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By Grace Thomas, M.Agr.Sc. P.A.S. Feeding colostrum is the single most important management factor in successful calf rearing. The antibodies present in the colostrum are transferred across the small intestine of the calf. This passive transfer provides short-term protection to the calf, giving it time to build its immune system and antibodies. Colostrum is the […]
By Dr. Aimee Hafla, Ph.D., P.A.S. January 1, 2017, marks a turning point for the U.S. livestock industry regarding the acquisition and handling of antibiotics used in feed and water. Amendments to the existing Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) will require veterinarian oversight of many commonly used antibiotics that have previously been available over-the-counter and the […]
By Dr. K.E. Lanka, Ph.D., P.A.S. Smut describes several diseases in grains such as corn, sorghum and small grains that are caused by fungi. In this article, only smut diseases in corn will be discussed. The most prevalent type of smut in corn is “common smut,” known as Ustilago maydis or the older name Ustilago […]
By David F. Jones, Ph.D., P.A.S. Agri-King believes that capturing the nutritional value of feeds is the key to profit. Although we understand that forages are the foundation for all rations Agri-King will test all feedstuffs then build rations to maximize the use of home-grown ingredients. Agri-King has just made a large step forward in […]
By Dr. James C. Coomer, Ph.D., P.A.S. Milk prices have decreased significantly in 2015 and look to be trending similar or lower in 2016, which will cause most dairy producers to consider cost-cutting strategies. Feed costs are always a prime candidate for reducing expenses since feed costs typically make up about 50% of total cash […]
By Dr. K. E. Lanka, Ph.D., P.A.S. What is Water Belly? Water belly is a condition caused by stones that block the urethra in cattle and other animals. These stones or “urinary calculi” may cause partial or complete blockage of the passageway by which urine is excreted from the urinary bladder. Usually, water belly occurs […]
By Dr. Gene P. Gengelbach, Ph.D., P.A.S. Iron (Fe) is the most abundant element (by weight) on Earth, since it makes up most of the Earth’s core, and is the fourth most common element in the Earth’s crust. However, Fe is considered as a trace- or micro-element in nutrition, since it only makes up approximately […]
Although the Southeast has suffered through some horrendous flooding in the last few weeks, most of the rest of the country has experienced a warm, dry period this late summer/early fall. Throughout the Midwest, the last 6 to 8 weeks have been characterized by an abundance of sunny and windy days which is conducive to […]
By Drs. Pat Brown, Ph.D., and Dave Jones, Ph.D. The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) marks the physical boundary between an animal and the contents of its intestines. This boundary allows direct contact between the immense surface area of the GI tract and the intestinal contents (digesta). The contents include a far-ranging mixture of undigested feed […]
By Dr. K. E. Lanka, Ph.D., P.A.S. What is Iodine, and Why is it Important to Cattle? Iodine (I) is one of seven generally recognized micro minerals needed in the diets of dairy cattle and other animals. It is unique among minerals because a deficiency leads to a specific and easily recognizable thyroid gland enlargement, […]
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