Protein Producers Spring 2015

Dr. Doug Ford Named AVC Consultant of the Year 5 Beef Cattle Institute Research:

Update on Castration of Non-Breeding-Potential Bulls Research 6

Histophilus somni in Cattle 9 Preparing Future Leaders for the Beef Industry 11 Fly Control in Feedlots 16

Choose the BRD treatment that gets him back to the pen sooner.

Defeat BRD with Zuprevo® (tildipirosin), the treatment experts count on for rapid absorption and extended duration.* Ask your veterinarian to prescribe Zuprevo for BRD treatment.

Learn more at usa.zuprevo.com.

Choose Confidence. Choose Zuprevo.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR USE IN ANIMALS ONLY. NOT FOR HUMAN USE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL INJECTION, DO NOT USE IN AUTOMATICALLY POWERED SYRINGES WHICH HAVE NO ADDITIONAL PROTECTION SYSTEM. IN CASE OF HUMAN INJECTION, SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IMMEDIATELY AND SHOW THE PACKAGE INSERT OR LABEL TO THE PHYSICIAN. DO NOT USE Zuprevo® 18% IN SWINE. Fatal adverse events have been reported following the use of tildipirosin in swine. NOT FOR USE IN CHICKENS OR TURKEYS. Cattle intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 21 days of the last treatment. Do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older. A withdrawal period has not been established in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.

The effects of Zuprevo® 18% on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy and lactation have not been determined. Swelling and inflammation, which may be severe, may be seen at the injection site after administration. Subcutaneous injection may result in local tissue reactions which persist beyond slaughter withdrawal period. This may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter. Full product information available on adjacent page. * Menge, M. et al., Pharmacokinetics of tildipirosin in bovine plasma, lung tissue, and bronchial fluid [from live, non-anesthetized cattle].

The correlation between in vitro susceptibility data and clinical effectiveness is unknown.

2 Giralda Farms • Madison, NJ 07940 • merck-animal-health-usa.com • 800-521-5767 Copyright © 2015 Intervet Inc., doing business as Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. 1/15 52123

52123_PACBfSmtSpon_FP_0315.indd 1

3/13/15 9:35 AM

PRODUCT INFORMATION NADA 141-334, Approved by FDA.

048539 R10

18%

Injectable Solution for Cattle

Protein Producers 2015, Volume 3, Issue 1

ANTIMICROBIAL DRUG 180 mg of tildipirosin/mL For subcutaneous injection in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle only.

Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older or in calves to be processed for veal.

CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

BRIEF SUMMARY: for full prescribing information use package insert.

INDICATIONS: Zuprevo ™ 18% is indicated for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle, and for the control of respiratory disease in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with M. haemolytica, P. multocida, and H. somni.

WARNINGS: FOR USE IN ANIMALS ONLY. NOT FOR HUMAN USE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL INJECTION, DO NOT USE IN AUTOMATICALLY POWERED SYRINGES WHICH HAVE NO ADDITIONAL PROTECTION SYSTEM. IN CASE OF HUMAN INJECTION, SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IMMEDIATELY AND SHOW THE PACKAGE INSERT OR LABEL TO THE PHYSICIAN. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. If accidental eye exposure occurs, rinse eyes with clean water. If accidental skin exposure occurs, wash the skin immediately with soap and water. Tildipirosin may cause sensitization by skin contact.

For technical assistance or to report a suspected adverse reaction, call: 1-800-219-9286.

For customer service or to request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), call: 1-800-2113573. For additional Zuprevo 18% information go to www.zuprevo.com.

Questions or comments about this issue?

Contact Kelly Terrell, PAC Marketing and Communications, at kelly.terrell@pacdvms.com

The PAC Team Dr. Wade Taylor, Kansas, USA Technology identification and deployment

Dr. Tom Noffsinger, Nebraska, USA Animal handling, staff development

Dr. Doug Ford, Colorado, USA Reproduction, lameness

Dr. Corbin Stevens, Kansas, USA Diagnostics and clinical evaluation

Dr. Nels Lindberg, Kansas, USA Leadership development, field research

Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz, Nebraska, USA Animal handling, field research, facility design

Dr. Jim Lowe, Illinois, USA System design and management, team education

Dr. Shane Terrell, Nebraska, USA

For a complete listing of adverse reactions for Zuprevo 18% reported to CVM see: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ SafetyHealth.

Lameness, field research

DO NOT USE ZUPREVO 18% IN SWINE. Fatal adverse events have been reported following the use of tildipirosin in swine. NOT FOR USE IN CHICKENS OR TURKEYS.

Animal handling, heat stress management

RESIDUE WARNING: Cattle intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 21 days of the last treatment. Do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older. Use of this drug product in these cattle may cause milk residues. A withdrawal period has not been established in preruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.

PRECAUTIONS: The effects of Zuprevo 18% on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy and lactation have not been determined.

Swelling and inflammation, which may be severe, may be seen at the injection site after administration.

Subcutaneous injection may result in local tissue reactions which persist beyond the slaughter withdrawal period. This may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter.

Made in Germany Distributed by: Intervet Inc d/b/a Merck Animal Health, Summit, NJ 07901 Copyright © 2011, Intervet Inc., a subsidiary of Merck & Co. All rights reserved.

Dr. Kev Sullivan, Queensland, AUS Garrett Taylor, Kansas, USA Information management

Kelly Terrell, Nebraska, USA Marketing and communications

Jose Valles, Nebraska, USA Bilingual education and training, research monitoring

Ted Howard, Kansas, USA Animal stewardship, horsemanship

Lisa Taylor, Kansas, USA Business and data analysis

On the Cover Dr. Dan Upson (left) presents Dr. Doug Ford (right) with the AVC Consultant of the Year award.

Table of Contents 5 Dr. Doug Ford Named AVC Consultant of the Year 5 A Parable of Two Frogs 6 BCI: Update on Castration of NonBreeding-Potential Bulls Research Welcome to the first issue of Protein Producers!

7 Just How Marbled is That Beef: Cattle Ultrasound Technology 8 Chuckles From Down Under 9 Histophilus somni in Cattle

The Production Animal Consultation (PAC) team is a sciencedriven, people-focused group of advisors serving animal protein producers worldwide. Our unique and diverse set of talents and skills allows us to provide services to the food chain across all the major protein-producing species. We work to improve throughput, efficiency, and operating expenses from conception to consumption.

11 Preparing Future Leaders for the Beef Industry

As part of our commitment to producers and industry stakeholders like you, we strive to provide evidence-based information to help you optimize the profits of your businesses.

This magazine is aimed at doing just that! In each issue, you will find the latest research and other relevant information on the trends and issues facing protein producers today.

14 Speaking for the Horses: Not Just a Tool

Thank you for your continued support of the PAC organization, and we hope you enjoy this issue of Protein Producers!

15 Identifying Lameness: Step-Up App

Sincerely,

16 Fly Control in Feedlots 19 Upcoming Events Follow Us on Twitter @PACVets

Dr. Wade Taylor Managing Partner, PAC www.pacdvms.com

AVC names Dr. Doug Ford Consultant of the Year By: John Maday, Editor, Bovine Veterinarian Reprinted with permission of Drovers/CattleNetwork

During its conference in Kansas City, the Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC) named Doug Ford, DVM, as AVC Consultant of the Year.

Based in Brush, Colorado, Ford owns Beaver Creek Veterinary Clinic and is a member of Production Animal Consultation (PAC), a large cattle-oriented veterinary consultation and research group. Ford is a 1979 graduate of Colorado State University who has spent 36 years in mixed animal practice including dairy, cow-calf, feedlot, regulatory medicine, livestock auctions and heifer spaying services. He has strong interests in bovine lameness, preventative medicine and low-stress handling of cattle.

Formed in 1972, AVC is an association of veterinarians involved in beef cattle medicine, herd health programs and consultation. The international organization now has over 800 members in the United States, Canada, Australia, Scotland, South Africa and Israel. Each year during its winter meeting, AVC recognizes one of its members with the prestigious Consultant of the Year award.

(Pictured below is Dr. Doug Ford with Dr. Dan Upson and PAC members)

AVC honored Ford for his strong commitment to serving his clients and animal agriculture overall, as well as his generosity in mentoring students and veterinarians. In accepting the award, he stressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn by working alongside outstanding colleagues and mentors throughout his career. Ford and his wife Jan have five children, ranging in age from early 20s to mid-30s.

A Parable of Two Frogs By: Dr. Greg Qaukenbush & Dr. Doug Ford A group of frogs were hopping contentedly through the woods, going about their froggy business, when two of them fell into a deep pit. All of the other frogs gathered around the pit to see what could be done to help their companions.

When they saw how deep the pit was, the rest of the dismayed group agreed that it was hopeless and told the two frogs in the pit that they should prepare themselves for their fate, because they were as good as dead Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, the two frogs began to jump with all of their might. Some of the frogs shouted into the pit that it was hopeless, and that the two frogs wouldn't be in that situation if they had been more careful, more obedient to the froggy rules, and more responsible. The other frogs continued sorrowfully shouting that they should save their energy and give up, since they were already as good as dead.

completely exhausted. His companions began anew, yelling for him to accept his fate, stop the pain and just die. The weary frog jumped harder and harder and - wonder of wonders! Finally he leapt so high that he sprang from the pit.

Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his miraculous freedom and then gathering around him asked, "Why did you continue jumping when we told you it was impossible?" Reading their lips, the astonished frog explained to them that he was deaf, and that when he saw their gestures and shouting, he thought they were cheering him on. What he had perceived as encouragement inspired him to try harder and to succeed against all odds.

This simple story contains a powerful lesson. Your encouraging words can lift someone up and help them make it through the day. Your destructive words can cause deep wounds; they may be the weapons that destroy someone's desire to continue trying - or even their life.

The two frogs continued jumping as hard as they could, and after several hours of desperate effort were quite weary.

Finally, one of the frogs took heed to the calls of his fellows.

Spent and disheartened, he quietly resolved himself to his fate, lay down at the bottom of the pit, and died as the others looked on in helpless grief.

Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

The other frog continued to jump with every ounce of energy he had, although his body was wracked with pain and he was

Proverbs 21:23: Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Colossians 3:8: But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

5

In Research: Update on Castration of Non-Breeding-Potential Bulls Research

By: Maggie Stephens, Graduate Student, Kansas State University, Beef Cattle Institute Castration is one of the beef industry’s most common management practices. Reasons for castrating male cattle include the improvement of carcass quality and aggressive behavior issues. In recent years painful surgical procedures such as castration have become animal welfare concerns.

The most common methods of castration are banding or surgical removal of the testicles. Castration via banding involves the use of a rubber elastic ring that can be tightened down, and due to the loss of blood flow eventually the necrosis of the scrotum and testicles happens. Surgical castration involves the physical removal of the testes.

The timing of castration is among the animal welfare concerns; as the animal ages and matures castration can become a very painful and stressful procedure.

Most male cattle are castrated at birth, weaning or at entry into a feedlot. Another class of male cattle is castrated at about a year of age; a portion of yearling bulls raised for breeding purposes fail the breeding soundness exam and are routinely castrated. Many if not all bulls that fail the final breeding exam are over a year of age and are sexually mature; the implications of this procedure at this time in their life is of great animal welfare concern.

Research conducted at the Beef Cattle Institute compared the effects on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of intact male cattle versus castrated male yearling cattle that were administered growth promotion technology.

Sixteen month old Angus bulls (n = 24; 1,331 + 81.4 lbs) were stratified by weight and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: uncastrated control (BULL) and castrated via callicrate banding technique and given growth promotion technology (STR). Cattle assigned to STR treatment were implanted with 120 mg trenbolone acetate and 24 mg estradiol on day 0, and fed ractopamine hydrochloride 300mg/d the last 28 d of the feeding period. Cattle were fed a rolled corn based finishing ration with a NEg of 0.64 Mcal/lb for 62 d (final wt = 1496 +/ -81.4 lb) then harvested at a commercial abattoir. Carcass characteristics were recorded and steak samples were obtained.

6

Cattle in BULL treatment tended to have a higher ADG (3.08 vs. 2.31 lb; P < 0.10 ) and tended to have increased feed efficiency (10.6 vs 14.3 lbs; P < 0.10 ). Feed intake for BULLS and STR (32.7 vs 33.1 lbs; P > 0.20 ) was not different. Both treatments averaged choice quality grade, and yield grade were similar for both treatments, YG 2 for BULL and YG 3 for STR groups.

There was no difference between treatments for hot carcass weight, 963 vs. 943 lb for BULL and STR treatments, respectively. Back fat thickness, was not different (0.41 +/ - 0.008 in) and dressing percent (63.7%) between treatments. Longissimus muscle area (LMA) was greater in BULL compared to STR (15.5 in 2 vs. 13.8 in2 ; P < 0.05 ). Steak tenderness measured by Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF) was similar (P < 0.10) between treatments.

There was no difference for the subjective sensory panel evaluation (1 to 8 scale, 8 = extremely desirable) for the six categories: myofibrillar tenderness (5.24 vs 5.43), connective tissue (5.97 vs 6.26), overall tenderness (5.34 vs 5.58), juiciness, beef flavor intensity, and off flavor intensity.

Fed bulls had improved performance with similar carcass characteristics, WBSF, and sensory panel items compared to steers administered growth promotion technology. Feeding bulls could eliminate an animal welfare concern while removing the cost and management of growth promotion technology use.

This study suggests that castration is an unnecessary procedure for this age group of bulls.

Cattle Performance Enhancement Co. FROM THIS

TO THIS

Lynn Allen, CPEC Sales & Marketing

P.O. Box 630 • Stratford, Texas 79084 806-753-7979 cell • lallen6423@aol.com www.cpec.us

Just how marbled is that cow’s beef?

You’ll need to ultrasound it to find out By: St. John Barned - Smith, The Houston Chronicle Reprinted from The Houston Chronicle.

outlining the striations of muscle and fat and two white lines - two of the animal's ribs.

Cattle Performance Enhancement Co. (CPEC) uses software that predicts future carcass composition in the finished feeding phase of cattle production. Recently, Lynn Allen, CPEC’s Sales and Marketing Director, had an opportunity to showcase the ultrasound technology. www.cpec.us

"When you can't see those ribs, it's prime," Allen explained, pointing at the computer monitor, which provided more concrete assessments, like the thickness of each animal's backfat, muscle depth, and the level of marbling. Ethan had just started raising Buttercup in October, so he'd barely had time to put any meat on her bones.

Floresville native Ethan Startz prodded and cajoled his black Wagyu heifer, Buttercup, into a "squeeze chute" in the back of NRG Center, then watched nervously as a rodeo worker locked his charge into place.

Then the verdict. "She's a mid-to-low choice — which is good," Allen said.

A few feet away, Lynn Allen patted down the heifer's pelt, then squirted a few long streams of vegetable oil from a plastic squeeze bottle onto the animal's left ribcage.

"With pregnant women, they use that jelly," explained Texas Wagyu Association President Rex Ralston, moments earlier. "But to get through the hair (of a cow's pelt), vegetable oil's as good as there is."

As Ethan watched on, Allen placed an imaging tool about six inches long on the oil-slicked pelt, then looked at stood at a small computer in front of him. An image appeared on the monitor,

Startz, 10, was among the dozens of cattle rearers participating in RodeoHouston's Wagyu competition who gathered in the bowels of NRG Center to see if their work over the last year had paid off. In the alchemy of cattle raising, the composition of the animal's ribeye and its "marbling" — the saturation of fat through the carcass — commands big money.

Top-level Wagyu ribeye can go for $50 per pound in grocery stores, said Ralph Lee, a member of the board of directors of the Texas Wagyu Association. In restaurants in Fort Worth, for example, that number catapults even higher, to around $142 for a six-ounce Wagyu steak, he said.

Continued on Page 8 7

CPEC: Ultrasound Technology Continued...

The real test would come Wednesday, at the Texas Wagyu Cattle Show, a trial Ethan said he was looking forward to. "I'm hoping to at least place," he said.

The real test would come Wednesday, at the Texas Wagyu Cattle Show, trial Ethan said he was looking "I'm hoping Lee anda other Wagyu producers extol theforward meat's to. virtues, from theto at least place," he said. its high levels of monounsaturated fats which help increase "good

commands prices as high $3,200 per animal, he said. Ranchers and

cattlemen pay even more for fullbreed Wagyu — around $5,000, he CPEC: Ultrasound Technology Continued...

cholesterol" and decreasing LDL, or bad cholesterol.

Lee and other Wagyu producers extol the meat's virtues, from the its levels monounsaturated fatsas which increase "good Buthigh raising theofanimals can take twice long help as other breeds of cholesterol" and decreasing LDL, or bad cholesterol. beef cattle to reach slaughter weight, which ends up costing more

time, money, and more resources.

But raising the animals can take twice as long as other breeds of up costing more

beef cattle to reach slaughter weight, endscrossbreed A fully-grown "finished" Wagyu steerwhich or heifer

time, money, and more resources.

Daniels Manufacturing Daniels Manufacturing Co. Co.

The World’s Leading Manufacturer The World’s Leading of CattleManufacturer Handling Equipment of Cattle Handling Equipment

said. Though the animal is well-known, it is relatively new in commands prices asJapanese high $3,200 animal, he said.

Ranchersare and American markets. cattleper breeds, which the animals cattlemen even more fullbreed in Wagyu — in around $5,000, he descendedpay from, were firstfor introduced the U.S. the mid-1970s. said. Though the animal is well-known, it is relatively new in American Japanese cattlefamous breeds,among which American the animals are Since then,markets. the breed has become descended from, were first introduced in the U.S. in the and mid-1970s. consumers for its high levels of intramuscular marbling rich,

melt-in-your-mouth texture. "If you're going to order a Wagyu Since then, become famous steak, don't the get breed it wellhas done," Ralston said,among with aAmerican stern shake of his consumers its high levels and done, rich, handle-bar for mustachioed head.of"Ifintramuscular you're going marbling to eat it well melt-in-your-mouth texture. "If you're going to order a Wagyu order the chicken instead." steak, don't get it well done," Ralston said, with a stern shake of his

handle-bar mustachioed head. "If you're going to eat it well done, order the chicken instead."

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• Facility Drawings and Consultations o Low stress cattle handling that encourages voluntary cattle flow and By: Jane Sullivan The doctor was shocked but agreed to give it a try. The animal well being

A fully-grown "finished" Wagyu steer or heifer crossbreed

Daniels Manufacturing Co.

Daniels Manufacturing Co.

Chuckles From Down Under Chuckles From Down Under

8

next day, still feeling slightly guilty, the doctor prepared PO Box 67 A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what the bills.

87725 State Hwy 7

Office: 402-­‐387-­‐1891 By: Jane Sullivan The doctor was shocked but agreed to give it a try. The her own childhood was like. outside Ainsworth NE 69210 “We used to skate

Fax: 402-­‐387-­‐1961 next day, still feeling slightly guilty, the doctor prepared www.danielsmfg.com

Email: daniels@danielsmfg.com ongrandmother a pond.

I hadwas a swing made from a tire; it hung from he went to place them in his mailbox, he found a A telling her little granddaughter what When the bills. a tree in our front yard. pony.

We picked bill from the lawyer.

her own childhood was We like.rode “Weour used to skate outside wild raspberries the woods.” in on a pond.

I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from When he went to place them in his mailbox, he found a ********************************************* a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked bill from the lawyer.

The little girl wasinwide-eyed, What did the green grape say to the purple grape? wild raspberries the woods.”taking this all in. At last she said, “I sure wish I’d gotten to know you sooner!” ********************************************* “Breathe, idiot!

BREATHE!” The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last What did the green grape say to the purple grape? ******************************************** she said, “I sure wish I’d gotten to know you sooner!”

A doctor and a lawyer were talking at a party. Their ********************************************* “Breathe, idiot! BREATHE!” conversation was constantly interrupted by people There has been a lot of talk about conserving energy. ******************************************** describing their ailments andtalking askingatthe doctorTheir for free Like keeping the thermostat down in the winter. Using A doctor and a lawyer were a party. ********************************************* medical advice. low energy bulbs.

Turning lights.

Using less gas. conversation was constantly interrupted by people There has been a lot of talkoff about conserving energy. describing their ailments and asking the doctor for free Like keeping the thermostat down in the winter. Using After an advice. hour of this, the exasperated doctor asked the It made me bulbs. realize,Turning my dadoff waslights. like the firstless gas. medical energy Using lawyer, “What do you do to stop people from asking you low environmentalist. He would walk around the house for legal advice you’re out of thedoctor office?” yelling, “turn off those Turn After an hour ofwhen this, the exasperated asked the It made me realize, my lights! dad was likethe theheat firstdown!” He was green before his time. lawyer, “What do you do to stop people from asking you environmentalist. He would walk around the house “I give to them,” replied theout lawyer then I send for legalit advice when you’re of the“and office?” yelling, “turn off those lights! Turn the heat down!” He them a bill.” was green before his time.

“I give it to them,” replied the lawyer “and then I send them a bill.”

Histophilus somni in Cattle By: Jose Valles, MS and Lisa Taylor, MS Histophilus somni, formerly known as Haemophilus somnus, was recognized as a disease-causing pathogen in 1956. While H. somni is known to affect cattle in both dairy and feedlot settings worldwide, it is most commonly found in countries with large cattle populations such as Canada and the United States.

H. somni is a gram-negative bacterium with microscopic coccobacillus characteristics that belongs to the Pasteurellaceae family. This particular facultative anaerobe is non-motile and non-spore forming. It is a commensal organism found in mucosal surfaces of cattle; non-pathogenic and pathogenic forms of the organism are present in the reproductive and respiratory tracts of both genders. The organism can be transmitted by sexual intercourse in the reproductive tract or by inhalation in the respiratory tract.

clinical signs, movement, feed intake and water consumption.

Affected animals should be closely monitored.

At necropsy, affected animals can present a number of lesions dependent on the active disease prior to death. Gross lesions are likely to be found in those animals affected by myocarditis or respiratory disease (Figures 1 and 2).

Common gross lesion findings include broncho-pneumonia, edema, fibrinous laryngitis, fibrinous pericarditis, fibrinous pleuritis, focal myocardial lesion (typically in the left ventricular papillary muscle), pulmonary congestion and polyarthritis. Other less common gross lesions that can be found include fibrinopurulent meningitis, fibrinous gonitis and polyserositis.

Figure 1: Myocardial Necrotic Sequestrum (Janzen, The Merck Veterinary Manual

This bacterium is considered an opportunistic agent because it requires mucosal disruption in order to become infective.

Mucosal breakdown is commonly triggered by stress-causing factors such as change in diet, other health issues, transportation, weaning and weather. In the respiratory tract, H. somni can enter the bloodstream during mucosal interruption and result in septicemia.

Infection with H. somni is more common in feedlot settings but has also been reported in dairy and pasture cattle. Cattle 6 to 12 months of age are at higher risk to become infected, and feedlot cattle are more susceptible to infection at the start of their feeding period. Although death due to aggressive septicemia in infected animals generally occurs in the first 21 days post-arrival to the feedlot, mortality is a risk during the entire feeding period. On average mortality of infected animals occurs between 30 and 60 days on feed.

Figure 2: BRD due to H. somni

H. somni is likely to cause other disease syndromes such as mastitis, myocarditis, otitis media, polysynovitis, reproductive tract diseases, respiratory disease and thrombotic meningoencephalitis (TME). Myocarditis and respiratory disease resulting from H. somni have become more common in recent years. Death can occur very rapidly after infection, depending on the disease manifestation.

Clinical signs of infected animals vary depending on the manifested disease. Some of these clinical signs may include abducted elbows, closed eyes, coughing, depression, fever, lack of voluntary muscle coordination, lateral recumbency, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, rapid breathing, stiffness, sudden death and weakness. Cattle affected by TME are likely to die within 24 hours of onset of the disease, and in some cases of TME, sudden death is the only clinical sign.

Similarly, myocarditis cases are often rapid course with sudden death the only clinical sign. Myocarditis cases may also exhibit symptoms of left heart failure such as coughing, exercise intolerance and open mouth breathing.

Suggested medical examination for cattle suspected of H. somni infection includes rectal temperature, lung score, visual

In animals affected by TME, gross lesions can vary greatly and be difficult to identify. These TME gross lesions may include visible hemorrhagic and necrotic regions on the brain surface or cut section and swollen brain secondary to edema.

Reproductive tract lesions of animals affected by H. somni include cervicitis, endometritis and vaginitis. Microscopic lesions found in animals affected by H. somni can include neutrophilic inflammation, tissue necrosis and vasculitis. In some cases, thrombi may contain colonies of gram-negative bacteria. Continued on Page 10 9

Histophilus somni in Cattle Continued...

An accurate diagnosis of H. somni can be made post-mortem by laboratory analysis of tissue samples collected at necropsy.

Fluid and tissue samples for H. somni laboratory analysis can be collected from the blood, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), joint fluid, urine, brain, heart, kidneys, liver and lungs. Laboratory tests may include bacterial culture, immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology.

progresses, it is hypothesized that the bacteria develop a biofilm that adheres to the endothelium, creating a defensive front and reducing the effectiveness of antimicrobials.

Florfenicol treatment regimens have been shown effective during early stages of respiratory disease associated with H. somni, and oxytetracycline treatment regimens have been successful in animals expressing early stages of TME.

In a particular field case attended by Dr. Tom Noffsinger of Production Animal Consultation, the symptoms expressed by the affected animal prior to death and the lack of gross lesions found at necropsy could have led to an incorrect diagnosis if no laboratory analysis was performed. The animal presented with brainer-like central nervous system symptoms approximately 24 hours prior to death and was nonresponsive to treatment with thiamine. The necropsy performed by Dr. Noffsinger revealed no gross lesions in the heart. Given this information, the animal could have been misdiagnosed with grain overload, rabies or listeriosis.

Because of the difficulty associated with early identification and treatment of H. somni infection, prevention practices are key in reducing H. somni outbreaks. Stress reduction through low-stress cattle handling practices; adequate bunk, water and pen space allocation; and increased biosecurity measures including sanitation and reduction of commingling are essential. Proper immunization prior to arrival at the feedlot, metaphylaxis at feedlot entry and prophylaxis may also help protect calves from H. somni infection.

Tissue samples were sent to the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for analysis. PCR analysis on larynx tissues tested positive for H. somni in addition to M. bovis, P. multocida and B. trehalosi. Negative results were obtained for M. haemolytica, BVD, BRSV, BCoV and BHV-1/IBR. The necropsy histopathology revealed areas of inflammation and necrosis scattered throughout the cerebrum and myocardium, consistent with H. somni infection.

Successful treatment of animals affected by H. somni can be challenging and is highly dependent on early detection of affected animals. However, early detection can itself be difficult given the rapid progression of disease after onset. In vitro studies have shown that H. somni is treatable with a variety of antimicrobials, but as H. somni infection

References Janzen, DVM, MVS, Eugene D. 2013. Overview of Histophilosis, The Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed February 23, 2015, from http://www.merckmanuals.com/ vet/generalized_conditions/histophilosis/ overview_of_histophilosis.html.

Ahlemeyer, Dr. Nathan. 2010. Histophilus somni Complex in Beef Cattle, Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Accessed February 23, 2015, from http:// www.addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/2010/Spring/ histophilus.htm.

Simard, Megan. 2014. An Overview of Histophilus somni in Feedlot Cattle, Veterinary Agri-Health Services.

Accessed February 23, 2015, from http://vahs.net/ education/articles/an-overview-histophilus-somni-infeedlot-cattle/.

Zoetis. Histophilus somni. Accessed February 23, 2015, from https://www.zoetisus.com/conditions/beef/histophilussomni-_haemophilus-somnus_-complex.aspx.

Itchy dog? Calf with a cough? Lame horse? DocTalk with Dr. Dan Thomson will be making house calls on the RFD Network every Monday at 3:30pm CST with other chances to watch it at 1:30AM and 6:30AM CST. Visit www.rfdtv.com for more details

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Preparing Future Leaders for the Beef Industry By: Jason K. Ahola, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Beef Management Systems, Colorado State University Without question, significant opportunities exist today for young people in the U.S. beef industry. Our nation’s cattle producers are getting older. In the 2007 census, the average farmer was 57 years old, and USDA reported that two-thirds of cow/calf operators were over 50 years old.

This is resulting in a massive generational transfer of agricultural operations across the U.S. In the west, it has been estimated that over 50% of all ranches will change ownership in the next 10 years – either through inheritance or sale to a new buyer. Unfortunately, we are losing more than 1% of beef cattle operations each year – about 8,500 annually. As a result, over 170,000 beef operations have gone out of business since 1992. It is time we focus our efforts on educating our youth and providing them with skills needed to join a rapidly-changing and globalized beef industry. Ideally, they will then become its future leaders.

A Time of Opportunity Even with new challenges and elevated input costs, today is a great time for young people to get into the beef industry.

To many, that sounds like a crazy idea. But, consider a few facts about today’s industry: 1. The U.S. beef cowherd inventory is declining, which will result in another relatively small calf crop (similar in size to 50 to 60 years ago). Fewer calves will result in higher calf prices, as long as consumer beef demand remains stable.

2. Global beef demand continues to increase substantially since it is closely linked to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of large countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Brazil. Global beef demand will continue to support beef price at retail.

3. Compared to competing animal protein sources (i.e. poultry and hogs), a ruminant is the only animal able to take advantage of readily-available low-cost feeds like crop residues (corn stalks, straw) and rangeland grazing. Since much of the U.S. can only be used to produce, beef cattle production will continue to have ready access to forage inputs.

4. Marketplace premiums as a result of adding value to calves are now a reality. This includes source verification, preconditioning programs, natural and organic claims, and animal welfare verification. Most producers don’t take advantage of these methods to increase income, but those who do are reaping the financial rewards.

5. Several low-cost technologies are available to improve production efficiency and product quality, but are rarely used. These include semen (particularly sexed semen),

electronic identification, computer software for individual animal management, and genomic tests to improve selection. Producers who embrace innovation will see improved profitability.

Being an optimist and taking into account these points, right now IS a great opportunity for young people to get involved in the beef industry. However, new entrants must work within a completely different set of paradigms in order to succeed. This includes managing high-priced grains and forages, elevated diesel and equipment (e.g. pickup, tractor) costs, and general risks that are inherent to global agricultural industries.

Characteristics and Skills Needed The new set of skills that is being required by young people must be acquired from several different sources. It is no longer possible for “real-world” experiences alone, or only a university education, to provide adequate training. And, future beef industry leaders need to be savvy in both animal husbandry and business.

So, what are the key skills and characteristics that young people need to have?

Know the Globe: Today’s beef industry is clearly a global business. It has become increasingly important to understand societies, markets, trade, world supply and demand, and the interrelationships of major markets (e.g. oil, grain, and meat). Over 95% of the world’s 7 billion people don’t live in the U.S. But, about 12% of the world’s beef cows do. And, beef cow distribution in the world continues to change – for instance, the beef cow inventory in the past 5 years declined about 10% in the U.S., but increased 8% in Brazil.

Be a Communicator: Without question, communication skills are the most important set of skills any young person can compile and use to ensure a lifetime of success. These include interpersonal, leadership, writing, listening, negotiating, moderating, mediating, and public speaking skills. Working in the industry requires daily communication with everyone from cowboys and ranchers to retailers and consumers.

Learn Another Language: Learning a foreign language as a young person is much easier than as an adult. We’re in a global economy – there are over 250 different languages that are spoken by at least 1 million people each. And, 65 of these languages are spoken by at least 10 million people each. As exports play a larger role in the U.S. beef industry, we will need greater representation in foreign markets to be competitive. Interestingly, it has become common for Animal Science students studying at Brazilian universities to learn Mandarin Chinese, based on future trade potential between those countries.

Continued on page 13

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Preparing Future Leaders for the Beef Industry Continued...

Have Sales and Networking Skills: As unappealing as “sales” jobs appear to be for most young people, it’s amazing that nearly every occupation (with the possible exception of manual labor jobs) requires skills in “selling”.

These skills can be developed by young people if they build a network of contacts in the industry. Join, be active in, and work with an industry association, organization, or group.

In addition to learning how to “sell” yourself, these opportunities can enhance information sharing, teamwork, and collaboration.

Acquire Database Skills: Cattlemen are becoming swamped with information and computer-generated data.

Though data can be simple to collect, the analysis and evaluation of dataIndustry is more difficult and rarely done, ders for the Beef Continued... including using data to in decision making. General Understand Planning and Supervision: For a variety of unappealing as should complement in by reasons, there has been strong interest in skills recent years eople, it’scomputer proficiency compiling,non-beef summarizing, and interpreting using industry participants to developdata and implement h the possible business and marketing plans for potential beef cattle limited kills in “selling”. spreadsheets and database software.

Unfortunately, operations.

Industry newcomers are seeking youngcompared eople if they build value is being extracted from data collected today individuals who have the ability to plan and execute while , be active in, and to what is ultimately possible. ation, or group. also supervising others. During the summertime don’t just

elf, these work in manual labor jobs and learn only animal husbandry skills. Become competent in interpersonal interaction and ring, teamwork, Study EVERY Segment: As the beef industry moves the oversight of employees. Supervisory skills can’t be toward some type of integration, albeit slowly, it is taught – they must be developed through experience. becomingbecoming increasingly important to intimately understand In Summary generated every data. segment of the beef industry. This includes learning analysis and about the seedstock, cow/calf, backgrounder/stocker/ Today’s beef industry is offering a tremendous opportunity ely done, packing, retail,compared and food service beef sectors, for young people.

However, to traditional . Generalyearling, feedyard, production, a vastly different set of other. skills, ideas, they interact with each skills in including how innovations, and knowledge is needed. Progressive youth data using should embrace this opportunity and self-direct their rtunately, limited Know Commodity Markets: Due toofextremely volatile education, including building a set skills that includes d today compared prices for all commodities, it will continue to be vital to proficiency in communication, sales, networking, planning, supervision. markets.

In addition,This an in-depth knowledge understandand commodity includes how of the global commodity markets, and every beef dustry moves commodities areeconomy, boughtalland sold, risk management, and industry segment will be required for leadership positions. wly, it is management of cash flow and debt loads.

More market Proficiency in a foreign language and database management tely understand information isalso available today than at any time in history – will be necessary to ensure success. ncludes learning er/stocker/and this will continue to be the case in the future.

The strength of our nation and its democracy depends on a d service sectors, strong, viable, and progressive agricultural industry. And, the er. beef industry is the largest single segment of U.S. agriculture, in terms of cash receipts. With a major generational transfer remely volatile of farms and ranches currently underway, our youth are being to be vital to given a major responsibility. However, they must enter the udes how industry embracing a new set of skills acquired under a new nagement, and set of paradigms. Today is truly an exciting time for young More market people that want to be involved in beef production! time in history – future.

Understand Planning and Supervision: For a variety of reasons, there has been strong interest in recent years by non-beef industry participants to develop and implement business and marketing plans for potential beef cattle operations. Industry newcomers are seeking young individuals who have the ability to plan and execute while also supervising others. During the summertime don’t just work in manual labor jobs and learn only animal husbandry skills. Become competent in interpersonal interaction and the oversight of employees. Supervisory skills can’t be taught – they must be developed through experience.

In Summary Today’s beef industry is offering a tremendous opportunity for young people. However, compared to traditional beef production, a vastly different set of skills, ideas, innovations, and knowledge is needed. Progressive youth should embrace this opportunity and self-direct their education, including building a set of skills that includes proficiency in communication, sales, networking, planning, and supervision. In addition, an in-depth knowledge of the global economy, all commodity markets, and every beef industry segment will be required for leadership positions.

Proficiency in a foreign language and database management will also be necessary to ensure success.

The strength of our nation and its democracy depends on a strong, viable, and progressive agricultural industry. And, the beef industry is the largest single segment of U.S. agriculture, in terms of cash receipts. With a major generational transfer of farms and ranches currently underway, our youth are being given a major responsibility. However, they must enter the industry embracing a new set of skills acquired under a new set of paradigms. Today is truly an exciting time for young people that want to be involved in beef production!

Newest PAC Member...

Save the Date

4th Annual PAC Beef Summit Save the Date 4th Annual PAC Beef Summit Wednesday, July 8th Gateway Civic Center Oberlin, KS

Wednesday, July 8th Gateway Civic Center Oberlin, KS

Reed Steven Snell Born October 14, 2014 Mom: Mary Snell from Gottsch Feedyard 13

Speaking for the Horses: Not Just a Tool By: Dr. Matt Fehr, Animal Medical Center, Great Bend, Kansas As we go through our day to day lives we all have tools that we use, every day, that aid us in the jobs we do. Some tools are just there to make things a little easier, while others are nearly indispensable. Obviously, since this is an equine column, the tool I am going to talk about is a horse.

Though not all feed yards utilize horses, those that do, find them to be a nearly indispensible tool, one that makes nearly every job of the cowboy easier. From riding pens and sorting sick critters to shipping fats, the horse is there, every day, in all kinds of weather, carrying his cowboy companion and aiding in the day to day grind of feed yard life.

Ok. Now it’s time to contradict myself. I know my first paragraph was all about describing how a horse is an indispensable tool to the feed yard cowboy, but they are so much more than JUST a tool. Horses are a living, breathing being with a spirit and a soul capable of becoming a best friend and truest companion to the one that depends on them every day.

Those of you that spend your day in the saddle KNOW that a horse with a good mind, that is eager to work, will make your day much easier and much more pleasant. However, a horse with a negative mind that is not in the mood to work, will make your day much more difficult and leave you exhausted at the end of the day.

Right now, those of you that can read, are saying, ‘Yea, what’s your point?’ My point is that we can greatly affect the attitude of our horse with how we treat them every day. That living breathing soul that packs you around every day has feelings. They feel pain. They get tired. They get sore. They mentally get cross and need encouragement to straighten their mind. They need TLC!!

The horse is NOT a hammer that you can use to drive nails all day, throw it in the bed of the truck, then use it to drive nails again all day the next day. They are a tool but they are a tool that needs to be well cared for. They need to be well fed.

They need time off when they are tired and sore or injured.

You CAN NOT treat them like just another hammer and expect them to give you their all every day.

Most of you understand and agree with what I am saying, but there are a few that will read this and toss it aside muttering some explicit language and questioning my manhood. Those are the ones I am trying to get through to!

Over and over I see horses that are lame or horses that have sores on their back or whose spine has been out of alignment for so long that they can’t engage their hips without bucking in pain, yet they are still being ridden all day every day.

Think about yourself for a minute. If your back hurts, you don’t want to work; it makes your day a struggle and generally probably makes you grouchy. Now, look at the

14

cowboy next to you, think about you with a sore back carrying that cowboy around the yard all day. Pretty soon you will give up. Pretty soon you will hurt so bad that you can barely move and your attitude will become so sour that nobody can stand you.

When that happens, do you want that cowboy to give you some time off and maybe get your back adjusted, or would you prefer him to gouge you with his spurs all day and whip you with the reins every time you refuse to trot because your back hurts so bad you want to fall down.

So, I encourage you all to take just a little more time each day to provide better care for your horse. Pay attention to his attitude, is he telling you he’s hurting?

Take the time to brush him before you throw saddle over his back. Check your blanket for burs and debris that can rub his hide and create saddle sores. Yes, I understand that any horse can get a sore from time to time, but many are preventable with a little care.

Take the time to take care of the sores when they do occur, don’t just continue riding and making them worse. If every horse you ride is covered with sores and has a sore in both corners of the mouth, which is probably a rider problem not a horse problem, it may be time to change your mind set a bit.

If that horse pins his ears and runs to the other side of the pen when you go to catch him, maybe he needs a mental health day, or maybe he is hurting and needs some medical attention. Try to remember that your four legged companion is a living creature who deserves care and respect, be his friend not just his boss.

Insight: The majority of a horse’s sensory input about its movement and balance come from the small muscles under the skin. If a horse has white spots on its withers from a saddle, that means there is already permanent muscle damage under that spot. Those white spots are not a badge of courage; they are an indication that the horse has lost some of his sensory input and some of his motor control. Any decrease in input and control make them less efficient and more prone to injury.

Identifying Lameness: Step-Up™ App Easy-to-Use, Convenient Training Tool

By: Connie Larson, Ph.D., Ruminant RNS Manager North America, Zinpro Corporation Lameness in beef cattle is a multifactorial problem and one that is commonly underdiagnosed within the industry.

Developing an awareness and understanding of lameness is critical, as lameness impairs the ability of cattle to move and gain access to water and feed. This in turn reduces their wellbeing, production and performance.

Seeing a need for a systematic approach to identify and manage lameness in beef cattle, Zinpro Corporation – in conjunction with the Beef Cattle Institute and Kansas State University – developed the Step-Up™ Lameness Management Program. A cornerstone of the Step-Up program is a four-point locomotion scoring system specifically developed for beef cattle. Locomotion scoring is based on the observation of cattle walking (gait), with emphasis on head bob and stride length. The system uses a simple 0 to 3 scale to assess the severity of lameness in beef cattle (0 = normal; 1 = mild lameness; 2 = moderate lameness; 3 = severe lameness). The Step-Up locomotion scoring system was created to make lameness identification a simple process for beef producers. It is designed to help producers track changes in lameness prevalence within their operation.

With the release of the Step-Up App, it is now easier than ever for producers to learn to locomotion score growing and finishing feedlot cattle. Launched in February, the app is designed for tablet devices and is available for free through the App Store and Google Play. The Step-Up App provides convenient access to information on locomotion scoring,

common causes of lameness in beef cattle, trace mineral nutrition and additional training materials. Through the app, producers can watch videos of growing and finishing cattle to determine what lameness looks like and how to utilize locomotion scoring in their herd.

The app also features the industry’s first diagnostic tool that provides a systematic, easy-to-use approach for proper identification and management of the most common causes of lameness in beef cattle. Producers can simply flip through the question and answer section of the tool to determine possible causes of lameness in an animal that is exhibiting some degree of change in locomotion. Information regarding the essential role that trace mineral nutrition plays in decreasing cattle lameness is also included, along with access to additional training materials.

Since its inception more than a year ago, the Step-Up Management Program has helped to elevate the importance of beef cattle lameness management within the industry. The focus of the Step-Up program is on education, especially in areas where lameness is not commonly considered to be prevalent. It provides resource materials focused on lameness scoring and lesion identification, as well as industry-leading lameness prevention, management and treatment protocols.

This program helps cattle producers, managers, veterinarians, nutritionists, and others identify, diagnose and treat lameness and in turn, helps beef operations decrease the prevalence of lameness among cattle.

To learn more about locomotion scoring and lesion identification in beef cattle, download the new Step-Up App on the App Store or Google Play, contact your Zinpro representative or visit the Step-Up video library on zinpro.com.

15

“Turning Science into Money”

Fly Control in Feedlots Est. 1998 Fly Control in Feedlots The time has arrived to plan for controlling summer fly populations.

Adequate fly control programs are multiBy: Jeremy Martin, Ph.D., Great Plains Livestock Consulting, Inc. faceted and systematic, and in addition to directly enhancing cattle performance, can aid in the prevention of acute heat stress in feedlots. We recommend a combination of at least two fly control strategies used in combination from the time of the last hard freeze of the spring to the first killing frost in the fall in your local area. Before deciding which strategies are the best fit for your feedlot, you need to identify the problem species and the problem areas in the lot.

The time has arrived to plan for controlling summer fly populations.

Adequate fly control programs are multiStable flies and house flies are the most common fly species in feedyards. House flies peak in population in July and persist into the fall. While house fly populations can reach extremely high density, they are mostly faceted and systematic, and in addition to directly enhancing an annoyance. House flies do not suck blood, but rather feed on liquids or solids they can dissolve with saliva (Greene et al., 1998). While house flies may not be the principle enemy in terms of cattle cattle performance, can aid in the prevention of acute heat performance, they can be a public relations concern. As fall approaches, house flies roost in buildings, vehicles and other places that can be a concern to neighboring businesses or residences. Purely from a stress in feedlots. We recommend a combination of at least public relations standpoint, you need to control house flies. two fly control strategies used in combination from the time Adult stable flies feed on blood, by attacking the legs of cattle and piercing the skin (Greene et al., 1998).

Stable flies are most abundant in spring, and numbers generally decline with hot, dry weather. However, of the last hard freeze ofofstable thefliesspring toforthe killing frost inof during cool summers, high populations may persist up to first 4 months.

The feeding actions stable flies cause cattle to bunch and stomp, and can reduce performance. Research conducted over the your local area.(Campbell Before which severalfall yearsin at the University of Nebraska et al., deciding 1997; Catangui et al., 2001) strategies evaluated cattle performance and economic losses as a result of stable flies using screens to prevent fly entry into protected are the best fit for your feedlot, you need to identify pens while measuring fly populations in adjacent pens. Fly populations of 50 per calf resultedthe in ADG reduction of 13.2%, while gains were reduced up to 20% when 100 flies per animal were present (Campbell, problem species theinproblem areas in(1997) thereported lot. average reduction in 1977). Over seventeen yearsand of research this model, Catangui et al.

ADG of 8.46%. The economic loss associated with stable flies depends on the cost of cattle, ration cost, and duration of the fly season. With breakevens as high as we have today, this loss is undoubtedly substantial.

In addition, high stable fly densities can contribute to heat-related cattle mortality by causing cattle to bunch during times of heat stress. Densities as low as 5 stable flies per leg can reduce performance and indicate control measures need to be in place.

Stable flies and house flies are the most common fly species in feedyards. House flies peak in population in July and Stable flies and house flies both breed in manure, so the first step in fly control is manure management. persist into the fall. While house fly will populations canStable reach Without proper manure management, other fly control measures produce limited results. flies require a moist mixture of soil and organic matter between 4 and 12 inches deep in which to lay eggs. In a extremely high density, they are mostly 4-year study (Skoda et al., 1996) of immature fly populations in feedlot an pens,annoyance.

62.5% of immature flies were found adjacent to feeding aprons, 24.6% around mounds, and 8.4% along pen side fences. Areas where House flies do notmanure suckareblood, but rather feed liquids or hoof action constantly disturbs poor breeding grounds for stable flies, on but those areas where stagnant manure and soil mixtures collect are the problem. Another survey of 93 feedlots (Gilbertson and Campbell, 1986) substantial immature fly populations existed in andet around storage areas, solids theyfound can dissolve with salivaalso(Greene al.,feed1998). along bunk lines, and in drainage areas.

While house flies may not be the principle enemy in terms Since stable flies take about 3 weeks to develop, and house flies about 2 weeks, one may conclude that scraping apronsperformance, and around mounds every 2 weeks or less greatly reduce fly populations, if manure of cattle they can beshould a public relations concern. is removed from pens. Early spring pen maintenance should include removing manure deposits under fences, and around any other obstacles to provide less roost breeding habitat for flies. Spring vehicles is also a good time As fall approaches, house flies in buildings, to clean out drains, settlement ponds, lagoon edges, and any other areas where wet, stagnant combinations and other places that can be a concern to neighboring businesses or residences. Purely from a public relations 500 S 4 • POB 377 • Eagle, NE 68347 www.GPLC-Inc.com Phone (402) 781-9378 Ki C Fanning, Ph.D., PAS Ki.Fanning@GPLC-Inc.com Mobile (402) 890-5505 standpoint, you needJeremy.Martin@GPLC-Inc.com to control house flies.

Jeremy Martin, Ph.D. Mobile (402) 890-5507 TH

Dan Larson, Ph.D. Zeb Prawl, M.S. Luke Miller, M.S. Bill M. Chapman, M.S., PAS

Dan.Larson@GPLC-Inc.com Zeb.Prawl@GPLC-Inc.com Luke.Miller@GPLC-Inc.com Bill@cmpdairy.com

Mobile (402) 560-4052 Mobile (620) 243-3846 Mobile (660) 299-0798 Mobile (402) 416-3277

Adult stable flies feed on blood, by attacking the legs of cattle and piercing the skin (Greene et al., 1998). Stable flies are most abundant in spring, and numbers generally decline with hot, dry weather. However, during cool summers, high populations of stable flies may persist for up to 4 months. The feeding actions of stable flies cause cattle to bunch and stomp, and can reduce performance.

Research conducted over several years at the University of Nebraska (Campbell et al., 1997; Catangui et al., 2001) evaluated cattle performance and economic losses as a result of stable flies using screens to prevent fly entry into protected pens while measuring fly populations in adjacent pens. Fly populations of 50 per calf resulted in ADG reduction of 13.2%, while gains were reduced up to 20% when 100 flies per animal were present (Campbell, 1977).

Over seventeen years of research in this model, Catangui et al. (1997) reported average reduction in ADG of 8.46%.

The economic loss associated with stable flies depends on the cost of cattle, ration cost, and duration of the fly season.

With breakevens as high as we have today, this loss is undoubtedly substantial. In addition, high stable fly densities can contribute to heat-related cattle mortality by causing cattle to bunch during times of heat stress. Densities as low as 5 stable flies per leg can reduce performance and indicate control measures need to be in place.

16

Lisa Taylor 4/7/2015 9:04 AM Deleted: ,

Stable flies and house flies both breed in manure, so the first step in fly control is manure management. Without proper manure management, other fly control measures will produce limited results. Stable flies require a moist mixture of soil and organic matter between 4 and 12 inches deep in which to lay eggs. In a 4-year study (Skoda et al., 1996) of immature fly populations in feedlot pens, 62.5% of immature Lisa Taylor 4/7/2015 9:08 AM Deleted: , flies were found adjacent to feeding aprons, 24.6% around Lisa Taylor 4/7/2015 9:05 AM Deleted: . mounds, and 8.4% along pen side fences. Areas where hoof Lisa Taylor 4/7/2015 9:12 AM action constantly disturbs manure are poor breeding grounds Deleted: n Lisa Taylor 4/7/2015 9:05 AM for stable flies, but those areas where stagnant manure and Deleted: .

Lisa Taylor 4/7/2015 9:07 AM soil mixtures collect are the problem. Another survey of 93 Deleted: poplulations Lisa Taylor 4/7/2015 9:12 AM feedlots (Gilbertson and Campbell, 1986) found substantial Deleted: n immature fly populations also existed in and around feed Lisa Taylor 4/7/2015 9:05 AM Deleted: . storage areas, along bunk lines, and in drainage areas.

Lisa Taylor 4/7/2015 9:06 AM Deleted: ,

Lisa Taylor 4/7/2015 9:06 AM Deleted: .

Since stable flies take about 3 weeks to develop, and house flies about 2 weeks, one may conclude that scraping aprons and around mounds every 2 weeks or less should greatly reduce fly populations, if manure is removed from pens.

Early spring pen maintenance should include removing manure deposits under fences, and around any other obstacles to provide less breeding habitat for flies. Spring is also a good time to clean out drains, settlement ponds, lagoon edges, and any other areas where wet, stagnant combinations of manure and soil exist. Take the time clean up your feed grounds as well, removing spoiled feedstuffs, reshaping areas that hold moisture, and generally removing fly habitat.

Predatory wasps whose larva feed only on fly pupae are commonly used in feedlots as a stable fly control measure, and can be very effective. Muscidifurax zaraptor are commonly localized in house fly pupae, but are commonly sold because they have high survivability. While they should be included in your program for house fly control, they should not be the sole species released. Spalangia nigroaenea larva can be found in both house and stable fly pupae and appear to be adapted well to feedlot environments in the Midwest (Greene et al., 1998), so they should be a part of your parasitic wasp program. Parasitic wasps should be placed early in the summer, usually early June, and it is important to place 20 to 50 parasites per head on feed on a weekly basis.

Stable flies feed most actively between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and after feeding they seek a shaded area to roost.

Windbreaks, weed patches, shaded sides of buildings or

Fly Control in Feedlots Continued... bunks, and adjacent fields often provide a roosting area for stable flies. Some of these areas are necessary, but controlling weeds in particular, will help reduce fly pressure on cattle. Chemical treatment of cattle produces transient results, and it is difficult to effectively treat the legs of cattle where stable flies congregate. So, chemical treatment should be used mainly when other measures have failed, or to achieve an initial knock down of fly populations prior to implementing other controls. Focus on spraying early morning or late evening in areas where stable flies roost. Treating roost areas with residual sprays can be very effective in reducing fly populations. Always apply insecticides in accordance with label regulations, make sure you or your applicator are licensed, and document use.

Feed additives that control fly populations via activity in the manure are another option. Three options are on the market: Rabon oral larvacide, Altosid IGR, and Clarifly. Altosid IGR targets horn fly development and is more appropriate for

cattle on pastures than in feedlots. Clarifly and Rabon oral larvacide target all manure-breeding flies, but work through separate pathways. Rabon is a larvacide that directly kills the larvae of all 4 fly species, while Clarifly prevents development of flies by interrupting the life cycle. Both are effective if dosed correctly on a daily basis. In order for either to work well, feedlot operators should start feeding early in the spring, 30 days before flies appear and should be fed continuously until 30 days after a killing frost. These products should be used as part of a fly control program, and are not a substitute for manure management.

We encourage feedlot operators to develop fly control programs that focus on at least two methods of control, and manure management to reduce fly habitat should always be one of those methods. We generally recommend parasitic wasps or feed through control measures with chemical application reserved for acute fly problems.

17

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It’s The Most Potent Oxytet On The Market Veterinarians Continue To Reach For It Because:  Broad-spectrum antibiotic for bacterial pneumonia, shipping fever, footrot, pinkeye and E. coli scours  Long duration of activity (up to 8 days) during transition periods of weaning, shipping stress, comingling and receiving  Highly effective - especially vs. one dose of 200 mg/mL oxytetracycline  Convenient single treatment option that can be administered either IM (intramuscular) or SQ (subcutaneous)  Economical per-dose price  Convenient 100 mL, 250 mL and 500 mL bottles

℞

If your beef practice requires a no-nonsense, long-lasting and highly cost-effective oxytetracycline, choose 300 PRO LA® (oxytetracycline 300 mg/mL) from Norbrook.

300 PRO LA IS AVAILABLE ONLY THROUGH VETERINARIANS ®

Observe label directions and withdrawal times. Not for use in lactating dairy animals. Adverse reactions, including injection site swelling, restlessness, ataxia, trembling, respiratory abnormalities (labored breathing), collapse and possibly death have been reported.

See product labeling for full product information.

www.norbrookinc.com The Norbrook logos are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited 300 PRO LA® is a registered trademark of Norbrook Laboratories Limited

300 PRO LA®™ (oxytetracycline) Injection

ANTIBIOTIC: Each mL contains 300 mg of oxytetracycline base as amphoteric oxytetracycline. For Use in Beef, Non-lactating Dairy Cattle, Calves, Including Pre-ruminating (Veal) Calves and Swine.

READ ENTIRE LABEL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT. Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

INTRODUCTION: 300 PRO LA (oxytetracycline) Injection is a sterile, ready to use solution of the broad-spectrum antibiotic oxytetracycline dihydrate. Oxytetracycline is an antimicrobial agent that is effective in treatment of a wide range of diseases caused by susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

300 PRO LA should be stored at room temperature 56°-86°F (15°-30°C).

The antibiotic activity of oxytetracycline is not appreciably diminished in the presence of body fluids, serum or exudates.

INGREDIENTS: 300 PRO LA Injection is a sterile, pre-constituted solution of the broadspectrum antibiotic oxytetracycline dihydrate. Each mL contains 300 mg oxytetracycline as base, 40% (v/v) glycerol formal, 10% (v/v) polyethylene glycol 200, 2.7% (w/v) magnesium oxide, 0.4% (w/v) sodium formaldehyde sulphoxylate (as a preservative) and monoethanolamine (as required to adjust pH).

INDICATIONS: 300 PRO LA is intended for use in treatment for the following diseases when due to oxytetracycline-susceptible organisms: Beef cattle, nonlactating dairy cattle, calves, including pre-ruminating (veal) calves: 300 PRO LA is indicated in the treatment of pneumonia and shipping fever complex associated with Pasteurella spp., and Histophilus spp. 300 PRO LA is indicated for the treatment of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye) caused by Moraxella bovis, foot-rot and diphtheria caused

by Fusobacterium necrophorum; bacterial enteritis (scours) caused by Escherichia coli; wooden tongue caused by Actinobacillus lignieresi; 0514-143-I01A

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leptospirosis caused by Leptospira pomona; and wound infections and acute metritis caused by strains of staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms sensitive to oxytetracycline. Also, it is indicated for the control of respiratory disease in cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica.

Swine: 300 PRO LA is indicated in the treatment of bacterial enteritis (scours, colibacillosis) caused by Escherichia coli; pneumonia cause by Pasteurella multocida; and leptospirosis caused by Leptospira pomona.

In sows 300 PRO LA is indicated as an aid in control of infectious enteritis (baby pig scours, colibacillosis) in suckling pigs caused by Escherichia coli.

PHARMACOLOGY: Oxytetracycline is derived from the metabolic activity of the actinomycete, Streptomyces rimosus. Oxytetracycline is an antimicrobial agent that is effective in the treatment of a wide range of diseases cause by susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The antibiotic activity of oxytetracycline is not appreciably diminished in the presence of body fluids, serum or exudates.

Studies have shown that the half-life of oxytetracycline in blood following intramuscular treatment with 300 PRO LA at 5 mg per pound of bodyweight is approximately 23 hours in cattle and 18 hours in swine. Studies have shown when 300 PRO LA is administered once intramuscularly to cattle or swine at 9 mg per pound of bodyweight, blood oxytetracycline concentration of greater than 0.2 mcg/mL have been observed for 3 to 4 days.

Studies have shown when 300 PRO LA is administered once intramuscularly or subcutaneously to cattle at 13.6 mg per pound of bodyweight, blood oxytetracycline concentration of greater than 0.2 mcg/mL have been observed for at least 7 to 8 days.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Beef cattle, non-lactating dairy cattle, calves, including pre-ruminating (veal) calves: A single intramuscular or subcutaneous dosage of 13.6 mg of oxytetracycline per pound of bodyweight, 300 PRO LA is recommended for the control of respiratory disease in cattle at high risk of developing BRD

associated with Mannheimia (pasteurella) haemolytica.

At a single intramuscular or subcutaneous dose range of 9 to 13.6 mg of oxytetracycline per pound of bodyweight, 300 PRO LA is recommended in the treatment of the following conditions: (1) Bacterial pneumonia caused by Pasteurella spp (shipping fever) in calves and yearlings where retreatment is impractical due to husbandry conditions, such as cattle on range, or where their repeated restraint is inadvisable (2) Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye) caused by Moraxella bovis.

For other indications 300 PRO LA is to be administered intramuscularly, subcutaneously or intravenously at a level of 3 to 5 mg of oxytetracycline per pound of bodyweight per day. In treatment of foot-rot and advance cases of other indicated diseases, a dosage level of 5 mg per pound of bodyweight per day is recommended. Treatment should be continued 24 to 48 hours following remission of disease signs, however, not to exceed a total of four (4) consecutive days. If improvement is not noted within 24 to 48 hours of the beginning of treatment, diagnosis and therapy should be re-evaluated.

Do not administer intramuscularly in the neck of small calves due to lack of sufficient muscle mass. Use extreme care when administering this product by intravenous injection. Perivascular injection or leakage from an intravenous injection may cause severe swelling at the injection site.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: Reports of adverse reactions associated with oxytetracycline administration include injection site swelling, restlessness, ataxia, trembling, swelling of eyelids, ears, muzzle, anus and vulva (or scrotum and sheath in males), respiratory abnormalities (labored breathing), frothing at the mouth, collapse and possibly death. Some of these reactions may be attributed either to anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction) or to cardiovascular collapse of unknown cause.

Upcoming Events...

16th - Washington State University, Moses Lake, WA, Dr. Tom presenting on Cow-Calf Stockmanship

PAC members will either be attending or speaking at these events over the next few months.

17th - KSU Spring Beef Conference , Manhattan, KS, Dr. Nels presenting, “Manager - Veterinary Relationships and Making the Most of Them”

March

25th - Salina Farm Show, Salina, KS, Dr. Tom presenting

21st - Implementing PRRS Control Strategies, Nantes, France, Dr. Jim presenting

27th - Imperial Auction Market, Imperial, NE, Dr. Tom presenting

May

April

18th - 22nd - Korean “Pig Elite” Tour, South Korea, 1st - SW Iowa Veterinary Association, Oseola, IA, Dr. Dr. Jim presenting Tom presenting 28th - Animal Handling Event, KS, Dr. Kip and Dr. 9th - Academy of Veterinary Consultants, Norman, Tom presenting with Paulo Loureiro from Merck OK, Dr. Nels presenting, “SOP’s - A Necessary Evil?”

9th - 11th - Academy of Veterinary Consultants, Norman, OK, PAC members attending 13th - 17th - Practical PRRS Management, Denmark, Dr. Jim presenting 16th - Plains Nutrition Council meeting, San Antonio, TX, Dr. Kip presenting

Thank you to all sponsors for supporting PAC and this magazine.

American Animal Health Animal Health International CPEC Daniels Manufacturing Co. Merck Animal Health Micro Beef Technologies Newport Laboratories Norbrook Whisper Veterinary Stethoscope Zinpro Zoetis 19

Production Animal Consultation PO Box 41 Oakley, KS 67748 (785) 673-9572 www.pacdvms.com

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