship is for AABP student members graduating in 2025 and 2026.

Francis Welcome Future Dairy Practitioner Scholarship – Funded by the Welcome Family and AABP member donations, this $2,000 scholarship is for a 3rd year veterinary student with an interest in dairy medicine after graduation.

Edwin Robertson Memorial Scholarship – Funded by the Robertson Family and AABP member donations, this $1,000 scholarship is for students at Auburn and Lincoln Memorial University to fund an advanced reproduction experience.

James H. Bias Scholarship – This $5,000 scholarship is funded by AABP members and is awarded to 3rd year veterinary student with a graduation year of 2025 from an underrepresented ethnic and or racial background. The scholarship also provides travel and lodging to the 2024 AABP conference and a free registration to an AABP Recent Graduate conference within the first three years of graduation.

Epi. 191 – AABP Member Update and Dues Renewal Announcement Apr 01, 2024

In this episode of the AABP Have You Herd? podcast, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich provides an update for AABP member resources. The AABP dues renewal season is now open. We welcome all cattle veterinarians, veterinary technicians and veterinary students to join AABP or renew their dues by going to this link. AABP is primarily funded by membership dues and we utilize dues revenue to provide resources to our members.

Gingrich reviews three major buckets of activity from the organization:

1. Continuing Education. This is our major member resource. Historically, AABP has hosted an annual conference. In recent years, we have greatly expanded our CE offerings to include a recent graduate conference, webinars, podcasts, online recordings of all conference sessions and webinars, seminars outside of the annual conference, and online publications. In 2024, AABP will add even more CE for our members by hosting an additional virtual conference, one for beef veterinarians and one for dairy veterinarians. All AABP CE sessions, seminars and webinars are submitted for RACE approval which is an additional member benefit added recently.

2. Advocacy. In 2023, AABP was very involved in several important issues for cattle veterinarians. This includes supporting the establishment of a VCPR through in-person means and advocating against allowing a virtual VCPR to be established. AABP also has advocated against a mid-level practitioner that could provide services that are currently under the domain of veterinarians. In addition, we have worked with the AVMA to ensure we still have access to xylazine and the ability to use it in our normal course of practice.

3. Support of the AABP Foundation. The AABP Foundation provides support to students through scholarships, externship grants and research grants. The AABP Foundation also supports clinically relevant research projects. In 2024, the AABP Foundation will award over $425,000 in funding with support from our members and industry partners. Visit http://aabp.org/foundation/ to learn more about the AABP Foundation and make a donation.

AABP members are from private practice, academia, government, industry, farm staff veterinarians, retired veterinarians, technicians and students. Our members are beef veterinarians, dairy veterinarians and mixed animal veterinarians, but the one thing we have in common is our passion for cattle and the producers and caregivers we work for every day. Please continue to support our mission by renewing your dues or joining us today!

Epi. 190 - Efficient Parlor Throughput with Milk Quality in Mind Mar 25, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Juan Rodrigo Pedraza, AABP member and Zoetis Technical Services Veterinarian. This episode is brought to you by the AABP Milk Quality and Udder Health Committee. Pedraza starts by explaining what is parlor efficiency and throughput and why it is important for dairy farms. He cautions that recommendations to improve parlor efficiency should not sacrifice quality milk production and veterinarians can consult dairy clients on steps to improve both.

There are many factors that we should consider when evaluating parlor efficiency. These include loading speed, pulsation rate and ratio, teat end vacuum, mouth piece vacuum and automatic take off settings. Pedraza explains that although specialized testing equipment is needed for some of these assessments, observing parlor procedures, timing and milk flow at the end of milking can be a first step in assisting producers with parlor efficiency.

Pedraza also points out how veterinarians can work with employees in the milking parlor to improve procedures, emphasizing the importance of explaining why we are implementing procedures and delivering messaging appropriately. Veterinarians can play a valuable role in parlor procedures and fine-tuning milking equipment to improve parlor efficiency and milk quality.

Find AABP resources from the Milk Quality and Udder Health committee resources page. A previous podcast on the importance of pre-milking stimulation that is reference in this podcast can be found here.

Erskine RJ, Norby B, Neuder LM, Thomson RS. Decreased milk yield is associated with delayed milk ejection. J Dairy Sci. 2019 Jul;102(7):6477-6484. doi: 10.3168/jds.2018-16219. Epub 2019 Apr 25. PMID: 31030923.

Epi. 189 - The Importance of Physical Health in Bovine Practice Mar 18, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP member Dr. Keely Shine in this episode to discuss the importance of physical health and activity to improving sustainability in bovine practice. Shine graduate from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2022 and immediately opened her own mixed large animal ambulatory practice. She is also the owner of a CrossFit gym and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and currently serves in the Navy Reserves.

Shine defines functional fitness and the importance of having both cardiovascular exercise and strength training as part of your total physical health program. Physical fitness can also be an important aspect of mental health and well-being. Shine also describes how she manages her nutrition program and suggests that ambulatory veterinarians plan their meals to prevent the traps of eating unhealthy snacks or lunches during the day. As a coach, Shine describes how she welcomes members to her gym and provides tips on how to take that first step in your fitness journey and prioritize daily exercise in our busy lives.

Epi. 188 - Methods of Processing Recycled Manure Solids Bedding on Midwest Dairy Farms II: Relationships between Bedding Characteristics and Bedding Bacterial Count Feb 26, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Felipe Peña Mosca and Dr. Sandra Godden for this episode to discuss a paper that is available in the online first edition of The Bovine Practitioner, “Methods of processing recycled manure solids bedding on Midwest dairy farms II: Relationships between bedding characteristics and bedding bacterial count.” This is a companion paper that we previously discussed on Episode 165 of Have You Herd? which evaluated recycled manure solids processing methods and its impacts on bedding bacteria counts, udder health, milk quality and milk production.

The first objective of this study was to identify bedding characteristics associated with bedding bacterial count (BBC) in ready-to-use (RTU) recycled manure solids (RMS). The second objective was to explore the association between processing method and bedding characteristics in RTU solids. A third objective was to investigate factors associated with BBC in used solids (after placed in stalls). The study found that increased dry matter, decreased organic matter and processing method were all associated with reduced BBC in RTU RMS. Veterinarians should evaluate bedding as part of a total milk quality program to promote good udder health practices on their client’s farms.

Peña Mosca, F., Godden, S., Royster, E., Crooker, B. A., & Timmerman, J. (2024). Methods of processing recycled manure solids bedding on Midwest dairy farms II: Relationships between bedding characteristics and bedding bacterial count. The Bovine Practitioner, 58(1), 8–18. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol58no1p8-18

Ep. 187 - Case Report: Systemic Granulomatous Disease with Vasculitis in a Bull due to Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) Toxicosis Feb 19, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Lee Jones, technical services veterinarian with Boehringer-Ingelheim. Dr. Jones was previously an extension veterinarian at the University of Georgia and the attending veterinarian for this clinical case report published in The Bovine Practitioner, Volume 57, Number 2. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) is a forage, and intoxication from the plant has been described in the literature, although this is a very unusual case. This case affected one animal in the herd, a 5-year-old Angus bull. The bull presented with generalized alopecia, thickened pleated skin and profuse malodorous watery diarrhea. This bull, along with 6 other beef bulls, had been grazing in a pasture containing hairy vetch for 5-6 months. Jones described the diagnostic samples that were taken to evaluate the bull and rule out other causes of systemic granulomatous disease and vasculitis. The bull was euthanized due to poor prognosis and deteriorating clinical condition. Necropsy revealed a disseminated systemic granulomatous disease with variable numbers of multinucleated giant cells and eosinophils was observed in multiple organs indicative of systemic granulomatous disease, along with vasculitis in the kidney, liver and adrenal gland, indicative that vasculitis is involved in the pathogenesis of the lesions. None of the other animals were removed from the pasture and they did not develop clinical signs. Jones indicates that practitioners should consider a full diagnostic work-up on these unusual cases which can include punch biopsies of the skin which revealed the vasculitis and granulomatous lesions.

Ilha, M. R., Hawkins, I. K., & Jones, A. L. (2023). Case report: Systemic granulomatous disease with vasculitis in a bull due to hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) toxicosis. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(2), 60–66. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol27no2p60-66

Washburn, K., Norman, T., Osterstock, J., & Respondek, T. (2007). Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) toxicosis in a purebred Angus herd. The Bovine Practitioner, 41(1), 60–64. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol41no1p60-64

Ep. 186 - Comparison of Electronic Nose and Conventional Cow-side Diagnostic Tools for Detection of Ketosis in Early Lactation Dairy Cows Feb 12, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Conrad Schelkopf to discuss a recent paper published in The Bovine Practitioner Volume 57 Number 2. Conrad is a dual DVM/PhD student at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The title of the paper is “Comparison of electronic nose and conventional cow-side diagnostic tools for detection of ketosis in early lactation dairy cows”. We review the various types of ketones that are measure by different diagnostic tests in dairy cows. The average economic impact of a case of ketosis in a dairy cow published in the literature is about $300, and having reliable and effective diagnostic tests can be a valuable tool for dairy producers.

Electronic nose technology has been used in human medicine for disease diagnosis, but little research has been done in veterinary medicine. The technology “sniffs” samples that has a variety of sensors that detects a variety of volatile compounds in the space above the sample. The paper discusses how the tool is trained and calibrated for this experiment to create a fingerprint to match that fingerprint to different samples.

The objective of this study was to compare the eNose technology to the urine ketone test strips and blood BHBA cow-side diagnostic tools and to evaluate the applicability to clinical practice in a production setting. The eNose technology had lower sensitivity and specificity vs. the Precision Xtra and urine ketone tests. Conrad also discusses the positive and negative predictive value of each test based on the estimated prevalence of the disease. Conrad also discusses some potential future applications of the eNose device in booth beef and dairy practice. Emerging technologies and research to validate these technologies in the field is an important area of new research in cattle practice to improve cattle health, welfare and productivity.

Schelkopf, C. S., Apley, M. D., & Lubbers, B. V. (2023). Comparison of electronic nose and conventional cow-side diagnostic tools for detection of ketosis in early lactation dairy cows. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(2), 5–15. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol27no2p5-16

Ep. 185 – Best Practices for Colostrum Management in Beef Calves Feb 05, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Clair Windeyer, Associate Professor at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. This podcast is brought to you by the ad hoc AABP Cattle Youngstock Committee. If you are interested in joining an AABP committee, please go to the committee page on the AABP website to find a committee of interest and on each committee page is a contact button to let us know you would like to join.

We start our podcast by explaining the differences between colostrum recommendation for dairy vs. beef calves. Windeyer reports that research shows that up to 33% of beef calves demonstrate failure of passive transfer (FPT) and it can be challenging to identify calves that need assistance before the window of opportunity closes to ensure calves receive adequate colostrum. Calves that have FPT have an 8x higher odds of treatment for any disease and an 18x higher risk of all-cause mortality. If calves have greater than 24 g/L of IgG, they have a 10x lower risk of dying preweaning and about 0.2 pounds increased average dairy gain. From a financial perspective, each case of FPT costs on average $80.

Windeyer discusses how to identify calves that are at risk so that we do not interrupt maternal bonding. This can include calves born to heifers, twins, assisted pulls, and those with lack of suckle reflex. We also discuss how to properly train producers to tube feed calves colostrum if they will not drink from the bottle as well as what type of colostrum to feed the calf.

Veterinarians have tremendous opportunity to work with cow-calf producers to ensure calves receive adequate colostrum and develop programs to train producers how to assist and monitoring the success of those programs.

LINKS:

Beef Cattle Research Council YouTube video link on how to properly use an esophageal tube feeder.

Beef Calf Vigor Assessment Podcast with Dr Elizabeth Homerosky

Publications mentioned in the podcast by Gamsjäger, Lisa, et al.:

Impact of volume, immunoglobulin G concentration, and feeding method of colostrum product on neonatal nursing behavior and transfer of passive immunity in beef calves https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2021.100345

Total and pathogen-specific serum Immunoglobulin G concentrations in neonatal beef calves, Part 2: Associations with health and growth https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105993

Total and pathogen-specific serum Immunoglobulin G concentrations in neonatal beef calves, Part 1: Risk factor https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106026

Assessment of Brix refractometry to estimate immunoglobulin G concentration in beef cow colostrum https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15805

Evaluation of 3 refractometers to determine transfer of passive immunity in neonatal beef calves. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16016

Ep. 184 - Effect of Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (MBAS) on Health and Performance of Preweaned Dairy Calves Jan 29, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Reinaldo Cooke, a professor at Texas A&M Animal Sciences Department. Cooke was one of the investigators on a paper published in the AABP Bovine Practitioner Volume 57 Number 2, “Effect of maternal bovine appeasing substance on health and performance of preweaned dairy calves”. Maternal appeasing pheromone is secreted by the mammary gland of all lactating animals and the MBAS is an analog of that pheromone for use in cattle. The substance has an appeasing or calming effect on calves. This study was done on a commercial dairy in the northeast U.S. to evaluate health outcomes in treated vs. untreated calves. Application of MBAS decreased the incidence of diarrhea (71% in controls and 59% in treated calves) and decreased mortality (7.8% in controls and 2.4% in treated calves). Cooke describes other publications for use of MBAS in bovine practice including calves at placement to feedyards, finished cattle before shipping to a packing plant, at weaning in cow-calf herds, and preweaning in dairy calves. He also discussed opportunities for future research in use of the product in adult animals, such as decreasing stress in fresh dairy cows. Cooke also discusses some of the economic analysis for use of the product at various stages of production with a return on investment found in various studies of 20:1 To 30:1.

Bringhenti, L., Colombo, E., Rodrigues, M. X., & Cooke, R. F. (2023). Effect of maternal bovine appeasing substance on health and performance of preweaned dairy calves. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(2), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol27no2p1-4

Kelsey M Schubach, Reinaldo F Cooke, Courtney L Daigle, Alice P Brandão, Bruna Rett, Vitor S M Ferreira, Giovanna N Scatolin, Eduardo A Colombo, Genevieve M D’Souza, Ky G Pohler, Bruno I Cappellozza, Administering an appeasing substance to beef calves at weaning to optimize productive and health responses during a 42-d preconditioning program, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 98, Issue 9, September 2020, skaa269, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa269

Cappellozza, B.I.; Cooke, R.F. Administering an Appeasing Substance to Improve Performance, Neuroendocrine Stress Response, and Health of Ruminants. Animals 2022, 12, 2432. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182432

Vieira, D.G.; Vedovatto, M.; Fernandes, H.J.; Lima, E.d.A.; D’Oliveira, M.C.; Curcio, U.d.A.; Ranches, J.; Ferreira, M.F.; Sousa, O.A.d.; Cappellozza, B.I.; et al. Effects of an Appeasing Substance Application at Weaning on Growth, Stress, Behavior, and Response to Vaccination of Bos indicus Calves. Animals 2023, 13, 3033. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13193033

Ep. 183 - Treatment of Digital Dermatitis Jan 22, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Anne Murphy and Dr. Karin Orsel in this episode to discuss a common cause of lameness, digital dermatitis. Our guests start by describing this disease that was first identified in 1972 and has spread around the world. The disease is seen in most dairy farms in the U.S. as well as in feedlots and cow-calf operations. Even though the disease has been identified on many farms for many years, we do not know the exact mechanism of the disease or if the Treponema bacteria is the sole implicating factor in its development. There are several factors that lead to the development of the disease, such as creating the “right” environment for the bacteria to grow. Orsel discusses some of the challenges with vaccine development for preventing the disease as well as some genetic parameters within breeds that can influence the disease. Murphy discusses the importance of performing a full lameness exam to ensure veterinarians, hoof trimmers, and farm employees can correctly diagnose the cause of the lameness. Treatment for digital dermatitis typically involves a topical antibiotic such as tetracycline. Since this is extralabel use of an antibiotic, the veterinarian must prescribe the medication to the farm. Murphy also discusses the importance of foot baths and biosecurity measures to control and prevent the disease on farms.

Our guests also discuss the resources available to AABP members on the Lameness Committee resource page. This includes a review of treatments available to treat digital dermatitis and the available scientific evidence to support their claims found here. Other resources can be found at this link, then click on the Lameness Committee tab or Resources from another AABP committee.

If you are interested in joining the Lameness Committee, or another AABP committee, please send an email to fred@aabp.org.

Genetic parameters for hoof lesions and their relationship with feet and leg traits in Canadian Holstein cows.
N. Chapinal, A. Koeck, A. Sewalem, D.F. Kelton, S. Mason, G. Cramer, F. Miglior
Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 96, Issue 4, 2013.
https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2012-6071

Evaluation of the Treatment Efficacy of Generic Enrofloxacin Compared to Pioneer Enrofloxacin for First Treatment of Naturally Occurring Bovine Respiratory Disease in a Commercial Feedlot -- Sponsored by Virbac Jan 15, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Miles Theurer from Veterinary Research and Consulting Services. Theurer was the lead author of the paper “Evaluation of the treatment efficacy of generic enrofloxacin compared to pioneer enrofloxacin for first treatment of naturally occurring bovine respiratory disease in a commercial feedlot” published in The Bovine Practitioner Volume 57 Number 2. This episode is sponsored by Virbac. After more than 50 years of helping animals around the world, Virbac wants to emphasize that they are here for you, committed to your growth and that of your customers for the long haul. For more information on Virbac or their products, visit https://vet-us.virbac.com/cattle.

Theurer discusses the reasons that a large clinical trial comparing a generic product to the pioneer product in a field setting can assist veterinarians in making treatment decisions when recommending animal health products to their clients. Theurer walks us through the objectives and methods of the paper. Results of this paper did not find any significant differences in health outcomes evaluated for first treatment of BRD with the two products. He also discusses some of the differences identified between traditional beef breeds enrolled in the study and dairy-beef crosses which is an opportunity for future research.

Theurer discusses his role as an associate editor for The Bovine Practitioner and encourages researchers to submit clinically relevant research to the journal. The journal is intended to provide research relevant to the practicing cattle veterinarian and is available open-access with no publication fees. The submission and review process is managed online. Find the journal at this link.
Theurer, M. E., Fox, T., Newberry, J. R., & Payot, F. (2023). Evaluation of the treatment efficacy of generic enrofloxacin compared to pioneer enrofloxacin for first treatment of naturally occurring bovine respiratory disease in a commercial feedlot. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(2), 29–35. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol27no2p29-35

Product label and safety information for Tenotryl located on this page.

CATTLE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Tenotryl™ (enrofloxacin) 100 mg/ml Antimicrobial Injectable Solution: Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 28 days from the last treatment. This product is not approved for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in the calves born to these cows. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not exceed a 20 mL dose per injection site. Federal (USA) law prohibits the extra-label use of this drug in food producing animals.

Botanical Medicines for Cattle Practice Jan 08, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Hubert Karreman. This podcast is brought to you by the AABP Committee on Pharmaceutical and Biologic Issues. Dr. Karreman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995 and has many years of experience working with organic production systems as a veterinarian. Karreman discusses what types of botanicals are available and some history of how they have been used. We also discuss what cases may be amenable to treatment with botanical medications in both organic and conventional systems.

Karreman provides some information on the regulatory aspects of botanical medicines and how they do not fit into the AMDUCA algorithm and pathways for possible approvals. He provides some references for efficacy studies of botanicals and suggests that there is opportunity for more research on their use in cattle.

Karreman developed a resource guide with links for veterinarians interested in botanical medicine which can be found here.

Vaccination in the Face of Maternal Antibodies Jan 01, 2024

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Joe Gillespie, Senior Professional Services Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim, and Dr. Chris Chase, professor at South Dakota State University, to discuss vaccination of calves for bovine respiratory disease in the face of maternal antibodies. This podcast is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, sponsor of the Welcome Reception at the AABP Annual Conference.

Our guests review maternal antibody protection for the calf and how it protects calves versus how vaccination protects calves. Vaccinating calves early in life for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is important, but it is important to understand the challenges with maternal antibody interference. Chase reviews the types of vaccines and the advantages and disadvantages of each type (intranasal, modified live and killed) as well as reviewing some new information about the efficacy of injectable modified live virus vaccines in calves. Gillespie also reviews the importance of adjuvants and why they make a difference for calf vaccine programs. Gillespie also discusses the importance of the herd veterinarian in working with farms to develop vaccine protocols for prevention of disease.
Links:

https://aabp.org/resources/2023_Pyramid_Dual_Challenge_Research_Brief.pdf

https://aabp.org/resources/BRD_Battle_Plan.pdf

https://aabp.org/resources/Protecting_Calves_from_BRD.pdf

AABP End-of-Year Updates with Dr. Fred Gingrich Dec 25, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich provides an end-of-year update for AABP members. If you need your CE certificates to submit for your license renewal, go to https://aabp.org then hover over your name in the upper right corner and select "My CE Certificates" to view, print or save your CE certificates to your files. You can also find your dues receipts and your donation receipts for tax purposes by hovering over your name and selecting the appropriate option. To donate to the AABP Foundation, go to this link.

AABP members can comment on guidelines and position statements which are now open by going to the "About" menu of the AABP website. These documents are developed by volunteer experts on AABP committees and task forces, then ultimately approved by the AABP Board of Directors. Submit your comments by going to this page by January 31 at 5 pm Eastern.

Gingrich also encourages AABP members to cast their vote for the 2024 AABP Vice President Election. Candidates are Dr. Brandon Triechler and Dr. Mark Hilton. Candidate information including biographies, video presentations, question and answer document and a link to a podcast with the candidates can be found on the ballot page. The deadline to cast your vote is December 29 at 5 pm Eastern.

AABP Vice President Dr. Callie Willingham serves as the Preconference Seminar coordinator for the 2024 AABP Conference in Columbus, Ohio. We are currently accepting proposals for preconference seminars and the portal will close on January 31 at 5 pm Eastern. To submit your proposal, please visit this link.

The American Association of Bovine Practitioners Foundation announces the call for proposals for research grants for funding in 2024. Each grant will be funded for up to $25,000 and the AABP Foundation will fund up to two grants for 2024. Proposals may address clinically relevant research topics in beef cattle, dairy cattle or both, and can include topics such as disease treatment or prevention, production medicine or cattle welfare. For more information and to submit your proposal, go to this page. The deadline to submit your proposal is December 29 at 5 pm Eastern.

Gingrich discusses the many CE opportunities for AABP members. The board has authorized funding many more CE opportunities for members. Historically, AABP has conducted an annual conference as its main CE event. AABP now offers the annual conference, recent graduate conference, practice management workshops, online CE of all webinars and conferences, and RACE approval for all CE, webinars and seminars outside of conferences. If you are not an AABP member, we encourage you to join us so that you can take advantage of the CE opportunities this organization has to offer.

Gingrich closes by addressing some of the advocacy work from 2023, including xylazine legislation and protecting the VCPR from changes that may negatively impact cattle veterinarians. He encourages veterinarians who are AABP members to donate to the AVMA PAC to support this work.

Side of Chute and Handedness does not Affect the Sensitivity of Tritrichomonas foetus Sample Collection in Bulls Dec 18, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Jennifer Koziol, a board certified theriogenologist from Texas Tech University, to discuss the publication in The Bovine Practitioner on sample collection for Tritrichomonas foetus. This project was funded by the AABP Foundation Competitive Research Grant. The AABP Foundation funds clinical research for beef and dairy cattle projects that may not be eligible for funding elsewhere and provide evidenced based medicine for practicing veterinarians. These projects are funded entirely by donations and if you would like to support projects such as this, please go to this link to donate today.

This project evaluated whether the side of the chute and right or left handedness influenced the sensitivity of detecting Tritrichomonas foetus. We discuss the importance of this venereal pathogen in the beef industry and the challenges for controlling its spread. Koziol walks us through the appropriate way to collect these samples and the new methods of detection that increase the sensitivity of the test versus previous diagnostic testing methods. She discusses the objectives and designs of the study. The results of the study indicate that the side of the chute and collector’s handedness do not influence the sensitivity of detecting the organism. This can have implications on ergonomics and long-term physical health of veterinarians. Physical health and injury prevention were identified as important aspects of retention of recent graduates in bovine practice, based on a study Koziol co-authored. These results can be utilized by cattle veterinarians performing this diagnostic test to allow them to appropriately implement control measures for their clients.

To view all the projects funded by the AABP Foundation, visit this page.

Koziol, J. H., Gibbons, P. M., Fritzler, J. M., & Boggan, S. (2023). Side of chute and handedness does not affect the sensitivity of Tritrichomonas foetus sample collection in bulls. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(2), 25–28. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol27no2p25-28

Gibbons, P. M. S., Koziol, J. H., Schmidt, M., Cummings, D. B., Sacquitne, C., & Hake, M. (2023). Should I stay or should I go – a qualitative assessment of experiences of recent veterinary graduates in bovine practice. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(1), 35–40. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol57no1p35-40

Assessment of Time to Death, Brain Tissue Damage and Clinical Signs of Consciousness in Mature Jersey x Holstein Cattle Receiving a Secondary Penetrating Captive Bolt Gunshot at the Poll or Frontal Sinus Locations Dec 11, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Jesse Robbins and Dr. Brett Boyum to discuss this recent publication in the AABP peer-reviewed journal The Bovine Practitioner. This is a follow-up publication that evaluated a secondary method for euthanasia using a penetrating captive bolt (PCB) in youngstock to validate this procedure in adult animals. The primary method of euthanasia using a PCB in the frontal sinus location was the same for both groups of animals. This paper evaluated time to death, loss of consciousness and brain tissue damage between a second frontal sinus shot versus the other group of animals who received a second poll shot with the PCB. Our guests discuss the importance of the veterinarian reviewing humane euthanasia protocols with caregivers and owners on beef and dairy farms, ensure that these protocols are in compliance with AVMA and/or AABP guidelines, provide training and follow-up monitoring. Robbins discusses some of the advantages of PCB euthanasia versus gunshot or chemical methods.

This investigation found no significant differences in time to loss of consciousness or death (defined as lack of rhythmic respirations and no auscultable heartbeat) between the frontal-frontal group and the frontal-poll group. The average time to death was 7-8 minutes with a range of 2-12 minutes for all cattle enrolled in the study.

The authors recommend that veterinarians develop a checklist for ensuring appropriate euthanasia using a PCB is being performed on your client’s farms. This includes correct landmarks, training, checking for consciousness, maintaining proper functioning of equipment, and confirming death. The authors remind listeners that it can take up to 12 minutes for unconscious animals to lack a heartbeat after appropriate PCB euthanasia and caregivers should monitor animals until confirmation of death as part of a humane euthanasia protocol.

Links:

Robbins, J. A., Sanchez, H., Spangler, C., Vazquez, S., Spatz, N., & Boyum, B. (2023). Assessment of time to death, brain tissue damage and clinical signs of consciousness in mature Jersey x Holstein cattle receiving a secondary penetrating captive bolt gunshot at the poll or frontal sinus locations. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(2), 67–73. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol27no2p67-73

Robbins, J. A. ., Williams, R., Derscheid, R. J. ., Boyum, B., & Spangler, C. (2021). Comparison of frontal-sinus and poll shot locations as secondary methods for euthanizing dairy cattle with a penetrating captive bolt gun. The Bovine Practitioner, 55(2), 115–119. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol55no2p115-119

AABP Guidelines for the Humane Euthanasia of Cattle

7th AABP Recent Graduate Conference Dec 04, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the program committee for the 2024 AABP Recent Graduate Conference. The chair of the committee is Dr. Nicholas Shen and he is joined by the other beef coordinator Dr. Andy Harding and dairy session coordinators Dr. Rachel O’Leary and Dr. Ryan Wood. The conference CE sessions and preconference seminars are planned by recent graduates to ensure that these sessions are relevant to the attendees. The conference will be held in Knoxville, Tenn., February 9-10, 2024 with preconference seminars on Feb. 8.

This conference includes a keynote presentation titled “Good Husbandry of the Cow Vet” by Dr. Marissa Hake, plus clinical skills sessions, practice management, beef and dairy sessions. Sessions will also include talks about non-bovine species such as camelids and pigs since many rural veterinarians are mixed animal veterinarians providing services to a variety of animals in their communities. The conference will close with a talk about handling disasters with Dr. Tera Barnhardt, practice tips presentations from the program committee, and a closing talk from Dr. Blaine Melody about “What is on Dr. Melody’s Mind?”

Conference registration is limited to current AABP member veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians who graduated from 2016-2023. All AABP conferences are recorded and the recordings are available at no charge to all AABP members.

Early bird discounted registration closes at 5 pm Eastern time on January 17. Online registration closes on January 31. Register at this link before the conference sells out! View the schedule here , and preconference seminar descriptions on this page. To book your hotel reservation at the AABP discounted rate, go to this page.
#2024RG

2024 AABP Vice President Candidates – Dr. Brandon Treichler and Dr. Mark Hilton Nov 27, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the 2024 candidates, Dr. Mark Hilton and Dr. Brandon Treichler, for the office of AABP Vice President. The ballot is now open and will close on December 29, 2023 at 5 pm Eastern. All AABP members who are veterinarians, honor roll, graduate students and veterinary technicians are eligible to vote for this elected position. The candidate with the greatest number of votes will be seated as the AABP vice president at the 2024 Annual Business Lunch in Columbus, Ohio, on September 14, 2024. The vice president serves for four years and ascends through each office of the Executive Committee. There are numerous get-to-know your candidate resources on the ballot page, including candidate biographies, video presentations from the 2023 Milwaukee conference, and a question-and-answer series from the November AABP newsletter. We encourage everyone to vote for the next AABP vice president.

Find the ballot and other information at this link.

AABP Building Excellence in Rural Veterinary Practices Workshops Nov 20, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP treasurer and member of the Veterinary Practice Sustainability Committee, Dr. Brian Reed to discuss the practice management workshops that AABP will offer over the next three years. The workshops are funded by a USDA NIFA grant and attendance is free for those applicants selected to attend. Qualifications to apply for the grant-funded workshops are being a U.S. citizen who graduated from 2014-2023 and have at least 10% of revenues from food animal. We discuss the history of the workshops and why AABP is devoting resources to teach practice management to improve sustainability in rural veterinary practices.

Reed discusses the modules that will be taught by the faculty of Reed, David McCormick, Dr. Richard Stup and Dr. Lesley Moser. The workshops will include two virtual sessions before the in-person meeting, followed by four additional virtual sessions. The in-person meeting will be a three-day course taught at the AABP office in Ashland, Ohio. Attendees will also have the opportunity to develop a project with one of the faculty members for additional one-on-one mentoring. Attendees will also receive resources to reach out to young people in their communities to provide information and encourage them to pursue a career in rural food animal or mixed animal practice.

The workshops will provide training on business management principles, financial management, marketing, practice valuation, practice transition, human resources management, and many other topics to help early career veterinarians develop the skills to successfully manage a veterinary business.

The deadline to apply to attend the workshops is December 22, 2023 at 5 pm Eastern. To find out more information and apply for the workshop, visit this link. For questions, email fred@aabp.org.

Improving Belonging and Retention in Bovine Practice Through Cultural Competency – Sponsored by Merck Animal Health Nov 13, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Maurice Cottman, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. This episode of Have You Herd is sponsored by Merck Animal Health. Visit this link to find out more about the BRD solutions available from Merck Animal Health.

Cottman presented at the 56th AABP Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Wis. in the Veterinary Practice Sustainability session, chaired by Dr. Lauren Mack. AABP members can view presentations from all AABP conferences by clicking on the purple cow head logo at the bottom of any AABP webpage or downloading the free “BCI Mobile Conference” app from your device’s store. Cottman discusses his experiences at the conference, including his surprise at the amount of milk AABP members drink!

We discuss culture and cultural competency and how it relates to bovine practice, both in understanding caregivers who work on beef and dairy farms as well as associates and staff in veterinary practices. Cottman discusses initiatives at universities to increase diversity, as well as recognizing barriers that some students have in applying for and attending veterinary school. He offers some advice for having difficult conversations about identity and how to not be adversarial or hostile when a mistake is made so that we can improve understanding between all of us. He also asks each of us to give our fellow humans grace when it comes to these conversations so we can continue to understand and accept our differences. Finally, he shares some of the adversity he has faced in his new position and how he faced those challenges.

Books that discuss these issues:

White Fragility – Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin Diangelo

White Like Me – Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son by Tim Wise

How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi

Say the Right Thing – How to talk about Identity, Diversity and Justice by Kenji Yoshino and David Glasgow

Updates on Best Practices for NSAID use in Dairy Cattle – Sponsored by Merck Animal Health Nov 06, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Hans Coetzee, Professor and Head, Anatomy and Physiology at Kansas State University, and Dr. Lowell Midla, technical services veterinarian for Merck Animal Health.

Coetzee reviews why pain and fever management are important in cattle and the challenges associated with managing pain in cattle. He reviews the NSAID options that are available and the process for achieving FDA approval for a pain indication. We also discuss labor and human considerations for pain management and use of flunixin transdermal solution.
Midla discusses the recent FDA approval of Banamine Transdermal for a claim that gives dairy veterinarians a new NSAID option for lactating cows and the reasons Merck Animal Health brought this product to market. We discuss that routes of administration for flunixin products that are not on the label can cause severe tissue damage as well as lead to violative meat and milk residues. Banamine Transdermal received the claim for control of fever associated with acute mastitis in lactating dairy cattle with a 48-hour milk discard and eight-day preslaughter withdrawal period. Midla reviews the evidence for the rapid effectiveness and duration of the transdermal route of administration compared to the IV route. He also discusses reasons for not administering the product in periparturient cows and encourages veterinarians to thoroughly review product label information. Finally, he reviews some of the research demonstrating a reduction in fever in cows with acute mastitis compared to controls.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR BANAMINE® TRANSDERMAL. NOT FOR HUMAN USE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Milk that has been taken during treatment and for 48 hours after treatment must not be used for human consumption. Cattle must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 8 days of the last treatment. Not for use in replacement dairy heifers 20 months of age or older or dry dairy cows; use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or calves born to these cows or heifers. Not for use in beef and dairy bulls intended for breeding over 1 year of age, beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, and veal calves. Do not use within 48 hours of expected parturition. Approved only as a single topical dose in cattle. For complete information on Banamine® Transdermal, see accompanying product package insert.

LINKS:

BANAMINE® TRANSDERMAL | Merck Animal Health USA (merck-animal-health-usa.com) (click "View Product Label" when on this page)
Effects of a single transdermal administration of flunixin meglumine in early postpartum Holstein Friesian dairy cows: Part 1. Inflammatory and metabolic markers, uterine health, and indicators of pain

Schmitt et al JDS 2023

Effects of a single transdermal administration of flunixin meglumine in early postpartum Holstein Friesian dairy cows: Part 2. Milk yield, culling risk, and reproductive performance

Schmitt et al JDS 2023

The effects of periparturient administration of flunixin meglumine on the health and production of dairy cattle.

Newby et al JDS 2017

Oral Electrolyte Therapy for Calf Diarrhea Oct 16, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Geoffrey Smith, a Technical Services Veterinary for Zoetis and member of the AABP ad hoc Cattle Youngstock Committee. If you are interested in joining the Cattle Youngstock Committee, please go to the committee page and click the link to send an email with your request. Include a brief bio statement and your interest in the committee for your nomination to serve on the committee.

Smith discusses the key pathophysiologic changes that occurs in calves with diarrhea which can help veterinarians explain to producers what needs addressed with therapy. Calves with diarrhea lose electrolytes, especially sodium, and have an increased amount of D-lactate leading to acidemia. Most cases of neonatal diarrhea are not due to bacterial pathogens and therefore electrolyte therapy to correct dehydration, hyponatremia and acidosis is warranted more often than antimicrobials.
Smith suggests an oral electrolyte solution that contains sodium (90-130 mEq/L), an alkalinizing agent (sodium bicarb, acetate or proprionate 50-60mEq/L), glycine which can help sodium absorption in the intestine, and correct osmolality (avoid products with high osmolality in the 700 or higher mOsm/L range). Smith also suggests evaluating the strong ion difference in the products to determine how well it can correct acidosis in the calf by adding the positive ions and subtracting the negative ions for a goal of 50-60 strong ion difference.

One common question from producers is if electrolytes can be added to milk. Smith cautions that sodium bicarbonate interferes with milk absorption and the osmolality of the final product can increase the risk for abomasitis if total solids are greater than 14-16. Separating electrolyte therapy from milk feeding by at least 2 hours and continuing electrolyte feeding once a day until the diarrhea is resolved. Smith also discusses the indications for IV fluid therapy to rapidly correct acidosis, dehydration and hyponatremia. This can be done with 4 mL/kg of hypertonic saline solution over 2-3 minutes followed by oral electrolyte therapy. If the calf is unable to suckle or stand, rapid correction of acidosis is most important and can be achieved by IV administration of hypertonic sodium bicarbonate (8.4% of 84 g/L) at a rate of 5-10 mL/kg over 5 minutes.

Smith wraps up our conversation by discussing the key points for prevention of calf scours by ensuring a clean environment, proper nutrition, proper vaccination, and an adequate amount of clean, high-quality colostrum immediately after birth. Oral electrolytes can also be fed during the high-risk period for calf diarrhea for a particular farm based on history working with the veterinarian of record. One recommendation is to use the electrolytes that are diluted 1:3 to 1:4 from the treatment dose.

AABP members can see previous presentations from Smith on calf diarrhea and fluid therapy by accessing the AABP Online CE portal through the Kansas State Beef Cattle Institute or by downloading the free BCI Mobile Conference App from your device’s store.

56th AABP Annual Conference – Feedback and Wrap-Up Oct 09, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich provides a wrap-up from the 56th AABP Annual Conference, held in Milwaukee, Wis., September 21-23, 2023. We had a total of nearly 1,500 attendees at the conference including attendees, guests, students and exhibitor booth representatives which is consistent with our pre-pandemic attendance numbers. Gingrich offers a special thanks to AABP staff, the program committee, moderators, and the chairs of the conference which include Dr. Michael Capel and Dr. Dave Sjeklocha.

If you attended the conference, you can access your CE certificate by logging in to the AABP website, hover over your name in the upper right corner and select "My CE Certificates" where you can review, edit, print or save your certificate as a PDF document for your files.

All conference sessions are recorded and available at no charge to AABP members. Access recordings of all annual conferences, recent graduate conferences and webinars by clicking on the purple cow-head logo at the bottom of any AABP webpage after logging in or download the free "BCI Mobile Conference App".

Gingrich reviews some of the feedback from the conference including the rating from respondents for quality of the conference. 91% of attendees rated the conference 4 or 5 stars. He also thanks our sponsors of the conference, including the sponsors of our major meal and social events which includes Boehringer-Ingelheim, Diamond V, Zoetis, Vaxxinova-Newport Labs, and Endovac.

Nearly $100,000 was raised for the Foundation at the conference and we encourage members who still would like to give to the AABP Foundation and select one of the funds, please do so by visiting the donation link or contact the AABP office.

Gingrich also reviews some of the major board activities from the AABP Board of Directors meeting at the conference. The AVMA shared that over 50% of their PAC funds have been spent this year advocating for passage of legislation to maintain access to xylazine. Please support the AVMA PAC with a donation to ensure that AVMA has the resources to advocate for bovine veterinarians. If you are an AVMA member, visit the PAC site today and donate, send a letter to your Congressional representatives, or sign-up for advocacy updates.

The AABP board also provided advocacy for the establishment of a VCPR through in-person means only and supplemented though virtual or electronic methods and the support of utilizing credentialed veterinary technicians in bovine practice instead of the creation of an unknown mid-level practitioner. AABP has created the "Utilization of Credentialed Veterinary Technicians in Bovine Practice" task force to develop a guideline to advocate what veterinary technicians can perform in bovine practice, what skills should only be performed by a veterinarian, and defining direct and indirect supervision as it pertains to bovine practice. To review the background information for the task force, visit this link. AABP members interested in serving should submit a CV/resume and letter of interest to Dr. Fred Gingrich by emailing fred@aabp.org.

Planning for the 57th AABP Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio. September 12-14, 2024 will be completed on November 4, so if you have ideas and suggestions, please send to Dr. Gingrich or the conference chair, Dr. Dave Sjeklocha at david.sjeklocha@merck.com.

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture – Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Sep 25, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Bob Smith, Dr. Kathy Bjork and Marlene Azvedo to discuss the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture. We start the conversation by describing the VMLRP history and funding. The VMLRP is a nationally competitive opportunity for qualified veterinarians to reduce their educational debt by agreeing to provide professional veterinary services for three years in designated, high priority, veterinary food supply shortage situations throughout the U.S. and its insular areas. Minimum new service contracts are for three years and for up to $75,000 in loan repayments, dispersed in quarterly payments. Successful applicants can also apply for renewal contracts. A fact sheet about the program can be found at this link. Our guests discuss the recently released Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report, which can be found on this page. A total of 130 applications were received and 89 awards executed for an award rate of 64% for new applications and 100% for renewals applications. Total funding for the award was $8,926,394 and an additional $2,592,278 in federal tax funding. The average debt for new awardees was $163,576 and for renewal awards the average debt was $108,813. Cow-calf practice was identified as the species with the most needs in the designated shortage areas. Smith describes the process for state animal health officials (SAHO) to nominate shortage areas in their state and encouraged veterinarians to work with their SAHO to ensure their area is nominated if it qualifies. Our guests also provide information for potential applicants to consider when applying for the next funding cycle. The timeline for the next funding cycle can be found at this link.

For more information, please visit the USDA NIFA VMLRP page.

Comparison of Lidocaine Alone or in Combination with a Local Nerve Block of Ethanol, Bupivacaine Liposome Suspension, or Oral Meloxicam to Extend Analgesia after Scoop Dehorning in Holstein Calves Sep 18, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Miriam Martin, Director of Animal Health and Welfare and the North American Meat Institute, and Dr. Michael Kleinhenz, Clinical Associate Professor in Dairy Cattle Production at Texas A&M Vero for this episode to discuss the paper that was published in the Journal of Dairy Science that was the result of the cattle welfare research grant through the AABP Foundation.

This episode of Have You Herd? is brought to you by Merck Animal Health. When your clients come to you with a BRD issue, turn to the experts at Merck Animal Health. Merck Animal Health stands behind you, so you can stand behind your clients. With a broad portfolio of vaccines, antibiotic solutions, monitoring technology and a leading technical service team – they’re here to help you tackle BRD with confidence.

Visit this link to discover the Merck Animal Health portfolio of anti-infectives for your cattle health solutions.

We start our conversation by discussing a typical dehorning protocol on beef and dairy farms as well as methods for providing local anesthesia to the horn bud. The objective of this study was to determine if the duration of analgesia could be extended using additional anesthesia and analgesia protocols in calves that were scoop dehorned. All treatment groups received a cornual nerve block with lidocaine and the four treatment groups included an additional infiltration around the horn bud with ethanol, lidocaine alone, lidocaine with meloxicam, and a bupivacaine liposome suspension. Martin discusses the outcome variables they tested and walks us through how these measurements were performed by the investigators.

The results indicated that none of the treatments extended the duration of analgesia based on the outcomes measured, however it did emphasize that multimodal analgesic therapy with a local anesthetic and oral meloxicam is the gold standard by working synergistically and providing a longer duration of analgesia. Martin also discusses the opportunities for future research in pain management in cattle, including investigating products and procedures that are practical regimens to extend the duration of analgesia for a variety of painful procedures and conditions.

This project was funded by the AABP Foundation through the welfare research grant program. The AABP Foundation funds clinically relevant research that may not have the opportunity for funding through other sources. Please consider donating to the AABP Foundation research projects so that future projects that benefit cattle veterinarians, producers and cattle have the opportunity for funding. Please consider a donation to the AABP Foundation to help fund these research projects by visiting this link.

Comparison of lidocaine alone or in combination with a local nerve block of ethanol, bupivacaine liposome suspension, or oral meloxicam to extend analgesia after scoop dehorning in Holstein calves. Miriam Martin, Michael D. Kleinhenz, Abbie V. Viscardi, Shawnee R. Montgomery, Charley A. Cull, Kelly F. Lechtenberg, and Johann F. Coetzee

JDS Communications May 2022

https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2021-0178

AABP Foundation Cattle Welfare Grant Funded Projects

AABP Foundation Competitive Research Grant Funded Projects

Special AABP Have You Herd? Podcast: 56th AABP Annual Conference – Evolving Expectations Sep 16, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich provides information and tips for those attending the conference in Milwaukee September 21-23, 2023. This episode of Have You Herd? is sponsored by Allflex. Find out more information by visiting this page.

The conference will be held at the Wisconsin Center District which is the convention center located at 555 Wells St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There are parking garages next to the hotels and the downtown area is located 8 miles from the Milwaukee airport. The airport has Uber, Lyft or taxi service to downtown. When you arrive, go to the ground floor of the convention center to pick-up your registration pack and name badge if you have already registered and paid for your attendance. If you are registering on-site, please understand that some meal events may be sold out and it will take some time to process your registration and payment.

Gingrich advises attendees to review the conference website at https://aabp.org/milwaukee/default.asp to view the schedule, session descriptions, draft proceedings papers, committee meeting locations and agendas, Milwaukee visitors information, Slido links, exhibit hall information and the schedule for exhibit hall presentations called “Chute Side Chats”.

He offers top ten tips for enjoying the conference as well as how to access your CE certificate or listen to the recorded sessions after the conference. The AABP staff and volunteers on the program committee welcome you to Milwaukee and hope you enjoy all of the sessions and events that AABP has to offer our attendees!

Tips for Creating a Great Job Posting, Finding and Retaining Associate Veterinarians – Sponsored by Merck Animal Health Sep 11, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Wrenn Calcutt who graduated from Virginia Tech College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021.

This podcast is supported by Merck Animal Health and the Bovilis Vista Once SQ vaccine. To find out more information, visit this page.

Calcutt provides some guidance for veterinarians who are seeking new associates from the perspective of a student and a recent graduate looking for their next job. One thing that she discussed is the desire for millennials to have a job where they can make a difference and that is what she found attractive about food animal medicine. Veterinarians can learn from this and support and encourage students who do not have a farm animal or rural background but want to have a professional career in food animal medicine.

We discuss the job posting and details about what employers should include in a job posting such as where to post your job, what makes a good job description, providing a salary or salary range, and listing the benefits offered. The top three things Calcutt wants to see in a job posting are the species break-down the associate will see and cases seen, the number of doctors in the clinic and on-call schedule, and the salary and benefits spelled out clearly. She also encourages employers to reply promptly to an applicant and send an offer letter with details prior to the in-person interview so the potential associate can review it prior to arriving. We also discuss that after the job is accepted, employers should provide communication and a defined mentorship plan to improve the success of retention of the associate. Making sure that what was offered in the job is actually what the associate is doing on a day-to-day basis is an important part of job satisfaction.

AABP members can post available jobs for free at https://aabp.org/jobs/jobs/default.asp. Listing can be updated to reflect some of the tips available in this podcast!

Ep. 165 - Methods of Processing Recycled Manure Solids Bedding on Midwest Dairy Farms I: Associations with Bedding Bacteria Counts, Milk Quality, Udder Health and Milk Production - Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Aug 29, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP President Dr. Sandra Godden. This episode of Have You Herd is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and their portfolio of 3600 mastitis coverage. Find out more at this link.

Dr. Godden was an author on the paper published in the AABP peer-reviewed journal, The Bovine Practitioner. The journal’s target audience is practicing cattle veterinarians, providing research that is clinically relevant, and is available open-access in a searchable format where you can download PDF’s of articles at this link.

We start our conversation by discussing recycled manure solids as a bedding for dairy cows and why producers may find this bedding choice attractive. Godden encourages veterinarians to get involved in the discussion to assist producers with their milk quality programs, including bedding choices and how to best make them work for that farm. This study investigated four different processing methods of recycled manure solids on 29 Midwest dairy farms: green, digested, mechanically drum composted and hot air drum dryers. Godden discusses the methods of this study and offered practical tips for veterinarians to submit bedding samples for quantitative cultures of pathogens of interest. The number one tip is to be consistent so you can compare your results.

This study looked at the relationship between recycled manure solids processing methods and bedding bacteria counts, bulk tank bacteria counts, udder health and milk production. This study identifies some of the potential risk factors associated with the various processing methods but Godden reminds us that mastitis is a multi-factorial problem and veterinarians should be familiar with complete investigations on farms to ensure that all factors, including bedding type, are included.

Links:

Godden, S., Royster, E., Crooker, B., Timmerman, J., & Peña Mosca, F. (2023). Methods of processing recycled manure solids bedding on Midwest dairy farms I: Associations with bedding bacteria counts, milk quality, udder health and milk production. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(1), 10–20. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol57no1p10-20
University of Minnesota Laboratory for Udder Health

Bedding culture submission and interpretation guide

The Differences in Antibiotic Therapies and a Deeper Look at Florfenicol – Sponsored by Merck Animal Health Aug 14, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Merck Animal Health Technical Services Veterinarian Dr. Deana Hardee for this episode to discuss uses of florfenicol in cattle practice. We start this episode with a brief overview of the different classes of antimicrobials used in cattle and how they might fit into a bovine respiratory disease (BRD) protocol. Hardee discusses how florfenicol might be used as a first-line treatment after following a post-metaphylactic interval that used a macrolide. Florfenicol is not used in human medicine and has a long history of use in cattle.

Hardee also provides some tips to help producers understand its use and the value of following protocols provided by the veterinarian of record. We discuss the importance of reviewing preventive herd health plans to prevent diseases such as BRD and decrease its risk although all cases are not preventable. Hardee reviews the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)and their application for treatment of BRD and its effects on the animal. Florfenicol has other uses as well, such as treatment of foot rot in cattle. Finally, we review some of the research that Hardee has been involved with on antibiotic resistance and the judicious use of antibiotics on cattle operations.

AABP would like to thank Merck Animal Health for support of the Bovine Veterinary Student Recognition Awards providing 18 veterinary students with a $5,000 scholarship administered by the AABP Foundation at the AABP Annual Conference.

Links:

Nuflor Injectable Solution

Resflor Gold

Merck Veterinary Manual Use of Phenicols in Animals

Overcoming Challenges with Recruitment and Retention of Veterinarians in Bovine Practice Sponsored by Heritage Veterinary Partners Aug 07, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by veterinarians from Heritage Veterinary Partners which is a veterinary partnership specializing in large and mixed animal practices. Guests on this episode include Dr. Dan Cummings from Tennessee, Dr. Oliver Irons from West Virginia and Dr. Amanda Onan from Wisconsin. Cummings also serves as the chair of the AABP Membership Committee which has discussed the workforce shortages in rural bovine or mixed practice and developed initiatives for AABP to address this issue.

Our guests discuss the challenges of rural bovine/mixed animal practice and the evolving role of the veterinarian for beef and dairy clients and their experiences in deciding to join Heritage Veterinary Partners which has provide their practice benefits for their veterinarians and staff. We also discuss the initiatives that AABP has undertaken the past several years to provide resources to our members and especially our recent graduate members to improve retention. Cummings discusses a publication from a qualitative analysis of responses from small group meetings with members of the Membership Committee of recent graduates and what they want from bovine practice. Irons and Onan discuss how they have realized improvements in quality of life, business management, inventory management and networking with partners when they made the decision to join this collaboration of veterinarians.

Cummings invites attendees at the 56th AABP Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Wis., to visit them in the exhibit hall for more information.

Links:

Heritage Vet Partners website

Heritage Vet Partners Facebook page

What is happening in bovine practice and is it fixable – Dr. Fred Gingrich, Bovine Veterinarian, July 2023

Gibbons, P. M., Wells, J. K., Watson, K. R., Weale, J. J., & Roberson, J. R. (2022). A mixed-method pilot study investigating challenges experienced by mixed animal veterinarians in practice and their private practice experiences prior to graduation. The Bovine Practitioner, 56(1), 18–28. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol56no1p18-28

Gilliam, G., White, B. ., & Dodd, C. C. . (2021). Factors influencing administrative personnel and veterinarian turnover and compensation packages in rural mixed-animal practices over a 5-year period . The Bovine Practitioner, 55(2), 108–114. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol55no2p108-114

Beef Cattle Starter Rations Jul 17, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Matthew May, Director of Production Services at Feedlot Health Management Services by Telus Agriculture. This episode of AABP's Have You Herd? podcast is sponsored by Lactipro. Lactipro is a rumen-native probiotic consisting of a live, stable and naturally occurring strain of Mega e. Lactipro places a large number of Mega e into the rumen, where it immediately begins targeting lactic acid and producing butyric acid. Lactipro helps cattle producers support healthy rumen pH, while safely accelerating to finishing diets and reducing post-terminal processing mortality.

May begins by discussing some of the changes in the rumen microbial population from fiber digesters to starch digesters and how starter rations can influence the rumen. The history of the calf is important, but unfortunately that can often be missing with some arrival cattle. If the diet the cattle were on is available, it can be much easier to transition those cattle to full feed versus cattle that have an unknown history. Access and availability of water is very important for calf health and growth. May suggests that 1 linear inch of water trough space per head is standard, but could be increased to 2-3 inches in receiving pens. Ensuring regular cleaning, often daily, of water troughs in receiving pens is also important. May also discusses the importance of working with veterinarians on feed additives such as ionophores or antimicrobials to optimize health of the calf and rumen. Nutrition consulting is also not just about the ration ingredients but ensuring feed quality, consistency, delivery and consumption. Finally, we discuss the importance of knowing the goals for the cattle to help to optimize the timing of moving the calf from the starter ration to full feed. Although growth is important, ensuring that cattle transition to the feeding phase successfully even if growth is decreased initially will have a minimal impact on the productivity of the calf if it remains healthy.

Find out more information about Feedlot Health Management Services by Telus Agriculture on their website.

To learn more about Lactipro, visit https://msbiotec.com.

Urolithiasis: Review and Case Description of a Wagyu Feeder Steer with Struvite Crystalluria and Urolithiasis Treated with Calcium Boluses Jul 10, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP registered veterinary technician member Pamela Armstrong. Armstrong is the author of a case study novel treatment paper published in The Bovine Practitioner titled “Urolithiasis: Review and case description of a Wagyu feeder steer with struvite crystalluria and urolithiasis treated with calcium boluses”. Armstrong is the owner of Maple Row Farms in Clarence, N.Y. where she manages a horse rescue operation and a Wagyu beef cattle farm. They begin their conversation by discussing the value of registered veterinary technicians in bovine practice and how they can be a resource to help alleviate rural veterinary workforce challenges. Armstrong discusses the patient that was involved in this case study, a 27-month-old Wagyu steer owned by her. The steer presented with a painful abdomen, hunched appearance and sandy grit on the hairs of the prepuce. Diagnostic testing included urinalysis, CBC and chemistry profile. A diagnosis of struvite urolithiasis was made, and treatment involved analgesics, antibiotics and oral calcium boluses to increase the calcium concentration in the blood and decrease urine pH. Serial urinalyses were performed to guide the treatment with calcium boluses. Pen mates were evaluated and found to have crystalluria but no clinical signs of urolithiasis. The animal was successfully harvested and the urinary tract was grossly examined post mortem at harvest.

This case study demonstrates a novel approach to treating urolithiasis in a non-invasive manner using calcium boluses instead of the traditional treatment with the urinary acidifier ammonium chloride. Urolithiasis is the fifth leading cause of mortality in feedlot steers due to the high concentrate diet and effects on urine pH and calcium:phosphorous ratio. Armstrong recommends that a feed analysis be performed to evaluate the calcium:phosphorous ratio and to perform serial urinalyses to monitor the effect of treatment on crystalluria and urine pH.

Armstrong, P. M. (2023). Urolithiasis: Review and case description of a Wagyu feeder steer with struvite crystalluria and urolithiasis treated with calcium boluses. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(1), 41–48. Retrieved from https://bovine-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/bovine/article/view/8573

Usage of Genomics in Beef Cattle Production – Producer Perspectives Jul 03, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by two beef producers – Craig Bieber of Beiber Red Angus and Cole Ratzburg of Bobcat Angus. This episode of Have You Herd? is sponsored by Merck Animal Health, makers of Bovilis Vista Once SQ. It’s shown effective against the major causes of BRD plus Pasteurella multocida and BVD Type 1b. Give calves the most complete BRD coverage in a single dose. Find our more information by visiting this page.

The AABP Genetics and Genomics Committee develops resources for AABP members on the importance of genomics in the beef and dairy industry and developed this podcast. Our producer guests discuss the traits they focus on when selecting cattle, how they incorporate genomics testing and using indexes for bull selection. They discuss how they keep select replacements and give suggestions for what cow-calf producers should focus on when selecting bulls. Both producers believe that genomic testing has benefits their herds and helped them achieve their goals in a more rapid manner stating that the testing is economically advantageous to their operations. Finally, Bieber and Ratzburg offer suggestions for utilizing veterinarians to help make decisions on genetics and genomics within their herds.

Find out more information about Bieber Red Angus on this page and Bobcat Angus here.

For more information about the AABP Genetics and Genomics Committee, or to join the committee, visit this link. If you are attending the AABP conference and are interested in genetics and genomics, please join the committee meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21.

56th AABP Annual Conference – Preconference Seminars with Dr. Dave Sjeklocha Jun 26, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP Vice President Dr. Dave Sjeklocha to discuss the preconference seminars at the upcoming AABP Annual Conference Sept. 21-23 in Milwaukee, Wis. Preconference seminars are offered Sunday through Wednesday of the conference and provide an opportunity for members to take advanced continuing education courses that are led by a team of faculty experts.
Attendance for seminars is limited, which allows for great discussion and networking opportunities. These courses teach skills and techniques that can be immediately implemented in your beef or dairy practice to provide services to your clients. We will also have a seminar during the conference on Friday to train veterinarians in the Calf Care and Quality Assurance Program (CCQA) and a student lameness seminar. Seminars are submitted for 8 hours of continuing education per day and members can add them to a conference registration or they can register for a seminar-only registration for a lower fee if they are not attending the conference. We encourage members to sign up for seminars early due to the limited attendance as well as ensuring that seminar attendance is high enough to prevent cancellation. Seminars with an inadequate number of participants are subject to cancellation by August 10.

To view a detailed description of all seminars, visit this link and click on the title of each seminar. To register for the conference and add a seminar to your registration, visit the registration page. For questions about seminars, feel free to contact fred@aabp.org for assistance.

56th AABP Annual Conference with Dr. Michael Capel Jun 19, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP President-Elect and program committee chair Dr. Michael Capel to discuss the 56th AABP Annual Conference which will be held September 21-23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wis. AABP is appreciative of the efforts from the program committee to plan the continuing education sessions for beef, dairy, small ruminants, practice management, students, clinical skills, research summaries and practice tips sessions. The conference will offer 24.25 hours of continuing education with additional CE hours available for the clinical forum breakfasts on Thursday September 21 and preconference seminars that will be held prior to the conference.

The theme of the conference is “Evolving Expectations” and the keynote address will be delivered by Sara Frasca who will discuss the “Journey of Innovation” and how cattle veterinarians can evolve and grow practices to meet client and consumer demands. Capel and Gingrich review the highlights of each session and encourage listeners to review the full schedule at this link. The conference will also offer plenty of opportunities to network and socialize with new and old friends and colleagues, including a trade show in the exhibit hall where members can network with animal health company representatives. The AABP Stampede 5k will return again this year -- the inaugural run was also in Milwaukee in 2013. It will be in the same location near Lake Michigan in Juneau Park.

Registration is open and we encourage listeners to register before the fees increase on August 10. Registration information can be found on this page. AABP encourages all attendees to book their hotel reservation in the AABP hotel block to decrease the financial risk to the organization. Book your hotel by going to this link.

We look forward to welcoming you to Milwaukee in September to “Evolve Expectations”.

#AABP2023

Mindfulness Meditation for Cattle Veterinarians Jun 12, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich has a conversation with District 1 Director Dr. Liz Brock on how mindfulness meditation has impacted both of their lives in a positive way. They share their stories about their messy lives and how they have incorporated meditation practice to improve mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, manage work-life interaction, improve focus, and being generally happier. Gingrich and Brock talk about what brought them to meditation practice, its importance for bovine veterinarians who are suffering, and feeling our thoughts and emotions on a practical level. While neither are experts in mindfulness coaching, they share their direct experiences on the positive impacts it has had on their lives and encourage other veterinarians to try to start a daily practice. They talk about the basics of beginning the practice and offer resources for further information.

The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation
Nature Review Neuroscience
https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3916

Brief, daily meditation enhances attention, memory, mood, and emotional regulation in non-experienced meditators
Behavioral Brain Research
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2018.08.023

Meditation-induced effects on whole-brain structural and effective connectivity
Brain Structure and Function
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-022-02496-9

Books:

10% Happier – How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress without Losing my Edge, and Found Self-Help that Actually Works by Dan Harris

Don't Just Do Something, Sit There: A Mindfulness Retreat by Sylvia Boorstein

Zen and the Art of Running: The Path to Making Peace with Your Pace by Larry Shapiro

Health and Performance Outcomes from a Randomized Clinical Trial of Post-Metaphylactic Intervals Following Tildipirosin Metaphylaxis for Control of Naturally Occurring BRD in Commingled Lightweight Yearling Steers in a Commercial Feedlot Jun 05, 2023

-AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Josh Szasz, a veterinarian with Five Rivers Cattle Feeding. Szasz is the lead author on the paper published in The Bovine Practitioner Volume 56 Number 2 titled “Health and performance outcomes from a randomized clinical trial of post-metaphylactic intervals following tildipirosin metaphylaxis for control of naturally occurring BRD in commingled lightweight yearling steers in a commercial feedlot”. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains a significant challenge in feeder cattle and is a multi-factorial disease which has components that are difficult or outside of our control. He also discusses how it is difficult to predict which cattle will experience BRD after arrival to the feedyard. This study involved 8,000 sale barn-sourced steers with an average weight of 650 pounds and the objectives of the study were to evaluate the health and performance outcomes of an extended post-metaphylactic interval (PMI) using tildipirosin. The PMI periods measured were 4, 7, 10 and 13 days. Szasz walks us through the study including case definitions, processing protocols and treatment protocols for the cattle evaluated. The results of this study indicated that BRD first pulls and morbidity decrease linearly with increased PMI. There were no negative health impacts of extending the PMI after tildipirosin metaphylaxis. Szasz also mentions that cattle pulled for treatment showed an increased body weight even during the MPI time indicating that these cattle were still eating and gaining weight during the no-treatment times even if showing signs of illness. He mentions that good animal husbandry to allow cattle to acclimate to their new surroundings is a very important component of animal care and not just antimicrobial treatment. This study demonstrates that veterinarians should review protocols with clients to discuss the appropriate PMI for cattle to not only improve animal care but also implement good stewardship principles for judicious antimicrobial use.

Szasz JI, Bryant TC, Bryant LK, Streeter MN, Hutcheson JP, & Renter DG (2022). Health and performance outcomes from a randomized clinical trial of post-metaphylactic intervals following tildipirosin metaphylaxis for control of naturally occurring BRD in commingled lightweight yearling steers in a commercial feedlot. The Bovine Practitioner, 56(2), 38–46. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol56no2p38-46

Protecting Your Herd against Pasteurella multocida May 29, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Merck Animal Health Technical Services Veterinarian Dr. Brent Meyer. This episode of Have You Herd? is sponsored by Merck Animal Health. Could your cattle be more covered for BRD? If you’re not using Bovilis Vista Once SQ, the answer is yes! It’s shown effective against the major causes of BRD plus Pasteurella multocida and BVD Type 1b. No other vaccine covers as much and with industry-leading duration of immunity. Give calves the most complete BRD coverage in a single dose. Bovilis Vista Once SQ – another way Merck Animal Health works for you.

Meyer begins our discussion with a refresher on Pasteurella multocida and the role it plays in the bovine respiratory disease complex. He also discusses some of the misconception about P. multocida and how veterinarians can educate producers on this pathogen. Meyer states that P. multocida typically is the number one bacteria isolated in dairy calves and the second most common isolate in beef calves with BRD from diagnostic lab samples. We also discuss some classic signs of a P. multocida problem in a herd and how veterinarians can assist producers with both ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnostics working with their reference laboratories. Myer reviews both husbandry principles and vaccination with Bovilis Vista Once SQ to aid in prevention of this pathogen as part of the BRD complex. He encourages veterinarians to contact their Merck Animal Health technical services veterinarian for further information.

Please visit this link for more information about Bovilis Vista Once SQ.

AABP Guidelines for the Humane Euthanasia of Cattle May 22, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by members of the Animal Welfare Committee to discuss the recently revised Guidelines for the Humane Euthanasia of Cattle. Joining us in this episode is Dr. Liz Brock, District 1 Director and Vice-Chair, Dr. Meggan Hain, Chair, and Dr. Brett Boyum. Brock discusses the AABP policy for developing and reviewing all AABP guidelines and position statements to ensure they remain relevant and consistent with current science. The documents are used not only to advocate for best practices within our industry but also used by other organizations as our official position on a variety of cattle health and welfare topics, Our guests walk us through the main sections of the guideline, including indications for euthanasia and the primary and secondary methods that are approved. Hain discusses the important distinction between when anesthesia is required versus sedation with alpha-2 agonists. Boyum highlights the approach he takes to ensure adequate training and monitoring of caretakes for euthanasia protocols and the important role that all veterinarians should take in ensuring that animals receive a timely and humane death when indicated. We also discuss considerations for carcass disposal, especially with the use of pentobarbital, and alternative chemical euthanasia methods. We encourage all listeners to review the guidelines and discuss euthanasia protocols and training with their clients to advocate for appropriate animal care.

Relevant links:

AABP Guidelines for the Humane Euthanasia of Cattle, March 2023

Intrathecal Lidocaine Procedure in Equids and Cattle

Failed Transfer of Passive Immunity is a Component Cause of Pre-Weaning Disease in Beef and Dairy Calves: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis May 15, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Alexis Thompson, the lead author on the paper published in The Bovine Practitioner Vol. 56 No. 2 titled “Failed transfer of passive immunity is a component cause of pre-weaning disease in beef and dairy calves: A systematic review and meta-analysis”. The objective of the paper was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature regarding failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) and evaluate the strength of association between FTPI and disease in pre-weaned calves. Both dairy, beef and mixed breed cattle papers were included in the study to answer the question “how strongly is FTPI diagnosis associated with the risk of disease in pre-weaned calves”. Thompson walks listeners through the detailed materials and methods section of the paper to describe how the literature search was performed, inclusion and exclusion criteria for the papers evaluated, data extracted from each paper, and setting cut-points for morbidity and mortality. A total of 22 papers were included in the final data set. Thompson also defines the terms used in the paper including risk ratio, attributable fraction, preventable fraction and population attributable fraction. The outcomes evaluated included morbidity, mortality, diarrhea and pneumonia. The results of this meta-analysis indicated that FTPI is a component cause of pre-weaning disease in calves and there was variability between the strength of the association between the papers included in the study. There are many contributing causes of pre-weaning calf disease and the impact of FTPI on a calf or herd’s risk of developing disease depends on the presence of other component causes of disease. This is an important consideration when veterinarians are evaluating disease outbreaks in herds to ensure a holistic systems approach to identify all component causes of the outbreak.

Registration for the 56th AABP Annual Conference is now open. Gingrich mentions some of the opportunities at the conference to evaluate herd outbreaks and using data to solve problems in cattle practice. For more information and to register for the conference, visit this page. Preconference seminar information can be found at this link and the full schedule is available on this page.

Thompson, AC, & Smith, DR (2022). Failed transfer of passive immunity is a component cause of pre-weaning disease in beef and dairy calves: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Bovine Practitioner, 56(2), 47–61. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol56no2p47-61

AABP Legislative Advocacy Update May 08, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich provides an advocacy update for the membership in this episode of the AABP Have You Herd? podcast. Gingrich begins the podcast by explaining how AABP staff and volunteers work with allied organizations to advocate for veterinary issues important to cattle practitioners. He encourages our members to join AVMA to support the veterinary association that represents all veterinarians in the U.S. The AVMA Government Relations Division (GRD) is based in Washington, D.C. and has a staff the advocates both the federal and state legislative level as well as working with regulatory agencies to ensure our voice is represented.
Cattle veterinarians represent a minority of the veterinary profession. According to AVMA data, food animal and mixed animal veterinarians represent less than 10% of clinical practice veterinarians. In the past 10 years, the U.S. has seen a 22% increase in the number of clinical practice veterinarians, but a 15% decrease in the number of food animal or mixed animal veterinarians according to the AVMA Census of Veterinarians.

A grassroots effort by veterinarians is needed to make sure that representatives here our message on issues important to AABP members. Gingrich encourages members to sign up for the AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network at this link to receive messages about important issues as well as have the ability to send emails to Congressional representatives. Less than 2% of AVMA members donate to the AVMA PAC compared with 13-18% for other professional organization. Gingrich encourages AABP members who are AVMA members to donate to the PAC so that our voice is heard.

Gingrich walks listeners through the proposed rules to schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. The primary concern with this proposed regulation is loss of access to the drug due to manufacturers and distributors being unwilling to comply with the regulations, especially on a state-by-state level. AVMA and AABP have advocated for passage of the Combatting Illicit Xylazine Act which would impose federal penalties on illicit use, but maintain veterinary use as prescription. Please send an email to your Congressional representatives using the AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network system to support this bill. He also discusses the results on xylazine use survey by AABP members which can be found at this link.

The other issues discussed in the podcast are protecting the VCPR, utilizing telemedicine in bovine practice for established clients, and mobilization of credentialed veterinary technicians in bovine practice.

Please support the advocacy efforts of AABP by joining us or renewing your dues today at this link.

Create a Great Externship Opportunity May 01, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Pippa Gibbons, chair of the AABP Food Animal Educators Task Force, and Dr. Arn Anderson, AABP Board of Directors representative for District 8. Our topic is discussing the importance of externships for veterinary students and how this can impact retention and recruitment in bovine or mixed animal practice. It is important for practices to have a well-defined program and to ask students what their goals are for the externship experience. Anderson suggests having an externship coordinator in your practice who will manage the program. Practice liability is always a concern when hosting student externs. The AVMA PLIT has developed resources for practices and students. Suggestions include safety training, ensuring appropriate oversight of students, purchase the appropriate insurance, and develop liability waivers for students to sign when visiting your practice. AABP members should list their externship opportunities on the AABP website so students can find your externship and you can meet potential associates. Go to this link to list your practice or view externship opportunities. Practice owners should also consider the barriers that students have in attending externship experiences. These can include housing, financial burdens, and concerns with lack of experience. Try to remove or mitigate these barriers so that we can demonstrate the opportunities we have in bovine practice as a professional career. AABP provides externship grants to students to assist with the financial impacts of attending externship experiences. For more information and to apply for a grant, visit this page.

Relevant publications:

Thomson, D. U., Thomson, J. U., Lubbers, B. V., Apley, M. D., Cull, C. A., Lechtenberg, K. F., McCoy, E. J., & Schwandt, E. F. (2017). A Survey of veterinary student exposure to and performance of clinical skills necessary for success in beef cattle veterinary practice and the relationship to the supply, demand, and value of proper training as beef cattle veterinarians. The Bovine Practitioner, 51(2), 215–228. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol51no2p215-228

Feeding and Mimicking Transition Milk in Calves – Post-Day One, What's New and is There a Return on Investment? Apr 24, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP members from the Saskatoon Colostrum Company Limited (SCCL), Dr. Travis White, Director of Veterinary Technical Services, and Dr. Mike Nagorske, Director of Research. This episode is sponsored by SCCL and you can find information about their company on their website. If you are an AABP member interested in calves, we encourage you to join our new ad hoc Cattle Youngstock Committee. The first meal a calf receives is the most important and studies show that previous recommendations of 150 grams of IgG may not be adequate and up to 300 grams of IgG is ideal to ensure health and productivity in calves. White and Nagorske discuss the details of feeding protocols such as dosing regimen, incorporating this feeding with regular milk meals and starter rations. They recommend 70 grams/head/day of replacer to mimic this transition milk feeding for 10-14 days. This can be added to whole milk feeding or with milk replacer if the appropriate weight of milk replacer is removed to ensure the correct osmolality of the as-fed milk. Colostrum replacement products can be used to mimic this transition milk and our guests also remind listeners to be familiar with the differences between colostrum supplements and replacers. Studies conducted by SCCL have demonstrated up to a 50% reduction in preweaning morbidity and mortality and a 0.1 to 0.2 lbs. per day increase in average daily gain. We also discuss the return on investment (ROI) when calves are fed colostrum replacement products during the first 10-14 days to mimic transition milk feeding. The ROI can be up to 20% due to decreased medication use, increased gains pre and post weaning, decreased morbidity and decreased mortality. Overall, producers can expect an investment of $20-30 per calf with the biggest impact from that investment coming from decreased scours. Veterinarians should consider these new protocols to improve calf health and work with producers to implement them on their farms.

Short communication: Effects of transition milk and milk replacer supplemented with colostrum replacer on growth and health of dairy calves
J Dairy Sci https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-18361

Evaluation of the effects of oral colostrum supplementation during the first fourteen days on the health and performance of preweaned calves
J Dairy Sci https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2008-1433

Evaluation of the effects of colostrum replacer supplementation of the milk replacer ration on the occurrence of disease, antibiotic therapy, and performance of pre-weaned dairy calves
J Dairy Sci https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-11652

Feeding colostrum or a 1:1 colostrum:milk mixture for 3 days postnatal increases small intestinal development and minimally influences plasma glucagon-like peptide-2 and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations in Holstein bull calves
J Dairy Sci https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-17219

What do Veterinarians Need to Know about FDA Guidance for Industry #263? Apr 17, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Eric Moore, an AABP member who is Director of Technical Services at Norbrook. Guidance for Industry (GFI) #263 is part of the FDA’s five-year plan which will move the remaining medically important antimicrobials under veterinary oversight. This means that all medically important antimicrobials that are currently marketed as over-the-counter (OTC) medications will be moved to prescription (Rx) status. About 95% of antimicrobials sold in the U.S. are administered by feed or water. The remaining 5% of dosage forms include both OTC and Rx products and this move will ensure that all medically important antimicrobials are under the oversight of the veterinarian who has a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship with the producer. Moore discusses the products that will be affected that cattle veterinarians and producers use, as well as discuss what will happen as these products have a change in marketing status. This implementation will be different than the implementation of the Veterinary Feed Directive where on that date, no products could be used that did not have an associated authorization VFD from the veterinarian. OTC products will have their labels changed to Rx; however, those products currently in commerce after June 11, 2023, will be able to be exhausted and newly labeled products will require a prescription from the veterinarian. Moore suggests that veterinarians familiarize themselves with the regulation and make sure to communicate these changes to producers in their communities. Producers should make sure they have a valid VCPR prior to the need for the medications and that veterinarians continue to implement antimicrobial stewardship plans on their clients' operations. This includes the question “why are you using this antimicrobial?” as the first step in stewardship is preventing disease.

Relevant links:

FDA Frequently Asked Questions on GFI #263

GFI #263 Recommendations for Sponsors of Medically Important Antimicrobials

FDA GFI #263 Text

AABP Guidelines for Establishing and Maintaining the VCPR in Bovine Practice

AABP Key Elements for Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Plans in Bovine Veterinary Practices Working with Beef and Dairy Operations

AVMA Resources on GFI #263

Seroprevalence and Molecular Detection of Anaplasma marginale-infected Beef Herds in Georgia, USA Apr 10, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by past AABP Board of Directors member from District 3, Dr. Lee Jones. Jones is an associate professor at the University of Georgia in the Beef Production Medicine department. Jones was the first author on the paper titled “Seroprevalence and molecular detection of Anaplasma marginale-infected beef herds in Georgia, USA”, which was published in The Bovine Practitioner Volume 56 Number 2 (2022). We review the transmission, clinical signs, and diagnostic tests for bovine anaplasmosis. The objective of the study was to conduct and compare seroprevalence and molecular detection of Anaplasma marginale-infected beef herds in Georgia and to identify herd risk factors associated with A. marginale-positive herds. Blood samples were collected from 1,059 adult beef cattle (≥ 2 years) from 33 herds. Overall, 8.12% of cattle and 42% of herds were cELISA antibody-positive. Seventy-seven percent of plasma samples from a subset of corresponding seropositive samples (n = 73) were PCR-positive. Jones reviews the risk factors associated with bovine anaplasmosis and how veterinarians can become involved in prevention and control programs for their clients. Education is important because 27% of the survey respondents were not aware of the disease even with a high percentage of herds positive. We also discuss the importance of ensuring appropriate delivery of VFD medication for control of anaplasmosis as part of a control program.

Relevant publication:

Jones, A. L., Berghaus, R. D., Kalatari, A. A., Credille, B., Naikare, H. K., Heins, B., Saliki, J., & Wilkes, R. P. (2022). Seroprevalence and molecular detection of Anaplasma marginale infected beef herds in Georgia, USA. The Bovine Practitioner, 56(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol56no2p70-78

A Conversation with Elizabeth Peterson – AABP Student Member Apr 03, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by student AABP member Elizabeth Peterson. Elizabeth is in the inaugural class at Texas Tech University College of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo, Texas. We discuss how students can react to generalizations about recent veterinary graduates and students. She shares challenges that students face today and what the next generation of veterinarians wants for their professional career. She wants to be in a practice that is mostly cattle where she can grow, get support, mentorship and learn from the inevitable mistakes we all make. Peterson describes the financial realities of tuition today, and working through veterinary school has not made a significant difference in her debt load which is much different than previous generations. We can all learn from each other by listening, engaging in productive conversation, not placing blame, and welcoming everyone to the profession and encouraging them to continue to work as a bovine veterinarian!

We welcome veterinarians, credentialed veterinary technicians and students enrolled in veterinary school to join AABP to support the organization’s efforts to provide continuing education, support the AABP Foundation and advocate for issues important to cattle practice. The 2023-2024 dues season is open. Click here to join AABP or renew your dues today!

Relevant publication:

Foodborne illness outbreaks linked to unpasteurized milk and relationship to changes in state laws - United States 1998-2018 Mar 27, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Megin Nichols, a veterinarian who works in for the Centers for Disease Control Epidemic Intelligence Service. Nichols discusses the recent publication that evaluated outbreaks associated with consumption of unpasteurized milk and compared these outbreaks to state laws regarding the consumption of unpasteurized milk over a period from 1998 to 2018. There are 27 states that allow some form of raw milk sales and 78% of the outbreaks investigated occurred in those states. Allowing retail sale of unpasteurized milk presented an even bigger risk for foodborne illness. Only 1-2% of U.S. adults consume unpasteurized milk on a weekly basis, but 70% of adults consume pasteurized dairy products. Nichols discusses that 202 outbreaks and 2,645 illnesses were linked to unpasteurized milk with 228 hospitalizations and 3 deaths. There were 9 outbreaks associated with pasteurized dairy products during the same time period. We discuss the role of veterinarians in ensuring food safety and communicating to consumers the risks associated with raw dairy products and the increased risk to demographic populations of the elderly and young.

Foodborne illness outbreaks linked to unpasteurized milk and relationship to changes in state laws - United States, 1998-2018.
Koski L, Kisselburgh H, Landsman L, Hulkower R, Howard-Williams M, Salah Z, Kim S, Bruce BB, Bazaco MC, Batz MB, Parker CC, Leonard CL, Datta AR, Williams EN, Stapleton GS, Penn M, Whitham HK, Nichols M.
Epidemiol Infect. 2022 Oct 25
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268822001649

CDC Resources on Raw Milk

What's on Dr. Barnhardt's Mind? Mar 20, 2023

This episode of Have You Herd? is an audio recording of the closing presentation at the 6th AABP Recent Graduate Conference with Dr. Tera Barnhardt. Barnhardt shares her thoughts on bovine practice while displaying the morning sunrise view from her truck as she starts her day as a mom, wife and bovine veterinarian. Her inspirational presentation to the attendees at the conference reminds them to pause and enjoy that moment and shares her inner critic’s voice with the attendees so we can all understand that each of us has struggles that we can overcome.

The introduction of the speaker is Dr. Tommy Ware who served as the chair of the program committee as the AABP Emerging Leader. Also serving on the program committee were Drs. Alex Pop, Michael Rohde and Kendra Wells. AABP is now accepting applications for the next emerging leader from AABP members, who are also AVMA members, who graduated from 2016-2023. Submit your CV and letter of interest to fred@aabp.org or contact him for more information.

AABP would like to thank all of the attendees of the conference. The recorded sessions are available for AABP members by clicking on the purple cow head logo at the bottom of any AABP webpage or download the free BCI Mobile Conference app. This is a free member benefit for RACE-approved CE!

Colostrum as a Treatment for Scours – Sponsored by SCCL Mar 13, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Travis White, Director of Veterinary Technical Services with the Saskatoon Colostrum Company Limited (SCCL). SCCL provides whole bovine colostrum for convenient administration when colostrum is not available from the cow. We already know the importance of calves receiving colostrum shortly after birth to achieve passive transfer of immunity, but did you know that whole colostrum has benefits for the calf if also fed after day one? White discusses the exciting new research about whole colostrum and how it can be used to treat calf scours and improve gastrointestinal health. Calves with inadequate levels of IgG from passive transfer are 5.5 to 9.5 times more likely to become ill before weaning, have 4 times the mortality, and experience decrease growth and feed efficiency. The new recommendation is to provide 300 grams of IgG within 6-8 hours of birth and to have more than 40% of calves with excellent passive transfer. When calves have scours, colostrum can be used as a treatment. White discusses research that demonstrated that calves with neonatal diarrhea treated with colostrum had a decreased duration of diarrhea, increased weight gain, and used less antimicrobials. White discussed the term “gut dysbiosis” and how colostrum can help to heal the damage to the gastrointestinal tract in animals with gastroenteritis. He also discusses how veterinarians can develop treatment protocols for neonatal scours that include administration of 150 grams of IgG in 1 to 2 feedings.

Links:
Saskatoon Colostrum Company Ltd.

Feeding colostrum as therapy for diarrhea in preweaned calves

Paid Student Externship Opportunities Mar 06, 2023

In this episode of have You Herd, AABP Executive Director is joined by two AABP student members. Mary Jo Cody is a 3rd year student at University of Madison Wisconsin and Kaitlyn Reinhardt is a 3rd year student at the University of Minnesota. Both students shared some of the challenges that students face in securing valuable externship experiences and the most common issues are housing, finding externships that are available, and finding paid externship opportunities. AABP President Dr. Sandra Godden shared in her president’s message in the December 2022 AABP newsletter that paid externships are a wonderful opportunity for both students and practices. Both students found paid externships this past summer to not only gain valuable experiences, but make connections with practice owners and associates, while relieving some of the financial burden on the students. The guests are also open about how both veterinarians and students can make the most out of the externship. We close by discussing some of the interesting things the students experienced while on their externships.

Students can apply for funding through the AABP Foundation. Go to this link to find out more information and apply. AABP members can also list their externship opportunities and students can find those opportunities on this page.

Cultural Awareness for Veterinarians Working with LatinX Livestock Caretakers Feb 27, 2023

This episode of Have You Herd? is guest hosted by Dr. Kendra Wells, a dairy veterinarian from northeastern Wisconsin. Wells was the dairy coordinator the 2023 6th AABP Recent Graduate Conference and was joined at the conference by Dr. Noa Roman-Muniz to follow-up from her presentation at the conference. Language differences can limit effectiveness of training but is not the primary challenge to effective communication. Our guests discuss tips for training and presenting to LatinX employees and how to recognize cultural differences that can be celebrated not as a limitation, but as an opportunity for making personal connections. Roman-Muniz suggests that veterinarians should attempt to use the Spanish that they know with farm employees and that they will be appreciative of your efforts even if you have limited Spanish-speaking skills. She suggests being open to correction and telling workers to help you when you make a mistake. Our guests also discuss the definitions of the terms LatinX and Hispanic. Roman-Muniz also explains why “knowing the why” is important for workers in training, discussing euthanasia, and how this makes employees feel like they are a part of the team. Explaining and embracing the why in our training also is liberating for managers and owners, a lesson she learned from her dairy farmer father.

AABP members can listen to Roman-Muniz’s conference presentation on the BCI CE portal when the recorded sessions are available. We also encourage anyone interested in this topic to review the resources on the AABP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee page. If you are interested in joining the DEI committee, click on the email committee link from that page. AABP members can also advance their Spanish-language skills for communicating with farm workers in a practical setting by taking part in our free Spanish language webinar series. Two webinars are available on the BCI CE portal and more will be offered in the future. Find the AABP webinar schedule under the "Members" menu of the AABP website.

Is Your Refrigerator Running? Feb 20, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Emmanuel Rollin, clinical associate professor of dairy production medicine at the University of Georgia. Rollin is a former Amstutz Scholarship winner and currently serves as the chair of the AABP Amstutz Scholarship Committee. Today we are discussing a paper published in The Bovine Practitioner, titled “Maintenance of the last step of the cold chain: on-farm refrigerator storage and performance.” The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of refrigerators in an on-farm setting to determine the temperature ranges observed using a data logging device. Rollin discusses the types of refrigerators that are commonly seen on farms and some of the different features of those refrigerators. The recommended temperature interval (RTI) for most biologics used in cattle is 36-46 degrees F. The study was conducted for 6 months with temperatures measured every 10 minutes resulting in over 1 million data points. Results demonstrated that household refrigerators were outside the RTI 37% of the time, commercials refrigerators 2% of the time, and mini-refrigerators 27% of the time. They also evaluated the mean daily temperature ranges (MDTR) in the refrigerator (low to high daily temperature range) and found MDTR from 1 – 14o F with type of refrigerator and ambient temperature in the room impacting MDTR ranges. Rollin discusses that the study does not indicate if the biologic products stored outside of the RTI had diminished efficacy, however monitoring refrigerators can be a part of risk management for disease mitigation strategies. Veterinarians can play a role in ensuring that the cold chain for biologicals are maintained to decrease the risk to herd health when implementing vaccine protocols, including monitoring inventory, temperature data logging, refrigerator location and maintenance.

The In Temp data logger used in this study can be found at this link.

Fallness, C. A., Rollin, E., Heins, B. D., & Berghaus, R. D. (2022). Maintenance of the last step of the cold chain: on-farm refrigerator storage and performance. The Bovine Practitioner, 56(2), 62–69. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol56no2p62-69

Reducing enteric methane emissions with 3-nitrooxypropanoal Feb 13, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Sara Place, an associate professor in Animal Sciences at Colorado State University and affiliated with Ag Next which is focused on sustainable solutions in animal agriculture, to discuss an exciting molecule called 3- nitrooxypropanoal or 3-NOP. Methane is the number one greenhouse gas (GHG) associated with dairy and beef production. The primary source of methanogenesis in beef and dairy cattle is the rumen. If we look at all activities associated with beef production, it is 3.7% of U.S. GHG emissions and about 2% for dairy. This includes enteric methane as well as feed, transportation, manure and other inputs. The primary driver of GHG in the U.S. is burning fossil fuels and release of CO2 into the atmosphere and not animal agriculture, however methane has 28 times the warming potential of CO2, but the half-life is only 10 years, much less than CO2.

3-NOP has a very specific mode of action in the rumen to competitively inhibit the last step of methanogenesis. Research has consistently shown that 3-NOP decreases rumen methanogenesis by 30% in dairy cattle and up to 50% in feedlot cattle. 3-NOP has a different mode of action to ionophores such as monensin. We discuss that 6% of the energy fed to dairy cows and 3.5% of the energy fed to beef cows is lost to methane. Research has not demonstrated an increase in milk production or dry matter intake, but it has had some impact on milk components. We also discuss the practical application of 3-NOP in dairy cows, pastoral beef systems, pre-weaned calves and its impact on future lifetime production of methane, and during the finishing phase of beef production.

We also discuss that 3-NOP is a new concept with proven reductions in methane production but there is opportunity for future research to demonstrate potential benefits to producers, animals and consumers as well as the environment.

Related publications:

Summary of scientific papers from DSM on 3-nitrooxypropanoal

DSM sustainability website

Use of 3-nitrooxypropanol as feed additive for mitigating enteric methane emissions from ruminants: a meta-analysis

The effects of feeding 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane emissions and productivity of Holstein cows in mid lactation

A meta-analysis of effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane production, yield, and intensity in dairy cattle

Use of 3-nitrooxypropanol in a commercial feedlot to decrease enteric methane emissions from cattle fed a corn-based finishing diet

Providing appropriate pain management for cattle Feb 06, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP members from Kansas State University, Dr. Michael Kleinhenz and Dr. Hans Coetzee. Our guests discuss research that indicates cattle feel pain even when they do not exhibit outward signs of pain and some common procedures where the animal can benefit from an analgesic protocol. Providing appropriate pain management is not only our moral obligation from the oath we took as veterinarians, but also is expected by customers and consumers. There are also benefits to the animal and the producer when these procedures are managed with appropriate analgesic protocols. We discuss how to manage with current supply chain issues for lidocaine as well as the types of drugs that can be used when developing analgesic protocols for producers. Kleinhenz reviews a recent publication that discusses aspirin use in lactating dairy cows, appropriate withholding times, and its efficacy for reducing inflammation in cows. We also review some of the challenges that veterinarians may face when discussing pain management with clients and how we can overcome those challenges to speak for the cow or calf and advocate for appropriate animal care.

Links:

Current attitudes of veterinarians and producers regarding the use of local and systemic analgesia in beef and dairy cattle in the United States
Elizabeth C.S. Johnstone, Johann F. Coetzee, Pablo J. Pinedo, Lily Edwards-Callaway
JAVMA, Vol. 258. No. 2
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.258.2.197

Determination of milk concentrations and pharmacokinetics of salicylic acid following acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) administration in postpartum dairy cows
B.R. Fritz, M.D. Kleinhenz, S.R. Montgomery, G. Magnin, M.S. Martin, M. Weeder, A.K. Curtis, J.F. Coetzee
J Dairy Sci, Vol. 105, No. 2
https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2021-21507
AABP Resource Approaching Pain in Cattle

A survey of US Cow-Calf Producers to Investigate Cattle Health and Production Records Jan 30, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Isaac Jumper, a clinical instructor at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Jumper is the principal author of three papers recently published in the AABP peer-reviewed journal, The Bovine Practitioner. We discuss the journal and our new submission, review and publication process. The Bovine Practitioner is open access and published online at this link.

This series of papers was published after Jumper et al. administered a survey to 14,000 cow-calf producers in the U.S. who were members of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association with a 25% response rate. One interesting response to the survey was the question asking what was the producer’s motivation for being in the cow-calf industry. The number one response was that they enjoyed taking care of cattle and number two was that cattle had been in their family for generations. The results of the survey provide multiple opportunities for veterinarians to be involved in their client’s operations to develop consulting on cattle health, production and welfare. The majority of responses (2/3) stated that their veterinarians was influential in management decisions. The survey was used to ask producer’s questions about the use of cattle health and production records (CHPR), what were the odds of using CHPR based on various demographics, how did they use and access technology for CHPR and what is the veterinarian’s involvement in CHPR on their operations.

The results of this survey can be used by veterinarians to develop questions for their clients, identify the challenges and bottlenecks to CHPR on their client’s operations, and identify opportunities for them to help their clients develop CHPR practices to incorporate consulting services to help the client, their cattle, and the veterinarian. Jumper reminds us that for clients that do not have CHPR, it is best to identify some simple yet important pieces of information to record and build the CHPR from there. Veterinarians are an investment in cow-calf operations and we should work to develop consulting relationships to help these clients enjoy their cattle even more!

Jumper, W. I., Huston, C. L., Willis, R. W., & Smith, D. R. (2022). Survey of U.S. cow-calf producer methods and opinions of cattle health and production record-keeping. The Bovine Practitioner, 56(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol56no2p1-15

Jumper, W. I., Huston, C. L., Willis, R. W., & Smith, D. R. (2022). Survey of U.S. cow-calf producer access to and use of technology for cattle health and production record-keeping purposes. The Bovine Practitioner, 56(2), 16–28. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol56no2p16-28

Jumper, W. I., Huston, C. L., Willis, R. L., & Smith, D. R. (2022). Survey of veterinary involvement in cattle health and production record-keeping on U.S. cow-calf operations. The Bovine Practitioner, 56(2), 29–37. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol56no2p2-37

Meat is Medicine Jan 23, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by family practice physician Dr. John Madany. Madany worked on ranches and assisted with beef production research while in college and considered veterinary school but ultimately decided to become a physician. He describes his journey of prescribing medication to patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol before realizing his prescribing practices may have increased patient risk for these diseases and aggravated metabolic syndrome. He now approaches these disease with dietary therapy, primarily utilizing a low carbohydrate diet that is based on animal-sourced proteins to ensure a high-fat/high-protein low-carbohydrate diet. Madany discusses the results he has seen using this approach which include decreasing or eliminating the need for medication, improved neurologic and mental health, decreasing joint and muscle pain, and overall improvements in satisfaction from patients. Madany discusses the importance of measuring a fasting insulin level and monitoring insulin level to see a response to dietary interventions. He discusses that hyperinsulinemia has deleterious effects on the body including high blood pressure, inflammation, insulin resistance and tachycardia.

Dr. Madany states that he would not be able to practice without meat and that animal products are his medicine. Cattle veterinarians can advocate for the health benefits of an animal based diet to promote the products our clients produce.

Interested in more information about low carbohydrate diets or the carnivore diet? Two books discussed in the podcast are listed below for further information:

Good Calories, Bad Calories – Gary Taubes

The Carnivore Diet – Shawn Baker

Impact of Nutrition and Postbiotics on Animal Health - Sponsored by Diamond V Jan 09, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Mario Vailati Riboni from the technical services team at Diamond V, a platinum sponsor of the 55th AABP Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif. AABP members can view the breakfast presentation delivered by Dr. Matias Stangaferro, “What’s Next: How to use research and data to drive effective decisions”, on the online recorded CE platform health.

Robini discusses how nutrition can impact animal and we discuss several research projects and publications that support the use of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics in dairy rations as well as defining these terms. Mastitis and udder health remain a significant disease challenge in the dairy industry and we review some of the financial impacts of mastitis in dairy cows. Currently, the dairy industry spends $70-100 per cow per year on prevention and up to $450 per case of clinical mastitis. Feeding the immune system with key nutrients can decrease the impacts of mastitis in the dairy industry. Robini also unpacks the practical application of feeding these products on the dairy and the financial returns that can be realized from utilizing them in dairy rations.

To find out more information about these products, contact your Diamond V technical service specialist and visit their website.
Publications:
Vailati-Riboni, M., Coleman, D.N., Lopreiato, V. et al. Feeding a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product improves udder health and immune response to a Streptococcus uberis mastitis challenge in mid-lactation dairy cows. J Animal Sci Biotechnol 12, 62 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-021-00560-8

M. Al-Qaisi, E.A. Horst, E.J. Mayorga, et al. Effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on heat-stressed dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 103, 10 (2020). https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-18721

A.M. Zontini, E. Zerbini, A. Minuti, E. Trevisi. Effects of supplementing Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products to dairy cows from the day of dry-off through early lactation. J Dairy Sci. 104, 11 (2021). https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2021-20463

Dr. Dan Grooms – Cattle Veterinarian, AABP Past President, Dean Jan 02, 2023

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the dean of the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Dan Grooms. Grooms discusses his career as a mixed animal veterinarian in Ohio after graduating from The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Veterinary Medicine and the mentors he had that encouraged him to become involved in organized veterinary medicine. He started his volunteer service to AABP as a member of the Amstutz Scholarship Committee, became president in 2014, and currently serves on the AABP Foundation Board. He returned to OSU and was on faculty at Michigan State University, and then became dean at Iowa State University. Grooms discusses the current shortage of veterinarians and how it particularly impacts rural mixed/food animal practice. He encourages veterinarians to develop young people in their community in following a path to veterinary medicine by getting them to enter college and apply to veterinary schools and think about a a career in cattle medicine. Grooms discusses the challenges with maintaining a curriculum that satisfies the Council on Education requirements for accreditation, and how veterinary school develops a foundation for students to enter the profession and continue to learn and advance their careers. Veterinary school tuition continues to increase and he outlines the budget and revenue streams at Iowa State University and how this impacts tuition fees to students. Scholarships and paid externships are important for all AABP members to participate in to encourage recruitment and retention in bovine practice. Grooms also discusses the efforts by AABP and universities to promote diversity, equity and inclusion to make sure that the profession is welcoming and supportive of everyone, regardless of their demographic backgrounds.

The AABP Foundation continues to support veterinary students and we encourage everyone to donate to the Foundation at this link to support scholarships, research and externship programs for veterinary students. AABP members can list their externships to welcome students to bovine practice by going to this page. Are you interested in joining an AABP Committee? Visit the committee page on the AABP website and click on a committee to find information and email the committee chair!

6th AABP Recent Graduate Conference February 9-11, 2023 Dec 26, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the program committee for the 6th AABP Recent Graduate Conference. The program committee members are Dr. Tommy Ware (AABP Emerging Leader and chair), Dr. Alex Pop (beef and practice management sessions), Dr. Michael Rohde (beef sessions) and Dr. Kendra Wells (dairy sessions). The conference offers a unique CE opportunity for AABP members who graduated from 2015-2022. The theme of the conference is “Competence to Confidence” and offers CE sessions on practice management, small ruminants, clinical skills, beef and dairy. The keynote address will be delivered by AABP member Dr. Eric Rooker who will discuss “rituals of strength” to provide meaningful skills for recent graduates to develop confidence in their competence! Our guests discuss how they have enjoyed attending this conference for not only the continuing education that is developed with the recent graduate in mind, but also the networking with colleagues who are at the same stage of their career. AABP offers this conference to support our recent graduate members and demonstrate the organization’s commitment to retaining them in bovine practice. The conference offers networking, social events and a trade show. On Thursday, February 9, four preconference seminars are offered that will provide small group settings to learn skills on becoming an owner, reproductive ultrasound, thoracic ultrasound and lameness. Find more information about the seminars at this link. Each preconference seminar is approved for 8 hours of CE in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. The conference is RACE-approved for 15.5 hours of CE.

Register for the conference at this link. View the schedule of events on this page. Make sure to book your hotel room in the AABP block and support your organization to ensure the continued success of this conference by going to this page.

#RG2023
#competencetoconfidence

Diagnostic testing for BVD Dec 19, 2022

This episode of Have You Herd? is sponsored by Allflex. Producers all over are going all in on Allflex monitoring solutions and they want to tell you why. Allflex empowers producers to get the most from their operations. Allflex monitoring solutions increase labor efficiency, improve herd health and boost reproduction rates. Ongoing training and support keeps things running smoothly from install and beyond. For more details, visit this website.

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Russ Daly, extension veterinarian from South Dakota State University. Today we discuss bovine virus diarrhea (BVD), an RNA envelope virus that can have devastating effects in beef and dairy herds. BVD can have many effects in cattle and Daly discusses the impacts of the virus on reproduction and immunosuppression. The primary focus of a control program should be in preventing persistently infected (PI) calves. Daly discusses that 2/10-4/10% of animals that arrive in the feedlot are PI animals, but the incidence can vary between and within cow calf herds. Data from the SDSU laboratory shows that of submissions, about 1.5 to 3% of calf samples are PI for BVD.

When determining which diagnostic test to run, Daly states that we want to detect viral antigen and this is typically done using antigen capture ELISA testing. He discusses pooling ear notch samples to decrease cost but recommends veterinarians contact their laboratory diagnostician for advice on submitting samples. It is also important to not forget purchased heifers, cows and bulls. When testing purchases, it is critical to not forget the gestating fetus to screen for PI and therefore all fetuses born to purchased animals should be tested at birth. Ensuring that PI animals do not enter the breeding pasture is important to mitigate the risk of PI animals being born into the herd.

Veterinarians should work with producers to make sure they have a good BVD control program implemented. Outbreaks tend to be much more costly and devastating than preventing the introduction of BVD into the herd. A sound reproduction protocol, biosecurity measures, vaccination and strategic diagnostic testing are ways that veterinarians can implement control programs to prevent BVD in herds.

Clinical Mastitis Treatment Decisions Dec 12, 2022

This episode of Have You Herd? is sponsored by Elanco Animal Health, manufacturers of Scour Bos. Few diseases can devastate a herd like scours. That’s why preparing passive immunity protection for day one is critical to helping your calves reach their full potential without disruption. Scour Bos provides comprehensive protection against up to nine antigens for broad-spectrum coverage against the leading causes of scours. Plus, with the most flexible administration schedule on the market, you have up to four months pre-calving to integrate Scour Bos into your herd health protocol. Learn more about Scour Bos and incorporating it into your vaccine protocols by visiting this link.

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the chair of the AABP Milk Quality and Udder Health Committee, Dr. Pamela Ruegg to discuss how veterinarians can work with farmers to develop, implement and monitor protocols for treating clinical mastitis. Ruegg discusses that clinical mastitis is the number one disease affecting dairy cows (28%) followed by lameness (12%). Clinical mastitis treatment protocols are very important when evaluating overall antimicrobial stewardship on a dairy farm since 65-85% of all doses of antimicrobials used on dairies is for mastitis. Ruegg reviews the steps for implementing a culture-based treatment protocol on dairy farms such as having a case severity recording system, somatic cell count data, training employees, and the ability to report culture results within 24 hours. When implementing a culture-based treatment protocol, Ruegg states that about 40% of cases will be culture negative and 20-30% gram negative which helps to decrease antimicrobial treatment of cases by only treating gram positive cases. Severity scoring is important because about 50% of cases will have abnormal milk only, 35-40% will have abnormal milk and moderate signs, and less than 15% should be sick. Training workers to review the cow’s medical history before grabbing a tube to determine if the cow is eligible.

Ruegg discusses that it is important to communicate with dairy farm owners and employees what they can expect when implementing a clinical mastitis treatment protocol. In cases of clinical mastitis, milk is typically abnormal for 3.5 to 5 days and we can become biased by our interventions when they last 3 to 5 days. A culture-based treatment protocol allows the cow’s immune system to clear the infection without antimicrobial therapy and identifies those cases, using records, history and severity scoring system, to identify the cases that should be treated.
Top Milk YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/uwmilkquality

Top Milk Website: https://topmilk.msu.edu/Resources/Treatment-of-Mastitis/Mastitis-Treatment

Pamela L. Ruegg, Making Antibiotic Treatment Decisions for Clinical Mastitis,
Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice, Volume 34, Issue 3, 2018, Pages 413-425, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.06.002

L. Oliveira, C. Hulland, P.L. Ruegg,
Characterization of clinical mastitis occurring in cows on 50 large dairy herds in Wisconsin,
Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 96, Issue 12, 2013, Pages 7538-7549,
https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2012-6078

Behind a Successful Lactation is a Proper Dry-off Dec 05, 2022

We’ve learned that managing dry cows pays dividends down the line. How the cow moves through the dry period influences her production, health, ability to become pregnant again and ability to stay in the herd. So how can we help cows stay comfortable and healthy through the dry period? AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Luciano Caixeta from the University of Minnesota and Dr. Curt Vlietstra from Boehringer Ingelheim to discuss a new way to help dairy cows transition into the dry period. Boehringer Ingelheim is one of our premier sponsors of the AABP Annual and Recent Graduate conferences by sponsoring the welcome receptions, Bovine Practitioner of the Year Award and the Stampede 5k run. Thank you BI for your support of AABP!

Veterinarians help dairy producers minimize the stress and challenges associated with changes the cow experiences during the lactation cycle. One of these challenges associated with cessation of milking is the fact that many cows have a high level of production at dry off. Bovikalc Dry is an acidogenic mineral bolus with three active ingredients that lowers the pH of the cow. Two boluses are given to cows at or immediately before dry off to quickly decrease milk synthesis at the udder level which decreases udder pressure and leakage. It also causes a mild decrease in intake which prepares the cow for the lower intakes during the dry period. Caixeta discusses research conducted on Bovikalc Dry. Results of this study demonstrated that between the two treatment groups, there was a significant decrease in somatic cell count the first month of lactation in the Bovikalc Dry treatment group, lower clinical mastitis risk, decreased new intramammary infection rate during the dry period, and tendency for increased lying time with no difference in rumination behavior or milk production. He also demonstrated a 2.5 to 3X return on investment with an average return of $43 per cow.

To learn more about Bovikalc Dry and Boehringer Ingelheim visit https://bi-animalhealth.com/cattle/products/bovikalc-dry/. To see a video on the use of Bovikalc Dry and how to decrease the stress of dry off, visit this link.

Link to publication:
Effects of oral administration of acidogenic boluses at dry-off on performance and behavior of dairy cattle. Maynou, G., Elcoso, G., Bubeck, J., & Bach, A. (2018). Journal of dairy science, 101(12), 11342-11353. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-15058

Understanding Compounding Medication for Use in Food Animals Nov 28, 2022

This episode of Have You Herd? is sponsored by AllFlex. Producers all over are going all in on AllFlex monitoring solutions and they want to tell you why. AllFlex empowers producers to get the most from their operations. AllFlex monitoring solutions increase labor efficiency, improve herd health and boost reproduction rates. Ongoing training and support keeps things running smoothly from install and beyond. For more details, visit this website.

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP Past President Dr. Mike Apley, a clinical pharmacologist from Kansas State University. Apley discusses the FDA Guidance for Industry (GFI) #256 which can be found at this link. We discuss that bulk compounding using active pharmaceutical ingredients (API’s) for use in food animals is prohibited by AMDUCA by FDA. AMDUCA is codified in 21 CFR 530.15 found on this page. GFI #256 provides guidance on products that may be used in food animals which is limited to poison antidotes. FDA will create a list, based on nominations, for bulk compounded products for use in food animals as poison antidotes where they will exercise regulatory discretion.

Bulk compounded products have no guarantee of safety, efficacy, purity, potency, bioavailability or stability. Compounding from approved FDA products, such as mixing two products together such as dexamethasone and vitamins into a bottle of IV fluids, is not bulk compounding. Products that are no longer available or on back-order cannot be compounded from bulk products. Veterinarians should always ask their pharmacies if they are using bulk compounding to create products since this would be illegal use in food animals. Apley also reminds us that the veterinarian is responsible for providing all meat and milk withdrawal intervals for all products prescribed for us in cattle and FARAD is an excellent resource to provide assistance in calculating a justification for withdrawal intervals. Submit your cases to FARAD at this link.

Apley discusses a document that was produced in collaboration with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians that can be found on the AABP Committee on Pharmaceutical and Biologics Issues resources page at this link. This document discusses the legalities of using compounded products, specifically ponazuril, diclazuril and toltrazuril for the treatment of coccidiosis. Veterinarians can prescribe ponazuril for ELDU as long as all parts of AMDUCA are met and they are using the FDA approved equine product. Diclazuril is a feed pellet and extra-label use of this product in feed is prohibited. Toltrazuril has no approved product in the US and would be prohibited to use. Apley reminds us that veterinarians are the responsible party for ensuring legal and judicious drug use when considering extra-label use and be aware of the prohibition of using bulk compounded products in food animals that are not on the FDA list of poison antidotes.

Contact Dr. Apley at mapley@vet.k-state.edu

Injectable Trace Mineral Supplementation Nov 21, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Roberto Palomares on this episode which is sponsored by Multimin 90. Multimin 90 is a proven one-of-a-kind trace mineral injection that enhances cattle vaccine protection and immune response when used as part of a health protocol. Visit this link to learn more. Palomares is on faculty at the University of Georgia and has conducted several research trials utilizing injectable trace mineral supplementation. We discuss the critical trace minerals for cattle health and production which include selenium, copper, zinc and manganese. These trace minerals are important for immune system function as part of the antioxidant system to reduce and neutralize free radicals as well as important for cattle reproduction and fertility. Palomares discusses some of the challenges with oral trace mineral supplementation such as variability in soils, forages, bioavailability and intake levels. The administration of parenteral administration of trace minerals is used to overcome the limitations of oral supplementation and controlling when and how cattle receive the trace minerals during critical time periods. Injectable trace minerals are not a substitute for oral trace mineral programs but are used to compliment the overall program. Palomares discusses research trials that demonstrated an enhanced immune response when injectable trace minerals are administered concurrently with respiratory vaccination as well as neonatal scours vaccines given to pregnant dams. Palomares recommends that veterinarians work with dairy, cow-calf and feedlot producers to identify critical control points where administration of injectable trace minerals can benefit cattle health, reproduction and immunity.

Links to publications:

Effects of injectable trace minerals on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to Bovine viral diarrhea virus, Bovine herpes virus 1 and Bovine respiratory syncytial virus following administration of a modified-live virus vaccine in dairy calves

Effects of injectable trace minerals administered concurrently with a modified live virus vaccine on long-term protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus acute infection in dairy calves

Immune response and onset of protection from Bovine viral diarrhea virus 2 infection induced by modified-live virus vaccination concurrent with injectable trace minerals administration in newly received beef calves

Clinical status and endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract of dairy calves infected with Bovine viral diarrhea virus 2 and Bovine herpes virus 1 after vaccination and trace minerals injection

Trace Minerals Supplementation with Great Impact on Beef Cattle Immunity and Health

AABP Member Benefits and Resources Nov 14, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses AABP member benefits and resources in this episode of Have You Herd? The AABP website has many resources available to members and Gingrich discusses how to access some of the resources on the website. These include contact information for staff and AABP directors and officers, guidelines and position statements, committee and task force resources, and classified advertisements. He also discusses how to access recorded sessions from conferences and webinars and how to participate in AABP-L, webinars, participate in the mentorship program and access AABP publications. Members can also access the AABP Foundation website to donate to the Foundation funds to support research or student scholarships as well as links to research supported by the AABP Foundation. Gingrich encourages all cattle veterinarians, veterinary students and veterinary technicians to join AABP to support the organization in its efforts to provide continuing education to veterinarians and technicians, support veterinary students, and support the initiatives of the AABP Foundation. Gingrich also discusses the expanded member benefits provided by AABP that have been developed to increase access to CE and resources for all members.

Donate to the AABP Foundation by clicking on this link.

Dr. Theeb discusses DEI from the perspective of a UK veterinarian Nov 07, 2022

Dr. Emma Bratton from the AABP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is the guest host for this episode of Have You Herd? Dr. Bratton is currently an American Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology policy fellow at the Unites States Agency for International Policy Development working in its center for Agricultural Policy and Growth. She is joined by Dr. Navartnam Partheeban who also goes by Dr. Theeb. Dr. Theeb is a clinical farm veterinarian based in the southeast United Kingdom practicing on beef, dairy, sheep and camelids. Theeb is originally from Scotland and has worked in Wales, England and Scotland, and has worked in private practice and industry. He describes why diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is personally important to him being a minority person in a profession that is not racially or ethnically diverse. Theeb shares that he did not know anyone who looked like him or talked like him when he was a student and a veterinarian and how this impacted him. He shares a story about how he has experience discrimination as a farm animal veterinarian and the importance of practice owners supporting their associates. The number of veterinarians in the U.K. who are persons of color is 3% while the general population is 14%. Theeb discusses that diversity can also encourage new ideas and ideas as well as better represent the veterinary profession to the clients they serve. He discusses the differences he has experience between his job in industry versus private practice and how that impacted him personally. There is also a lot of discussion of the work Theeb has done with other organizations, research projects and outreach to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in veterinary medicine.

Links:

Country Trust First – an organization with a mission to bring food, farming and the countryside alive for disadvantaged children, sharing knowledge, igniting curiosity, and broadening horizons.

Oxford Farming Conference

Follow Dr. Theeb on Twitter @navaratnampart1

2023 AABP Vice President Candidates Oct 31, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the candidates for the 2023 AABP Vice President Election. The candidates are Dr. Jessica Gernhard and Dr. Callie Willingham. The ballot is open and current AABP members can cast their vote online by going to https://aabp.org/ballot/default.asp. The ballot will close on December 30, 2022, at 5 pm Eastern. You can view the candidate biographies on the ballot as well as the video presentations from the Long Beach conference. Our goal in providing biographies, candidate introduction videos, candidate question and answers in the November newsletter and this podcast is to provide the membership with information about each candidate. The Vice President is the only office elected by the entire members. The elected candidate will rotate through all the offices of the AABP Executive Committee (vice president, president-elect, president and past president) and be seated at the Milwaukee conference on September 23, 2023. Cast your vote today!

Sample-based Pregnancy Testing Oct 24, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP member Dr. Greg Goodell from The Dairy Authority in Greeley, Colo. This episode is sponsored by Allflex. To learn more about Allflex monitoring solutions, visit this link.

Sample-based pregnancy testing involves the detection of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) which are produced by the trophoblast cells in the placenta. The goal of pregnancy testing is to find open cows in the herd to enroll them in a rebreeding program or to make culling decisions for open animals to decrease feed costs. Sample-based pregnancy testing can be incorporated into beef and dairy herd reproduction programs. Goodell explains that there is not a one-size-fits-all program, and the herd veterinarian can determine how to incorporate sample-based pregnancy testing with traditional reproductive ultrasound or palpation. We discuss when PAGs can be detected and how long they last post-calving. The test can be used for initial pregnancy testing or confirmatory testing, and we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of sample-based testing versus ultrasound or palpation. The test can also be used as an initial test with follow-up testing with ultrasound or palpation for confirmation to determine the correct stage or identify twins or non-viable calves. Goodell reports that the test is highly accurate and is very comparable to an experienced veterinarian doing traditional pregnancy testing. Goodell states that although his practice performs fewer manual reproductive exams due to incorporation of sample based pregnancy testing, this has provided opportunities for involvement in several other areas of his client’s operations such as calf management, protocol development, employee training, records analysis, biosecurity, milk quality programs, nutrition consulting and others. He recommends that veterinarians discuss pregnancy detection options with their clients so they are prepared in the event client’s ask them questions about these programs. Developing reproductive programs that are tailored to your client’s needs as well as learning skills to develop consulting services for your clients can ensure your relevance and value to the operations you serve.

Fitness to Transport Oct 17, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Lilly Edwards Callaway, from Colorado State University, and Dr. Michell Calvo Lorenzo, from Elanco Animal Health, to discuss the topic “fitness to transport.” This podcast is sponsored by Elanco Animal Health, makers of ScourBos. Find out more about ScourBos and how you can incorporate this vaccine into your herd health program at this link.

Fitness to transport is the ability for an animal to get on a truck and safely make it to its end destination. This is important to the entire supply chain and the decision to transport an animal and assess if it is fit needs to be happening by many different decision makers. It is critical that all decision makers understand when an animal is fit or is not fit for transport. It is also important for those decision makers to be empowered to make that determination based on the best interests of the animal and how it will impact their life. Veterinarians can play an important role in this process to train employees and farm managers to identify the conditions that make an animal unfit for transport. Our guests also review data about the conditions observed in cull cows at livestock markets and slaughter plants that demonstrate our industry has room to improve in this area and not ship animals that are unfit for transport. Decision makers must consider the journey the animal makes and consider that the welfare of the animal is the number one consideration. These decisions have an economic impact on the client, but consideration for the welfare of the animal is the most important factor. We discuss that veterinarians can talk to clients about these processes to improve the welfare and care of the animals in our care, decrease risk to the client, and improve employee morale. Talk to your clients today about identifying animals that are fit for transport and working with your teams to appropriately make decisions for transporting cattle.

Links:

AABP Transportation of Cattle Guidelines

NMPF FARM Program Fitness to Transport Poster
Fitness to Transport Video

An intercontinental survey of commercial abattoirs: Preliminary data on the prevalence of advanced preslaughter health and welfare conditions in mature cows
Fitness for transport of cull dairy cows at livestock markets
Management of cull dairy cows: Culling decisions, duration of transport, and effect on cow condition

Culling Decisions and Dairy Cattle Welfare During Transport to Slaughter in the United States

National Beef Quality Audit–2016: Transportation, mobility, live cattle, and carcass assessments of targeted producer-related characteristics that affect value of market cows and bulls, their carcasses, and associated by-products

Pentobarbital residue prevention in rendered products Oct 10, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr Fred Gingrich is joined by Kerry Courchaine, Director of Technical Services for Darling Ingredients Inc. Darling Ingredients is the largest rendering company in the US and was founded 140 years ago. Courchaine discussed the history of rendering the importance of rendering to the livestock industry both in providing a mechanism for utilizing dead stock as well as slaughter offal. Rendering is part of the sustainable food system by utilizing human-inedible components of slaughtered and dead animals to turn it into useful fat and protein material which prevents these products from ending up in landfills. Rendered protein is used as fertilizer, livestock feed and pet food. Rendered fat is used as livestock and pet food as well as in industrial applications such as renewable fuels. In 2015, pentobarbital residues were found in pet foods and after FDA investigations, a zero tolerance for pentobarbital in rendered fat was implemented. The current test detection limit for pentobarbital is 10 ppb and Courchaine explains that one cow euthanized with pentobarbital could contaminate over 1 million pounds of raw material. In addition, cleaning to remove pentobarbital residues from rendering equipment creates a challenge. The positive rate has dropped from around 5% to 3.4% for pentobarbital residues in rendered products. While pentobarbital is an approved method for humane euthanasia of cattle, veterinarians are encouraged to reserve this method as a last resort instead of a routine method of euthanasia due to the high risk of environmental or rendered product contamination. Veterinarians should develop, train and monitor humane euthanasia protocols for all farm clients. If chemical euthanasia is implemented, it is recommended to consider alternatives to pentobarbital such as placing the animal under general anesthesia (i.e., xylazine and ketamine) and the implementing a second step such as exsanguination, intrathecal lidocaine, or IV injection of a saturated salt solution (KCl or MgSO4).

Links:

AABP Humane Euthanasia of Cattle Guidelines

Chasity Bagsby, Anita Saha, Granville Goodin, Sheeba Siddiqi, Mary Farone, Anthony Farone & Paul C. Kline (2018) Stability of pentobarbital in soil, Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 53:3, 207-213, DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2017.1406714

Post Conference Report from Dr. Fred Gingrich Oct 03, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses the 55th AABP Annual Conference which was held in Long Beach, Calif. September 22-24, 2022. A total of 843 attendees, including 220 students, 77 accompanying persons and 225 vendor representatives, were in attendance for a total of 1,145 attendees. The conference was a success and provided the first in-person annual conference since 2019. Gingrich discusses how attendees can access their CE certificates, recorded sessions and the conference proceedings. He also discusses the AABP Board of Directors' decision to not have a virtual conference and the Board process for selecting cities for the annual conference. He addresses the many suggestions that were submitted and encourages members to provide feedback that can be considered for future conferences. Although all suggestions are not possible to incorporate, each one will be evaluated and listened to by the AABP office and conference planners! The 56th Annual Conference will be held in Milwaukee, Wis. September 21-23, 2023.

Liver Condemnations: Implications for Packers and Producers Sep 26, 2022

This edition of Have You Herd? is sponsored by Lactipro. Lactipro harnesses the power of Mega e, a superior lactic acid utilizer, enabling beef and dairy producers to support healthy rumen function. Lactipro places a large number of Mega e into its native environment, the rumen, where it immediately begins targeting lactic acid. To learn more about the science behind Lactipro, visit this link.

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by meat scientist Dr. Ty Lawrence, Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center at West Texas A&M University. We discuss the top three reasons that livers are condemned at the packer: liver abscesses, flukes and telangiectasis. Lawrence reviews the scoring system for liver abscesses and the issues that liver abscesses can cause to the speed of commerce on the harvest floor. We review the history of liver abscesses as well as risk factors such as number of days on feed, geography, starch source, region, bunk management and breed. Lawrence reviews the effects of liver abscesses on animal performance as well as loss of edible tissue for the various types of abscesses. Telangiectasis has an unknown etiology but is a cause of condemnations in about 1% of beef livers and 0.2% of beef livers. We review the life cycle of the liver fluke, how they are diagnosed at the packer and the impacts on the beef industry. We close the podcast by summarizing the economic impact of these three causes of liver condemnations on the beef industry which total $430 million of economic losses to the beef industry annually. Veterinarians can play an integral role in discussing liver disease prevention in beef cattle to lessen the impact of liver condemnations.

Helpful Hints for the 55th AABP Annual Conference Sep 19, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich provides some helpful hints to assist attendees of the AABP Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif. We discuss coordinating travel from the airports to the convention center hotels. Attendees can voluntarily input their travel information on this page. You can then find other attendees with similar travel times to assist you in coordinating travel. Pick up your registration pack and name badge at the registration desk located on the main level of the convention center. You can only access the convention center through the main doors located in the middle of the facility, not the side entrance doors. Make sure to keep your name badge with you at all times and not dispose of it on site. In the event of a protest, it is best practice to not engage and completely ignore the protestors.

Attendees should also review the Visit Long Beach page to find businesses that will provide discounts to attendees by showing their badge as well as find activities to attend while in this beautiful city. Make sure to download the Slido app or view in your browser to submit questions to speakers, participate in polls and provide feedback by going to the Conference Feedback & Ideas room which greatly assists AABP in planning future events! Attendees can view the schedule of sessions, meetings and events on this page and add your schedule to your calendar for reminders.

If you need assistance while in Long Beach, please contact any AABP staff member or volunteer so that we can make your conference a wonderful experience! Thank you for attending the 55th AABP Annual Conference!

#AABP2022

Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? Sep 12, 2022

This episode of Have You Herd? is hosted by Dr. Jen Roberts, chair of the AABP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force and Professional Services Veterinarian for Boehringer-Ingelheim. Roberts is joined by Dr. Mia Cary, CEO and Change Agent for Cary Consulting and CEO of the PRIDE Veterinary Medical Community, and Dr. Kemba Marshall, Director of Veterinary Services at the Land-O-Lakes Purina Veterinary Nutrition Center who serves on the AVMA-AAVMC Diversity Equity and Inclusion Commission. Our guests discuss the definitions for diversity, equity and inclusion and why the AABP Board of Directors created this task force. We discuss the importance of ensuring that everyone feels welcome in rural mixed or large animal practice to improve recruitment and retention of veterinarians in our segment of the profession. We also discuss that veterinary medicine is the least diverse health profession and AAVMC publishes data on veterinary student demographics which can be found here. AAVMC also has a study that discusses the bias in admissions procedures. Cary and Marshall also discuss why it is important to ask demographic questions to our members and the problems with ignoring someone’s race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. Cary discusses some of the initiatives the PRIDE VMC has developed, including Journey for Teams to assist private practices in developing a working space that is inclusive for employees and clients. Our guests discuss the importance of allyship to help support those that are under-represented in veterinary medicine. Allyship resources can be found here and the AVMA has also developed a Brave Space Certificate program available on the AVMA AXON CE portal. We welcome our members to attend the upcoming keynote address from Dr. Vernard Hodges and join us for additional conversation on DEI over the lunch hour in room 104 at the convention center.

Evaluating trace minerals in cow calf herds Sep 05, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Hall, a cattle technical services veterinarian with Huvepharma, Inc. Hall discusses the critical role that copper, selenium, manganese and zinc play for optimal immune system function, reproductive performance and growth. He reminds us that it is critical to provide an adequate amount of mineral to the cow during the last trimester of pregnancy. Over 95% of the transfer of minerals to the fetus occurs during the last trimester to ensure the calf is born with adequate body stores of these trace minerals since 95% of the calf’s diet is milk and stores will be depleted during this time. Hall states that trace mineral deficiencies are common and veterinarians can play a key role in assisting producers with assessing the trace mineral program. We discuss various testing and monitoring strategies for trace minerals. Hall suggests to start with testing the animals to evaluate if there are deficiencies or excesses within the herd and then do nutrient and ration analysis to determine the cause. Hall describes testing strategies to determine if liver biopsies or blood samples are appropriate, which animals to test and when to test them. In addition, he offers tips for performing a liver biopsy. Cows should be supplemented with trace minerals year round and veterinarians should establish monitoring programs to ensure the program is working. Hall suggests that veterinarians can discuss the economic implications to producers to demonstrate the importance of a testing program. Loss of young open cows, health of calves and weaning weight implications are all financial reasons to work with producers on a testing program. Hall estimates that minor deficiencies can results in a loss of $75 per cow per year and major deficiencies can cost up to $200 per year. One way for veterinarians to establish the amount of mineral consumed per cow is to look at the purchase history for the past year of minerals. To calculate, use the following formula:
Tons of mineral purchases * 2000 * 16 = number of ounces used per year.
(# of ounces used/number of cows)/365 = ounces per head per day.

Evaluation of a trace mineral program is a valuable service veterinarians can provide to their cow calf producers.

Links:

Common Vitamin and Mineral Abnormalities in Beef Cattle – Jeffery Hall DVM, PhD, DABVT

List of liver biopsy supplies needed

AABP Nutrition Committee page

Data from FARM 4.0 Evaluations Aug 29, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Steven Roche, a PhD epidemiologist and owner of ACER Consulting Group located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) contracts with ACER Consulting Group to assist with data evaluation, training and development of the standards for the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program. We discuss the development process of the FARM program and how veterinarians and dairy producers are involved in all steps of this process. Reviewing data from previous evaluations is utilized as the volunteers work to develop program updates to be considered by the NMPF Board of Directors. Roche describes the different corrective actions which are Mandatory Corrective Action Plans (MCAP) requiring nine months to resolve and Continuous Improvement Plans (CIP) which require three years to resolve. We discuss the top 5 MCAP’s and CIP’s from the FARM 4.0 evaluations collected to date. So far, approximately 13,000 2nd party and 168 3rd party evaluations have been performed. Roche is involved with analyzing the data from the evaluations as well as compare the results from the 2nd and 3rd party evaluators. Roche points out that several of the common corrective actions require veterinary involvement such as protocol development, having an annually signed VCPR, continuing education training for family and non-family labor, and protocols for disbudding and pain management. We discuss data collected on broken tails, body condition scores, locomotion scoring, and pain management protocols for disbudding. Roche encourages veterinarians to consult with their dairy farm clients to help them prepare for their evaluations to ensure they are in compliance with all standards. This is a great opportunity for veterinarians to offer a service to their clients that requires veterinarian involvement.

If you are attending the conference in Long Beach, Calif., we encourage you to sign up for Seminar 11, Veterinary Role in Helping Farms to Meet and Excel in Welfare Audits, which will be held Wednesday, September 21 from 8 am to 5 pm. Contact the AABP office to add this seminar to your registration.

Links:

National Milk Producers Federation FARM Program

FARM Program Standards

FARM Program Resources

AABP Guidelines and Position Statements

AABP Resource Document Pain Management

Colostrum Audits Aug 22, 2022

This episode of Have You Herd? is sponsored by Elanco Animal Health, manufacturer of Vira Shield. Find out more information about Vira Shield at this link and the scours vaccine we discuss on the podcast on this page. Our topic is the importance of a colostrum management program to the health, welfare and productivity to calves. Our guest is Dr. Phillip Jardon, Elanco Technical Service Consultant, and we discuss the veterinarian’s role in conducting colostrum audits to monitor and improve the colostrum program on the dairy. Jardon discusses the 5 “Qs” of colostrum management which include Quality, Quantity, Quickness, sQueaky clean and Quantify. In addition, we discuss the importance of cooling the colostrum rapidly and feeding at body temperature. The veterinarian is the ideal resource to monitor a colostrum program. Jardon discusses “go to the Gimba” which means “go to where the work is done” and visually observe what is happening on the dairy. We also discuss the importance of using tools to support visual observation such as evaluating colostral and serum IgG with a refractometer, culturing colostrum for bacterial overgrowth, using temperature logging devices (HOBO’s), and using a luminometer to check sanitation of all equipment. Veterinarians can implement colostrum auditing services immediately on client operations to improve calf health and the success of the dairy by incorporating these tips.
Links and publications:

Consensus recommendations on calf- and herd-level passive immunity in dairy calves in the United States
J Dairy Sci, Vol. 103, Issue 8, August 2020

Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Gold Standards
Standards for dairy calves developed by the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association

Calf Notes
Website of calf resources in printable format developed by Dr. Jim Quigley

Calf Facts Resource Library
Website of calf resources in printable format developed by Dr. Sam Leadley at Attica Veterinary Associates P.C.

Epigenetics Aug 15, 2022

This episode of Have You Herd? is brought to you by the AABP Genetics and Genomics Committee. Our guest host is Dr. Stewart Bauck, and he is joined by Dr. Jack Britt to discuss epigenetics. Epigenetics is part of the normal and natural genetic process where certain genes are turned on or off. Britt discusses how environmental impacts can impact these processes of methylation or acetylation of histone proteins. A primary example is heat stress. Studies have shown that heat stress in a pregnant dam can affect three generations by impacting the cow, the fetus and the gonads of the fetus. Another example given was the stress at weaning or transitioning to a grain-based diet can affect the expression of certain sequences of genes. We discuss areas where veterinarians can become involved in these discussions with clients. Looking at periods of stress in an animal’s life can impact not only the animal during the stressful event but the ability of the animal to have optimal health and productivity into the future as well as their offspring if they are pregnant or a breeding animal. Time periods that are commonly stressful events include the dry period or dry period length, transition periods, and heat stress events. Veterinarians should work with their clients to minimize these stressful events.

Genomics is a rapidly expanding area of research and development in the beef and dairy industry. The ability to detect sequence changes as well as how methylation or acetylation impacts gene expression as well as how to detect these changes continues to be developed. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, we encourage you to view the resources on the AABP Genetics and Genomics Committee page. AABP members who are interested in joining the Genetics and Genomics Committee can contact the committee by visiting this page.

Relevant papers:
Metabolic and antioxidant status during transition is associated with changes in the granulosa cell transcriptome in the preovulatory follicle in high-producing dairy cows at the time of breeding
Waleed F.A. Marei, Jessie De Bie, Inne Xhonneux, Silke Andries, Jack H. Britt, Jo L.M.R. Leroy
J Dairy Sci, Vol 105, Issue 8, August 2022

The Bovine Practitioner - AABP's Peer-Reviewed Journal Aug 08, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the associate editors for The Bovine Practitioner in this podcast to discuss the peer-reviewed journal published by AABP. The associate editors are Drs. Sarah Capik, Virginia Fajt, Miles Theurer and Aurora Villarroel. The Bovine Practitioner has been published by AABP continuously since 1967. There have been two previous editors of the journal, Dr. Eric Williams and Dr. Robert Smith. The journal is open access using the online journal system (OJS) through an agreement with Texas A&M University Libraries, and all volumes have been scanned into PDFs and are searchable at the article level. Access the journal by clicking this link. Listeners can register on the site to receive notifications of new publications as well as indicate if they are willing to serve as a peer reviewer for the journal. The Bovine Practitioner publishes articles that are relevant to the practicing cattle veterinarian and accepts submissions that are original research, descriptive studies (case reports, case series, innovative techniques) and review articles. The submission and peer-review process are managed online through the OJS and the journal now publishes accepted manuscripts at the article level. AABP does not charge submission, page or publication fees to authors. Practicing veterinarians are encouraged to partner with academic or industry colleagues to publish in the journal for assistance with study design and statistics. Associate editors are also willing to assist inexperienced authors who need information on publishing as well as providing contacts for collaborating with projects. We encourage all authors to read the author guidelines to ensure submissions are in compliance with general guidelines, formatting and submitting papers that are masked for the blinded peer-review process. Author guidelines can be found at this link.

Lameness in feedlot cattle Aug 01, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Sarah Erickson from Feedlot Health Management Services Inc., by Telus Agriculture, in Alberta, Canada. Sarah is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in large animal clinical sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, and hopes to obtain her veterinary degree after completion of her masters.
Lameness is a significant issue in feedlot cattle accounting for approximately 30% of all treatments in feedlot cattle, second only to bovine respiratory disease, and affecting over 3% of Western Canadian feedlot cattle. Cattle affected by lameness weigh close to 50 lbs less than healthy pen mates, but the economic impact is also influenced by treatment costs, labor, mortality and salvage slaughter. We discuss the most common conditions causing lameness in feedlot cattle which include toe tip necrosis, foot rot, arthritis, laminitis and digital dermatitis. There are unique challenges in managing these disease in feedlot versus dairy cattle due to the differences in husbandry between the two industries, but in both circumstances, lameness in cattle impact health, production and welfare. Erickson reviews a recent study performed on over 1.7 million head of Western Canadian evaluating the epidemiology of digital dermatitis, foot rot and toe tip necrosis. She discusses the risk factors for each disease such as sourcing, age, sex, feedlot size and days on feed. Veterinarians can play an integral role in assisting feedlots with development of protocols for diagnosis and treatment of lameness conditions, reviewing pain management and euthanasia protocols for affect cattle, development of prevention programs, and evaluation of the incidence in client yards to improve prevention and treatment programs.

If you are interested in lameness and want to volunteer, a great place to start is the AABP lameness committee which can be found on this page. AABP committee resource files can be found at this link.

Relevant publications:

Diagnosis and therapy of feedlot lameness
Michael D. Apley
Proceedings of the 2020 AABP Recent Graduate Conference
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20207968

Incidence of lameness and association of cause and severity of lameness on the outcome for cattle on six commercial beef feedlots
Shane P. Terrell, Christopher D. Reinhardt, Connie K. Larson, Christopher I. Vahl, and Daniel U. Thomson
JAVMA, Vol. 250, No. 4.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.250.4.437

Perception of lameness management, education, and effects on animal welfare of feedlot cattle by consulting nutritionists, veterinarians, and feedlot managers
S.P. Terrell, D.U. Thompson, C.D. Reinhardt, M. D. Apley, C.K. Larson, K.R. Stackhouse-Lawson
The Bovine Practitioner, Vol. 48, No. 1.
https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol48no1p53-60

Laboratory Diagnostics for Mastitis Pathogens Jul 25, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Drs. Andy Lefeld, Justine Britten, and Allan Britten in this podcast brought to you by the AABP Milk Quality and Udder Health Committee. You can find information about the Milk Quality and Udder Health Committee on this page and find all AABP committee resources at this link. The Brittens manage Udder Health Systems with labs located in Washington, Utah and Idaho. Lefeld is a member of the Milk Quality and Udder Health Committee and a veterinarian at Maria Stein Animal Clinic in Maria Stein, Ohio, providing milk quality services to dairy farms.

Mastitis is the most costly disease in the dairy industry with an economic impact estimated at $2 billion annually. Our guests discuss the types of mastitis pathogens and the importance of identifying the pathogens causing mastitis on dairy farms to know if the infections are due to contagious or environmental pathogens. It is also important to obtain diagnostics to the species level for some pathogens. Monitoring pathogens can include bulk tank cultures, individual cow cultures, or string sampling. We discuss how veterinarians can get involved in mastitis diagnostic programs, including setting up and monitoring on-farm culture programs, in-clinic milk quality laboratories or utilizing an outside diagnostic lab. There are several newer technologies that labs now provide including PCR, MALDI-TOF, and chromogenic agars. Veterinarians have the opportunity to assist producers in developing diagnostic programs to manage mastitis on the dairy farm. We also discuss that a diagnostic test should be utilized if the results will alter an intervention, either treatment or prevention.
Antimicrobial sensitivities on mastitis pathogens are not routinely recommended since an antimicrobial sensitivity test is unlikely to change the intervention on the farm due to the limited number of intramammary tubes available and the lack of break points for most intramammary antimicrobials. Finally, it is important for veterinarians to develop quality control programs for both in-house cultures as well as cultures from on-farm programs. One such program is the QMPS program from Cornell University. Veterinarians should discuss with their dairy farmers how they can utilize diagnostic testing as a part of a total milk quality control program.

Extra-label drug use and FARAD resources Jul 18, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by three AABP members on this episode of Have You Herd? where we discuss decision-making for utilizing extra-label drug use, working with producers for ensuring appropriate oversight of antimicrobial use, and utilizing resources from the Food Animal Avoidance Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD). The three guests are current AABP Committee on Pharmaceutical and Biologic Issues members including Chair, Dr. Kevin Jacque from The Ohio State University, Dr. Virginia Fajt from Texas A&M University and Dr. Fiona Maunsell from the University of Florida and FARAD.

We start the conversation by discussing considerations for extra-label drug use in cattle, including the different production classes of beef and dairy cattle that should be considered and how this use may affect the determination of a withdrawal interval. The veterinarian of record is the party responsible for ensuring appropriate oversight of drug use and assigning that withdrawal interval, and our guests discuss that veterinarians should take pride in being responsible for extra-label drug use. Dr. Maunsell discusses the FARAD program, where it receives its funding and the fact it is an advisory, not regulatory, program. We discuss how veterinarians can improve the accuracy of information received from FARAD by filling out their online submission entirely and accurately. The group also discusses inadvertent prohibited drug use and how to communicate with FARAD to assign a withdrawal time as well as working with clients to ensure we correct the errors that led to the inadvertent use.

LINKS:

Extra-label drug use regulations:
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-530

Definition of food-producing animals:
https://www.fda.gov/media/70157/download (see p. 29)

Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank:
http://www.farad.org/

AABP VCPR Guidelines:
https://aabp.org/resources/aabp_guidelines/VCPRGuideline_032020.pdf

AABP Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines:
https://aabp.org/resources/AABP_Guidelines/AntimicrobialStewardship0322Final.pdf

Mental Health Resources for AABP Members Jul 11, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Murray Gillies, AABP Board of Directors representative to District 12, and Dr. Charlie Gardner, chair of the AABP Mental Health Task Force, for this episode to discuss mental health and well-being initiatives being developed by AABP. Gillies proposed the creation of a Mental Health Task Force to provide support to AABP members and create resources to aid in the prevention of mental illness and promotion of mental health. We discuss that there is a stigma associated with mental illness and normalizing the conversations around mental health can support our colleagues in bovine practice. Prevention of mental illness and improving our own mental health is important and we discuss various tips for preventive medicine for ourselves as well as tips on how to find a counselor. The AABP Foundation has recently supported the Veterinary Hope Foundation through a $25,000 donation, to fund the creation of peer support groups that are available at no cost to AABP members to join. Find out more information about the Veterinary Hope Foundation at this link and the partnership with AABP and how to join on this page. AABP members who want to support mental health initiatives through the AABP Foundation can donate to this fund on this page. We encourage all members to take the AVMA QPR training program to recognize and assist colleagues who may be struggling. Find out information about this resource on the AVMA Well-Being page. AABP also encourages members to consider submitting a story to the Humans of AABP Facebook page by contacting fred@aabp.org or gwren@aabp.org. The intent of the series is to normalize conversations around mental health and support each other. Stories can be posted anonymously.

Resources:

AABP Mental Health Resources page

Mental Health in the Headcatch
Josh Tanguay
Proceedings of the 53rd Annual AABP Conference

Suicide Prevention Hotline Numbers
US 800-273-8255
Canada 833-456-4566

Dr. Charlie Gardner
charlesegardner@ptd.net
717-816-4246

Bovine Neosporosis Jul 04, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. BJ Newcomer from the VERO branch of Texas A&M University to discuss abortions due to the protozoal parasite, Neospora caninum. Neosporosis is the most commonly diagnosed cause of cattle abortions and is seen in beef and dairy herds. Transmission of the etiologic agent can be exogenous through a canid host that ingests the cysts from aborted tissues and then passes them in feces to be ingested by cows, or vertically from dam to fetus in utero. An adult cow can pass Neospora to the fetus which can result in a positive calf that is born normally and is a risk for future reproductive failure, or result in an abortion, typically occurring in the 4 to 7-month gestation window. Newcomer reminds our listeners to work with their diagnostic labs to facilitate testing of aborted fetuses as well as testing adult cows for Neospora antibodies through serum ELISA testing. Control measures involve culling positive animals, aborting animals, and controlling fecal contamination from dogs in feed ingredients. We also discuss capturing the genetic value of positive cows through implementing advanced reproductive technologies and ensuring recipient animals are Neospora-negative.

This episode of Have You Herd was brought to our listeners by the AABP Reproduction Committee. Gingrich suggests that AABP members who want to volunteer to seek out a committee to join by going to the committee menu at https://aabp.org.

55TH AABP Annual Conference – Preconference Seminars Jun 27, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP Vice President and Preconference Seminar Chair Dr. Michael Capel to discuss the preconference seminars that will be offered at the upcoming AABP Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif. The seminars are held Sunday through Wednesday Sept. 18-21, 2022 prior to the conference Sept. 22-24. We discuss how the seminars we took during our careers tremendously impacted our practice lives, both in continuing education content teaching us skills to advance our practice, as well as networking and meeting experts and colleagues in the field. Preconference seminars can be added to a regular conference registration, or you can sign up for a seminar registration to take a seminar and then send another member in your practice to the conference sessions. Descriptions of the preconference seminars can be found at this link. A total of 14 preconference seminars are available and each will be approved for 8 hours per day of continuing education. Nine of the seminars are new or reworked versions of previous seminars so there should be something of interest to all beef and dairy veterinarians. Register for the conference and seminars on this page. Preconference seminars with an inadequate number of participants are subject to cancellation up until August 12, so enroll today! Seminars will either be held in the Long Beach Convention Center of the Hyatt headquarters hotel. Reserve your room in the AABP hotel block at this link.

Gathering the Herd for the 55th AABP Annual Conference Jun 20, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the 2022 AABP program chair and AABP President-Elect Dr. Sandra Godden, and AABP President Dr. Pat Gorden, to discuss the 55th AABP Annual Conference September 22-24, 2022, in Long Beach, Calif. The theme for the conference is a nod to our desire to get together as cattle veterinarians again after two years of challenges for “Gathering the Herd”. Gorden discusses the board’s decision to offer the conference in-person only and the challenges of continuing to offer a hybrid conference in terms of labor resources and financial risks to the organization. Godden discusses the keynote address from Dr. Vernard Hodges with the topic suggestion from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. We will also welcome introductions from the 2023 AABP Vice-President candidates, Dr. Jessica Gernhard and Dr. Callie Willingham. Each of us discusses session highlights and the wide variety of talks which are geared toward continuing to provide the major focus of AABP which is providing educational resources for the practicing veterinarian. New this year will be a joint beef/dairy session discussing beef on dairy strategies, feed additives to decrease enteric methane production, antimicrobial use monitoring strategies, and plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives. AABP would like to thank all of the sponsors of our conference, including the sponsors of our social events by Boehringer-Ingelheim, Diamond-V, Endovac, and Zoetis. Find the schedule and registration information at this link. AABP asks our attendees to please utilize the AABP hotel block to decrease the financial risk the organization assumes when contracting conference locations. Book your hotel rooms through our secure housing link found on this page. We also encourage members to donate to the Amstutz Scholarship Auction through this portal. Donations of equipment, products, artwork, vacations, books, custom items and gift baskets are all encouraged. The Mark Hopkins Bronze Bull will also be available to purchase again this year and the Amstutz Scholarship Committee and AABP Foundation Board of Directors encourages groups to form consortiums from alumni groups, districts, and others to increase the bid for auction items. Establishing a consortium is easy by using this online link.

The 2022 Program Committee invites you to attend the conference in Long Beach, Calif. September 22-24, 2022 to gather the herd!

Managing heat stress in dairy cattle Jun 13, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the “father and grandfather of cow comfort”, Dr. Gordie Jones. Jones has developed his bovine veterinary career into a cow comfort consultant, designing facilities to maximize cow comfort. Today we discuss heat stress in dairy cows and how to cool cows in a variety of facilities and environments. We discuss that cows are happiest at around 40 degrees F and cooling cows and their environment is critical to manage the effects of heat stress which includes decreased intakes, reproductive efficiency and milk production losses. Jones states that reproductive losses are hidden and typically are equal to the losses that are evident from decreased milk production. It is critical that dairy farms soak cows in the holding pen, exiting the parlor and in feed lanes. Fans should provide 5-7 mph range over cows and are utilized to move air in the environment after evaporatively cooling cows with soakers. A good rule of thumb is to have cows away from beds or feed no more than 3.5 hours per day. Maintaining dry matter intakes is critical to maintaining production, and Jones reminds our listeners that fresh air brought to the cows will increase intakes and make sure that cows receive more than 50% of dry matter when exiting the parlor after the morning milking. We discuss different types of facilities that can be designed to manage heat stress and improve ventilation as well as evaluating cows' access to water. Jones encourages veterinarians to expand your impact on dairy farms through observation and to continue to speak for the cow and work with dairy producers to maximize cow comfort.

Links:

Cargill Heat Stress Relief Handbook – Jeff Brose
Elanco Dairy Heat Abatement Manual

All season hybrid barn video

Developing systems to minimize heat stress in dairy cattle
John Smith, Mike Brouk, Joe Harner

Managing heat stress in feedlot cattle Jun 06, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Dan Thomson from the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University to discuss the effects and mitigation strategies resulting from heat stress in feedlot cattle. We discuss that heavy and black-hided cattle are at increased risk of heat stress, and control strategies should first target these groups of cattle when the temperature-humidity index (THI) is greater than 70 degrees F. Thomson states that the first thing cattle will do when experiencing heat stress is stand up, pant and decrease intakes. Bedding placed in pens can reduce surface temperatures by 20-30 degrees F, and providing shade that moves with the sun will also help to cool cattle. Building mounds for cattle to be further away from surface heat and allow more exposure to moving air will also decrease heat stress in cattle. Thomson reminds our listeners that water is the most important nutrient to cattle, especially in times of heat stress events. Cattle will drink 3x dry matter intake normally, but during hot weather they will drink 5x dry matter intake. Ensuring access to clean water with adequate trough space is important. We also discuss removing barriers to airflow in feedlot pens and using low stress handling techniques or stopping all movements during times of intense heat stress. Thomson also discusses his television show Doc Talk which is available on RFD TV and has a wide audience for discussing issues important to cattle veterinarians and producers. Find show times or stream the show online at this link.

Links

Dynamic Response Indicators of Heat Stress in Shaded and Non-shaded Feedlot Cattle, Part 1: Analyses of Indicators
T.M. Brown-Brandl, R.A. Eigenberg, J.A. Nienaber, G.L. Hahn

Influence of shade on panting score and behavioural responses of Bos taurus and Bos indicus feedlot cattle to heat load
A.M. Lees, J.C. Lees, V. Sejian, M.L. Sullican, J.B. Gaughan
Iowa State University Managing Heat Stress in Feedlot Cattle Resource

Johne's disease in beef cattle May 30, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Drew Magstadt from Iowa State University to discuss Johne's disease in beef cattle. Johne's disease is caused by Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis that studies have shown affects up to 50% of cow-calf herds, however a small percent of animals are infected (3% to 8%). Magstadt discusses some of the unique challenges of combating this disease in cow-calf herds where calves are raised with the adult cows, contrasted with calf separation from the adult herd on dairy operations. Some of the frustrating problems when implementing a Johne's control program in beef herds include the chronicity of the disease and the limitations of the various tests that are available. We talk through the tests that are available for beef herds and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Testing options include fecal culture, fecal PCR, complement fixation and serum ELISA antibody testing. Magstadt discusses a retrospective study he performed from submissions at the Iowa State University Diagnostic Laboratory looking at serum ELISA and fecal PCR submissions from the same animal and then evaluating if the submissions were from herd surveillance or non-surveillance sampling. They compared serum ELISA S:P ratios with fecal PCR results and found that high positive S:P ratios were highly correlated with a positive fecal PCR, a medium positive S:P ratio showed about 50% of cattle shedding MAP in the feces, and a low positive S:P ratio typically had a negative fecal PCR result. This information can help producers making culling decisions. Submitting both serum and feces to the lab is a good idea so that additional tests can be completed without the need to collect additional samples from the herd. He suggests that veterinarians should work with producers to develop a control program and to talk to your diagnostic lab about testing options, sample processing and pooling samples. Veterinarians can also decrease the cost associated with testing in pooled samples by looking at body condition and fecal scores on cows as they are processed for sample collection and separate those samples from non-clinical cows. Magstadt also reminds our listeners that contamination can be a significant issue when collecting samples and veterinarians and processing crews should be aware of the possibility of contaminating multiple samples if care is not taken to ensure clean samples. Eliminating Johne's disease from a beef herd is a multi-year endeavor that requires a team effort from the diagnostic lab, veterinarian and producer that also requires instituting management practices to decrease the introduction and spread of the disease within a herd.

Implant strategies for beef production May 23, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Matt Quinn from Feedlot Health Management Services located in Alberta, Canada. Quinn has a PhD in ruminant nutrition from Texas A&M University and provides his expertise on what implants are and how they can be used in all sectors of the beef industry to improve average daily gain and feed efficiency. Quinn describes the different categories of implants which include estrogenic, androgenic and combination products. He also describes traditional implants with long-acting or extended-release formulations. We discuss the definition and importance of the term “implant pay-out” and the training and monitoring programs that veterinarians can review with the their clients and employees to consistently achieve the results desired. Quinn walks our listeners through the considerations for implementing implant programs for suckling calves, including heifers, stockers or backgrounders, and cattle on feed, both native beef, beef-on-dairy crosses and dairy breed animals. He reminds us that the return on implants is maximized with a sound nutrition program, but that in general, implants will always return an economic advantage to the producer and should be considered in all facets of the beef production cycle.

LINKS:

Evaluation of long-acting implant programs for calf-fed Holsteins
M.J. Quinn, C.G. Stamm, A.L. Schreck, S.L. Parr, C.W. Booker, S.J. Hannon, M.J. Corbin, R.D. Rademacher, M.L. May
Applied Animal Science, Vol. 36, Issue 2, August 2020

Anabolic implant strategies in beef production
S.L. Parr
Proceedings of the 3rd AABP Recent Graduate Conference, February 2020

FDA Letter to Industry on Beef Cattle Ear Implants
December 2021

Cattle Fever Ticks May 16, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP member Dr. Dee Ellis, a veterinarian at Texas A&M University and who was previously the Texas state veterinarian. Ellis discusses the Texas Cattle Fever tick, species Rhipicephalus microplus and R. annulatus.
He describes the history of the tick control program, which dates from more than 150 years ago with the quarantine zone in south Texas established in 1943. Currently, more than 1 million acres are in the quarantine zone. The fever tick spreads the disease babesiosis which can cause severe disease in adult cattle with up to 90% mortality in naïve cattle. Calves have an innate immunity resulting in mild disease; however, recovered calves can have up to 50 pounds less weight at weaning. We discuss treatment options for cattle infested with the ticks which includes dipping with an organophosphate product or injectable avermectin products. Wildlife vectors remain a challenge and Ellis discusses management of wildlife and treatment of wildlife in pastures where cattle are raised. Ellis also reviews a recent research project that looked at varying doses of eprinomectin to establish if a longer treatment interval would control the ticks on exposed cattle. The results of the study found that Long Range® at the label dose will have a residual effect on preventing tick infestation by up to 123 days, and doubling the dose extends the effect up to 145 days after the last treatment. Research for controlling and treating the ticks is need which includes a better understanding of diagnostic methods for infested pastures, wildlife treatment options, biologic control agents and vaccines against babesiosis and the tick vector.

LINKS:

Texas A&M University Department of Entomology Resource
https://entomology.tamu.edu/extension/cattle-fever-tick-information/

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Resource:
https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/cattle-fever-tick/

USDA Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/tick/downloads/bro-cft-treatment-options.pdf

Minimize rumen acidosis with Mega e sponsored by Lactipro May 09, 2022

This edition of “Have you Herd” is sponsored by Lactipro. Lactipro harnesses the power of Mega e, a superior lactic acid utilizer, enabling beef and dairy producers to support healthy rumen function. Lactipro places a large number of Mega e into its native environment, the rumen, where it immediately begins targeting lactic acid. To learn more about the science behind Lactipro, visit https://msbiotec.com/lactipro. Our guest is Dr. Jane Leedle, a ruminant microbiologist. Leedle discusses her background and interest in environmental contamination research which led to her research in anaerobic bacteria and water quality. She eventually developed an interest in the cow’s rumen due to her research in anaerobic bacterial environments. We discuss the products of ruminant fermentation, known as volatile fatty acids, and the impact to the rumen microbiome in animals that are experiencing acute or sub-acute rumen acidosis due to higher concentrations of starches and grain in fed cattle and dairy cattle diets. Leedle reminds us that lactic acid is 10 times more acidic than acetate, butyrate and proprionate which will lead to a reduction in pH along the entire GI tract and changes in the microbiome to lactic acid utilizers. Megaspheara elsdenii is an indigenous organism that utilizes lactic acid. This is an FDA approved direct fed microbial (DFM) that can be utilized to mitigate the effects of lactic acid production in high-concentrate diets. The discovery of the NCIMB 41125 strain of Mega e allowed for the commercial production of the bacteria that can be inoculated into the rumen to provide a substrate of bacteria to step-up cattle to higher concentrate diets and allow for conversion of lactic acid to butyrate. Learn more about the role of Megaspheara elsdenii as a direct-fed microbial by visiting the links below.

Links:

MS BIOTECH – https://msbiotec.com/lactipro

Chen L, Shen Y, Wang C, Ding L, Zhao F, Wang M, Fu J, Wang H. Megasphaera elsdenii Lactate Degradation Pattern Shifts in Rumen Acidosis Models. Front Microbiol. 2019 Feb 7;10:162. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2019.00162\

Arik HD, Gulsen N, Hayirli A, Alatas MS. Efficacy of Megasphaera elsdenii inoculation in subacute ruminal acidosis in cattle. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2019 Mar;103(2):416-426. doi:10.1111/jpn.13034.

DeClerck JC, Wade ZE, Reeves NR, Miller MF, Johnson BJ, Ducharme GA, Rathmann RJ. Influence of Megasphaera elsdenii and feeding strategies on feedlot performance, compositional growth, and carcass parameters of early weaned, beef calves. Transl Anim Sci. 2020 Mar 17;4(2):txaa031. doi:10.1093/tas/txaa031.

Rural veterinarian shortage, recruitment and retention May 02, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Brad White from the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University. White is also the chair of the AABP Veterinary Practice Sustainability Committee. In this episode, we discuss studies and surveys on the topic of rural food animal or mixed animal veterinarians, shortage situations, job outlook and factors that impact recruitment and retention of veterinarians in cattle practice. According to AVMA data, less than 10% of veterinarians in the U.S. are employed in food animal practice in some capacity. A survey of Kansas cow-calf producers revealed that 60% of the producers felt there was a shortage of veterinarians, even if a veterinarian was in their county. We also discuss the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas (VTPRK) which has resulted in retention of 80% of participants in food animal practice. Dr. Gabrielle Gilliam published a study in The Bovine Practitioner which evaluated factors that influence administrative personnel and veterinarian turnover and compensation packages. Relationships with colleagues, clients and owners, adequate feedback, a marketing plan, frequency of meetings and adequate time away from work were all factors that positively impacted job satisfaction and retention. Veterinary practice owners should have a long-range plan for recruiting veterinarians to their practice, which can include externships, adequate mentorship and feedback, comparable compensation packages and soliciting feedback from students to ensure their job offers are consistent with associate veterinarian needs. Gingrich suggests that practice owners and future owners should consider attending the AABP Manage Your Rural Practice for Success workshop series, which will be held October 27-29, 2022 in Ashland, Ohio.

Links:

Gilliam, G., White, B., & Dodd, C. C. (2021). Factors influencing administrative personnel and veterinarian turnover and compensation packages in rural mixed-animal practices over a 5-year period . The Bovine Practitioner, 55(2), 108-114. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol55no2p108-114

A survey to identify factors associated with veterinarian and administrative staff turnover in rural veterinary practices, Proceedings of the 2020 AABP Annual Conference.

AABP Manage Your Rural Practice for Success workshop registration

Post your student externship program at this link.

Dairy veterinary practice in the southwest US Apr 25, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by recent graduate AABP member Dr. Katie Gutierrez , to talk about dairy veterinary practice. Gutierrez is a 2015 graduate of Washington State University and returned to New Mexico and eventually become a partner in Bovine Veterinary Alliance in Clovis, N.M. We discuss some of the unique characteristics of working with large dairy operations and calf ranches in the southwest U.S. and how she works with the employees on these operations to manage the care of their cattle. Gutierrez also has utilized many AABP resources such as participating in the practice management workshops to improve business management, and attending AABP recent graduate conferences to obtain CE and network with peers. We also discuss her perspectives on women in dairy practice, mentorship and recruitment and retention of veterinarians in rural bovine practice. She also discusses how she manages being a busy dairy practice owner and being a mom as well as how her practice has managed maternity leave.

Are you interested in taking the AABP Manage Your Rural Practice for Success seminar? Find out more information and register for the seminar at this link.

Use of industrial hemp in cattle Apr 20, 2022

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Mike Kleinhenz and Dr. Hans Coetzee to discuss the potential uses of industrial hemp in cattle. Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) contains many bioactive phytocannabinoids but is less than 0.3% THC which is the psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana. There is little research on the use of cannabis in cattle and today we discuss recent research published by Kleinhenz and Coetzee which was funded by the UDSA. The first study investigated the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) when fed to cattle at a specific dose. The results of this study demonstrated that CBDa was absorbed from the rumen and had a half-life of 14 hours. This research could be used to establish a withdrawal interval for cattle fed industrial hemp. We also discuss another study that evaluated lying behavior and biomarkers of stress and inflammation after feeding industrial hemp for 14 days. The results of this study demonstrated a significant difference in lying time, reduction in cortisol and a reduction in prostaglandin-E. These results indicate that industrial hemp may be useful as a treatment during times of stress, such as weaning, transportation, calving or arrival to feedyards. The last study discussed investigated the nutrient composition of industrial hemp and the various parts of the plant. This study demonstrated that industrial hemp and byproducts of the hemp industry may be useful as cattle feed, similar to other forages and byproducts we use to turn forages into high quality beef and dairy protein. Kleinhenz and Coetzee discuss that further research is needed in this area to evaluate the application of industrial hemp in cattle production systems.

Publications:

Kleinhenz, M.D., Magnin, G., Lin, Z. et al. Plasma concentrations of eleven cannabinoids in cattle following oral administration of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa). Sci Rep 10, 12753 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-69768-4

Kleinhenz, M.D., Weeder, M., Montgomery, S. et al. Short term feeding of industrial hemp with a high cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) content increases lying behavior and reduces biomarkers of stress and inflammation in Holstein steers. Sci Rep 12, 3683 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-07795-z

Michael D. Kleinhenz, Geraldine Magnin, Stee M. Ensley, Jason J. Griffin, John Goeser, Eva Lynch, Johann F. Coetzee, Nutrient concentrations, digestibility, and cannabinoid concentrations of industrial hemp plant components, Applied Animal Science, Volume 36, Issue 4, 2020, Pages 489-494, ISSN 2590-2865, https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2020-02018

Impact of meloxicam on respiratory virus titers and health outcomes when administered concurrently with a modified live respiratory vaccine in abruptly weaned beef calves Apr 11, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Homerosky to discuss a research project that was funded by the AABP Foundation through the Competitive Research Grant program. Her purpose in conducting this research trial was to investigate if administration of meloxicam on arrival to calves would decrease their ability to respond to a viral vaccine. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of meloxicam on vaccination response and health outcomes on a larger scale in a field setting. Calves enrolled in the study were from commercial farms in Alberta, Canada and were abruptly weaned and transported to the feedlot. Calves were randomly allotted to a control group which received a saline injection and a treatment group which received a commercial injectable meloxicam product. Antibody titers to BHV-1, BRSV, BPIV-3 and BCV were measured on arrival, day 7 and day 21. There was no statistical difference in titer response by treatment groups. Health outcomes demonstrated a numerical difference, but no statistical difference between treatment groups with four animals in the meloxicam-treated group pulled for BRD treatment. Homerosky discussed the challenges she identified in her study with the smaller treatment groups and low frequency of BRD in identifying a difference between the treatment groups, suggesting that more research is needed. The take-home message from her study demonstrated that administering meloxicam to calves on arrival concurrently with administration of a modified-live respiratory viral vaccine does not impact antibody titer response to the vaccine. We also discuss the importance of the AABP Foundation in funding clinically relevant research for cattle veterinarians to use in their practice. We challenge listeners to donate to the Foundation to continue to support our efforts in funding this research.

To donate to the AABP Foundation, visit this link. Projects that were funded by the Foundation through the Competitive Research Grants can be found on this page which includes links to publications and AABP conference presentations for completed projects.

Homerosky, Elizabeth R., Michael J. Jelinski, and Craig Dorin. "Impact of meloxicam on respiratory virus titers and health outcomes when administered concurrently with a modified live respiratory vaccine in abruptly weaned beef steers." Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research 85.2 (2021): 101-105. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/cvma/cjvr/2021/00000085/00000002/art00003

Just a signature, Doc Apr 04, 2022

How can veterinarians assist dairy farmers from only requesting a signature on the VCPR form in the FARM program to developing a culture of continuous improvement? In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP member Dr. Corale Dorn to discuss the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program. Dorn discusses how she has implemented the tenets of the FARM program and included it as part of her billable services valued by her clients. Dorn graduated from Iowa State University in 2001 and is the owner of Dells Veterinary Services in Dell Rapids, S.D. Find out information about her practice at this link. Dorn offers tips about completing the various checklists of the FARM program including identifying training opportunities during routine farm visits such as fresh cow protocols, euthanasia protocols, milking procedures and sick cow protocols and keeping the forms in your truck to sign off on them and include in the binder that is used by evaluators to ensure training is completed and protocols are updated. Dorn utilizes her team to assist with the services her practice provides to dairy and beef clients. She recommends veterinarians start with small bites and implement portions of the program during various times of the year and suggests that veterinarians consider becoming a second-party evaluator, so they are familiar with the audit process. She also discusses three models of charging for this service and incorporating it into your routine preventive medicine programs. By incorporating these protocols and procedures into your practice, veterinarians can move the FARM program beyond “just the signature”.

Find out information about the NMPF FARM Program at this link. Resources that can be used by veterinarians and producers can be found in the FARM resource library found here.

AABP Guidelines and Position statements are used by NMPF FARM program and can be found under the About menu of the AABP website at this link.

Beef Calf Vigor Assessment Mar 28, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Homerosky to discuss her research project on identifying calves at risk for not consuming colostrum within 4 hours of birth with the development of the Beef Calf Vigor Assessment (BCVA). Homerosky is the 2021 recipient of the AABP James A. Jarrett Award for Young Leaders and a partner at Veterinary Agri-Health Services in Alberta. Find out about their practice and student opportunities at this link. Homerosky discusses the challenges of identifying calves at risk in beef production systems, especially cattle on open range. A study from Waldner and Rosengren of the University of Saskatchewan, suggests that for optimal passive transfer, calves need 24 g/L of serum IgG and approximately 1/3 of beef calves do not achieve this optimal level of IgG. It can be difficult to assess passive transfer in beef calves versus dairy calves due to the differences in management systems. Homerosky explains that concentration of immunoglobulins in beef cattle is not considered a major risk factor, however, timing of colostrum consumption is critical for passive transfer in beef calves since we rely on the maternal-neonatal bond to allow for nursing within 4-hours. The BCVA is a practical and producer friendly tool that clients can use to identify at-risk calves. The APGAR scoring system used in human neonates has not been found to have a high association with outcomes of interest. In her study, Homerosky identified that the suckle reflex was highly associated with disturbances in blood gas abnormalities and failure of passive transfer. Adding calving ease into the algorithm and applying the BCVA to all calvings will improve the ability to identify at-risk calves. Veterinarians are encouraged to work with their beef producers to identify at-risk calves using the BCVA and providing protocols for interventions when indicated.

Relevant publications:

Homerosky, E. R., et al. "Clinical indicators of blood gas disturbances, elevated L-lactate concentration and other abnormal blood parameters in newborn beef calves." The Veterinary Journal 219 (2017): 49-57.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.12.001

Homerosky, E. R., et al. "Predictors and impacts of colostrum consumption by 4 h after birth in newborn beef calves." The Veterinary Journal 228 (2017):1-6.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.09.003

Waldner, C.L. and Rosengren, L.B., “Factors associated with serum immunoglobulin levels in beef calves from Alberta and Saskatchewan and association between passive transfer and health outcomes.” Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research 2009; 50:275-281

What's on Dr. Jones' Mind? Mar 21, 2022

This episode of Have You Herd? is the audio recording of the closing presentation from the 5th Annual AABP Recent Graduate Conference held Feb. 18-19 in New Orleans, La. The program committee charged Dr. Meredyth Jones to develop a final message to the attendees. Jones starts her presentation by discussing a difficult time she had during an early stage of her career and how she was supported by the veterinary clinic owner who was also her father. She then asked her audience to participate in Slido polls. The results of the polls showed that 60% of those in attendance said that they came to the conference feeling run down. She also asked if attendees frequently worry that when they go into work, they will face something they cannot handle, and 58% of respondents replied yes. Jones then revealed to the audience that she contacted their employers to ask them how they felt about their recent graduate veterinarians and revealed those answers. Jones reminded the audience that “your value has nothing to do with how you feel.” She asked them “how would you carry yourself and conduct yourself if you knew you were profoundly impactful?” which was the theme of the conference. Her final message to the AABP recent graduate members, from the older members in the audience, was “we are proud of you!”

#profoundlyimpactful

The future of the dairy industry Mar 14, 2022

“It is reasonable to ask, what is a fundamentally good idea to do with a farm, and dairy foods fit this idea.” Dr. Bill Wavrin was one of the keynote speakers at the 5th AABP Recent Graduate Conference in New Orleans, La., and delivered this message to our attendees. Wavrin is a veterinarian and a dairy producer in Washington. In this episode, he discusses his thoughts on the future of the dairy industry with AABP President Dr. Pat Gorden and AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich. Wavrin reminds us that although fluid milk consumption has declined, the commercial disappearance of dairy is increased due to consumption of non-fluid dairy products as well as increases in exports. He discusses that we used to export the milk from 1 out of 100 cows, and now we are exporting the milk from 1 out of 6 cows which has a tremendous impact on the price of dairy commodities. Wavrin states that the dairy industry does have an environmental impact, however, we are interested in decreasing this impact. Dairy utilizes the entire plant instead of only the fruit of the plant, and we should compare environmental impact to protein production. Dairy produces 16% of human protein intake and contributes only 1.3% of CO2 equivalents. We discuss the four sources of these greenhouse gases on the dairy which include fermentation, manure handling, energy inputs and feed. We close our conversation with a discussion of the importance of the clinical research projects that are supported by the AABP Foundation. As a veterinarian and producer, Wavrin states his views on the importance of this research to continually improve the dairy industry to be competitive in the protein market. He is a generous supporter of the Foundation research projects and encourages other members to support the Foundation as well. If you would like to make a donation to the Foundation, please join him by visiting this page. View the 2021 Foundation Annual Report at this link.

Preparing your beef cows for a successful calving season Mar 07, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Sara Linneen, a beef cattle technical consultant from Elanco Animal Health at the 5th AABP Recent Graduate Conference in new Orleans, La. Linneen received her PhD in ruminant nutrition from Oklahoma State University and discusses tips for veterinarians to work with cow-calf producers to ensure we have a successful calving season. We start off by discussing the calving environment and suggest that veterinarians talk about making sure the calving area is clean and producers have the facilities to assist cows that are experiencing a dystocia. Linneen suggests that veterinarians assist producers by preparing a nutrition program for cows that supports healthy cows to ensure lactational performance which will improve calf weaning weights as well as improve reproductive efficiency when cows are ready to be bred back. Calves that are born to nutritionally deficient cows gain an average of 0.2 pounds per day less which can lower weaning weights by 20 pounds per calf! Precision is important and forage testing is an important part of a beef cow nutrition program. She recommends body condition scoring cows just before calving and again in the summer. We also discuss the important of a precise mineral program for cows based on your geographic area and the important role of monensin for cow and calf health as well as productivity. Monensin will improve the environment for calves by decreasing coccidiosis as well as improving feed efficiency by 5-10%. Veterinarians play a critical role in preventing disease as well as improving production efficiencies for their cow-calf clients.

Find beef nutrition resources, including a Rumensin ® calculator on the Beef Health Management Committee resources page.

AABP DEI Task Force Feb 28, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by two members of the AABP Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force, Dr. Emma Bratton and Dr. Whitney Knauer. The DEI Task Force was created in 2021 by the AABP Board of Directors to provide education to our members on DEI and develop resources to assist our members in their area of bovine medicine. We discuss that at the 2021 AABP Annual Conference, several members of the task force and AABP leadership wore buttons that said “Ask me about DEI”, and the one thing we learned is that many members do not know what the acronym “DEI” means. AABP wants EVERYONE to feel welcome in our organization, feel comfortable being a member and understanding that they are important to our organization as a bovine veterinarian. Having a growth mindset and welcoming everyone to have a seat at the table is an important aspect of advancing DEI. We discuss the definition of an ally and why allies are important supporters of under-represented groups in veterinary medicine. Each of us also discuss the challenges of having “difficult conversations.” Having the courage to speak out in support of a colleague, while not alienating the person who has made an insensitive or inappropriate comment, is important to learn. Each of us also needs to be able to welcome constructive conversations so that we can grow and be more inclusive. Our guests recommend that listeners take the AVMA Brave Space Certificate Program, available free to AVMA members on the AVMA Axon CE portal at this link. AVMA’s Brave Space Certificate Program is a self-paced learning curriculum that teaches participants how to gain deeper understandings of the people around us and create healthier, safer, more inclusive veterinary teams, practices and organizations.

The program is comprised of seven modules that can be taken individually or completed as a unit. To begin, participants must complete the first module – “Combating unconscious bias and marginalization.” The remaining modules can be completed in any order. Earn 1 CE credit for each module completed. When all seven modules are completed, participants will receive an AVMA Brave Space certificate of completion.

In collaboration with founding educational partner, Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC), the AVMA Brave Space Certificate Program is made possible by an educational grant from Royal Canin.

Access the AABP DEI Task Force resources on this page.

Selective Dry Cow Therapy Feb 21, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by current AABP Vice President Dr. Michael Capel at the 5th AABP Recent Graduate Conference in New Orleans to discuss implementation of selective dry cow therapy on dairy farms. Capel states that nationally, mastitis treatment and prevention accounts for about 60% of antibiotic use on dairy farms and of this, about two-thirds of this use is attributable to dry cow therapy. Dry cow therapy has been one of the most successful interventions performed on dairy farms to control and prevent infections around the dry period. Capel points out that udder health and production management practices have improved significantly since the introduction of blanket dry cow therapy. Selective dry cow therapy is a program that identifies cows or quarters that are subclinically infected or at risk of infection at the time of dry off. The metrics typically evaluated to select at-risk cows include somatic cell count and clinical mastitis data. Capel mentions that farm-level risk factors may be more important than cow-level risk factors in deciding which dairies could implement selective dry cow therapy. He suggests that veterinarians should evaluate dry off technique, cleanliness of the cows, conditions of the dry pen, infection status of the herd, quality of clinical mastitis recording, and pathogen profile of the herd through culturing. The economic impact of a selective dry cow therapy program is estimated at $8 per cow, and the decreased use of antimicrobials and incorporation of improved antimicrobial stewardship on farms is a great incentive for veterinarians to discuss these programs with their producers. Capel suggests eliminating risk factors prior to incorporating a selective dry cow therapy program to improve success and to monitor the success of the program through records evaluation on a regular basis.

Have You Herd? of human to cattle tuberculosis transmission? Feb 14, 2022

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses an old disease with some new research, bovine tuberculosis (TB). Our guest is Dr. Jason Lombard, an AABP member and veterinary epidemiologist with USDA’s field epidemiologic investigation services. The findings and conclusions in this podcast are Lombard’s and should not be construed as USDA or government opinion or policy.

At the beginning of the 1900s, TB was the leading cause of death in the U.S., and it was estimated that 10% of people with TB had bovine TB, likely due to consumption of unpasteurized milk. This began the U.S. state-federal bovine TB eradication program that many veterinarians are familiar with in working with cattle operations. In 1917, approximately 5% of the cattle population (3.2 million head) were estimated to be infected with TB and in 1949, less than 0.5% were infected. In 2021, 61 head of cattle were found to be infected with TB which is 0.00006%, representing a 99.9% decrease since the eradication program began in 1917. The primary method of surveillance in the U.S. is now slaughter surveillance. In 2019, it was estimated that 4% of the U.S. population (13 million people) have latent or clinical TB. Of those clinical with TB, 1.9% were determined to be M. bovis. This strain of TB results in extrapulmonary disease in humans which can have implications for methods of transmission from humans to cattle, such as via the urinary system.

Lombard reviews three cases in the U.S. where it was documented that humans had transmitted M. bovis to cattle (human to animal transmission). These cases occurred on dairy farms in North Dakota and Wisconsin and a third case on a Texas heifer ranch. Given these cases, Dr. Lombard discusses how veterinarians can become more involved in TB prevention on beef and dairy operations. Biosecurity remains the primary method of prevention since TB usually enters a herd through contact with infected livestock, wildlife or humans. In addition, veterinarians can discuss with producers evaluating the risk of TB to humans and cattle on their farms. Some farms have implemented TB testing protocols of employees to promote a healthy workforce and ensure animal health. Veterinarians can also stress the importance of animal disease traceability. Use of official animal ID and accurate record keeping can assist state and federal animal health officials to conduct thorough and efficient trace investigations.
Relevant publications:

Dean GS, Rhodes SG, Coad M, Whelan AO, Cockle PJ, Clifford DJ, Hewinson RG, Vordermeier HM. Minimum infective dose of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle. Infect Immun. 2005 Oct;73(10):6467-71.

Lombard JE, Patton EA, Gibbons-Burgener SN, Klos RF, Tans-Kersten JL, Carlson BW, Keller SJ, Pritschet DJ, Rollo S, Dutcher TV, Young CA, Hench WC, Thacker TC, Perea C, Lehmkuhl AD, Robbe-Austerman S. Human-to-Cattle Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Transmission in the United States. Front Vet Sci. 2021 Jul 12;8:691192.

McCluskey B, Lombard J, Strunk S, Nelson D, Robbe-Austerman S, Naugle A, Edmondson A. Mycobacterium bovis in California dairies: a case series of 2002-2013 outbreaks. Prev Vet Med. 2014 Aug 1;115(3-4):205-16.

Olmstead, A.L., and Rhode, P.W. (2004). An Impossible Undertaking: The Eradication of Bovine Tuberculosis in the United States. The Journal of Economic History 64, 734-772.

AABP Student Externship Grants - Beef Experiences Feb 07, 2022

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
Benjamin Franklin

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by two student AABP members who received externship grants and visited beef practices in the U.S. and Canada. Hannah Jarvis, a 4th year student at The Ohio State University, and Tatie High, a 2nd year student at The Ohio State University, discuss the importance of this funding for student externships and the experiences they had at AABP member practices. The AABP Foundation provides $40,000 per year for student externship grants to offset the financial barriers of participating in externships. Both Hannah and Tatie discuss where they went on their beef externships and what they learned while they were at those practices. They discuss that externships help them to apply boots on the ground experiences with the educational foundation they have been provided in veterinary school. Both students express that they want hands-on learning at their externships and learning through repetition. Hannah and Katie recommend that students be honest with veterinarians about what they want out of the externship and to confront the uncomfortable and not be afraid to try while on your externship. Tips for veterinarians include being willing to teach and engage students, make use of the “windshield time”, give advice, provide practical tips, and encourage students to try while offering support.
AABP student members can apply for externships at this link under the Student Menu of the AABP website. AABP encourages members to list their externship opportunities on the AABP website so that students can find opportunities by going to this page.

Please support the AABP Foundation which provides externship and education grants as well as clinically relevant cattle research and welfare grants. If you would like to restrict your donation to externship grants, please contact fred@aabp.org for information. You can donate to the AABP Foundation at this link.

If you have a suggestion for a future podcast, email haveyouherd@aabp.org.

Intranasal vaccines administered on arrival to the feedyard - do they impact health, productivity and the incidence of Histophilus somni associated BRD? Jan 31, 2022

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses recent research with Dr. John Richeson, associate professor of Animal Science at West Texas A&M University. Richeson recently completed a trial which was started due to practicing veterinarians reporting a higher increase in Histophilus somni-associated bovine respiratory disease (BRD) morbidity and mortality after administration of BRSV intranasal vaccine. The immunomodulatory effects of BRSV on H. somni have been previously studied by Gershwin et. al. and the objective of this study by Richeson was to assess the safety, efficacy and BRSV and H. somni nasal shedding in intranasal and parenteral vaccinated high risk beef calves.The study was comprised of three treatment groups, a negative control (no respiratory vaccinations), an intranasal vaccine group, and a positive control (pentavalent parenteral respiratory vaccine). The investigators measured production data, clinical health data, and serology and pathology data for BRSV and H. somni. Richeson walks us through the results of the study as well as the challenges of finding statistical differences for low frequency events. The study results demonstrated that there was no statistical difference in morbidity, mortality, and average daily gain between the treatment groups. They found that the calves who received the intranasal vaccine were statistically twice as likely to have H. somni PCR-positive tests than the positive or negative control groups. These data indicate modified live virus (MLV) vaccination of high-risk calves, either parenterally or intranasally, had little effect on health or growth during the feedlot receiving period. However, intranasal vaccination increased the prevalence of H. somni in the naris. We also discuss comparing the efficacy of antimicrobial metaphylaxis versus on-arrival MLV vaccination to high-risk beef calves. Richeson also discussed the importance of having a negative control group (no vaccination) when performing field trials on vaccine safety and efficacy and his thoughts on the USDA approval process for biologics.

Relevant papers:

1. Veronica I. Munoz, Kendall L. Samuelson, Dexter J. Tomczak, Hannah A. Seiver, Taylor M. Smock, John T. Richeson, Comparative efficacy of metaphylaxis with tulathromycin and pentavalent modified-live virus vaccination in high-risk, newly received feedlot cattle, Applied Animal Science, Volume 36, Issue 6, 2020, Pages 799-807, ISSN 2590-2865, https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2020-02054.

2. Gershwin, L. (2007). Bovine respiratory syncytial virus infection: Immunopathogenic mechanisms. Animal Health Research Reviews, 8(2), 207-213. doi:10.1017/S1466252307001405

U.S. Cattle Trace – Traceability at the speed of commerce Jan 24, 2022

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Callahan Grund. Callahan serves as the Executive Director of U.S. Cattle Trace, a not-for-profit organization with a goal of developing a national infrastructure for disease traceability and encourage private industry’s use of the infrastructure for individualized management practices. U.S. Cattle Trace securely maintains and manages the data collected for disease traceability. The organization’s board of directors includes representation from the cow-calf, livestock market and feedyard sectors.

Traceability is the ability to track an item at any point in time. Animal health officials can perform disease traceability, however the goal of improving our disease traceability efforts involves the use of technology, such a RFID tags, to improve the efficiency and speed of disease traceback. The United States and India are the only countries of the top 10 beef exporting countries in the world to not have a national animal disease traceability program. Callahan discusses the different types of RFID tags, the advantages of ultra-high frequency tags, and the challenges of implementing animal disease traceability on a national scale. We also discuss opportunities for producers implementing traceability program to improve production and disease management in the beef industry

We discuss the efforts of the U.S. Cattle Trace Pilot Project and the goals of building the infrastructure for a hands-free system, evaluate if the technology worked and consider the economics of an animal disease traceability system. Callahan discusses the roadblocks of implementing this technology at each phase of the beef production phase and suggest that veterinarians can assist, especially cow-calf clients, in educating them on the importance of RFID’s and disease traceability to their operations and the U.S. beef industry.

Visit https://www.uscattletrace.org/ for more information about disease traceability and membership options for cow-calf, dairy producers, feedyards and auction markets.

AABP Student Externship Grants - Dairy Experiences Jan 17, 2022

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by two student AABP members who received externship grants and went to western U.S. dairy practices for their experiences. Phusita Nakphairat Davidovich, a 3rd year student at The Ohio State University, and Gabrielle Brewster, a 4th year student at Cornell University, discuss the importance of this funding for student externships. The AABP Foundation provides $40,000 per year for student externship grants to offset the financial barriers of participating in externships. Both Phusita and Gabrielle discuss where they went on their dairy externships and what they learned while they were at those practices. They also offer tips to students who want to go on externships such as applying for funding through the AABP Foundation, make a list of goals to share with the practice, looking for something different than you experience at your veterinary school, being open minded and willing to learn, and appreciating the time practices spend in mentoring students during their externship. Phusita and Gabrielle also provide suggestions for veterinarians to improve the student’s externship experience which include asking the student what they want to accomplish and experience, providing a schedule so they can see what they will see and do, giving them options based on what they are interested in learning, providing as much hands-on activity as possible, and providing meaningful discussion during “windshield time” in the truck.

AABP student members can apply for externships at this link under the Student Menu of the AABP website. AABP encourages members to list their externship opportunities on the AABP website so that students can find opportunities by going to this page.

If you have a suggestion for a future podcast, email haveyouherd@aabp.org.

A Conversation with AABP President Dr. Pat Gorden Jan 10, 2022

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich talks with current AABP President Dr. Pat Gorden today. We learn about when Gorden decided to become a veterinarian, his past private dairy practice experience and his current professional role at Iowa State University. Gorden talks about his early volunteer work on the AABP Milk Quality and Udder Health Committee and Committee on Pharmaceutical and Biologic Issues. He suggests that members contact us if you want to get involved with AABP by telling us about your interests. AABP members can join committees by going to the AABP website and review the committees listed under the committee and task force menus. We review the role of each officer while they rotate through the Executive Committee and the commitment of these volunteers working for our organization. Gorden wants to continue to develop AABP’s broad reach to cattle veterinarians through continuing education, advocacy, mentorship and networking.

AABP welcomes all cattle veterinarians and veterinary students to join our organization. Find out about AABP member benefits at this link. You can join AABP by going to this page. The American Association of Bovine Practitioners is an international association of veterinarians serving society as leaders in cattle health, welfare, and productivity. We welcome and support any veterinarian or veterinary student, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation or any other demographic, to participate in all opportunities that our organization provides. As leaders in the cattle industry, we encourage all veterinarians with an interest in cattle to join us and participate in our organization.

Do you have a suggestion or feedback for our podcast? Email haveyouherd@aabp.org.

Veterinary Medicine Impacts on COVID-19 and Lessons Learned for the Future Jan 03, 2022

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP member Dr. Chris Chase to discuss corona viruses in humans and animals. Chase is a veterinary immunologist from South Dakota State University. During our discussion, we touch on the similarities of COVID-19 in humans and what we have previously used in bovine veterinary medicine and other areas of the veterinary industry. We discuss the role of body condition on the immune system and why obesity in cattle or humans can negatively impact the response to viruses. Chase discusses some of the unique characteristics of corona viruses such as a single spike protein that is the dominant antigen and how they use this spike protein to gain entrance into the cell. He states that the job of the immune system is not to defend, but to maintain health and homeostasis. When we have immune-malfunction, either due to an exaggerated immune response or immune suppression, we lose this homeostasis and it can affect multiple body systems. He describes the causes and the results of a cytokine storm and how both non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatories can be used in cattle and people.

Chase describes how monoclonal antibodies are produced in a different manner today which has resulted in more widespread production of this important tool. He describes how the first monoclonal antibody was developed for use in calves to prevent K-99 colibacillosis. We also discuss the various platform vaccine technologies and the first nucleic acid vaccine was developed for veterinary medicine. He describes the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines and their potential role in veterinary medicine. We wrap up our discussion by reviewing the role probiotics can play in prevention of disease as well as the use of ivermectin for viral diseases.

Veterinary medicine plays a critical role in the research and development of biotechnologies that can be used in both human and animal medicine. Veterinarians are an important part of the One Health concept, both in understanding population medicine, the role of disease prevention and the management of zoonotic disease.

5th AABP Recent Graduate Conference Dec 27, 2021

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by the 2022 AABP Recent Graduate Program Committee. The committee includes Dr. Adlai Schuler (chair), Dr. Kelsey Savell (dairy sessions), Dr. Nick Van Engen (feedlot sessions) and Dr. Chelsea Bland Smith (cow-calf sessions). The program committee are recent graduates who plan the continuing education sessions, events and preconference seminars to provide relevant continuing education to AABP members who graduated from 2014-2021.

The conference will be held at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans, La., February 17-19, 2022. In-person registration is limited to 300 attendees. Virtual conference registration is available to any AABP member. The virtual conference is subject to cancellation if there are not enough registrations to cover the cost of streaming the live conference, therefore, if you are interested in attending, please register soon!

The program committee has chosen a theme of “Profoundly Impactful” and will offer sessions on clinical and consulting skills to help our recent grad members offer services to make them impactful on their clients' beef and dairy operations.

To find out more about the conference and view the sessions, go to this link. You can secure your registration for the conference by going to the registration page. AABP asks that all in-person attendees book a hotel reservation at the conference hotel to minimize the financial risk the organization takes in booking the conference. Please reserve your hotel room through our online reservation portal at this link.

African Swine Fever Dec 20, 2021

Listen in as AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich has a conversation with American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Executive Director Dr. Harry Snelson about African Swine Fever (ASF). ASF is a viral disease of swine that causes high morbidity and mortality when introduced into a herd. It is a hemorrhagic virus that causes fever, hemorrhagic disease and septicemia. Supportive care typically does not reduce the mortality associated with the disease and once introduced, the only current method of control is depopulation. Dr. Snelson informs us that there are vaccines being developed that may provide protection to pigs and decrease the spread of the disease.

ASF was originally identified in sub-Saharan Africa in the early 1900s and first appeared outside of that region in the country of Georgia in 2007. The disease primarily spreads from contact with infected pigs, and therefore feral hogs can spread it across open-land borders. ASF spread through Russia, eastern Europe, and then in 2018, it appeared in China. China is the largest pork-producing nation as well as the largest consumer of pork. China also exports products that could serve as fomites for the spread of ASF. Snelson discusses the work of USDA, state animal health officials and the Customs and Border Protection agency to keep ASF out of the mainland U.S.. He reminds our listeners to be diligent about preventing the introduction of a foreign animal disease like ASF by not bringing in agricultural products when traveling outside of the U.S. and declaring farm visits or animal contact to customs upon re-entry. If ASF were introduced into the U.S., it would cause significant animal health issues due to the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, as well as economic losses to the pork industry estimated at over $8 billion. The U.S. exports 27% of the pork we produce, and although there are no food safety issues or zoonotic concerns with ASF, the loss of exports and concerns from the public could have long lasting effects on the entire agricultural industry.

Information about the Customs and Border Protection can be found at https://www.cbp.gov/ as well as their work in protecting agriculture at this link.

For information about AASV and to learn about their annual conference February 26 to March 1, 2022, in Indianapolis, visit https://aasv.org/.

To read the Iowa State University study on the impact of the introduction of ASF into the US, visit this link.

Stockmanship - What is it and Why is it Important? Dec 13, 2021

In this episode, guest host Dr. Julia Herman, an AABP member on staff at National Cattleman’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Check-Off, and the chair of the AABP Animal Welfare Committee, is joined by Dean Fish and Curt Pate to discuss stockmanship. Stockmanship encompasses the appropriate care and handling of cattle and is applicable to all aspects of the cattle industry. It is well-known that proper handling of cattle positively impacts their experience in handling facilities. Good stockmanship is important not only to decrease stress, but also is an important part of human safety when dealing with large animals.

Our guests discuss their definition of stockmanship as well as how to implement behavioral change in farm and ranch staff. Veterinarians can be involved with training employees in good stockmanship practices as well as becoming advocates and defenders of the cattle in our care. We discuss appropriate handling of cattle on cow-calf ranches, feedyards and dairy farms. Stockmanship involves not only knowing the flight zones and safe handling of cattle, but implementing feel, timing and balance to the pressure points to move cattle with care.

Resources:

· Beef Quality Assurance - https://www.bqa.org/

· Bud Williams Stockmanship and Livestock Marketing - https://stockmanship.com/

· Curt Pate Stockmanship - Livestock handling demonstrations, clinics, and on-site training for livestock businesses - https://curtpatestockmanship.com/

· Lee Jones 2020. Providing all the needs that define stockmanship. - https://www.progressivecattle.com/topics/herd-health/providing-all-the-needs-that-define-stockmanship

· Mike Bolton, 2012. Dairy Stockmanship: What is it and why is it important? - https://www.progressivedairy.com/topics/herd-health/dairy-stockmanship-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important

· National Dairy FARM Program – Dairy Stockmanship - https://nationaldairyfarm.com/producer-resources/dairy-stockmanship/

· Ron Gill – Effective Stockmanship education and resources - http://effectivestockmanship.com/

· Stockmanship and Stewardship – Regional events focusing on live animal demonstrations and expert presentations - https://www.stockmanshipandstewardship.org/

· Ron Gill & Rick Machen 2016. Cattle Handling Pointers Stockmanship and Low-Stress Handling - https://effectivestockmanship.com/PDFs/CattleHandlingPointers-7-18-16.pdf

· Temple Grandin - Livestock Behaviour, Design of Facilities and Humane Slaughter - http://www.grandin.com/

· University of Minnesota 2021. How to properly handle cattle and other farm animals - https://extension.umn.edu/dairy-handling-and-best-practices/basic-stockmanship

Predicting Bovine Respiratory Disease and Targeting Metaphylaxis Dec 06, 2021

Dr. Jason Nickell, an AABP member employed by Merck Animal Health, joins AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich to discuss research on utilizing technology to target antimicrobial therapy to cattle as they arrive at the feedyard. We discuss that metaphylaxis using antimicrobials is an important tool to control bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Producers and veterinarians use risk factors to identify which group of animals to use metaphylactic treatment to decrease the morbidity and mortality of BRD. Studies have shown that, on average, approximately 20% of animals benefit from antimicrobial metaphylaxis. The ability to identify the animals at risk for BRD and targeting treatment to those animals could improve antimicrobial stewardship, however, not treating any animals at risk for BRD has negative economic and animal welfare implications.

The objective of the study we discuss was to compare Whisper on Arrival ® to a positive and negative control. The four treatment groups were positive control (all animals received an antimicrobial on arrival), Whisper High, Whisper Low, and a negative control (no animals received an antimicrobial on arrival). The two Whisper groups applied a different sensitivity and specificity to the algorithm to identify which animals to treat or not treat. The study found that health and performance outcomes for the positive control were better than the negative control and the Whisper on Arrival groups had no differences in health or performance compared to the negative control group. In addition, the Whisper on Arrival groups saw a 10-43% reduction in antimicrobial use while not adversely affecting health and performance.

Relevant publications:

Translational Animal Science, Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2021, txab081, https://doi-org.eres.qnl.qa/10.1093/tas/txab081

https://bovine-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/bovine/index.php/bovine/article/view/8201

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25578389/

Remote Drug Delivery Devices Nov 30, 2021

In this episode, guest host Dr. Julia Herman, an AABP member on staff at National Cattleman’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Check-Off, and the chair of the AABP Animal Welfare Committee, is joined by Dr. Ron Gill and Dr. Hans Coetzee to discuss the use of remote drug delivery devices (RDD) or the administration of cattle medications using a dart typically via a firearm.

RDDs have been utilized for a long time and historically were used in wildlife as well as to tranquilize animals. Our guests discuss some of the challenges with RDD systems, especially the Beef Quality Assurance challenges. Other challenges include failure of drug delivery, environmental impacts of darts, human safety, misdiagnosis and tissue damage.

Veterinarians should consult clients on the appropriate and inappropriate use of RDDs and they should not be utilized to decrease treatment time or for convenience. RDDs should not be a replacement for good facilities or stockmanship, but do have a place for appropriate use in certain range conditions.

Relevant links:

1. Discussing the Dart Delivery Method for Treating Cattle – South Dakota State University

2. Remote drug delivery systems: Just another gadget or proven technology? – Progressive Cattleman

3. Darting BQA Problems – Angus Beef Bulletin

4. Failure of high-capacity pneumatic darts to consistently deliver tulathromycin to calves after remote drug delivery – J.F. Coetzee, M.D. Kleinhenz, D.R. Magstadt, V.L. Cooper, N.K. Van Engen, J.S. Smith, N. Rand, P.G. Gorden; Proceedings of the 4th AABP Annual Conference, 2016

5. Does dart gun delivery of antibiotics cause changes in drug disposition or meat quality? – T. Hairgrove, R. Gill, C. Waters, R. Miller, T. Mays, M. Miller, V. Fajt; Proceedings of the 4th AABP Annual Conference, 2016

6. Pneumatic dart delivery of tulathromycin in calves results in lower antimicrobial concentrations and increased biomarkers of stress and injection site inflammation compared with subcutaneous injection – J. F. Coetzee, M.D. Kleinhenz, D.R. Magstadt, V.L. Cooper, L.W. Wulf, N.K. Van Engen, J.S. Smith, N. Rand, B. KuKanich, P.J. Gorden; Journal of Animal Science, Volume 96, Issue 8, August 2018, Pages 3089–3101.

7. Tissue residue depletion and estimation of extralabel meat withdrawal intervals for tulathromycin in calves after pneumatic dart administration – Z. Lin, C. He, D.R. Magstadt, V.L. Cooper, M.D. Kleinhenz, J.S. Smith, P.J. Gorden, L.W. Wulf, J.F. Coetzee; Journal of Animal Science, Volume 97, Issue 9, September 2019, Pages 3714–3726.

8. Pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin following administration to stocker cattle with remote delivery devices – J.D. Rivera, A.R. Woolums, S. Giguere, J.T. Johnson, A.G. Lutz, P.N. Tipton, W.B. Crosby, I. Hice, M. Thoresen; Journal of Animal Science, Volume 97, Issue 11, November 2019, Pages 4482-4487.

AABP Vaccine Guidelines for Cattle Nov 22, 2021

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Justin Kieffer, former chair of the AABP Committee on Pharmaceutical and Biologic Issues (CPBI). Dr. Kieffer led a team of AABP members in the development of the first bovine vaccination guidelines produced by AABP. We discuss the development of this resource document that is available exclusively to AABP members to assist them in developing vaccine protocols for beef and dairy operations. We discuss how veterinarians can consult with producers in optimizing the immune response to vaccines as well as minimize adverse events and what to do if there is an adverse event. Dr. Kieffer updates us on the implementation of the single tier vaccine labeling in 2015 by USDA APHIS. CPBI developed a list of core vaccines for cattle which includes BVD, IBR, BRSV, PI3 and Clostridial pathogens. The vaccine guidelines discuss each pathogen’s disease considerations, type of vaccines that are available, outbreak mitigation, and vaccine scheduling notes. The document provides this information for all core and risk-based vaccines that can be considered for cattle. Dr. Kieffer states that veterinarians should inform their producers that no vaccine is completely safe, no vaccine is completely effective and no vaccine is always indicated. AABP recommends that producers utilize the expertise of the veterinarian of record to develop and monitor vaccine protocols to improve the health, welfare and productivity of the cattle in their care. We encourage feedback from members on the guideline by emailing fred@aabp.org.

If you are a current AABP member, you can view the vaccine guidelines by going to the AABP Committee Resources page and opening the Pharmaceutical and Biologic Issues section. You will find the guideline as a downloadable PDF at the bottom of the CPBI resources page.

The link for the USDA APHIS veterinary biologics product summaries to view vaccine data for the single-tier labeling claim is located here.

Practical immunology and beef and dairy vaccine protocols
Chris Chase
2021 AABP Recent Graduate Conference Proceedings
The vaccine guidelines developed by CPBI is an example of AABP providing practical resources for members. If you are not an AABP member and you are working with cattle, we welcome you to join our organization. You can join AABP or renew your dues to become a current member, by going to this link.

Have a podcast suggestion or feedback? Email haveyouherd@aabp.org

2022 AABP Vice President Candidates Nov 15, 2021

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich has a conversation with the candidates for the 2022 AABP Vice President election. The candidates are Dr. Dave Sjeklocha and Dr. Fred Muller. We ask the candidates to introduce themselves, tell us what being an AABP member has meant to them, ask their ideas about how AABP can support our members and improve recruitment and retention of cattle veterinarians, and what initiative they would support as a leader in the organization. We thank both Dr. Sjeklocha and Dr. Muller for their past service to AABP and for accepting the nomination for AABP Vice President.

The candidate receiving the most votes will be seated after the annual business meeting in Long Beach, Calif. on September 24, 2022. The online ballot is now open at this link. You can view candidate bios, read the question-and-answer document published in the November newsletter, and watch their videos from the candidate's introductions from the Salt Lake City conference. Voting will close on December 30, 2021 at 5 pm Eastern time.

Animal Welfare – What it Means to the Cow Oct 18, 2021

In this episode, guest host Dr. Julia Herman, an AABP member on staff at National Cattleman’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Check-Off, and the chair of the AABP Animal Welfare Committee, is joined by Dr. Lily Edwards-Callaway to discuss cattle well-being. Dr. Herman works with the Beef Quality Assurance program. Dr. Edwards-Callaway is an associate professor at Colorado State University and studies livestock behavior and welfare. She gives a broad definition of animal welfare as looking at both the physical and mental state of the animal.

They discuss the five freedoms that are necessary for good welfare programs and the limitations of them. One such limitation is the fact that we need to evaluate the mental state of the animal and the addition of supporting positive experiences for the animal. Too often we evaluate welfare by counting negative experiences versus supporting and advancing positive experiences. Examples discussed include social opportunities such as socially housed dairy calves, measuring playing behavior, providing enrichment opportunities such as cow brushes or balls, and providing rewarding human-animal interaction such as low-stress cattle handling.

Dr. Edwards-Callaway also discusses Fraser’s three circles of animal welfare and how they overlap. These circles are biological functioning, effective states, and natural living. This allows us to let the cow tell us what animal welfare means to them and what is important to them. Improving animal welfare is a team effort that requires the veterinarian, producer, employees, nutritionist, and others to work together and listen to what the cow is telling us. Veterinarians play a critical role in leading this discussion for on-farm implementation of good animal welfare practices. They advise veterinarians to be open to conversations from the public about animal welfare because when someone asks us a question it does not mean they are questioning what we do.

Relevant links:

1. AABP Animal Welfare Committee page

2. Fraser, D. Understanding animal welfare. Acta Vet Scand 50, S1 (2008).

3. Stockmanship and Stewardship Virtual Event.

4. Beef Quality Assurance Program

5. World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code

6. AVMA Animal Health and Welfare

7. Kirkden, R. D., & Pajor, E. A. (2006). Using preference, motivation and aversion tests to ask scientific questions about animals’ feelings. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 100(1-2), 29-47.

That’s a wrap! 54th AABP Annual Conference Oct 12, 2021

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich reviews the final 2021 AABP 54th Annual Conference attendance numbers, how to access recorded sessions, and your CE certificate in this post-conference podcast. We encourage all attendees to provide feedback by going to https://www.sli.do/ or download the free Slido app. Go to the “Conference Feedback and Ideas” room and provide feedback and rate the conference. All members can provide input and ideas for future conferences. The 2022 Program Committee will meet October 30th to begin planning for next year, so get those ideas submitted!

Gingrich also discusses some of the bylaws changes that were approved at the annual business meeting in Salt Lake City which can be found here. Recent AABP Board of Directors initiatives were discussed to update the membership on activities outside of traditional bovine continuing education that we are providing to members. This includes our practice management resources as well as the development of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force and a Mental Health Task Force.

Finally, he addresses some of the questions that have been received in Slido regarding conference logistics. Please continue to submit ideas and questions. Although we may not be able to incorporate all of them, we will read and evaluate each suggestion as well as provide a reason for our decision. Thank you for attending, for listening to the podcast and for your membership in AABP!

Registration for the 5th AABP Recent Graduate Conference is now open. Join us in New Orleans at the Hilton Riverside February 18-19, 2022, by going to this link.

Final Details and Information for the 54th AABP Annual Conference Sep 27, 2021

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses several tips and pointers for those who are attending the 54th AABP Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, or those who are attending virtually. Onsite registration for in-person attendance is available to AABP members. Virtual registration will remain open until Wednesday October 6 at 5 pm Mountain time. Go to this link to register for virtual attendance. All in-person and virtual attendees will receive a CE certificate for up to 22.5 hours of RACE-approved CE.

The virtual conference website is http://saltlake.aabp.org. If you are an AABP member, the Keynote address from Dr. Carrie Jurney of Not One More Vet will be live streamed at no charge. Use your email address in the AABP database and the password AABP2021. We have also made available the 2022 AABP Vice-President candidates, Dr. Fred Muller and Dr. Dave Sjeklocha, the Friday night Amstutz Live Auction and scholarship presentation, and the Saturday Annual Business Meeting and Awards Luncheon. Review the proposed bylaws changes that will be voted on at the business meeting at this link and some background information the Board is providing as reasons for the proposed changes at this link.

Virtual attendees should login to the virtual conference website using the email address they registered with and the password AABP2021. Make sure to download the Slido app or go to https://www.sli.do/ in your browser to participate in audience polls or submit questions if you are registered for the conference. Make sure to leave feedback in the “Conference Feedback and Ideas” room in Slido to help the AABP office and 2022 Program Committee improve the next annual conference.

Members can participate in the silent auction from the conference or at home by going to this link and register. Bid securely with your phone, place auto-bids, get notifications when you are outbid and pay securely using your mobile device or browser. We also encourage members to form or join a consortium with colleagues to increase your buying power by going to this link.

Please make sure to thank our sponsors for the meal events, activities and networking opportunities. The AABP conference is unique because once you arrive at the conference, most of the meals are provided at no charge. This is only possible due to the generous support of our industry partners. We also want to thank our exhibitors who devote resources and money to our trade show. Please visit the vendors, interact with them and participate in the scavenger hunt. Vendors want to meet the veterinarians who take care of the cattle and interact with producers so please visit the booths during breaks and thank them for supporting AABP during these difficult times.

If you need any assistance while you are at the conference or participating virtually, please reach out to an AABP staff member and we are happy to help you. #aabp2021

Comparison of gamithromycin post-treatment intervals for beef cattle naturally affected with bovine respiratory disease - Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Sep 20, 2021

Dr. Tom Portillo, Veterinary Research and Consulting Services, and Dr. Nathan Meyer, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, join AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich to discuss the results of a recent study published in the Bovine Practitioner. The objectives of the study were to test a range of post-treatment intervals in cattle naturally infected with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and treated with Zactran, a macrolide antimicrobial manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. The investigators also evaluated if there was a difference between dairy-beef cross animals versus native beef animals. Identifying the ideal post-treatment interval can improve antimicrobial stewardship, efficiently manage labor, and improve welfare of animals by minimizing the stress of handling and time away from the home pen. Clinical trials are an important research tool to demonstrate the use of a product in a field setting when animals are affected by BRD. This study demonstrated that a 6-day or 9-day treatment interval provided the best health outcomes. We also discuss the importance of the Bovine Practitioner as a journal that provides peer-reviewed research targeted to practicing veterinarians. We encourage practicing veterinarians to develop on-farm trials and tips for partnering with academic and industry colleagues to submit research for publication.

This podcast was sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) is a premier sponsor of the 54th AABP Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Join us on Wednesday October 6 for the opening reception, sponsored by BI, from 6 to 9 pm in Ballroom E on the lower concourse of the Salt Palace Convention Center to enjoy drinks and heavy appetizers. We look forward to socializing in person again!

Find out more information about Boehringer Ingelheim here or information about their products for ruminants. Product information about Zactran ® (gamithromycin) can be found at this link.

Find out information about Veterinary Research and Consulting Services LLC by visiting their website.

The research article referenced in this podcast is available open access at this link.

Loving veterinary practice every day…….well maybe not every day - Sponsored by Elanco Animal Health Sep 13, 2021

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP member Dr. Mark Hilton to share stories and discuss ways to enjoy veterinary practice. Hilton has worked in private mixed animal practice, academia at Purdue University, and currently as a technical services veterinarian with Elanco Animal Health. He has taught communication techniques to students while at Purdue and at AABP conferences. We discuss dealing with problem clients, both established and new. Dr. Hilton suggests that we imagine every person we meet is holding a sign that says “make me feel special.” Veterinarians are often seen as providing answers to clients when they are on farms and ranches. Instead, Dr. Hilton suggests asking them questions and then letting them talk. Allow the client to tell their story. Dr. Hilton’s grandfather told him that it is better to be interested than interesting. Ask the client what are their goals and how can your team accomplish them? How can you be an asset to your client? It is important to accept that if the client does not want to achieve those goals and work toward them, the veterinarian cannot achieve the goals for the client and the relationship will fail. We discuss tips for dealing with a situation where the client is mad or upset by listening to the client and get them to say “yes” statements. Veterinarians must also understand scope and perspective. Most of your clients are good clients; do not let their bad situations turn your day bad. Remember the good in each day and enjoy those moments.

This podcast episode was generously sponsored by Elanco Animal Health. Be sure to visit their booth at the AABP conference in Salt Lake City. Vira Shield is a cattle vaccine that provides more than just coverage against up to 13 respiratory and reproductive diseases. It also protects your herd without impairing pregnancy rates. Research shows the Vira Shield line of cattle vaccines can be given to any cow, any time and not negatively impact pregnancy rates or reproductive performance. All so you can stress less and produce more. Talk to your Elanco technical services veterinarian about incorporating Vira Shield into your client’s vaccine protocols or learn more at this link.

Theileria orientalis and the Asian Longhorn Tick Sep 06, 2021

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Kevin Lahmers, a veterinary pathologist from Virginia Tech, to discuss a disease recently introduced into the US. Theileria orientalis, and specifically the genotype ikeda, can cause clinical disease in affected cattle that present similarly to anaplasmosis. The majority of infected cattle are asymptomatic, however death can occur in 1-5% of cattle and anemia, fever, abortion and icterus. Lahmers states that often the disease is seasonal and associated with the calving season. One clinical syndrome that is different than anaplasmosis is that any age of animal can be affected with clinical disease. The transmission rate is high and many affected herds have 75-100% of the animals testing positive. The Asian Longhorn Tick is the primary biological vector for Theileria orientalis, however, mechanical transmission can occur through common use needles and biting insects. There is currently no effective treatment other than supportive care for clinically ill animals. The Asian Longhorn Tick can become hyperendemic and reproduces asexually, therefore it is common to find heavy infestations on animals. Tick control, pasture management, and maintaining a good plane of nutrition are important preventive measures that can be implemented. Currently a PCR test is available on blood (purple top tubes) or by submitting the spleen of necropsied animals to differentiate the disease from anaplasmosis. If you suspect the disease in your area, Lahmers is willing to discuss it with you by contacting him at klahmers@vt.edu.

Relevant links:

A U.S. isolate of Theileria orientalis, Ikeda genotype, is transmitted to cattle by the invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis

Kelcey D. Dinkel, David R. Herndon, Susan M. Noh, Kevin K. Lahmers, S. Michelle Todd, Massaro W. Ueti, Glen A. Scoles, Kathleen L. Mason & Lindsay M. Fry

Parasites and Vectors March 2021

Co-Infection of cattle in Virginia with Theileria orientalis ikeda genotype and Anaplasma marginale

Vanessa J. Oakes, S. Michelle Todd, Amanda A. Carbonello, Pawel Michalak, Kevin K. Lahmers

BioRxiv April 2021

Information from the Virginia Tech Veterinary Diagnostic Lab can be found here.

AABP Practice Management Workshops – Implementing Change Aug 30, 2021

Are you a practice owner who is struggling to understand the finances of your practice? Do you aspire to become an owner but want to implement change? Do you develop a practice culture that retains veterinarians and staff? In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich, AABP Executive Director, is joined by Dr. Lila Grallert, a 2018 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Grallert joined a practice after graduation that she describes as an “adventure” job. She became the owner of the practice but felt she was not prepared to manage a practice successfully. Dr. Grallert attended the USDA grant funded “Manage Your Rural Practice for Success” workshops in 2019 and 2021. We discuss what she learned in the workshops and how she implemented change. Dr. Grallert found the human resources management discussions very valuable as well as networking with peers who were young practice owners and many of them mothers. She explains how she utilizes the Excel template to track income and expenses and calculates billable hours by veterinarian and species. She uses this information to develop budgets, implement a value proposition to develop and charge for new services, and adjust the schedule to a 4-day work week for her veterinary team. Dr. Grallert says she wants to create a place where people want to work and utilizing the information she learned from the workshops helps her develop that business. She states that the veterinary profession is changing, and these young owners can make the changes so that rural practice works for their generation.

The next series of workshops are being developed and the application is open. AABP will have workshops beginning in 2022. These workshops are open to veterinarians who are 10 or fewer years since graduation, have at least 10% of revenues form food animals, and are US citizens. Additional points are given to practice owners or aspiring practice owners and those who are working in USDA designated shortage areas. To learn more about the workshops and apply, visit this link. Any AABP member can take the practice valuation preconference seminar to be held October 6 in Salt Lake City at the 54th AABP Annual Conference. To register for the seminar, visit this link.

A special thank you to the faculty who teach the workshops – Dr. David Welch, project manager, Mr. Dick Lewis, Dr. Richard Stup, and Mr. David McCormick. For questions about the workshops, email fred@aabp.org or Dr. Welch at welchdavid59@gmail.com

Tips for Embracing the Daily Grind and Finding Your Purpose Aug 23, 2021

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Leah Weiss, PhD, a lecturer and author from Stanford University. Dr. Weiss is the author of the book “How We Work – Live Your Purpose, Reclaim your Sanity and Embrace the Daily Grind.” We discuss that work-life dichotomy can be destructive to our mental health and professional success. She suggests that the path to productivity and success is not to change jobs, compartmentalize feelings, or to create false professional veneer, but rather to pay attention to how we feel. We discuss burnout and the stages of burnout that can lead to collapse if not addressed. She also discusses the gender influence on burnout and how the gender pay gap contributes to burnout, and she cites studies demonstrating the effect of the inequitable division of labor in the home affects women. Cattle veterinarians often have a purpose and identifying your purpose that is beyond yourself can be a source of resiliency while facing the daily grind if we have a strong “why.” Practicing compassion for others and ourselves can allow us to give ourselves and others grace, create a positive culture in our practice, and help us understand the feelings and reactions we experience. Dr. Weiss suggest that we all have suffering in life, represented by arrows that are inflicted on us, and removing the arrow and providing healing ointment is better than allowing a second arrow to cause further suffering. Mindfulness techniques can help us recognize our feelings

You can find Dr. Weiss book on Amazon at this link. Information about her work with the Compassion Institute can be found at this link.

Practice Tips for Short Statured Veterinarians Aug 09, 2021

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by three AABP members who are smaller-statured and in bovine practice. Our first guest is Dr. Elizabeth Homerosky from Airdrie, Alberta, Canada who is a beef cattle veterinarian. Next, we are joined by Dr. Jon Higgins from Belle Mead, N.J. and is a cattle and small ruminant veterinarian. Our last guest is Dr. Lynne Acebey from Winslow, Ill. and she is in a mixed animal practice but works primarily with dairy cattle. Our guests provide OB tips, surgical tips and other fun general tips to make our jobs easier working with cattle. We also discuss keeping our shoulders strong and using your team on the farm to assist you when needed. Finally, Gingrich offers some closing thoughts on checking our words that might have a negative impact on a colleague that may not have been intended. Jokes and comments mentioning physical attributes are insensitive and inappropriate. We want to welcome everyone to join AABP and cattle practice, not discourage or ridicule someone due to their size or other physical characteristic.

Strategies for implementing beef on dairy breeding programs Aug 02, 2021

Dr. Fred Gingrich, AABP Executive Director, is joined by Dr. Scott Poock, a veterinarian from the University of Missouri to discuss “beef on dairy” breeding which involves incorporating beef sires into dairy herds. Historically, dairy producers would utilize beef sires to improve calving ease and the perception that conception rates were higher with beef semen which is a misconception. In the US, about 25% of beef produced is from dairy breed animals which includes cull cows and dairy steers. The current market situation is different and Dr. Poock discusses factors that have led to increased use of beef on dairy. This includes better reproduction and managing herds with a smaller heifer inventory, gaining more value from the beef-dairy cross calf, and utilizing sexed semen for targeted breeding. While some herds will utilize genomic testing to determine which animals to breed to sexed semen and beef semen, other herds use records analysis of production, reproduction and health to incorporate beef on dairy into their breeding program. We also discuss the genetic traits that feedyards desire in these beef on dairy crosses such as homozygous polled and black hided, calving ease, a bigger ribeye and a smaller carcass with higher dressing percentage than we typically see in dairy breeds. Dr. Poock recommends having conversations with your clients to make sure they have identifiable goals to assist them in developing beef on dairy strategies into their herds.

To learn more about beef on dairy strategies, go to the following publication from the Journal of Dairy Science:
Invited Review: Beef-on-dairy – The generation of crossbred beef x dairy cattle

Dr. Mom and Dr. Dad - Managing Parenthood and Cattle Practice Jul 26, 2021

Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by two AABP members who are parents who are cattle veterinarians and also married to veterinarians. Dr. Amy Bartholomew practices in the northeast out of Cold Hollow Veterinary Services with her husband in Vermont. Dr. Mark Hardesty practices out of Maria Stein Veterinary Clinic in western Ohio. Both of our guests discuss their challenges and successes after raising children while practicing in their busy veterinary practices. We discuss finding a team to support you and thinking outside of the box for ways to manage parenthood and bovine practice. Training clients and implementing preventive medicine programs can decrease the number of emergency calls, probably the most challenging aspect of rural practice. Prioritize your family and take trips and vacations with them. We share fond memories of our children being in the clinic and going on farm calls, a true joy of parenthood and ambulatory practice for all of us! Finally, we discuss being kind to yourself. This is hard and nobody is perfect. Every parent has struggled in every profession! Give yourself the compassion you deserve and reach out to colleagues for support, ideas, and networking.

Science with Practice - The 54th AABP Annual Conference Jul 19, 2021

Are you ready for an in-person bovine CE event? Join us in Salt Lake City, Utah from October 7-9, 2021 for the 54th AABP Annual Conference. Learn about everything that is happening at the conference in this episode where Dr. Fred Gingrich, AABP Executive Director, is joined by AABP President Dr. Carie Telgen and Vice-President Dr. Pat Gorden who serves as the program chair for the conference. The theme of the conference is “Science with Practice” and sessions will offer clinical skills continuing education with scientific reviews to support their practical application. Dr. Telgen welcomes all members to attend the conference, committee meetings and the annual business lunch. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Carrie Jurney of “Not One More Vet”. After the keynote, we will hear from the 2022 AABP Vice-President candidates, Dr. Fred Muller and Dr. Dave Sjeklocha.

To find out more about the conference and register, visit this link. Virtual and in-person registration is available. Pre-registration close date is September 3, 2021. Descriptions of each presentation can be found here as well as the schedule. The AABP Board encourages all members who attend the conference to stay in the AABP hotel block to support the association. Staying in the hotel block minimizes the financial risk to AABP. To book your hotel room, visit this link. We look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City.

Emergency Preparedness Jul 12, 2021

Are your clients prepared for an environmental disaster or a market disruption? Is your veterinary clinic and family prepared? In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich, AABP Executive Director, is joined by Dr. Christine Navarre and Dr. Gaby Maier to discuss emergency preparedness. They suggest being proactive with your clients and incorporate emergency preparedness into your herd health plan. There are many types of disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, floods, blizzards, loss of infrastructure, cyberattacks, and foreign animal disease outbreaks. We discuss creating partnerships and have a check list of items that are needed to assist in your preparedness plan. It is important for veterinary clinics and families to also be prepared in the event of a disaster. Dr. Maier provided clips from Dave Daley, a cattle rancher in California, and faculty at UC Davis where they discuss the wildfire tragedies they have experienced. There are also animal health sequelae after a disaster such as smoke damage, nutritional issues, dehydration, and skin damage that may require veterinary care. Veterinarians should also familiarize themselves with the AVMA Depopulation Guidelines as well as euthanasia guidelines to ensure appropriate procedures are in place to end animal suffering in the most humane method possible for the given situation. Dr. Navarre was a co-author for the publication of the Veterinary Clinics of North America Volume 34 Issue 2 on Disaster Response for Beef Cattle Operations which can be found here. The ReadyAG Workbook published by Penn State extension is also a useful resource for veterinarians. If you would like to learn more about emergency preparedness, Dr. Navarre is facilitating a clinical forum at the AABP conference in Salt Lake City, Ut. On Thursday October 7, 2021. You can register for the conference and learn more about this clinical forum by visiting the registration page.

AABP Preconference Seminars with Dr. Sandra Godden Jul 06, 2021

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP Vice-President Dr. Sandra Godden. Dr. Godden is responsible for coordinating the pre-conference seminars for the AABP conference. The seminars will be held Sunday October 3rd through Wednesday October 6th. We discuss the high level, targeted continuing education that is tailored to small groups of 30 or fewer people. Dr. Godden discusses that we have 13 seminars available and 9 of these are new or redesigned with 4 standards that are repeat seminars with prior success. Preconference seminars are approved for 8-hours of continuing education and will be for in-person attendees who are current members of AABP or AASRP. Several of the seminars are also available for AABP and AASRP student members for a $50 fee. Seminars will help you hone a skill or provide the resources for attendees to return home and offer a new service to their clients. Join us as we discuss the highlights of each of the seminars that will be offered this year in Salt Lake City. Attendees can register for the conference and arrive early to take a seminar or you have the ability to register for seminar-only registration! Find out information about each of the preconference seminars at this link. Register for the conference and view the schedule on the AABP website under the Conference menu or directly at this link.

A systems approach to managing neonatal calf scours Jun 21, 2021

What is systems thinking? What is the impact of neonatal calf scours to the producer and the calves? Dr. Fred Gingrich, Executive Director of AABP, is joined by Dr. Dale Grotelueschen and Dr. Dave Smith to discuss prevention strategies for calf scours. The incidence rate of calf scours in the US is 5 – 11%, however this is variable between herd. Calf scours is not random and there are herd predictors that increase risk such as calving cows and heifers together, longer calving seasons, keeping all animals together in the same lot the entire calving season and failure of passive transfer. Calf scours is the leading cause of infectious death in calves less than 3 weeks of age and a major reason for use of antibiotics in cow-calf herds. Managing outbreaks can take an emotional toll on producers and veterinarians.

The veterinarian is often called in for assistance when the epidemic becomes unmanageable. The veterinarian is often asked “what is the cause” and we should ask ourselves if knowing the etiologic agent will alter your treatment or prevention recommendations. The Sandhills Calving System involves age segregation of calves by moving heavies (cows that have not calved) into new pastures to recreate the start of the calving season so we may have 8 one-week seasons versus 1 eight-week season to stop the pathogen buildup from shedding calves. This system can be implemented in all size herds in all regions. It is about age segregation, not square footage. Veterinarians are also critical to ensuring reproductive efficiency through pregnancy checks and breeding soundness exams of bulls to ensure a short calving season. Client communication and ensuring buy-in by the client is critical to the success of the program. The veterinarian is also critical in planning for record keeping to evaluate performance over the years.

Relevant publications:

Population Dynamics of Undifferentiated Neonatal Calf Diarrhea among Ranch Beef Calves

D. Smith, D.M. Grotelueschen, T.R. Knott, S.L. Clowser, G.R. Nason
Bovine Practitioner
No. 42 Vol. 1 pp. 1-9

Design of management and preventive strategies for neonatal calf diarrhea in beef systems

Dale M. Grotelueschen
Proceedings of the First AABP Recent Graduate Conference
2018 pp. 68-70

Animal Ag Alliance – Connect/Engage/Protect Jun 14, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich, Executive Director of AABP, is joined by Hannah Thompson-Weeman the Vice President of Strategic Engagement with the Animal Ag Alliance. Founded in 1987, the Animal Agriculture Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that brings together farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, animal feed companies, animal health companies, processors, allied associations and others involved in getting food from the farm to our forks! They safeguard the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. The Animal Ag Alliance connects key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. They engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. In addition, they protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.

Hannah discusses some of the resources available on their website. Animal Ag Allies is an initiative that provides opportunities for networking, training, and continuous development of issue expertise and communication skills. The website also has an animal rights group web that demonstrates how these organizations are well-funded and interconnected to monitor activism. The alliance also has an interactive legislative map that identifies the key legislative activity in each state. Hannah also provides tips for veterinarians to assist their clients in preventing or addressing activist protests or trespassing on their farms. We discuss prevention of activist protests at the AABP conference, security measures we have instituted, and how attendees can do their part in preventing a protest as well as how to react if a protest occurs.

AABP is a member of the Animal Ag Alliance. Members can join the alliance or encourage their associations to join or make a donation by visiting this link.

Poultry Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Suzanne Dougherty from AAAP Jun 07, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich, AABP Executive Director, talks with Dr. Suzanne Dougherty a poultry veterinarian and Executive Vice President of the American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP). AABP, AASV and AAAP often collaborate advocacy efforts as allied organizations of the AVMA. Suzanne shares information about the poultry industry which includes broilers, turkeys, egg layers, and other birds such as ducks, quail, and pheasants. She discusses improvements in animal welfare and antimicrobial stewardship efforts as well as challenges associated with “no antibiotics ever” programs. Just like the cattle industry, improvements in management, nutrition, genetics and preventive medicine programs have improved production efficiencies, sustainability and animal well-being. Suzanne explains some of the major disease challenges the poultry industry faces, such as respiratory and enteric disease, and the process for depopulation in the event of a disease outbreak or environmental disaster. The AVMA depopulation guidelines are utilized to assist veterinarians and producers during these unfortunate circumstances. We also discuss small backyard poultry, the disease risks such flocks can bring to commercial flocks due to differences in surveillance, and resources AAAP has for veterinarians working with small backyard flocks. She discusses the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) from the USDA that is utilized by the poultry industry. The NPIP is a voluntary State–Federal cooperative testing and certification program for poultry breeding flocks, baby chicks, poults, hatching eggs, hatcheries, and dealers. You can learn more about AAAP and join this association by visiting this link.

Veterinary practice valuation May 31, 2021

In this episode of Have You Herd? Dr. Fred Gingrich, AABP Executive Director discussed veterinary practice valuation with David McCormick from Simmons and Associates. David has worked with AABP in the practice management workshops as well as presented in the Practice Management sessions at the AABP Annual Conference. We discuss that the three methods of valuing practices which are asset valuation, market valuation, and income valuation. Income valuation is the most used method to value veterinary practices and is based on a multiple of the profit of the practice. David states that it is the responsibility of the seller of the practice to provide a valuation and he suggests utilizing a third-party evaluator to establish that value. A good rule of thumb is to have veterinary practices valued every three years as a “financial health physical exam”. Once the value is established, practice owners can work with appraisers to identify areas to improve the value of the practice which will not only increase profits, but also increase the sale price of the practice when the owners are ready to sell. “Good will” is the intangible assets of the practice. David states that every practice has good will but not all good will has value because the overall value of the practice is based on the profit and how likely that profit will continue after the transition to a new owner. David also states that the number one disease in a veterinary practice is inventory management. Learning to manage your inventory will increase your profit. He also identified three pitfalls he has seen during practice transitions: lack of preparedness; unrealistic timeline expectations; and hiring family to advise during the transition. David will be offering a pre-conference seminar on practice valuation where owners and those seeking to own a practice can learn about practice valuation and improving practice profitability. Learn more about attending this seminar, which will be held at the AABP conference in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 6, 2022 at this link. Not an AABP member? You can join us today by going to this link so that you can attend our pre-conference seminars, get free unlimited on-demand access to our recorded conference sessions and webinars, and get discounted registration rates to our conferences!

Bovine Respiratory Disease during the mid-portion of the feeding period May 24, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich, Executive Director of AABP, is joined by Dr. Miles Theurer, a veterinarian involved in clinical research with Veterinary Consulting and Research Services, and Dr. Myriah Johnson, Senior Director of Beef Sustainability Research at National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to discuss recent research on mid-day bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in feedlot cattle. The highest risk period for BRD is within the first 45 days of the feeding period, however mid-day BRD occurs between 45-120 days on feed. This syndrome has a more rapid progression and can affect cattle who are higher performing in terms of average daily gain, feed efficiency, and carcass grade versus high-risk calves who are more likely to develop BRD during the first 45 days on feed. This syndrome is seen across the industry and our guests discuss the need for further research on this topic to develop management strategies both in the feedlot and at the cow-calf ranch. The researchers looked at vaccination history of calves at the cow-calf ranch that were subsequently affected with mid-day BRD in the feedyard. Cattle that received three or more modified live vaccines had a greater first treatment for BRD (21.32%) versus cattle vaccinated one time (9.56%; p = 0.06). Although treatment success for mid-day BRD is similar to BRD treatment at earlier times in the feeding period, mid-day BRD has higher economic consequences due to the cattle being heavier and more input costs have been realized with this syndrome. We also discuss the importance of record keeping throughout the supply chain to provide the data needed to evaluate the impacts of management interventions at the cow-calf level on the health and performance of animals in the finishing period. Finally, we discuss the AABP peer-reviewed publication the Bovine Practitioner. Dr. Theurer encourages veterinarians in private practice to work with colleagues performing research, academics and industry veterinarians to develop a research trial and consider submitting to the Bovine Practitioner. You can find the journal open access at this link.

Links to the articles published as a result of this research:

Miles E. Theurer, Myriah D. Johnson, Trent Fox, Travis M. McCarty, Ryan M. McCollum, Tom M. Jones, Deke O. Alkire, Bovine respiratory disease during the mid-portion of the feeding period: Observations from vaccination history, viral and bacterial prevalence, and rate of gain in feedlot cattle, Applied Animal Science, Volume 37, Issue 1, 2021, Pages 59-67.

Miles E. Theurer, Myriah D. Johnson, Trent Fox, Travis M. McCarty, Ryan M. McCollum, Tom M. Jones, Deke O. Alkire, Bovine respiratory disease during the mid-portion of the feeding period: Observations of frequency, timing, and population from the field, Applied Animal Science, Volume 37, Issue 1, 2021,

Pages 52-58.

Improving practice profitability using managerial accounting May 17, 2021

Dr. Fred Gingrich, AABP Executive Director, is joined by Dick Lewis, a businessman for over 40 years in large and small companies. Dick met AABP member and past president Dr. Roger Saltman on an airplane in 2013 and became involved with our organization, volunteering his time to teach practice management to veterinary practice owners to improve profitability. Veterinarians in rural communities will not be able to provide services to their clients if their practice is not profitable. Unfortunately, many practices only utilize tax-based accounting which is a prescribed treatment of numbers so that every business has some degree of standardization for taxes. Managerial accounting is a system of evaluating revenue and expense categories in a way the helps you dissect your business. Dick suggests setting up 6 to 8 revenue categories and 15 – 20 expense categories in an Excel spreadsheet to monitor trends over time. We discuss COGS (cost of goods) and how to evaluate it within different revenue categories to more accurately evaluate the profitability of each service. Services should continue to increase business profitability to ensure that each category is accretive, meaning the profit margin is not decreasing but is adding to the improving profitability of the practice. He suggests a revenue category of “call fees” or “farm trip fees” and assign a COGS to it to assist owners in designating appropriate fees to this service instead of operating call fees as a loss leader. Dick suggests that all partners sit down and agree to each category to implement managerial accounting principals in their practice and if one partner is managing this each month, assigning a value to that to reflect the partner’s work on managerial accounting versus service revenue. AABP continues to provide business management resources. You can find many resources on the Veterinary Practice Sustainability (VPS) committee resource page. Not a member of AABP? Become an AABP member at this link so that our organization can assist you in making sure your rural practice not only survives but thrives!

Managing buller steer syndrome in feedlot cattle May 10, 2021

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP Past President Dr. Calvin Booker to discuss a syndrome sometimes exhibited in feedlot cattle known as “buller syndrome” or “buller steer syndrome.” Buller steer syndrome occurs when an animal is excessively ridden by its pen mates. This can negatively impact animal health and welfare by causing injuries to the animals affected such as musculoskeletal injuries, cellulitis and even death. It can also cause economic damage to not only the individual animal being ridden but also impacting growth performance and profitability in the other animals in the pen. The highest risk is the first 1-3 weeks after arrival to the feedlot as social hierarchy is being established. There is an increased risk with intact males on arrival which Dr. Booker explains is yet another reason for veterinarians to work with cow-calf clients to encourage early castration. Larger pen sizes, interruptions to the cattle due to processing, handling or the feeding schedule, weather, and implant schedules that overlap the effects of hormones can all increase the risk of this syndrome in a pen of cattle. Removing the affected animal and providing supportive care is the best management for the syndrome, while ensuring feedlots incorporate best practices for prevention when possible. We discuss the benefits of networking within AABP so that we can learn about the areas of the cattle in which we do not work with on a day-to-day basis.

Relevant publications:

1. Taylor LF, Booker CW, Jim GK, Guichon PT. Epidemiological investigation of the buller steer syndrome (riding behaviour) in a western Canadian feedlot. Aust Vet J. 1997 Jan;75(1):45-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1997.tb13830.x. PMID: 9034499.

2. Taylor LF, Booker CW, Jim GK, Guichon PT. Sickness, mortality and the buller steer syndrome in a western Canadian feedlot. Aust Vet J. 1997 Oct;75(10):732-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1997.tb12257.x. PMID: 9406632.

Veterinary Practice Ownership with Dr. Tera Barnhardt, Dr. Cassandra Gewiss and Dr. Lesley Moser May 03, 2021

AVMA data shows that 41% of veterinary practice owners are female even though they comprise over 60% of the veterinary profession. This is an increase from 29% female practice ownership in 2007. In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich, AABP Executive Director, has a conversation with three female practice owners – Dr. Tera Barnhardt, Dr. Cassandra Gewiss and Dr. Lesley Moser. Each guest discusses the advantages, disadvantages, challenges and opportunities of practice owners and the paths they took to ownership. We also discuss managing work-life integration and how they manage work time versus family or free time. They also discuss how each of them have experience gender bias and how they addressed it when it occurred. Dr. Gewiss and Dr. Moser each participated in the AABP practice management workshops funded by grants from the USDA NIFA program and learned practice management to assist them as they transitioned to practice ownership. We also discuss the resources that AABP has available to assist practice owners at all stages of their career. AABP members can access our Veterinary Practice Sustainability committee resources at this link. Not an AABP member? Take advantage of the many resources our organization provides to dairy, cow-calf, feedlot, and mixed animal veterinarians by joining us or renewing your dues at this link.

Paying off your student debt Apr 26, 2021

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Anne Budzinski, an AABP member practicing at CalfCare in North Manchester, IN, where she focuses on calf medicine and consulting. Dr. Budzinski is a 2015 graduate of Michigan State University. She shares her story of paying off $184,000 of student loan debt in 5 years and 4 months! We discuss her background of growing up on a farm in Michigan and selling potatoes as a child and baling hay to learn the value of hard work and managing her finances. She recommends only borrowing the amount of money you need for tuition and living expenses while in veterinary school versus taking the maximum amount of loans offered. Continually re-assess your needs each year to limit the amount of debt you incur in veterinary school. After veterinary school, she suggests not taking the grace period but starting payments immediately. Dr. Budzinski offered a few tips for those paying off student loans:

Pay off your smallest debts first and work up to the large ones. As the smaller debts are paid, roll the payments into the next largest debt and so forth. This helps the borrower with a sense of accomplishment as each debt is paid.
Have financial plan or budget. Stick to the budget. Know where your money is going each month.
Make a visual chart of your goal and cross off your accomplishments. She made a chart from 1 to 184 and crossed off the numbers as her debt decreased.
Don’t compare yourself to others. You know your situation and should develop your own plans and goals.

Dr. Budzinski also discusses managing work-life balance as a busy associate veterinarian, a wife and a mother of a young child. She states she is a “work in progress” which is true for all of us. She also shares her goals now that she is debt free which includes increasing her retirement savings contributions, starting a small herd of cows, and taking a trip to the “motherland” – Poland!

Beef Cattle Backgrounding Systems Apr 19, 2021

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Bart Lardner from the University of Saskatchewan to discuss cattle backgrounding programs. Backgrounding is the time period from weaning the calf until they are sold for finishing in a feedyard. Backgrounding programs allow the animal to grow out slowly to build frame so that they can then be finished on the concentrate diet at the next production stage. Calves on these programs are fed a high forage:concentrate diet. Dr. Lardner suggests evaluating the feedstuffs that are available and then also consider feeding byproduct feeds such as dried distillers grains to ensure appropriate nutrient composition of the diet. Veterinarians should work with producers to determine the target rate of gain and evaluate the economic return of these programs to the producer. He also discusses breed influences on selection of a program and how weather or environment can interrupt a program. Veterinarians should be involved with developing appropriate vaccination and parasite control programs for calves and discuss the value of implants and other performance enhancing technologies to increase the economic return for the producer. Calves in backgrounding programs can have improved health and production once they arrive on the feedlot and Dr. Lardner encourages producers to appropriately market these calves to feedyards.

Relevant publications:

Kumar R, Lardner HA, McKinnon JJ, Christensen DA, Damiran D and Larson K. 2012. Comparison of alternative backgrounding systems on beef calf performance, feedlot finishing performance, carcass traits and system cost of gain. Professional Animal Scientist. 28:541-551.

Kelln BM, Lardner HA, Schoenau JJ and King T. 2012. Effects of beef cow winter feeding systems, pen manure and compost on soil nitrogen and phosphorous amounts and distribution, soil density and crop biomass. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems. 92:183-194.

Jungnitsch PF, Schoenau JJ, Lardner HA, Jefferson PG. 2011. Winter feeding beef cattle on the western Canadian prairies: Impacts on soil nitrogen and phosphorus cycling and forage growth. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 141: 143-152.

Stop chasing bugs! Apr 12, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Mark Hilton suggests that veterinarians stop doing two things – stop chasing bugs and stop telling producers what to do! We discuss what it means to chase bugs, why veterinarians get trapped into doing this when working up herd disease outbreaks or production problems and how veterinarians are equipped with the expertise and knowledge to holistically evaluate a herd problem. Dr. Hilton suggests that you ask the producer what the problem is and then listen. Write down what they say and then offer suggestions. We walk through the steps to investigate calf scours and bovine respiratory disease outbreaks and some possible herd management solutions. We can often find the solution by focusing on the environment, calving area, management of the cows and heifers, and nutrition. We discuss how veterinarians can get involved in nutrition and utilizing the resources and networking of AABP to develop these skills. Dr. Hilton recommends finding a pilot herd and focus on that one herd to develop your consulting skills and charge for your service and expertise.

If you are not an AABP member, please join us at this link so that you can develop a network of experts and utilize our CE resources. You can find Dr. Hilton’s webinar and spreadsheets for beef cow-calf practice on the AABP Committee Resource page. Find the 2018 AABP Recent Graduate Conference proceedings paper from Dr. Dale Grotelueschen on designing management and prevention strategies for neonatal calf diarrhea in beef systems at this link. AABP members can listen to the presentation on the BCI CE portal by clicking the purple cow-head logo at the bottom of any AABP website page.

Ancillary Bovine Respiratory Disease Therapy Apr 05, 2021

What are we trying to accomplish when we add something besides an antibiotic to our treatment regimen for bovine respiratory disease (BRD)? Is the anticipated outcome from this ancillary treatment positive, neutral or negative? In this episode, AABP Past President Dr. Mike Apley, discusses the current scientific literature on the addition of a variety of NSAID’s, steroids and Vitamin C to a BRD treatment protocol. Dr. Apley provides his view that an AABP proceedings paper from experts on a subject provide the busy private practitioner with the literature search and article interpretation that they may not have the time, resources or expertise to perform on their own. Dr. Apley’s draft proceedings paper from the 4th AABP Recent Graduate Conference can be found here. All AABP publications are now available open access through an online searchable database of high quality downloadable PDF documents that are indexed at the article level for keyword and author searches. Dr. Apley states that the goals for ancillary BRD therapy include improvement in the welfare of an animal, increased treatment response, or improved performance. His review of the published literature for flunixin demonstrates a reduction of fever but mixed results on other criteria for treatment response. He references an article from Christie et al. Bovine Practitioner 1977 Volume 12 demonstrates a negative impact from the use of corticosteroids for treatment of BRD. We also discuss how veterinarians can access and review Freedom of Information Act summaries submitted for drug approvals by going to this link.

Socially Housed Dairy Calves Mar 29, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Whitney Knauer from the University of Minnesota discusses social housing of dairy calves. Group housing of calves is increasing. We discuss the different types of socially housed calves such as large groups of more than 15 calves, small groups of 3-8 calves and paired calf housing. She identifies some of the challenges of group housing such as disease detection, cross sucking and competition for milk. Dr. Knauer offers some tips for veterinarians to work with their producers to address these challenges and overcome them. We review some of the studies and her research on paired calf housing which demonstrate a benefit to the calf as well as the producer. Paired calves have better average daily gain, eat more starter grain before and after weaning, and there is a tendency for higher weaning weights. She also notes that paired housed calves are better socialized which results in decrease stress of weaning. Dr. Knauer states that paired housed calves vocalize less and lay down more after weaning when moved to group pens. A major benefit to paired housing is that it is easy to implement with current calf housing systems on most farms, therefore the financial input needed is minimized. The farm footprint devoted to calf facilities is not increased with paired housing and she states that pairing calves allows for 30% more calves to be raised utilizing the same footprint. She recommends that each calf have its own hutch and the square footage should be doubled if pairing or tripled if housing 3 calves together. In addition, each calf should have its own starter grain and water bucket. Calves can be paired at birth and she suggests no more than 7 days age difference in calves that are paired together. We can learn from the animals we care for and attempt to mimic their natural behavior with our housing and management systems to improve health, welfare and productivity. Dr. Knauer suggests that it is easy to setup an on-farm trial utilizing paired housing to see the benefits to the calf on your producer’s operations!

We encourage you to join AABP so that you can enjoy the many member benefits our organization provides, including providing up to date scientific CE and research updates! Click here to join today!

Relevant articles:

Knauer WA, Godden SM, Rendahl AK, Endres MI, Crooker BA. The effect of individual versus pair housing of dairy heifer calves during the preweaning period on measures of health, performance, and behavior up to 16 weeks of age. J Dairy Sci. 2020 Dec 23:S0022-0302(20)31077-8. doi: 10.3168/jds.2020-18928

Liu S, Ma J, Li J, Alugongo GM, Wu Z, Wang Y, Li S, Cao Z. Effects of Pair Versus Individual Housing on Performance, Health, and Behavior of Dairy Calves. Animals (Basel). 2019 Dec 25;10(1):50. doi: 10.3390/ani10010050.

Costa JH, Meagher RK, von Keyserlingk MA, Weary DM. Early pair housing increases solid feed intake and weight gains in dairy calves. J Dairy Sci. 2015 Sep;98(9):6381-6. doi: 10.3168/jds.2015-9395.

Ollivett TL, McGuirk SM. Comparing groups pens to individual pens for inside feeding of dairy calves – top 10 considerations. Proceedings of the 48th Annual Conference. American Association of Bovine Practitioners. 2015. Sep. https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20153527

Preconditioning Pays – Capturing Value in Preconditioning Programs Mar 22, 2021

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Catherine Maguire to discuss beef calf preconditioning programs. Dr. Maguire delivered a presentation at the AABP Recent Graduate Conference in St. Louis on preconditioning. Goals for preconditioning programs include increasing the value of calves marketed, decrease the incidence of disease, and enhance the producer’s reputation over time. Veterinarians can play a key role working with their producers in assisting them with verified health programs, age and source verification, and dehorning. Dr. Maguire reminds us that vaccination is what we do on our end and immunization is what the calf does on his end. We can enhance immunization by ensuring an appropriate preconditioning program. A major focus of these programs involves adequate nutrition. Dr. Maguire offers a great practice tip by suggesting veterinarians have producer meetings to discuss preconditioning topics such as appropriate nutrition, vaccine administration and handling, decrease stress at weaning, low stress cattle handling, and the overall benefits of preconditioning programs. Preconditioning programs can improve cattle health and welfare and veterinarians play a key role in ensuring their success by working with their producers.

A Conversation with AABP President Dr. Carie Telgen Mar 15, 2021

Dr. Carie Telgen is the fourth female president of AABP, the youngest AABP president and the first Amstutz Scholarship winner to become president of AABP. After listening to this podcast, this will likely not surprise you because Dr. Telgen is an energetic, thoughtful, and passionate advocate for AABP. She describes growing up on a dairy farm and always has wanted to be a cattle veterinarian, other than a brief interest in pathology when the family dog died! Dr. Telgen talks about how she become involved with AABP in the Membership Committee and task force, being elected to serve in District 1 as the board member and then being elected to Vice President in 2018. She wants to encourage younger members, and particularly women members, to become involved with AABP. She discusses some of the challenges she has faced during her career, including mental health struggles and how she found online therapy useful. We discuss sharing our struggles on the Humans of AABP Facebook page so that we can support one another and normalize the conversation around mental health to encourage those of us who are struggling to reach out for help. If you have a story to share, you can email it to fred@aabp.org or ehbrock27@gmail.com. Your story can be shared anonymously. Dr. Telgen discusses the challenges AABP has faced in the past year and also the new initiatives the organization has supported during her service on the Executive Committee. Finally, she asks that all cattle veterinarians join AABP to support our work, increase our ability to provide member resources, and improve our ability to advocated on behalf of the entire bovine veterinary medical profession. You can join AABP or renew your dues by going to this link.

BRD Diagnostics and Lung Ultrasound Mar 08, 2021

Dr. Terri Ollivett joins us to discuss how to develop pathogen profiles for herd based and individual animal diagnostics. She provides recommendations on selecting which calves to test. Physical exams and respiratory scoring are not as accurate as utilizing lung ultrasound to find calves to test for BRD pathogens. Dr. Ollivett provides some tips for learning lung ultrasound including viewing her presentations on the AABP BCI CE portal (click on the purple cow-head logo at the bottom of any AABP page) or viewing training videos on The Dairyland Initiative #weanclean website. Dr. Ollivett recommends incorporating lung ultrasound into “herd health visits for calves” and not just reproductive exams. Diagnostic testing can also be used to assess producers case definitions as a part of antimicrobial stewardship monitoring. She walks us through tips for performing a bronchoalveolar lavage, the suggested test for an individual calf, and deep pharyngeal swab, the recommended test for herd based pathogen profiling.

Dr. Ollivett received an AABP Foundation research grant in 2015 and the publication from this research can be found in the Journal of Dairy Science at this link. This is an example of the clinically relevant research the AABP Foundation funds that is directly applicable to bovine practice. Please support the AABP Foundation in funding future projects by going to this link and donate today! A $50 donation from every podcast listener would fund an entire project! AABP Foundation research projects funded can be found on the AABP Foundation website.

Unique Veterinary Practice Models and Consulting Opportunities Mar 01, 2021

In this episode, we are joined by AABP member Dr. Greg Goodell and AABP Past Presidents Dr. Mark Thomas and Dr. Calvin Booker. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Booker are involved with Dairy Health Management and Feedlot Health Management, a consulting-based practice with clients in the US, Canada, Mexico, and China. Dr. Goodell discusses his career start as a staff veterinarian for a large dairy and how he started his practice, The Dairy Authority which provides a wide range of services with a large focus on laboratory work. We discuss fee structures for consulting and how to get paid for your expertise as a beef or dairy consultant. These members also discuss how AABP and their mentors influenced them and provided them the resources to provide consulting services.

Find out more about these practices by going to their practice websites using the links below:

Dr. Calvin Booker – Feedlot Health Management Services

Dr. Greg Goodell – The Dairy Authority

Dr. Mark Thomas – Dairy Health Management Services

Dr. Virginia Fajt Discusses the CLSI VET09 Document Feb 22, 2021

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Virginia Fajt, a clinical pharmacologist from Texas A&M University. Dr. Fajt served as the chair of the VET09 subcommittee of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) which created this resource. VET09 assists veterinarians with instituting one of the core principals of antimicrobial stewardship which is judicious use of antimicrobials. We review some basic pharmacologic terms that are defined in the document as well as factors that might influence the veterinarians decision process in selecting an antimicrobial. Dr. Fajt discusses some of the nuances of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and interpretation. Veterinarians should consider regulatory factors as well as if the pathogen has a breakpoint established for that body system. For example, there are no breakpoints for enteric pathogens in cattle, therefore AST results for enteric pathogens should be interpreted with caution. We also discuss interpretation of AST results for mastitis pathogens and the limitation of applying sensitivity testing to pathogens in the udder. Finally, Dr. Fajt discusses the fact that there are no breakpoints for antimicrobials administered in the feed or water and therefore applying results to those routes of administration might be erroneous.

Relevant documents:

We encourage you to purchase the VET09 document as part of your reference library. Cost for non-CLSI members is only $50 and can be purchased here.

A recorded presentation on the VET09 document can be viewed at no charge by going to this link.

AABP Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines.

AVMA Core Principals of Antimicrobial Stewardship.

AVMA Definitions of Antimicrobial Use for Treatment, Control and Prevention.

Combating Racism in Veterinary Medicine Feb 15, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Allen Cannedy who is the Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at North Carolina State University. Dr. Cannedy is a graduate of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and has is the owner of Small Ruminant and Camelid Mobile Veterinary Practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary medicine is the least diverse of the health care professions with minorities representing only 10% of the profession. Dr. Cannedy discusses some of the unique challenges and obstacles that minority students face in pursuing veterinary medicine, as well as ways to remove those challenges to improve minority representation in colleges of veterinary medicine. We discuss that over the past 10 years, according to the 2020 AAVMC report, there has been improvement in the number of students with minority backgrounds at veterinary medical schools, however Dr. Cannedy states “we have a lot of catching up to do”! We discuss myths and their origins for why minority students are under-representing in veterinary medicine as well as the origins of racist phrases that might be used even today, sometimes unknowingly. Dr. Cannedy also explains some examples of racist behavior as well as racist things we should never think, do or say. He challenges all of us to understand the perspective of others who might be different from you and try to comprehend the obstacles they might have that you do not experience. He asks us to be an ally and voice for minorities and encourage them to extern with your practice and join veterinary medicine and specifically large animal practice.

AABP Mission Statement:

Liver Abscesses in Feedlot Cattle with Dr. Eric Behlke Feb 08, 2021

Join us today for a conversation about liver abscesses in fed cattle. Dr. Eric Behlke is a former AABP District 13 Director and a feedlot veterinarian from Okotoks, Alberta, Canada. Dr. Behlke discusses the pathogenesis of liver abscesses and the primary etiologic agents of the condition. A rule of thumb is that 10-20% of livers contain abscesses, but this incidence rate can vary greatly by lot, with some having condemnation rates of 70% or more. We also discuss the three grades of liver abscesses and what influences the incidence rate of this disease. Elanco has developed a “Liver Check Service” that has information on liver abscesses as well as pictures of the various classification system, which can be found at this link. Liver abscesses cause economic loss at the packer and producer level and veterinarians play a critical role in working with nutritionists to manage the incidence of the disease. Dr. Behlke discusses that although there are many prevention strategies, the most consistently effective and economic control measure is feeding tylosin throughout the feeding period. We discuss the potential impact that future FDA regulation might have on the use of this antimicrobial and AABP advocacy efforts for use of these safe and effective products.

Relevant publications:

1. Amachawadi RG, Nagaraja TG. Liver abscesses in cattle: A review of incidence in Holsteins and of bacteriology and vaccine approaches to control in feedlot cattle. J Anim Sci. 2016 Apr;94(4):1620-32. doi: 10.2527/jas.2015-0261. PMID: 27136021.

2. Müller HC, Van Bibber-Krueger CL, Ogunrinu OJ, Amachawadi RG, Scott HM, Drouillard JS. Effects of intermittent feeding of tylosin phosphate during the finishing period on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, antimicrobial resistance, and incidence and severity of liver abscesses in steers. J Anim Sci. 2018 Jun 29;96(7):2877-2885. doi: 10.1093/jas/sky166. PMID: 29718254; PMCID: PMC6095443.

3. Weinroth MD, Martin JN, Doster E, Geornaras I, Parker JK, Carlson CR, Metcalf JL, Morley PS, Belk KE. Investigation of tylosin in feed of feedlot cattle and effects on liver abscess prevalence, and fecal and soil microbiomes and resistomes1. J Anim Sci. 2019 Nov 4;97(11):4567-4578. doi: 10.1093/jas/skz306. PMID: 31563955; PMCID: PMC6827412.

Have You Herd? of Bovine Congestive Heart Failure Feb 01, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich welcomes guest Dr. Brian Vander Ley to discuss the “new brisket disease”. This syndrome is coined “Bovine Congestive Heart Failure” or BCHF. Dr. Vander Ley discusses the history of this disease, clinical signs, and post-mortem findings. He also discusses the genetic risk factors that have been identified in a controlled-pair study. There have been 21 SNPS identified as significantly associated with BCHF and two that were most significant. These genetic markers are more common in British breeds, especially black and red Angus cattle. Dr. Vander Ley also discusses that genetic risk does not equal disease and future research will be needed to identify environmental, nutritional and other management factors that might increase risk of developing BCHF.

Relevant publications:

1. Neary JM, Booker CW, Wildman BK, Morley PS. Right-Sided Congestive Heart Failure in North American Feedlot Cattle. J Vet Intern Med. 2016 Jan-Feb;30(1):326-34. doi: 10.1111/jvim.13789. Epub 2015 Nov 8. PMID: 26547263; PMCID: PMC4913666.

2. Heaton MP, Bassett AS, Whitman KJ, Krafsur GM, Lee SI, Carlson JM, Clark HJ, Smith HR, Pelster MC, Basnayake V, Grotelueschen DM, Vander Ley BL. Evaluation of EPAS1 variants for association with bovine congestive heart failure. F1000Res. 2019 Jul 25;8:1189. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.19951.1. PMID: 31543958; PMCID: PMC6733380.

3. Moxley RA, Smith DR, Grotelueschen DM, Edwards T, Steffen DJ. Investigation of congestive heart failure in beef cattle in a feedyard at a moderate altitude in western Nebraska. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2019 Jul;31(4):509-522. doi: 10.1177/1040638719855108. Epub 2019 Jun 6. PMID: 31170901; PMCID: PMC6857034.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Bovine Practice Jan 25, 2021

The American Association of Bovine Practitioners is an international association of veterinarians serving society as leaders in cattle health, welfare, and productivity. We welcome and support any veterinarian or veterinary student, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation or any other demographic, to participate in all opportunities that our organization provides. As leaders in the cattle industry, we encourage all veterinarians with an interest in cattle to join us and participate in our organization.
In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich, AABP Executive Director is joined by Dr. Liz Brock, AABP board member representing District 1 and Dr. Franco Leal, an AABP member who is an assistant professor of Veterinary Clinical Sciences from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The topic of this podcast is diversity, equity and inclusion in bovine practice. Today we talk about having uncomfortable conversations to address this issue to move our organization and veterinary medicine forward. Our guests discuss their experiences with discrimination in bovine practice and how we can address these issues. We also discuss how our organization, and veterinary medicine, can attract those who are under-represented demographics in bovine practice to join us and become cattle veterinarians and why that diversity is important to our industry and our organization.

We also encourage members who have experienced discrimination or the feelings of exclusion to share those experiences on our Humans of AABP Facebook stories. Members can send us their story anonymously if desired. Contact fred@aabp.org or ehbrock27@gmail.com for more information. By sharing our stories, we can uplift each other and recognize our individual biases so that we can promote diversity, equity and inclusion in our organization.

Antimicrobial Use Data Collection and Reporting – Part 3 Jan 18, 2021

This episode is the third and final in a series of Have You Herd? podcasts discussing the publication in Zoonoses and Public Health published in November 2020. We are joined by lead author, Dr. Katie Hope, along with co-authors Dr. Mike Apley and Dr. Nora Schrag. In this episode, we discuss the findings of the beef feedyard study. Dr. Hope discusses the reporting results from the records systems they evaluated. We discuss how drug selection can affect use amounts due to milligram differences in products, as well as how regimen stacking can affect reporting. Dr. Apley reviews how lot size, placement weight and days on feed affects regimens/animal year and mg/kg of live weight sold, which is important to consider when comparing use data from different yards and lots. We also discuss the final paper in the publication which compared survey results with records data and explain the correlation between the two methods of reporting.

You can find the publication at this link.

Antimicrobial Use Data Collection and Reporting – Part 2 Jan 11, 2021

This episode is the second in a series of Have You Herd? podcasts discussing the publication in Zoonoses and Public Health published in November 2020. We are joined by lead author, Dr. Nora Schrag, along with co-authors Dr. Mike Apley and Dr. Sandra Godden. We continue to discuss the antimicrobial use quantification in dairy cows and dive deeper into the descriptions of the Standard Regimens as well as the metrics used. We discuss the three use categories described in the paper which are clinical mastitis, dry cow therapy, and other treatment. The authors discuss the differences in reporting use by regimens/cow year and grams/cow year. We also discuss non-disease factors that influence use measures. Veterinarians can play a key role on farms by identifying and describing cases, treatment protocols, and evaluating antimicrobial stewardship on their client’s farms.

You can find the publication at this link.

Antimicrobial Use Data Collection and Reporting – Part 1 Jan 04, 2021

This episode is the first in a series of Have You Herd? podcasts discussing the publication in Zoonoses and Public Health published in November 2020. We are joined by Dr. Mike Apley to discuss this project that looked at possibilities of how we might collect antimicrobial use data. This project was a collaboration between the researchers, FDA and USDA. We discuss the nuances and pitfalls of the FDA sales and distribution data and how use data can be a valuable tool for monitoring antimicrobial stewardship, however there are nuances with various use reporting metrics. Dr. Apley describes that all use reporting metrics have nuances and flaws. Quantifying the disease events that result in antimicrobial use is important in an overall stewardship program. He discusses the Standardized Regimen format that was developed to describe antimicrobial use in this paper.

You can find the publication at this link.

The latest FDA Sales and Distribution report covering FY2019 is available at this link.

Herd Check by IJB Dec 31, 2020

Happy New Year to all of the hard working cattle veterinarians!

4th Annual AABP Recent Veterinary Graduate Conference Dec 28, 2020

The Recent Grad Program Committee joins us today to talk about the upcoming 4th AABP Recent Veterinary Graduate Conference which will take place February 12-13, 2021 in St. Louis, Missouri. The program committee consists of chair Dr. Aaron Pospisil, dairy coordinator Dr. Blaine Melody, cow-calf coordinator Dr. Lesley Moser, and feedlot coordinator Dr. Julia Herman. The theme of the conference is based on resiliency. Dr. Pospisil discusses that getting together with your peers, especially after the isolation we have all faced over the past year, is important to share stories and support one another. The conference will provide 15.5 hours of CE that is submitted for RACE approval and the CE certificate will be available for both in-person and virtual attendees. In addition, there are three pre-conference seminar offerings that will provide 8 hours of CE for those attending in-person. The registration fee is kept lower than our annual conference and is $300. Hotel rooms at the St. Louis Hyatt at the Arch are contracted at just $99 per night. New this year we will have a trade show at the conference as well as a virtual trade show.

The schedule can be viewed here. You can register for in-person (2013-2020 grad) or virtual attendance (all AABP members) by clicking this link. Information about pre-conference seminars can be found here. Hotel reservations can be made by clicking this link to receive the $99 rate.

Removing the stigma of mental illness in the veterinary profession Dec 21, 2020

In this episode, Mr. Josh Tanguay, a clinical psychologist and licensed therapist who is married to an AABP member, discusses mental illness. We are all aware that veterinarians suffer increased rates of mental illness. Clinical depression and anxiety are mental illnesses and society has stigmatized those suffering from mental illness. Josh discusses signs of mental illness as well as methods to reach out to colleagues or clients that need help. He suggests when you reach out to help, come from a genuine place of concern, describe what you are observing with factual information, and use “I statements” and not “you statements” which can be accusatory. Be a supportive facilitator to refer colleagues to a mental health professional and be prepared with resources, which can include online telehealth therapy. We also discuss training members of your veterinary team in Mental Health First Aid which can be found at this link. View the presentation from the AABP conference in the BCI CE portal if you are an AABP member and find the proceedings paper at this link. AABP members can remove the stigma of mental illness in our profession, reach out to colleagues who are in need of help, and promote the resources that are available to assist them.

Have You Herd of the Feed Saved Trait? Dec 14, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses the Feed Saved trait with Dr. Kent Weigel. Dr. Weigel has been involved with genomic research in cattle and discusses the research on this newly identified genetic prediction. Feed Saved looks at a cow’s maintenance cost and her residual feed intake (RFI). RFI predicts if a cow is consuming more that her body weight and milk production predict. This trait has economic implications to predict a more feed-efficient cow, as well as environmental sustainability implications. The heritability of the trait is 15%, which is lower than milk and growth heritability but higher than health and fertility traits. Dr. Weigel explains that the current dataset involves 6000 Holstein cows, therefore reliability is low, however future research will hopefully improve the reliability as well as allow for the trait to be studied in other breeds of dairy cattle, as well as beef cattle and other food animal species.

For information about the release of new genomic evaluations in cattle and other genomic information, visit the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding website.

Relevant publications:

Li B, Fang L, Null DJ, Hutchison JL, Connor EE, VanRaden PM, VandeHaar MJ, Tempelman RJ, Weigel KA, Cole JB. High-density genome-wide association study for residual feed intake in Holstein dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2019 Dec;102(12):11067-11080. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-16645. Epub 2019 Sep 25. PMID: 31563317.

Li B, VanRaden PM, Guduk E, O'Connell JR, Null DJ, Connor EE, VandeHaar MJ, Tempelman RJ, Weigel KA, Cole JB. Genomic prediction of residual feed intake in US Holstein dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2020 Mar;103(3):2477-2486. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-17332. Epub 2020 Jan 15. PMID: 31954583.

Lu Y, Vandehaar MJ, Spurlock DM, Weigel KA, Armentano LE, Connor EE, Coffey M, Veerkamp RF, de Haas Y, Staples CR, Wang Z, Hanigan MD, Tempelman RJ. Genome-wide association analyses based on a multiple-trait approach for modeling feed efficiency. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Apr;101(4):3140-3154. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13364. Epub 2018 Feb 1. PMID: 29395135.

Hardie LC, VandeHaar MJ, Tempelman RJ, Weigel KA, Armentano LE, Wiggans GR, Veerkamp RF, de Haas Y, Coffey MP, Connor EE, Hanigan MD, Staples C, Wang Z, Dekkers JCM, Spurlock DM. The genetic and biological basis of feed efficiency in mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2017 Nov;100(11):9061-9075. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-12604. Epub 2017 Aug 23. PMID: 28843688.

Pryce JE, Wales WJ, de Haas Y, Veerkamp RF, Hayes BJ. Genomic selection for feed efficiency in dairy cattle. Animal. 2014 Jan;8(1):1-10. doi: 10.1017/S1751731113001687. Epub 2013 Oct 16. PMID: 24128704.

A Minute Delay - Seven Pounds Tossed Away: The importance of premilking preparation Dec 07, 2020

AABP members Dr. Ron Erskine and Dr. Roger Thomson discuss milk ejection with Dr. Fred Gingrich. Only 10% of the milk is in the cistern with the remainder requiring ejection from the alveolar component of the udder due to the effects of oxytocin. We discuss how a properly timed pre-milking routine can delay milk ejection and how this delay affects mouthpiece vacuum, teat end vacuum, and its associated affects on teat health. Milking routine not only can impact udder health, but also has implications for cattle well-being. Inappropriate mouthpiece and teat end vacuum causes pain and our guests discuss “interviewing the cow” by evaluating the teats, cow behavior, and residual milk volume with strip yields as an important evaluation step. We also discuss that bulk tank somatic cell count should not be utilized as a stand-alone metric for udder health and a holistic approach looking at records and parlor evaluations are a better system for identifying if there are concerns with milk ejection. Dr. Erskine references his research that demonstrated that proper milk ejection does not decrease unit on time but the savings is that cows that have delayed milk ejection (maximum milk flow rate more than one minute after unit attachment) produce 7 pounds less milk per milking. This research was presented at the 2019 AABP Annual Conference in the Research Summaries session. AABP members can access this recording through the AABP online CE portal by searching for the 2019 St. Louis Conference Research Summaries session or reviewing the proceedings paper titled “Effect of bi-modal milk letdown on milk production” at this link.

Relevant publications:

Moore-Foster R, Norby B, Schewe RL, Thomson R, Bartlett PC, Erskine RJ. Herd-level variables associated with delayed milk ejection in Michigan dairy herds. J Dairy Sci. 2019 Jan;102(1):696-705. doi: 10.3168/jds.2018-14561. Epub 2018 Oct 19. PMID: 30343911.

Moore-Foster R, Norby B, Schewe RL, Thomson R, Bartlett PC, Erskine RJ. Herd-level variables associated with premilking stimulation time in Michigan dairy herds. J Dairy Sci. 2019 Mar;102(3):2544-2550. doi: 10.3168/jds.2018-14943. Epub 2019 Jan 11. PMID: 30639006

Ketosis - Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention with Dr. Kathryn Bach Nov 30, 2020

Join us for a new conversation about a common disease! Dr. Kathryn Bach is an AABP member on faculty at Cornell University and in this episode, she discusses some of the current research and intervention strategies to manage hyperketonemia on dairy farms. Up to 80% of cows with hyperketonemia can be clinically normal. We review testing protocols for herd-based monitoring using hand-held blood ketone meters as well as treatment protocols based on these routine monitoring results. Dr. Bach reviews a recent research trial evaluating the effectiveness of oral propylene glycol versus intravenous dextrose for treating ketosis. She also provides her thoughts on future research for monitoring ketones in herds and how that can be utilized to manage this disease on dairy farms that impact the health and productivity or our patients.

Links to relevant publications:

Seely, C.R., K.D. Bach, D.M. Barbano, and J.A.A. McArt. 2020. Effect of hyperketonemia on the diurnal patterns of energy-related blood metabolites in early-lactation dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. doi:10.3168/jds.2020-18930.

Bach, K.D., D.M. Barbano, and J.A.A. McArt. 2019. Association of mid-infrared-predicted milk and blood constituents with early-lactation disease, removal, and production outcomes in Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 102:10129–10139. doi:10.3168/JDS.2019-16926.

Bach, K.D., D.M. Barbano, and J.A.A. McArt. 2020. The relationship of excessive energy deficit with milk somatic cell score and clinical mastitis. J. Dairy Sci. doi:10.3168/jds.2020-18432.

Pralle, R.S., and H.M. White. 2020. Symposium review: Big data, big predictions: Utilizing milk Fourier-transform infrared and genomics to improve hyperketonemia management. J. Dairy Sci. 103:3867–3873. doi:10.3168/jds.2019-17379.

Q&A with the 2021 AVMA Delegate Candidates Nov 23, 2020

Listen in as AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by 2021 AABP candidates for AVMA Delegate, Dr. Bryan Halteman and Dr. Hunter Lang. Each candidate provides their background and professional activities to introduce themselves to our members. They are asked how their membership in AABP has impacted their career, what role they envision as an AVMA delegate, what experiences they have to bring to the position, and what they believe are the major issues that are important for AABP advocacy working with the AVMA.

Information about Dr. Halteman’s practice, Lander Veterinary Clinic, located in Turlock, CA, can be found at https://bit.ly/3kG9JJ2.

Information about Dr. Lang’s practice, Sauk Prairie Veterinary Clinic, S.C., located in Prairie du Sac, WI, can be found at https://bit.ly/3f8LMch.

AABP veterinarians, grad student, and Honor Roll members can vote by going to this link before December 18th at 5 pm Eastern. Candidate videos and biographies can be found at that link.

Q&A with the 2021 AABP Vice-President Candidates Nov 23, 2020

Listen in as AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by 2021 Vice-President candidates Dr. Randall Spare and Dr. Michael Capel. Each candidate provides their background and professional activities to introduce themselves to our members. They are asked how their membership in AABP has impacted their career, what they would say to a bovine practitioner that is not a member of AABP, and what initiatives they want to take on as a leader of AABP.

Information about Dr. Spares practice, Ashland Veterinary Center in Ashland, Kansas, can be found at https://bit.ly/36BP3ge.

Information about Dr. Capel’s practice, Perry Vet in Perry, New York, can be found at https://bit.ly/2IxSGM0.

AABP veterinarian, grad student, and Honor Roll members can vote by going to this link before December 18th at 5 pm Eastern. Candidate videos and biographies can be found at that link.

Hypocalcemia – diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and future research opportunities with Dr. Jess McArt Nov 16, 2020

Although veterinarians may not be administering individual treatment to clinical, recumbent milk fever cases, there are many opportunities for us to be involved with preventing, monitoring, and developing protocols for treatment of hypocalcemia. In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Jess McArt, a clinician and researcher from Cornell University. Dr. McArt discusses practical tips for diagnosing and treating cases of clinical hypocalcemia, as well as providing suggestions for veterinary involvement in prevention and monitoring of this disease. We also discuss the effects of subclinical hypocalcemia, which can be diagnosed in 30-50% of cows on some dairy farms, even with a clinical incidence rate of well under 5%. Dr. McArt also discusses some of the research on hypocalcemia, including a recent project that demonstrated blood samples taken pre-treatment can sit in cold storage for an extended period without adversely affecting accuracy of results for blood calcium levels. Dr. McArt also discusses future research, including the effects of transient, persistent, or delayed subclinical hypocalcemia in early lactation cows. AABP members can listen to Dr. McArt’s research summary presentations on calcium by going to the BCI CE portal and searching under the Research Summaries or the Annual Conference Proceedings and searching for McArt.

Relevant publications:

McArt JAA, Neves RC. Association of transient, persistent, or delayed subclinical hypocalcemia with early lactation disease, removal, and milk yield in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci. 2020 Jan;103(1):690-701. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-17191. Epub 2019 Nov 6. PMID: 31704009

Bach KD, Neves RC, Stokol T, McArt JAA. Technical note: Effect of storage time and temperature on total calcium concentrations in bovine blood. J Dairy Sci. 2020 Jan;103(1):922-928. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-17394. Epub 2019 Nov 14. PMID: 31733856.

Neves RC, Stokol T, Bach KD, McArt JAA. Method comparison and validation of a prototype device for measurement of ionized calcium concentrations cow-side against a point-of-care instrument and a benchtop blood-gas analyzer reference method. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Feb;101(2):1334-1343. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13779. Epub 2017 Dec 14. PMID: 29248221.

Leno BM, Neves RC, Louge IM, Curler MD, Thomas MJ, Overton TR, McArt JAA. Differential effects of a single dose of oral calcium based on postpartum plasma calcium concentration in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Apr;101(4):3285-3302. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13164. Epub 2018 Feb 14. PMID: 29454686.

Neves RC, Leno BM, Stokol T, Overton TR, McArt JAA. Risk factors associated with postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2017 May;100(5):3796-3804. doi: 10.3168/jds.2016-11970. Epub 2017 Mar 16. PMID: 28318576.

Bovine Anaplasmosis – Effective Treatment and Control Strategies with Dr. Hans Coetzee Nov 09, 2020

In this episode, we discuss Anaplasmosis with Dr. Hans Coetzee of Kansas State University. Anaplasmosis was first described in 1925 and has spread to all 48 contiguous US states. Anaplasmosis is classically spread through blook sucking parasites, primarily 17 different species of ticks. However, Dr. Coetzee has demonstrated that 6/10 animals will become infected if exposed to dirty needles, making mechanical transfer via infected equipment an important pathway for disease transmission. That study can be found here.

Dr. Coetzee discussed the importance of the veterinarian consulting their clients on Anaplasmosis control and that different management strategies depend on the geographic location of the herd and if the herd is in an endemic area versus non-endemic area and if the herd is naïve or exposed. Using the PCR test for herd purchases for low prevalence areas is important to prevent introduction of the disease into naïve herds.

In herd situations where the disease is not endemic, Dr. Coetzee discusses the importance of testing all at risk animals to determine the prevalence within the herd as well as identifying positive from negative animals to develop an appropriate treatment and control strategy. Veterinarians should understand the legalities of treating individual animals as well as understand there are four commercially available products for medicated feed to control anaplasmosis with chlortetracycline (CTC). Not all minerals are labeled for free choice feeding so using the appropriate product is important. Dr. Coetzee has published research on plasma-CTC concentrations which can be found here. He also discusses the challenges with vaccination and the lack of published data on Anaplasmosis vaccination efficacy. He continues to look at alternative vaccination strategies, including work on his previously published research on an ear implant vaccine which can be found at this link.

Veterinarians are encouraged to work with clients to develop effective, economic, and legal Anaplasmosis testing, treatment, and control strategies. He encourages veterinarians to contact him with herd Anaplasmosis problems. Dr. Coetzee et al. have published two papers in the AABP Bovine Practitioner on the management and epidemiology of bovine Anaplasmosis in 2010 and 2012.

Pharmacogenomics with Dr. Richard Weinshilboum MD - Mayo Clinic Nov 02, 2020

Today’s episode of Have You Herd? with Dr. Fred Gingrich, Executive Director of AABP, is a discussion with Dr. Dick Weinshilboum, an M.D. from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Dr. Weinshilboum has been involved in human pharmacogenomic research for over 40 years and was one of the initial investigators of this fascinating field in human medicine. Pharmacogenomics identifies the variety of genetic differences and how these variances might explain an individual’s response to chemicals in their environment. Dr. Weinshilboum explains that there have been twenty drug-gene pairs identified in the human genome for commonly prescribed drugs for which there are genetic variations. He discussed some specific examples of where identifying these drug-gene pairs can prevent an adverse reaction to a drug or improve therapeutic outcome. The primary clinical utility for this application is in cancer therapy, however he also identified the application of pharmacogenomics for treatment of cardiovascular disease with the drug clopidogrel and improving the outcome of treatment of depression with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Dr. Weinshilboum predicts that there is no doubt pharmacogenomics will have application in veterinary medicine, including guiding antimicrobial therapy, determining how a drug might be metabolized in animals with identifiable genetic variants, and responses to other therapies. He also suggests that veterinary researchers can utilize what has already been discovered in human medicine and apply it to veterinary medicine as the scientific principals are the same and our patients have the advantage of less genetic diversity when applying pharmacogenomics.

Relevant Research Papers:

Richard Weinshilboum: Pharmacogenomics – The Future Is Here
Mol Interv. 2003 May;3(3):118-22
https://bit.ly/3nUOGWg

Pharmacogenomics in Practice.
Wang L, Weinshilboum R.
Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2019 Nov;106(5):936-938.
https://bit.ly/3dthekC

Pharmacogenomics: Precision Medicine and Drug Response.
Weinshilboum RM, Wang L.
Mayo Clin Proc. 2017 Nov;92(11):1711-1722.
https://mayocl.in/33YCcoy

Research Directions in the Clinical Implementation of Pharmacogenomics: An Overview of US Programs and Projects.
Volpi S, et. al
Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2018 May;103(5):778-786.
https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cpt.1048

Clopidogrel Pharmacogenetics.
Pereira NL, et. al
Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2019 Apr;12(4):e007811.
https://bit.ly/37bI8N0

Pharmacogenomics-Driven Prediction of Antidepressant Treatment Outcomes: A Machine-Learning Approach With Multi-trial Replication.
Athreya AP, et. al
Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2019 Oct;106(4):855-865.
https://bit.ly/3k73TB6

Epidemiology in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. David Smith Oct 26, 2020

AABP member Dr. David Smith joins us in this episode to discuss basic principles of epidemiology. Dr. Smith defines epidemiology as studying population and group dynamics to understand health and disease. We begin by discussing the evidence pyramid to discuss the types of evidence and how to evaluate each level for incorporating results into practice. We also review basic epidemiologic terms such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, confidence interval, p-value and treatment effect or effect size. Listen to his recommendations for how practicing veterinarians can determine if an effect they are seeing is due to a specific intervention or disease process. Dr. Smith also makes recommendations for veterinarians that do not have a large sample size and how to apply evidence-based decisions to your treatment and prevention protocols. We also discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and how epidemiology is applied to testing and control measures. Join us for this refresher course on epidemiology that can be applied by every veterinarian!

Suppress, Substitute and Soothe Pain with Dr. Hans Coetzee Oct 19, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP member Dr. Hans Coetzee to discuss pain management in cattle. Dr. Coetzee has been actively involved with research on pain in cattle. He references FDA Guidance #123 which outlines validated methods of pain assessment in animals. We discuss some of the challenges in performing this research as well as challenges to implementing pain management techniques in practice. Dr. Coetzee also discusses the legalities of using drugs in an extra-label manner in the US and the letter from the FDA written to Dr. Gingrich regarding the use of meloxicam for castration and dehorning pain. That letter can be found on the AABP website at this link.

Dr. Coetzee discusses the differences in pain management implementation in beef versus dairy management systems and a holistic approach, not just pharmacological approach, to pain management. Under the leadership of Dr. Coetzee and a working group, AABP developed a pain management resource that provides drugs, dosages, suggested withdrawal intervals, and research to pain management in cattle. This resource can be found on the CPBI committee page at this link. AABP has also developed guidelines on dehorning and castration that are useful to assist veterinarians and producers in performing these procedures while optimizing the health and welfare of the patient.

Dairy Cattle Lameness with Dr. Gerard Cramer Oct 12, 2020

Lameness in dairy cattle remains a major issue on many farms. In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP member and lameness expert Dr. Gerard Cramer from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Cramer states that lameness is a major animal welfare issue and relieving the pain associated with lameness in individual cattle is a major treatment goal. He references a paper in the Journal of Dairy Science, “Evaluation of treatments for claw horn lesions in dairy cows in a randomized controlled trial” by Thomas et. al. which studies that use of NSAID’s for relief of the pain associated with lameness.

We discuss three major causes of lameness: digital dermatitis, sole ulcers and foot rot, including pathophysiology, prevention and treatment strategies. Dr. Cramer also suggests that veterinarians have a tremendous opportunity to be involved in lameness monitoring and evaluation on dairy farms. He recommends to “put teats on the feet” and evaluate the data from your client’s farms similar to how we evaluate udder health data. We also discuss footbath strategies and the appropriate dimensions of a footbath to improve effectiveness.

Dr. Cramer is the recipient of the AABP Foundation’s competitive research grant for dairy. His project, “Development of a sole ulcer induction model in Holstein cows: The next step in lameness research” was funded in 2020 by the AABP Foundation. He discusses how this funding can be a seed for obtaining additional funding from other organizations. The AABP Foundation supports clinical research for beef and dairy projects that might not be funded elsewhere. These projects are funded by member donations. Please donate to the Foundation by going to this link today! A $10 minimum donation from each listener of this podcast will generate a significant amount of funds for the Foundation! All of the research projects funded by the Foundation and links to publications can be found at https://bit.ly/3gH87gn and projects funded by the Foundation and Hoof Trimmers Association can be found at https://bit.ly/3gzeaU8.

We also discuss the work of the AABP Lameness Committee and development of fact sheets that are provided as a member resource. You can find these fact sheets on the Lameness Committee page at this link.

Starting Calves Right - Colostrum, Colostrum Supplements, and Colostrum Replacement Products - Sponsored by SCCL Sep 14, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by guests Dr. Travis White and Dr. Mike Nagorske from SCCL, a platinum level sponsor of the 53rd AABP Annual Conference. SCCL is committed to bovine health, specifically the health of dairy and beef calves. We discuss the importance of colostrum for the first, and additional, feedings and how to measure the effectiveness of passive transfer. The first meal the calf receives impacts lifelong productivity and has major influences on gut development from day one of the newborn calf’s life. We also discuss using colostrum products not only for prevention of disease, but also as a treatment for calf scours and its role in antimicrobial stewardship.

Please visit the SCCL virtual booth and in the exhibit hall in Louisville to find out more about the products they offer and about their company. AABP extends thanks to SCCL for their platinum sponsorship of our conference.

We reference several publications and encourage our members to look to these resources for additional information:

Lombard J., et. al, J Dairy Sci., “Consensus recommendation on calf and herd-level passive immunity in dairy calves in the United States”

Chamorro M.F., et. al, J. Dairy Sci., “Evaluation of the effects of colostrum replacer supplementation of the milk replacer ration on the occurrence of disease, antibiotic therapy, and performance of pre-weaned dairy calves”

Guilloteau P., et. al, J. Phys. Pharm. “Gastrointestinal tract and digestion in the young ruminant: ontogenesis, adaptations, consequences, and manipulations”

Ballou M., Western Dairy Conference Proceedings, “Nutrition influences the health of dairy calves”

USDA NAHMS information can be found at https://bit.ly/2Fr4ZIQ.

Successful BVD Prevention Strategies focus on Type 1b - Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Sep 07, 2020

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich talks with AABP Past President Dr. John Davidson. Dr. Davidson is the senior associate director of beef professional veterinary services with Boehringer Ingelheim (BI). BI is a platinum level sponsor of the 53rd AABP Annual Conference.

Dr. Davidson reviews the history of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in the US and the shift from Type 1a to Type 1b. BI has developed a website to track sample submissions for typing BVDV and results show 72% of samples submitted are Type 1b. We discuss the prevention and control strategies for beef and dairy operations including testing to identify persistently (PI) animals, biosecurity, and working with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination program, including the use of modified-live vaccines such as Pyramid 5 + Presponse SQ.

We discuss some of the peer-reviewed publications on BVD Type 1b and vaccination:

· Fulton R., et. al - Vaccine “Immune Response to bovine viral diarrhea vaccines (BVDV) detecting antibodies to BVDV subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a and 2c”

· Leyh R. et. al - American Journal of Veterinary Research JVR “Fetal protection in heifers vaccinated with a modified-live virus vaccine containing bovine viral diarrhea virus subtypes 1a and 2a and exposed during gestation to cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus subtype 1b+”

· Chase C. – Biologicals “The impact of BVDV Infection on Adaptive Immunity”

· Wittum T. et. al – “Persistent bovine viral diarrhoea virus infection in US beef herds”

Dr. Davidson wraps up the program with the Boehringer Ingelheim message “Cattle First” and what the message means to him and his colleagues. You can find the documentary produced by BI featuring the Johnson Family from Flying Diamond Ranch from Colorado at https://bit.ly/3gFWxlm.

Visit the AABP virtual exhibit hall at http://louisville.aabp.org including the BI booth where you can find resources, contact information for the Professional Services Veterinary team, information on Zactran and Pyramid 5 + Presponse SQ. Find out more information about Boehringer Ingelheim and the products they carry at https://bit.ly/31Ctdbi.

Intranasal Vaccines with Dr. Chris Chase Aug 31, 2020

In this episode, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses the use of intranasal vaccines with Dr. Chris Chase. This podcast was created by the AABP Committee on Pharmaceutical and Biologic Issues to educate our members on the history, proper use, and science of intranasal vaccines. Dr. Chase is a world-renowned immunology expert. We discuss the new single-tier vaccine labeling claim from USDA APHIS Center for Veterinary Biologicals. You can search for veterinary biologic’s product summaries at https://bit.ly/3gzShUE.

Dr. Chase discusses the type of immune response from intranasal vaccines as well as providing some practical administration tips to improve efficacy. We discuss implementation of intranasal vaccines in cow-calf, dairy and feedlot operations as well as their potential use in disease outbreaks.

Dr. Chase references two peer-reviewed publications:
· Cortese V., Woolums A., et. al – Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology “Comparison of interferon and bovine herpesvirus-1-specific IgA levels in nasal secretions of dairy cattle administered an intranasal modified live viral vaccine prior to calving or on the day of calving”

· Walz P., Montgomery T., et. al – Journal of Dairy Science “Comparison of reproductive performance of primiparous dairy cattle following revaccination with either modified-live or killed multivalent viral vaccines in early lactation”

You can find out more information about Dr. Chase’s upcoming AABP presentation, Clinical Forum, and the Research Summary schedule by visiting http://louisville.aabp.org.

A Review of Branding in Cattle Aug 26, 2020

In 2019, the AABP Cattle Branding Working Group was created with members of the AABP Animal Welfare Committee and Beef Health Management Committee, along with representatives from the AABP Board of Directors. The working group was chaired by Dr. Tiffany Lee and was formed due to conversations among the Animal Welfare Committee regarding branding. The goal of the working group was to review the literature for studies on branding, develop resources discussing branding, and provide a document that outlined each state’s branding regulations. On this podcast, AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by members of the working group including Dr. Tiffany Lee, Dr. Renee Dewell, Dr. Gaby Maier, and Dr. Dave Sjeklocha, to discuss the working group’s findings and the resources they developed. This working group is a great example of AABP addressing a topic discussed by a committee and a dedicated group of volunteers developing and providing relevant scientific resources for our members. You can find the summary of the working group's findings at https://bit.ly/2D4lY2y and a spreadsheet of state regulations located on the AABP Animal Welfare Committee page at https://bit.ly/31sxsWY. AABP encourages members to review these resources and provide them to clients as they work through the decision process on branding for their cattle.

AABP Preconference Seminars with Dr. Pat Gorden Aug 21, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses with 2020 AABP Preconference Seminar Chair Dr. Pat Gorden the preconference seminars that will be offered at the 53rd AABP Annual Conference in Louisville, Ky. Seminars will be held Sunday, September 20 through Wednesday, September 23. What are preconference seminars? What topics will be offered this year? We provide a brief description of each seminar and the content that will be taught by the expert faculty members. All seminars are RACE approved for eight hours of continuing education per day. Seminars will offer you skills that you can immediately incorporate into your practice in a small group format. We discuss seminars that we have taken as AABP members and how they impacted our veterinary practice careers.

To view our schedule of seminars, visit https://bit.ly/2Qb0kwn. To register for seminars, in-person or virtual conference attendance, visit https://aabp.org/meeting/reg.asp. #aabp2020

Believe. Engage. Connect. - 53rd AABP Annual Conference Aug 17, 2020

In this episode, AABP President Dr. Calvin Booker and AABP President Elect and program chair Dr. Carie Telgen discuss the 53rd AABP Annual Conference. We discuss the conference theme of Believe. Engage. Connect and why this theme was chosen as well as how it fits into the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Booker discusses how the AABP Board of Directors evaluated the situation and arrived at the conclusion to have a hybrid conference where there will be an in-person option as well as a live stream of sessions for virtual attendance. Dr. Telgen discusses some conference highlights, including the keynote address from Amy te Plate Church from Look East. Information about Look East can be found at https://bit.ly/341O5dS and her advocacy for agriculture. Dr. Gingrich discusses conference logistics, including safety measures that will be implemented for in-person attendees and how the virtual conference live streams will be managed. To register (in-person or virtual) for the annual conference go to https://aabp.org/meeting/reg.asp. Conference schedule of events can be found at https://aabp.org/meeting/conference.asp. The link to the virtual conference (currently under construction), including Amstutz Auction portal, draft proceedings, streams for the entire membership and virtual conference login for registrants can be found at https://bit.ly/2Y47Mhj. Join us in Louisville, either in-person or virtually, from September 24-26, 2020 to support AABP this year!

Student Extern Liability, Safety and Risk Mitigation with the AVMA PLIT Aug 12, 2020

Dr. Linda Ellis from the AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust (PLIT) discusses the many types of insurance packages the AVMA PLIT offers as an AVMA member benefit. Hosting student externs is a valuable experience for both veterinarians and students. In this episode, we discuss safety precautions that students and veterinarians should take, evaluating your insurance types and amounts of coverage and the pros and cons of liability or release waivers. Learn what the difference is between professional liability and injury liability and how it affects your practice. Find resources from the AVMA PLIT at https://bit.ly/2XvAG9O. Visit the AABP externship site to post your externship (practice owners) or search for externship opportunities at https://bit.ly/2Xy2EBF. For resources from the AVMA PLIT on mitigating your risk from hosting volunteers, visit the AABP Membership Committee page and find the document at https://bit.ly/31khddj.

Mentorship, Mentees, and AABP Aug 05, 2020

Dr. Gabe Middleton, chair of the AABP Membership Committee, joins AABP members Dr. Lindley Reilly and Dr. Kendra wells to discuss mentorship. We discuss our definitions of mentorship, opening lines of communication with your mentee, and finding more than one mentor to fill the various aspect of your growing professional and personal life. Listen to each of us talk about who we have as mentors and how they have guided and shaped our careers. Our group also discusses mental health and well-being, taking care of each other, and how to intervene if you see a colleague who is struggling with mental health. Use the AVMA resources on well-being found at https://bit.ly/2PpDmBt. You can also find training for suicide prevention using the QPR (“Question, Persuade, Refer”) tools found at https://bit.ly/3fvQkIm. We encourage AABP members to sign up to be a mentor, or if you are a recent grad looking for a mentor, you can sign up to be matched by the Membership Committee. Go to https://bit.ly/3fp6UcU to find more information about the AABP Mentorship Program.

Dr. Marissa Hake - Authentic Advocacy in Action Jul 28, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich talks with AABP member Dr. Marissa Hake about her advocacy for the veal industry and her experiences on social media. She discusses how to be safe on social media as well as giving recommendations for being authentic to show clients and the public the truth about food animal medicine and the food animal industry. She also discusses her experiences as a woman in both agriculture and veterinary medicine, and reveals she planned to be an equine veterinarian, but life takes us on a different path sometimes! Follow Dr. Hake on social media @calfvet and look for her merchandise by visiting https://bit.ly/3f4Hz80

“If you are excited about something, let others know about it.” – Dr. Marissa Hake

Ruminants in a sustainable food system with Dr. Sara Place Jul 07, 2020

What is sustainability? What is the environmental impact of beef and dairy production in the US? What are the drivers of climate change? Dr. Sara Place is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Elanco Animal Health. Today we discuss greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), how cattle are a solution to providing a sustainable food source for humans, and why the Food and Agriculture Organization’s report on GHG production attributable to the beef and dairy industry is flawed. Cattle are the ultimate answer to sustainability by harnessing energy from the sun, utilizing human indigestible plants, and turning it into high quality digestible human protein.

For more information, tune in to the AABP webinar with Dr. Place on this topic on July 28th. AABP webinar schedule can be found at this link. Find out more about Dr. Place here.

Let's Talk About Pigs - A conversation with Dr. Harry Snelson Jun 30, 2020

The swine industry has many commonalities with the cattle industry. Dr. Harry Snelson is the Executive Director of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV). In this episode we learn about the AASV organization and discuss its initiatives and benefits. We also discuss African Swine Fever and its potential impacts on the swine industry as well as how the COVID-19 pandemic caused market disruptions. Dr. Snelson also discusses depopulation issues including the use of ventilation shutdown plus. We also share our favorite beef and pork dishes and decided a bacon wrapped filet is the perfect meal combination!

To learn more about AASV go to https://www.aasv.org/. Information about the Journal of Swine Health and Production (JSHAP) can be found here. To read about “Hardy” and the Customs and Border Patrol Beagle Brigade go to this link. Don’t forget to like AASV on Facebook and to cook your pork to 145!

Antehelmintic resistance in beef cattle Jun 22, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses the issues associated with antehelmintic resistance in beef cattle with Dr. Christine Navarre. What are the risk factors for resistance? What is refugia and how can we select animals for treatment to minimize the risk of resistance? What is a strategic deworming protocol? How can we monitor success? If you are in cow-calf practice, this episode should be recommended to your clients so they can learn how to best utilize the expertise of their veterinarian in developing appropriate deworming protocols and total herd management programs. For more information, AABP members can listen to the presentation from the 2019 St. Louis conference from Dr. Navarre titled "New Era of Parasite Control." The proceedings paper from this talk is also an excellent resource and is available open-access at this link.

The Carnivore Diet with Dr. Shawn Baker MD Jun 09, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses the ultimate health food, BEEF, with Dr. Shawn Baker. Dr. Baker is an orthopedic surgeon and competitive athlete. He is the author of the Carnivore Diet and the CEO of MeatRx. The Carnivore Diet (available on Amazon.com) reviews some of the supporting evolutionary, historical and nutritional science that gives us clues as to why so many people are having great success with a meat-focused way of eating. Dr. Baker has consumed a carnivorous diet for over three years with no dietary supplements and no medications while maintaining a high level of fitness at age 53. Learn why he believes that beef is the ultimate super-food. Find our more information at meatrx.com or follow him on Instagram @shawnbaker1967, Twitter @SBakerMD or visit his YouTube channel by searching for Shawn Baker MD.

Let's talk about genomics in the beef and dairy industry May 27, 2020

Members of the AABP ad hoc Genetics and Genomics Committee join us for a discussion about genomics and its influence on the dairy and beef industry. Drs. Pat Comyn (chair of the committee) and Kim Egan share their knowledge on genomics. We discuss how veterinarians can get involved in genomics on their client operations as well as basic genomic principals. AABP has produced several webinars on genomics that can provide further information. AABP members can go to the BCI CE portal to view these webinars for RACE approved CE credit. Find out more information by going to the Genetics and Genomics Committee page found here.

Preparing for Foot and Mouth Disease - Secure Milk and Beef Supply May 16, 2020

The US cattle industry has a preparedness plan in the event of a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the US. Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, an AABP member from Iowa State University, discusses the Secure Milk and Secure Beef Supply Plan. The current COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for veterinarians to have conversations about FMD preparedness now with their clients. The plans provide guidance for maintaining business continuity during an outbreak. The biosecurity plans in these documents can also be used to prevent many infectious diseases on beef and dairy operations. Find more information at securemilk.org and securebeef.org.

Antimicrobial stewardship with Mike Apley May 11, 2020

AABP Past-President Dr. Mike Apley discusses antibiotic data collection, antimicrobial stewardship, and his thoughts on the future role of veterinarians in the use of antibiotics on beef and dairy farms.

FARM 4.0 – How can Veterinarians Prepare their Clients? May 04, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich speaks with AABP members who are part of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) FARM Technical Writing Group. Drs. Karen Jordan, Kate Lott and Brandon Treichler join NMPF staff Emily Yeiser-Stepp and Beverly Hampton-Phifer to discuss the specific standards that will be implemented in FARM 4.0 audits. FARM is a producer-driven program with a goal of continuous improvement in the dairy industry. Veterinarians are a critical component of the program in assisting producers to prepare to meet the standards. Find out more information at nationaldairyfarm.com. AABP guidelines discussed in the podcast can be found at https://aabp.org/about/AABP_Guidelines.asp.

CAST Issue Paper Impact of Recruitment and Retention of Food Animal Veterinarians on the U.S. Food Supply Apr 23, 2020

In this issue, Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses the main points of the recently published Council on Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) issue paper on recruitment and retention of food animal veterinarians. Lead author and AABP Past President Dr. Christine Navarre and CAST Past President and AABP Membership Committee Chair Dr. Gabe Middleton discuss the issues related to retention of veterinarians in food animal practice, overcoming obstacles and challenges of rural practice, and providing support and mentorship to veterinarians in your practice to improve retention.

The CAST issue paper and webinar from Dr. Navarre can be found on the CAST website at https://www.cast-science.org/publication/impact-of-recruitment-and-retention-of-food-animal-veterinarians-on-the-u-s-food-supply/.

Dr. Calvin Booker Discusses AABP Apr 13, 2020

Listen to this episode with AABP President Dr. Calvin Booker discussing what he does in his private practice life at Feedlot Health Management Services, LLC, in Okotoks, Alberta, and the unique services they offer in their consulting-based practice. We also discuss many opportunities that veterinarians have as AABP members such as publications and continuing education resources. Dr. Booker also provides his perspective on AABP advocacy efforts for bovine veterinarians and encourages all bovine veterinarians to join our organization.

Save a Life – Identifying when someone is struggling and how to help them Apr 06, 2020

Dr. Fred Gingrich talks with Dr. Barry Feldman a suicidologist and clinical social worker on faculty at the UMass Medical School where he is the Director of Psychiatry Programs and Public Safety. In this episode, we discuss risk factors for mental health problems and recognizing the warning signs of suicide. Veterinarians can learn how to normalize the issue of suicide and directly ask clients, associates and friends if they are thinking about ending their life. Dr. Feldman also discusses the pneumonic IS-PATH-WARM to identify specific warning signs that should be acted upon if a person is displaying any of those signs. Finally, we talk about telemedicine and online resources for mental health disorders and suicide prevention.

COVID-19 and Cattle Veterinarians Mar 25, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich leads a conversation with AABP members regarding how they are managing their role as cattle veterinarians during the COVID-19 outbreak. What are some financial issues your practice should consider? How can we assist our clients with advice about employee management during this time? What is the role of telemedicine in the face of social distancing? What are mixed animal practices doing to provide care for their patients as well as minimizing exposure to clients and staff? What is the role of AABP in advocating for our members during this outbreak?

Managing your Work-Life with Dr. Keelan Lewis Mar 17, 2020

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich discussing rural practice challenges and opportunities with veterinarian Dr. Keelan Lewis. In talking about work-life integration, Lewis says, “We’re going to take our work home with us, so why can’t we take our life to work with us?”

Managing Klebsiella Mastitis with Vaccination – Dr. Pat Gorden Mar 02, 2020

Do you work for a dairy herd that has issues with Klebsiella mastitis? In this episode, Dr. Pat Gorden discusses his experiences using the SRP Klebsiella vaccine in the Iowa State University herd and his research project utilizing this vaccine. You can find Dr. Gorden’s publication in the Journal of Dairy Science at https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2017-14267 or in the Spring 2019 Bovine Practitioner at https://journals.tdl.org/bovine/index.php/bovine/article/view/4275

Prevent Work Related Injuries Feb 24, 2020

Episode 1: Dr. Fred Gingrich talks with Scott Uhlenhake, a physical therapist from Ohio. Today we discuss how cattle veterinarians can prevent injuries that occur due to the unique aspects of our work.

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