Protein Producers Winter 2016

PROTEIN producers

Feedlot Cow-Calf Swine Dairy Equine Winter 2016 - 2017

TRUST IS EARNED Winning the praise of cattlemen and veterinarians requires top performance, reliability and a fair price.

Norfenicol® (florfenicol)

Shorter Sub-Q Withdrawal Time Than Nuflor® Less Viscous and More Syringeable Than Nuflor* New Plastic Bottles Eliminate Breakage and Product Loss FDA-Approved for Sub-Q Use in Cattle at High-Risk of BRD Broad Spectrum Treatment and Control Against BRD Unique Formulation

orfenicol

®

(florfenicol)

*Data on file

www.norbrookinc.com Observe label directions and withdrawal times. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. For use in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle only. Not approved for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 28 days of the last intramuscular treatment or within 33 days of subcutaneous treatment. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. Intramuscular injection may result in local tissue reaction which may result in trim loss at slaughter. See product labeling for full product information, including adverse reactions.

The Norbrook logos and Norfenicol are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited. Nuflor is a registered trademark of Merck Animal Health.

0816-495-I01A

FOR VETERINARY USE ONLY

ANADA 200-591, Approved by FDA

PROTEIN Producers For intramuscular and subcutaneous use in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle only.

BRIEF SUMMARY (For full Prescribing Information, see package insert.)

INDICATIONS: Norfenicol is indicated for treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni, and for the treatment of foot rot. Also, it is indicated for control of respiratory disease in cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with M.haemolytica, P. multocida, and H. somni.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not use in animals that have shown hypersensitivity to florfenicol.

NOT FOR HUMAN USE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Can be irritating to skin and eyes. Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. In case of accidental eye exposure, flush with water for 15 minutes. In case of accidental skin exposure, wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Consult physician if irritation persists. Accidental injection of this product may cause local irritation. Consult physician immediately. The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more, talk about Norfenicol with your veterinarian.

For customer service, adverse effects reporting, or to obtain a copy of the MSDS or FDA-approved package insert, call 1-866-591-5777.

PRECAUTIONS: Not for use in animals intended for breeding. Effects on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. Intramuscular injection may result in local tissue reaction which persists beyond 28 days. This may result in trim loss at slaughter. Tissue reaction at injection sites other than the neck is likely to be more severe.

RESIDUE WARNINGS: Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 28 days of the last intramuscular treatment. Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 33 days of subcutaneous treatment.

Not approved for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows as such use may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows. A withdrawal period has not been established in pre-ruminating calves.

Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: Inappetence, decreased water consumption, or diarrhea may occur transiently.

Manufactured by: Norbrook Laboratories Limited, Newry, BT35 6PU, Co. Down, Northern Ireland.

The Norbrook logos and Norfenicol ® are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited.

2016 Volume 4 Issue 4 Editor Kelly Terrell Associate Editor Lisa Taylor Editorial Assistant Brandi Bain

THE PAC TEAM Dr. Wade Taylor Technology identification and deployment Dr. Tom Noffsinger Animal handling, staff development Dr. Doug Ford Reproduction, lameness Dr. Corbin Stevens Diagnostics and clinical evaluation Dr. Nels Lindberg Leadership development, field research Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz Animal handling, field research, facility design Dr. Jim Lowe System design and management, team education Dr. Shane Terrell Feedlot lameness, field research Dr. Kev Sullivan International veterinarian Animal handling, heat stress management Dr. Dan Thomson Field research, team education Dr. Tom Edwards Associate member Ultrasound technology Ted Howard Animal stewardship, horsemanship Jose Valles Bilingual education & training, research monitoring Garrett Taylor Information management Kelly Terrell Marketing and communications Lisa Taylor Business and data analysis Brandi Bain Marketing and business administration

Service. Synthesis. Solutions. pacdvms.com

Winter Afternoon NA Timmerman Feeding McDonald, KS Jason Timmerman, Co-Owner 4 pacdvms.com

We want to showcase unique photographs from our readers here!

Please submit your photographs to Kelly Terrell at kelly.terrell@pacdvms.com.

17 21 Contents 13 Animal Stewardship:

Continued Benefits of Acclimation

14 Chuckles from Down Under 15 Robert “Bob” Gottsch Inducted

into Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame

33 27 23 Chuckles from Down Under 24 Revisión de Caso Clínico:

Gabarro en Ganado de Carne

27 Swine:

Can Thinking Like an Engineer Improve Health Management?

17 Faciltiy Design:

29 Hey Bro, Text Me a Sunrise

21 Clinical Case Review:

31 Newest PAC Members

Don’t Battle Your Budget

Foot Rot in Beef Cattle

41 38 Winter 2016-2017

43

33 Cow-Calf:

41 Dairy:

35 Leadership:

43 Getting to Know the PAC Team:

Nutrition Impacts Feedlot Health, Part 1: Prenatal Nutrition How Do We Deal with Conflict and Tough Conversations?

37 Business Management:

Are You a Strong Leader?

38 Keeping an LED Eye on Sick Feedlot Cattle

39 Cartoon by Doug Gaswick

Wanted: Comfortable Cows

Dr. Tom Edwards

45 Addressing Feedlot Lameness, Norfolk, NE Meeting Review

45 PAC 2016 Year-End Snapshot 47 Events

Clean-Up™ II Pour-On Insecticide with IGR

Effective lice control shouldn’t be a riddle. The only pour-on with an added insect growth regulator (IGR), one application of Clean-Up™ II on cattle kills both adult lice and their eggs. Finally, a simple answer for lice. ©2016 Bayer, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201. Bayer (reg’d), the Bayer Cross (reg’d) and Clean-Up™ are trademarks of Bayer.

[

A:

Who cares?

Kill both with one dose of Clean-Up™ II.

[

Clean-Up II ™

Pour-On Insecticide with IGR

I161499

Welcome Welcome to Volume 4, Issue 4 of Protein Producers! As we look forward to 2017, we also want to remember the loved ones lost and count the many blessings granted to us in 2016. This magazine is about being a part of a special family dedicated to producing food for mankind. Raising animals for food is a privilege afforded to very few people in this world today. We at Production Animal Consultation consider it a humbling honor to work with you in this journey.

This issue will focus on cow-calf, swine and dairy production. Food animal production may include different animals and different ages of animals in each segment of the respective industry but animal husbandry and health challenges can be very similar. The management of breeding, gestation, birthing, lactation, weaning and fattening or milking are common lifecycles in all food animal production industries.

Protein Producers will also focus on animal stewardship and facility designs in this issue. Animal stewardship, or husbandry, includes providing proper preventative medicine and biosecurity, nutrition, shelter and other animal care practices. We also must focus on the human-animal interaction. As we gain the trust of our animals, they let their guard down for easier animal injury or illness determination which results in better treatment success. The proper design of cattle handling facilities also aids in the human-animal interaction. This will prevent injury and disease by improved cattle flow in our facilities and improved attitudes in our crews that work with the animals.

To subscribe to Protein Producers visit pacdvms.com and click on our Subscribe link!

Production Animal Consultation prides itself in quality research that is relevant to your operations. We continue to build our staff and resources to conduct research trials that answer your questions. If you have ideas that you would like researched, our ears are open to work with you directly on your operation or take your ideas forward to be reviewed in our partner research facilities.

We are very excited to start offering some articles in Protein Producers in Spanish. Our food animal production facilities provide a culturally diverse and wonderful work environment. Expanding our magazine and other materials to support both English and Spanish speaking audiences is something we are all very proud to provide.

The food animal production family is special. My family is very proud to serve agriculture and love meeting you all as we travel across the country. We look forward to seeing you at the PAC producer meetings this summer.

Here’s to kicking off 2017 and wishing you all the very best.

Dr. Dan Thomson, PhD, DVM

Follow us on Twitter @PACVets

BRD Commercial vaccines contain a generic selection of disease organisms from around the country.

YOU

Don’t wait, order your custom made BRD vaccine today!

Call us at 800-220-2522 www.newportlabs.com

®The Newport Laboratories Logo is a registered trademark of Newport Laboratories, Inc. All other mark belong to their respective owners. ©2016 Newport Laboratories, Inc., Worthington, MN. All rights reserved. NLRBU065.V2 (10/16)

Contributors Quint Finney

Quint is an independent management/operations consultant. He works in KS, OK, NE, WY, CO and Canada, focusing on productivity and efficiency through effective personnel development. qfinney1@gmail.com, 620-655-6138

Jacob Mayer

Jacob is a project engineer for Settje Agri-Services & Engineering (www.settje.com) located near Raymond, NE. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and has a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Iowa State University and M.S. in Biological Engineering from Mississippi State University. He resides in Wahoo, NE with his wife, Katie, and daughter, Kirkland. He does not wear a pocket protector and does not know how to use a slide rule.

Dr. Jeremy Martin

Dr. Martin is a nutritionist with Great Plains Livestock Consulting, Inc. and resides in Lexington, NE. He has a Masters and Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition and reproductive management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Dr. Jeffrey DeFrain

Thank you to all sponsors for supporting PAC & Protein Producers.

American Animal Health Animal Health International Bayer Boehringer Ingelheim CPEC Daniels Manufacturing Co. DOCTalk Elanco Lallemand Merck Animal Health Merial

Dr. DeFrain earned his MS from Kansas State University and then his PhD in animal science at South Dakota State University. His focus has been on trace mineral research and conducting thorough evaluations of large dairies in a wide range of geographies and economies. He currently is a dairy consultant with Progressive Dairy Solutions.

Micro Beef Technologies

Thank you to all those contributing multiple stories and insights to Protein Producers.

Nova Microbial Technologies

Cover Photo Credits: Thank you to K-Farm and Doug Keiser in Gothenburg, NE for the photograph, “Snowy Meal.”

Midwest NetPro Newport Laboratories Norbrook

Nutrition Physiology Company Randall Bumgarner SSG Fusion Zinpro Zoetis

pacdvms.com 11

Continued Benefits of Acclimation By: Dr. Tom Noffsinger and Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz, Production Animal Consultation, & Dr. LeeAnn Hyder, Robinson Hospital for Animals Excerpt from “Feedlot Processing and Arrival Cattle Management,” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 31.3 (2015): 323-340.

Pen riders are responsible for continued acclimation throughout the feeding period. These are the individuals who interact with cattle on a daily basis. Being able to create orderly motion within a pen allows for systematic evaluation of every animal in the pen.

When cattle trust their pen rider, sick animals reveal their true state of health and may walk by the pen rider for evaluation. Proper acclimation makes it easier and safer to pull an individual from a pen. Animals that trust their caregiver are more willing to leave the company of their herd mates.

When cattle have been taught to work for their handlers, they are willing to pass by their handlers in an orderly fashion. This action allows cattle to be safely counted, sorted, or processed. As part of the acclimation process, cattle can be taught to move to and through the processing barn.

Emptying the home pen and allowing cattle to move toward the processing barn without actually going to the barn teaches cattle that they can leave their home pen without having something done to them. This understanding makes cattle more willing to go to the processing barn at the time of processing. If time permits, cattle can be introduced to the processing facility by allowing them to move through the facility without being processed, which further encourages their cooperation at the time of processing.

Correctly emptying home pens reinforces acclimation training and prepares cattle for single file movement during processing, sorting, and loading. If possible, handlers should work in teams of 2 or 3 to empty a pen. As when emptying a holding pen, handlers should work from the side of the gate that allows cattle to maintain visualization of both the handler and their destination.

When entering the pen to be emptied, handlers should remain calm and move through the herd asking the resting animals to stand up; this focuses the cattle’s attention on the handlers. One handler should be positioned by the gate, whereas the other supports motion further back in the herd.

The handler at the gate locates the leader of the group and then asks that animal to step forward by first moving to straighten the animal’s head and then moving toward his ear, applying pressure at a 45° angle. The handler applies pressure to the other animals in a similar manner until orderly flow is established and then backs up and allows motion to continue. pacdvms.com 13

Any stray animals can be gathered after most of the pen has been emptied by asking them to follow the remainder of the herd.

Safety is the top priority each time caregivers interact with cattle. It is important for handlers not to position themselves without an escape route. A handler should never be inside a solid-walled tub with cattle or behind them in the snake (the single file alley to the chute). Caregivers should never be in a position to fail in terms of human and animal safety.

In challenging environments, it is important for caregivers and pen riders to know their limitations and ask for assistance. Challenging environments can include pens with obstacles such as manure piles, hay bales, hills, or a large pen area where it is difficult for a single individual to maintain eye contact with cattle. Having multiple people allows eye contact to be maintained.

Chuckles From Down Under

By: Jane Sullivan, Bell Veterinary Services A wife wanted snails for dinner and sent her husband to get some.

After buying them he stopped off at a bar for a quick drink.

Staggering home four hours later, he tripped outside his house and dropped the snails everywhere.

His wife heard the commotion and came to see what had happened.

“You’ve been gone four hours!” she shouted.

“Come on you lot,” said her husband to the snails.

“We’re nearly there.”

Feedlot Shade Sytems that deliver: • Cost-effective shade solutions • Design flexibility • Spans to keep pens clear of posts • Uniquely designed canopy material

Set up your Consultation Today!

Midwest NetPro Gary Kreikemeier Phone: 402-563-4712 Fax: 402-527-5594 Email: midplainscattle@gmail.com • Even distribution of rainfall • 10-year pro-rata UV warranty Website: netprocanopies.com • Easy maintenance

Robert “Bob” Gottsch Inducted into Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame By: Brandi Bain and Lisa Taylor, Production Animal Consultation

On July 12th, in Denver, Colorado, the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame recognized Robert (Bob) Gottsch, Sr., founder of Gottsch Cattle Company, as one of their 2016 Hall of Fame inductees. The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame, established in 2009, is dedicated to recognizing individuals who have committed their lives and careers to producing affordable and safe quality beef. Bob’s son Brett Gottsch was honored to accept the award on behalf of his late father.

Bob Gottsch learned the value of hard work early on from his father. He was born near Kennard, Nebraska in 1926 and spent his early years on his father’s hog and cattle farm. After losing the farm during the Great Depression, his family moved to Elkhorn, Nebraska. Bob volunteered in the United States military after high school graduation, serving in the military police in Germany during World War II. After his time in Germany, he returned home and started working with his brother. Together they bought a service station business named Gottsch Brothers Transfer and Oil Company and managed a grain shelling business.

At the same time, Bob started feeding a few of his own cattle on the side. In 1956, he leased a lot where he fed cattle for other producers and approximately 2,000 head of his own cattle. A year later, he bought the lot and increased his head to 8,000 over time. He began a lifelong partnership with Ken Morrison in 1975, buying into a 42,000-head feedyard in Juniata, Nebraska.

As the company continued to expand, Bob’s sons and others came on board and they added locations in Deerfield, Kansas, and Red Cloud, Nebraska. They also partnered with Gerald Timmerman to operate the Peter Kiwi’s Foundation’s Pawnee Springs Ranch.

Today Bob’s sons continue the hard-working legacy of their father, who passed in 2002. Gottsch Cattle Company currently operates feedyards in Juniata, North Platte, and Red Cloud, Nebraska with total capacity of 195,500 head.

In addition to their feedyards, Gottsch Cattle Company operates ranching, trucking, commodity trading, and other related businesses.

pacdvms.com 15

Don’t Battle Your Budget By: Jacob Mayer, P.E., Settje Agri-Services & Engineering, Inc. In my last article, we worked through some of the critical details involved in building a new cattle working facility for your ranch or feedyard.

Disciplined planning will not only benefit you during construction, but it will also help you establish a firm budget and stick to it.

Perhaps you had a number in your head when we started that you wanted to use for a bottom line cost.

Without a thoroughly defined scope, that is a hard figure to estimate. Now that we have a game plan, we have some decisions to make on how to proceed.

Here are a couple options to get your project built: 1. Build it yourself. Can your current labor force build fence and pour concrete? You may need to purchase the building structure and equipment, but much of the work stays in-house. This path is typically much slower; however, it allows you to control the schedule and can save money if you’ve got capable people on your team.

2. Hire a general contractor. A general contractor is a one stop shop. They handle everything for a predetermined price and as long as you stick to your plan, the price doesn’t change. This option is usually the most expensive because they assume all of the risk in regard to the price of materials and weather.

3. Hire a construction manager or act as your own.

A construction manager will solicit bids from multiple contractors for the different aspects of the job (building erection, plumbing, electrical, etc.) for you to review and award contracts to. They will oversee the work to make sure everything is built according to the plans. They receive a fee for their services, but you pay the actual costs.

There isn’t a right or wrong way to go, but there is a best way for your particular situation. Depending on the route you choose, your budget will develop differently, but ultimately you will arrive at a cost. Keeping your banker, partners, and family in the know during this budget development process will avoid surprises and delays in the start of construction.

The key to staying on budget is minimizing changes.

Projects of this size are too complex to execute perfectly without ever running into a snag. pacdvms.com 17

I include a contingency with my customers to account for unforeseen overages and then we strive to keep them under 5% of the total budget.

A common question that tends to come up at this juncture is if my budget is more than I am comfortable spending, how or where can I save money. I strongly recommend that you never compromise on aspects that directly affect the cattle.

Go after the low hanging fruit first. Is there an office area or break room that can be simplified? Are there portions that can be combined to provide the same functionality with less? Did you automate something that can be done

manually? There are typically lots of opportunities to adjust the plan to fit your financial constraints and still accomplish your goals.

In the next issue, I’ll conclude our series with some construction tips, tricks, and ideas. Until then, God Bless.

(Sample Feedlot Expansion Budget on next page from Settje Agri-Services & Engineering, Inc)

Daniels Manufacturing Co. World’s Finest Livestock Equipment For Over Fifty Years •

•

•

•

Double Alleyway o Stationary & Portable o Fast, easy and safe way to process cattle All Hydraulic Squeeze Chute o Stationary & Portable o Quietest and most user friendly chute on the market, featuring our unique squeeze design and neck stretcher Complete Corral Units, Panels, Gate and Continuous Fence o Manufactured from the finest high tensile strength tubing Facility Drawings and Consultations o Low stress cattle handling that encourages voluntary cattle flow and animal well being

PO Box 67 87725 State Hwy 7 Ainsworth NE 69210 www.danielsmfg.com

Office: 402-387-1891 Fax: 402-387-1961 Email: daniels@danielsmfg.com

ABC Feeders

Feedlot Expansion - Budget Earthwork

Quantity

Estimate

Bid

$75,000.00

$0.00

Estimate

Bid

$206,450.00

$0.00

Estimate

Bid

$126,300.00

$0.00

Estimate

Bid

$63,700.00

$0.00

Estimate

Bid

$50,000.00

$0.00

Estimate

Bid

$35,000.00

$0.00

Construction Sub-Total Overages & Contingencies (5%) Total Project Construction Cost

$556,450.00 $27,822.50 $584,272.50

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Construction Management Fees (7%) Engineering Fees (Design & Permit Application) Engineering Fees (NOT Covered by CM)

$38,951.50

$0.00

Hourly

Hourly

Hourly

Hourly

Total Project Cost

$653,224.00

$0.00

Mass Excavation

30,000

Units

Cubic Yards

$/Unit $2.50

Earthwork Sub-Total

Concrete

Quantity

Labor - Poured Bunk Concrete - Poured Bunk Misc Bunk Material Labor - Apron (15 ft) Concrete - Apron (15 ft) Labor - Tank Pads Concrete - Tank Pads Concrete - Fence Posts Large Water Tanks Splash Pad Staff Gauge Concrete Bunker Walls Feed Storage Slab Concrete - Feed Storage Slab

800 115 1 925 290 4,500 100 75 6 1 1 1 9,600 250

Units

Feet Cubic Yards Each Feet Cubic Yards Square Feet Cubic Yards Cubic Yards Each Each Each Each Square Feet Cubic Yards

$/Unit

$12.00 $92.50 $1,500.00 $9.00 $90.00 $2.25 $90.00 $87.50 $1,500.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $68,000.00 $2.25 $90.00

Concrete Sub-Total

Plumbing

Quantity

6" Main Water Line Water Valves Water / Drain Line Water Tank Plumbing Misc Fittings Basin Riser & Piping Lift Station & Pump 8" Livestock Waste Plumbing New Livestock Well Floating Pond Pump

600 4 900 6 1 2 2 2,500 1 1

Units Feet Each Feet Each Each Each Each Feet Each Each

$/Unit

$8.00 $1,000.00 $10.00 $1,500.00 $2,500.00 $3,500.00 $7,500.00 $10.00 $25,000.00 $25,000.00

Plumbing Sub-Total

Fence Drover's Alley - Pipe & Cable (w/ Butt Rail) Cross Fence - Guard Rail Perimeter - Pipe & Cable (w/o Butt Rail) 18' Gates

Quantity 1,350 1,100 1,250 20

Units Feet Feet Feet Each

$/Unit

$16.00 $16.00 $14.00 $350.00

Fence Sub-Total

Electrical Lump Sum Estimate

Quantity 1

Units Each

$/Unit

$50,000.00

Electrical Sub-Total

Roads Rock (1 1/2" Limestone) Rock Placement

Quantity 1,000 1,000

Units Tons Tons

$/Unit

$30.00 $5.00

Road Sub-Total

Linear Feet of Bunk Cost Per Foot of Bunk with Feed Storage Cost Per Foot of Bunk without General Contractor Cost Per Foot of Bunk without Feed Storage

$75,000.00

$9,600.00 $10,637.50 $1,500.00 $8,325.00 $26,100.00 $10,125.00 $9,000.00 $6,562.50 $9,000.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $68,000.00 $21,600.00 $22,500.00

$4,800.00 $4,000.00 $9,000.00 $9,000.00 $2,500.00 $7,000.00 $15,000.00 $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $25,000.00

$21,600.00 $17,600.00 $17,500.00 $7,000.00

$50,000.00

$30,000.00 $5,000.00

1,500 $435.48 $409.52 $360.75

pacdvms.com 19

Clinical Case Review: Foot Rot in Beef Cattle By: Lisa Taylor, Jose Valles and Dr. Tom Noffsinger, Production Animal Consultation and thank you to Dr. Dörte Döpfer, MSc, PhD, University of Wisconsin - Madison for your assistance with this clinical case review.

Foot rot, also known as interdigital necrobacilosis or interdigital phlegmon, is an infectious disease affecting the interdigital region of the bovine foot. Foot rot is a prominent cause of lameness in beef cattle which is associated with substantial economic losses for producers due to performance loss and treatment costs.

Foot rot cases are primarily caused by a synergism between Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum. D. nodosus enters and resides in the epithelium when the interdigital skin is damaged by maceration or microtrauma. Protein break-down by D. nodosus facilitates growth and entry of F. necrophorum. In addition, increased inflammatory response and reduced leukocyte function induced by F. necrophorum lead to inflammatory reactions attracting purulent Trueperella pyogenes to the scene when toxins result in pus formation and tissue destruction. Other bacteria species, such as Bacteroides melaninogenicus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus may also be involved. Super foot rot, a particularly acute and rapidly progressing condition, is thought to involve an antibiotic-resistant strain of F. necrophorum.

Foot rot outbreaks are sporadic and can affect anywhere from a few animals to more than 25% of the herd. Cattle of all ages are affected, and cases are seen year round and worldwide. Cattle are more susceptible to foot rot infection in hot, humid environments or when housed on high-moisture surfaces, such as pens with high accumulations of manure, urine, or mud.

Foot rot usually affects only one limb. Infected cattle will commonly present sudden lameness in the affected limb. Because foot rot is painful, the animal will become hesitant to move. Other symptoms include decreased appetite and possible fever. In severe cases, animals may go off feed completely.

Simple locomotion observation is not adequate to accurately differentiate foot rot from other lameness diagnoses.

The animal must be properly restrained so the affected foot can be lifted and thoroughly examined.

First the foot should be properly washed or wiped clean up to the declaw area. Then the limb and interdigital region should be examined for pain, swelling, redness, lesions, necrotic tissue, and odor. Foot rot cases will present symmetrical swelling throughout the foot.

Three stages of foot rot are differentiated. In stage 1, sudpacdvms.com 21

den onset of swelling and lameness are evident. The skin in the interdigital space may appear red and the inflammation may start to separate the claws (figure 1). Within 72 hours after onset of first signs, the interdigital skin ruptures (stage 2; figures 2, 3). This lesion can extend from the front to the back of the foot and is characterized by protrusion of necrotic tissue and a distinctive foul odor (figure 4). Stage 3 is characterized by formation of additional tissue in the interdigital space, leading to closure of the interdigital lesion. This can result in chronic sequelae such as corns, axial wall fissures and abnormal horn production. In chronic or severe cases, swelling may progress up the leg and infection can penetrate deeper, affecting bones, connective tissue, joints, and tendons.

Figure 3: Stage 2 infection

Figure 1: Stage 1 infection

Figure 4: Lesion extending from front to back of interdigital space

Figure 2: Stage 2 infection

22 pacdvms.com

Early detection of foot rot is key for improved treatment response. Mild cases may be treated topically, but most cases will require systemic antibiotic treatment. Several antibiotics can be used, including oxytetracycline, penicillin, ceftiofur, florfenicol, tulathromycin, and sulfonamides.

NSAIDs may also be administered for pain relief.

Affected cattle should be isolated and closely monitored; if recovery does not progress within a few days, additional treatment may be required. In severe cases, surgical treatment or railing the animal may be considered. A veterinarian should be consulted to determine the best treatment protocol given the disease severity, operation type, and withdrawal time.

Preventative measures are essential in avoiding and managing outbreaks of foot rot. Proper ration formulation and consistent bunk management reduces foot rot risk. It is vitally important to keep the surfaces cattle stand on as dry and free of debris as possible as moist pen conditions increase risk of foot rot infections.

Pen surfaces should be scraped regularly to avoid accumulation of urine, feces, mud, and other debris, particularly around bunks and water tanks. Proper drainage and sprinkler usage will help in reducing mud and high moisture areas. Pen surfaces should also be kept free of gravel, rocky soil, and frozen or dried mud and manure, which can cause trauma to the interdigital space of the foot. Flooring surfaces in processing, loading, and unloading areas should be inspected frequently for rough surfaces that may cause disruption of the interdigital skin.

Supplementation of zinc, organic iodide, vitamin A, and vitamin D may aid in prevention of foot rot and other lameness issues. Some operations have utilized copper sulfate or formaldehyde footbaths at the time of unloading, initial processing, or re-implant as a preventative measure. While these footbaths can reduce foot rot incidence, it is important to understand the associated costs and environmental issues. Both commercial and autogenous bacterin vaccines are available for foot rot, but the cost effectiveness of such vaccines has not been clearly demonstrated. General management and biosecurity programs focused on improved health should also be implemented.

References 1. AABP Lameness Committee. 2016. Interdigital Phlegmon (Foot Rot). American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Accessed October 31, 2016, from http://www. aabp.org/Members/resources/AABP%20Footrot.pdf.

2. Currin, J.F., W.D. Whittier, and N. Currin. 2009. Foot Rot in Beef Cattle. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 400-310. Accessed October 27, 2016, from https:// pubs.ext.vt.edu/400/400-310/400-310.html.

3. Mülling, C., D. Döpfer, T. Edwards, C. Larson, D. Tomlinson, and M. Branine. 2014. Cattle Lameness: Identification, Prevention and Control of Claw Lesions, First Edition, Zinpro Corporation, p. 52-55.

4. Dewell, G. and J. Shearer. 2009. Foot Rot in Beef Cattle. Iowa State University Extension PM 1728. Accessed October 27, 2016, from https://store.extension.iastate. edu/Product/Foot-Rot-in-Beef-Cattle-PDF. 5. Greenough, P.R. 2015. Interdigital Phlegmon (Footrot, Foul in the Foot) in Cattle, The Merck Veterinary Manual.

Accessed October 27, 2016, from http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/musculoskeletal_system/lameness_in_ cattle/interdigital_phlegmon_footrot_foul_in_the_foot_ in_cattle.html.

6. Step, D.L., B. Whitworth, E.J. Giedt, and D. Lalman.

Foot Rot in Cattle. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service ANSI-3355. Accessed October 27, 2016, from http:// pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2023/ANSI-3355web.pdf.

7. Zoetis. Bovine Footrot. Accessed October 27, 2016, from https://www.zoetisus.com/conditions/beef/bovine-footrot.aspx.

Chuckles From Down Under

By: Jane Sullivan, Bell Veterinary Services A miser called his doctor, lawyer and minister to his death bed.

“When I die I want to take my money with me,” said the miser. “So I’m going to ask each of you to take one of these envelopes, each containing $30,000 in cash and throw them into the grave at my funeral.”

The men did as they were told, but later the minister confessed that he had kept $10,000 for the church and thrown in the rest.

“I’m building a new surgery,” admitted the doctor, “so I kept $20,000 and only threw in $10,000.

“I’m ashamed of you both!” scolded the lawyer.

“I threw in a cheque for the full amount.” pacdvms.com 23

Revisión de Caso Clínico: Gabarro en Ganado de Carne Translation provided by: Jose Valles Production Animal Consultation El gabarro, también conocido como necrobasilosis interdigital o flegmón interdigital, es una enfermedad infecciosa que afecta la región interdigital del pie bovino. El gabarro es una causa prominente de cojera en el ganado de carne, que se asocia con perdidas económicas substanciales para productores debido a la perdida de rendimiento y costos de tratamiento.

Los casos de gabarro son causados principalmente por un sinergismo entre Dichelobacter nodosus y Fusobacterium necrophorum. D. nodosus entra y reside en el epitelio cuando la piel interdigital es dañada por maceración o micro trauma. La descomposición de proteína causada por D. nodosus facilita el crecimiento y la entrada de F. necrophorum. Además, el aumento de respuesta inflamatoria y la reducción de función leucocitaria inducida por F. necrophorum lleva a reacciones inflamatorias que atraen Trueperella pyogenes purulenta a la escena cuando las toxinas resultan en la formación de pus y destrucción de tejido. Otras especies bacterianas, tales como Bacteroides melaninogenicus, Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus también pueden estar involucradas. El súper gabarro, una condición particularmente aguda y de progreso rápido, se cree que involucra una cepa de F. necrophorum resistente a antibióticos Los brotes de gabarro son esporádicos y pueden afectar desde algunos animales hasta mas del 25% del hato. Ganado de todas las edades se ve afectado, y casos se ven todo el año y en todo el mundo. El ganado es mas susceptible a la infección de gabarro en entornos calurosos y húmedos o cuando es alojado en superficies de alta humedad, tales como en corrales con acumulaciones altas de estiércol, orina, o lodo.

El gabarro usualmente afecta a solo una extremidad. El ganado infectado comúnmente presentara una cojera repentina en la extremidad afectada. Debido a que el gabarro es doloroso, el animal se vuelve reacio a moverse. Otros síntomas incluyen disminución de apetito y posible fiebre.

En casos severos, los animales pueden dejar de consumir alimento completamente.

La observación simple de locomoción no es adecuada para diferenciar con precisión el gabarro de otros diagnósticos de cojera. El animal debe estar sujetado adecuadamente para que el pie afectado pueda ser levantado y examinado a fondo.

Primero, el pie debe ser lavado o limpiado adecuadamente hasta el área de los espolones. Luego la extremidad y la región interdigital debe ser examinada para detectar dolor, 24 pacdvms.com

hinchazón, enrojecimiento, lesiones, tejido necrótico, y olor.

Los casos de gabarro presentaran hinchazón simétrica en todo el pie.

Tres etapas de gabarro son diferenciadas. En la etapa 1, el inicio repentino de hinchazón y cojera son evidente. La piel en el espacio interdigital puede aparecer roja y la inflamación puede comenzar a separa los dedos (figura 1). Dentro de 72 horas después del inicio de los primeros signos, la piel interdigital se rompe (etapa 2; figuras 2, 3).

Esta lesión puede extenderse desde la parte frontal hasta la parte trasera del pie y es caracterizada por una protrusión de tejido necrótico y un distintivo olor fétido (figura 4). La etapa 3 es caracterizada por la formación de tejido adicional en el espacio interdigital, lo cual lleva al cierre de la lesión interdigital. Esto puede resultar en secuelas crónicas tales como callos, fisuras en la pared axial y producción anormal de tejido. En casos crónicos o severos, la hinchazón puede extenderse hacia la parte superior de la pierna y la infección puede penetrar con mas profundidad, afectando huesos, tejido conectivo, articulaciones, y tendones.

La detección temprana de gabarro es clave para mejorar la respuesta al tratamiento. Los casos leves pueden ser tratados tópicamente, pero la mayoría de los casos requerirán tratamiento antibiótico sistémico. Varios antibióticos pueden utilizarse, incluyendo oxitetraciclina, penicilina, ceftiofur, florfenicol, tulatromicina, y sulfonamidas. Los medicamentos antiinflamatorios no esteroides también se pueden administrar para aliviar el dolor.

El ganado afectado debe ser aislado y monitoreado de cerca; si la recuperación no progresa dentro de unos días, tratamiento adicional puede ser requerido. En casos severos, tratamiento quirúrgico o el desecho del animal pueden considerarse. Se debe consultar a un veterinario para determinar el mejor protocolo de tratamiento tomando en cuenta la gravedad de la enfermedad, tipo de operación, y tiempo de retiro.

Las medidas de prevención son esenciales para evitar y controlar brotes de gabarro. La formulación adecuada de raciones y el manejo consistente de comederos reduce el riesgo de gabarro. Es de vital importancia mantener las superficies donde permanece de pie el ganado lo mas seco y libre de desechos posible ya que condiciones húmedas de corrales aumentan el riesgo de infecciones de gabarro.

Las superficies de los corrales deben rasparse regularmente para evitar la acumulación de orina, heces, lodo, y otros desechos, particularmente alrededor de los comederos y bebederos. El drenaje y uso adecuado de aspersores ayudaran a reducir el lodo y las áreas de alta humedad. Las superficies de los corrales también deben mantenerse libres de

grava, suelo pedregoso, y lodo y estiércol congelado o seco, que pueda causar trauma a el espacio interdigital del pie.

Las superficies de piso en las áreas de proceso, embarque, y desembarque deben inspeccionarse frecuentemente para detectar superficies rugosas que puedan causar la interrupción de la piel interdigital.

La suplementación de zinc, yoduro orgánico, vitamina A, y vitamina D puede ayudar en la prevención de gabarro y otros problemas de cojera. Algunas operaciones han utilizado baños de pies con sulfato de cobre o formaldehido al momento de desembarque, procesamiento inicial, o reimplantación como una medida preventiva. Mientras que estos baños de pies pueden reducir la incidencia de gabarro, es importante entender los costos y los problemas ambientales asociados. Existen vacunas bacterianas comerciales y autógenas para el gabarro, pero la rentabilidad de tales vacunas no ha sido claramente demostrada. Programas generales de manejo y bioseguridad enfocados en la mejora de salud también deben ser implementados.

Figura 3: Etapa 2 de la infección

Referencias: Vea la Página 23 para las referencias del articulo Figura 1: Etapa 1 de la infección

Figura 4: Lesión extendiéndose desde la parte frontal hasta la parte trasera del espacio interdigital

Figura 2: Etapa 2 de la infección

pacdvms.com 25

Can Thinking Like an Engineer Improve Health Management?

By: Dr. Jim Lowe, Production Animal Consultation Big data is all around us. The world of agriculture is embracing cutting-edge technologies at a rapid pace to improve agricultural practices and collect large amounts of data. It is easy to get lost in the cloud computing, new gadgets, algorithms and correlation analysis, foregoing the real mission of optimizing the technology to enhance real pig farming.

Today, tools used for disease management are complicated and highly integrated with lots of moving parts with biological, operational and human behavior variations.

However, it is how we incorporate these tools all together and leverage the big data along with complex models in an appropriate manner that will move disease management forward.

The challenge at hand in modern agriculture is how to drive execution at the individual farm and also on a large scale. So, how do you do something 100 times over in a large geographic area to really make an impact?

Managing persistent diseases, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, is frustrating for veterinarians and producers, so improved management strategies are a priority and based on the lack of past success, should cause us to rethink current practices. Creating a new path that allows us to optimize sophisticated models and big data for better disease management is about thinking differently.

Producers and animal health stakeholders can take a lesson from an engineer’s playbook and execute their threestep process — measure, model and fix.

Measure: The first step is to find the voice of the system. You have to understand what goes into the system and what comes out of the system. You have to figure out what the system is doing.

Model: Understanding how all the working parts fit together is the next step. It is important to model it mathematically or physically to understand and try potential interventions.

Fix: Finally, the last step is to integrate the solution to solve the problem. Often in animal agriculture production, we just forego the first two steps. As a practitioner, I am really good at this bucket – let’s just go fix it today.

We tend to think more about fix it than how to measure and model those solutions and that leads to less than optimal solutions. pacdvms.com 27

For all segments of agriculture today, one of the keys to successfully moving forward is big data. However, big data is really good at the “what” and often does not explain the “why”. Big data leaves us with simple correlations and there are pitfalls with that approach. We have to be really careful in looking at this data not to over-interpret what is happening there, particularly with causality. Applying big data is good, but not perfect.

In animal health, many significant projects are applying big data, but no one is talking or thinking about it. The challenge with not thinking about it is we are not continuously reanalyzing the process to determine if we can do it better and we are perhaps over-interpreting the data.

There are gaps in every disease management system and project. Our experience with a regional control project involving a group of producers agreeing to share data intensively is one example of how we are trying to minimize those gaps.

In most regional control projects, neighboring pig farmers agree to control disease by taking certain actions based on sharing herd health status. It is making decisions not to put PRRS-positive pigs next to another farmer’s sow farm

or implementing a vaccination program regionally to drive down viral load.

The challenge to that project is, although it is very intense, it does not have enough scope to necessarily help them answer all their questions. It becomes intense shortterm execution focused and not long-term strategically focused or even long-term tactically focused on how to make the system better.

So will bigger data help solve that problem?

There are four buckets to leveraging big data: collaboration, aggregation, analysis and synthesis.

We have to think about how we aggregate the data and how we build those collaborations to allow the aggregation to happen. Then, we have to think about how we use sophisticated modern tools to do the analysis. Finally, we must decide how we synthesize the information and give it back to producers in such a way that they can drive decisions by it. The ticket to all this is we can’t move forward until we know what is going on. We have to measure the system.

Thinking about this measurement idea on a macro scale is going to help us drive animal health forward over the long haul at a much faster pace.

Cattle Performance Enhancement Co. WHY WE SORT CATTLE

Lynn Allen, CPEC Sales & Marketing

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

Hey Bro, Text Me a Sunrise By: Dr. Greg Quakenbush, Geissler Corp., & Dr. Doug Ford, Production Animal Consultation

On the nights I get home before bedtime, my wife Jan and I will try to catch the 10 o’clock news before bed. I’ve noticed broadcasters will show pictures of beautiful fall mountain colors, peaceful streams, majestic sunrises, and painted sunsets.

Over time, it has dawned on me that there are many people who have never encountered God’s creations on a personal level. (This may be why the hunters from Denver all lose their minds when they show up in our neighborhood.) Traditional rural people are fortunate; we seldom miss a sunrise or sunset, and are truly graced by everything in between. And for dessert, we get to experience billions of stars and the man in the moon.

This October morning is no exception. The air is crisp and the eastern sky is painted with a brilliant collage of pink, red, and orange,splashed with a hint of yellow. As I drive the center of the gravel road, my mind wanders to a circle of partially picked corn to the south. I am drawn back in time to another cornfield, carrying my Montgomery Ward single shot 20 GA shotgun, with my dad and brother flanking either side of me. The anticipation and excitement of flushing rooster pheasants hasn’t changed after all of these years.

Every corner of God’s creation completes me. Like an old friend, I can’t wait to greet each season and spend a little quality time. Then all of a sudden, that friend vanishes and a new one appears. We are able to spend just enough time together and look forward to our next rendezvous.

I am compelled to be outside every day of the week, year in and year out. Nothing feels better than a warm Carhartt coat on a chilly morning, the feeling of ice in my moustache, or a warm fire on my frozen fingers and toes.

In life, I believe that God always somehow balances both sides of the equation. My addiction to the outdoors seems perfectly normal to me but last month I was informed by a close friend that I was surely misguided.

We always start palpating dairy heifers early morning to beat the heat. My friend doesn’t share my enthusiasm for daybreak. Most mornings he is quiet, subdued and conflicted by our early morning adventure; in short he is a little “grouchy”.

Trying to make light of his mood, I wanted to encourage him. I mentioned the most magnificent sunrise I had ever

seen appearing 3 days prior. I described how it peaked over the horizon, built in intensity, and exploded over the eastern canvas.

The crescendo/decrescendo moment only lasted a few minutes and then it was gone, almost like life.

Throwing out the bait regarding the beautiful sunrise, I fully expected a positive change in his mood. To my surprise, he was not amused. “I am just not a morning person!

Besides, you Baby Boomers do everything the hard way.”

As he caressed his iPhone and RFID scanner he continued, “We millennials work smarter, not harder. I get more done on my computer after I go home than you get done all day working your tail off. We’re the smartest generation ever!”

Being his mentor, I thought, “How can I turn this conversation around? What can I say to make my point?”

I reiterated, “But you missed the most magnificent sunrise I think I have ever seen.”

His response, with a smug air of confidence was, “No I didn’t.”

“YES, you did!”

“NO, I DIDN’T!” “Really,” I said.

He quickly replied, “Really! It was posted all over Facebook, so there!”

I was shocked, disappointed, frustrated, but mostly thought, “You have to be kidding me!” His beloved WWII veteran grandfather would have said, “What are you even talking about?” I imagine he would have quickly surmised that our high tech culture is causing us to lose touch with reality.

So what it is about the “reality” of the outdoors and nature in general that calls to many of us? What is the attraction to creation that many of us who work in agriculture cannot seem to escape? What is it that others who never venture outside might be missing?

The answer that might surprise some of us is that nature (creation) is the canvas or megaphone by which the invisible God makes himself known to mankind. No speech is utilized or needed.

All that is needed is for people to turn off the computer, toss the cell phone, take a moment of silence, and look up and consider: pacdvms.com 29

Psalm 19: 1-4 (NLT); “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.”

The book of Romans (1:20 NASB) ups the ante a bit and states that: “Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they (men & women) are without excuse.”

The danger that Romans goes on to explain is that yet another truth of God was replaced with a lie, as some have taken to worshiping the creation rather than worshiping the creator (Romans 1:21-24).

Time is short, and we are in a hurry going nowhere.

Many families are fractured, life often seems futile, our culture and country are becoming unrecognizable. Yet in all of this seeming chaos,God continues to reach out to us and call out to us via his creation. We hope you might take time to enter into the conversation with Him.

Easy on cattle and your bottom line.

1

Titanium® vaccines have no impact on feed intake and result in little to no post-treatment side effects, so you can keep your cattle on track with health management solutions that don’t interrupt your day-to-day operations or affect your bottom line.1,2 It’s BRD protection that doesn’t impact performance, so you can be confident in every dose.

ELANCO.US/TITANIUM

A DOSE OF CONFIDENCE The label contains complete use information, including cautions and warnings.

Always read, understand and follow the label and use directions.

As measured by body temperature, feed intake, injection-site reaction or white blood cell count. 2Terhaar, B. 2001.

Evaluating the effects of vaccine-induced stress on productivity. Study No. TR-13. Published by Agri Laboratories Ltd. Do not vaccinate within 21 days of slaughter. Elanco, Titanium® and the diagonal bar are trademarks owned or licensed

by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates. © 2015 Elanco Animal Health FYDH 35192 USBBUTIT00069

1

Newest PAC Members

Tyran Lee Pitts

Jaxson Cody Pitts

Parents: Travis and Jodi Pitts

Parents: Travis and Jodi Pitts

The Pitts Twins Tryan and Jaxson

Parents: Brad and Linsey Foote

London Harper Foote

pacdvms.com 31

Nutrition Impacts Feedlot Health, Part 1: Prenatal Nutrition By: Jeremy Martin, PhD, Great Plains Livestock Consulting Inc.

This time of year as feedlots fill up with bawling calves and cow/calf producers are busy preg-checking cows and making winter feed plans, the thoughts of one are probably not on the mind of the other.

However, recent research proves the effects of nutrition on health of feedlot cattle begins before the calf is born. Until recently, limited research efforts targeted fetal programming effects in ruminants.

The fetal programming hypothesis states that postnatal growth and physiology can be influenced by stimulus experienced in utero - in the case of cow/calf systems that the cow’s plane of nutrition can influence how her calves perform after birth. Research data are available illustrating fetal programming effects ranging from differences in growth and/or weight to divergent expression of specific genes due to maternal diet during gestation.

Our goal is to address the effects of nutrition on feedlot health throughout the production cycle, beginning this month with how nutrition of the cow during gestation influences calf health later in life.

In spring-calving cow/calf production systems that rely mainly on forage, nutritional requirements of cows during late gestation typically exceed nutrient value of the grazed forage.

The potential for cows to be deficient in protein and energy exists; in fact without a planned supplementation strategy based on solid data and feed test results, it is very likely.

In the absence of a supplemental mineral program, deficiencies of trace minerals are also likely, based on liver biopsy data from across the range states. Any chink in the armor of a ranch’s cow nutrition program has the potential to influence the feedlot health of her calves.

Ample research exists that displays a connection between cow nutrition in late gestation and the performance of her subsequent calves through weaning time. In short, cows deficient in protein, energy, or trace minerals during late gestation wean lighter calves, EVEN IF the cow nutrition is corrected after calving.

Furthermore, there is clearly a link between cow nutrition during the last 3rd of gestation and the fertility of those heifer calves whose fetal development occurs in that timeframe.

From a feedlot perspective, the important data to note is that steer progeny of those cows deficient in protein and/or energy during late gestation have lower carcass weights, repacdvms.com 33

duced marbling scores, and thus a lower percentage grading Choice or greater at harvest.

The real concern this time of year is calf health in feedlots, and evidence suggests that late gestation nutrition of the dam plays a significant role in the health of her next calf, even after weaning.

Data from 2009 (Larson et. al., Journal of Animal Science) demonstrated a difference in feedlot health of calves where about 10% fewer calves born to cows supplemented with protein during late gestation required treatment for respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms compared to those born to un-supplemented cows.

This difference occurred despite the fact that there was no difference in preweaning health of the calves. In this case, cows either grazed winter range or corn stalks and were supplemented protein equivalent to 1 lb/cow/day of 28% protein cubes or were not supplemented during the last 90 days of gestation. For cows on either winter range or stalks, supplemental protein improved feedlot health of the calves they were gestating at the time of supplementation.

Another recent research report (Moriel et. al., 2016, Journal of Animal Science) illustrated a connection between energy restriction of pregnant cows in the last 40 days of pregnancy and the immune function of the calves in utero at that time.

In this study, cows were fed either 70 or 100% of their

energy requirements in the last 40 days of gestation and their calves were studied for a 40 day backgrounding period after weaning. Calves born to restricted cows had suppressed titer response to BVDV-1a following vaccination with a commercially available vaccine. These same calves also had somewhat reduced postweaning stress response.

It is important to note that these changes in calf vaccination response occurred despite the fact that even the restricted cows remained in adequate condition at calving (BCS 6.3).

Aside from protein and energy, it is well known that minerals, including trace minerals, play a significant role in cattle health. Please refer to pages 45-46 in the fall 2016 issue of Protein Producers for details of a recent study comparing calf health based on whether or not the dams received trace mineral supplementation and the form of that supplementation. It certainly proves that protein and energy are not the only nutrients involved in fetal programming of calf post-weaning health.

In summary, observant cattlemen have long suspected there was a connection between cowherd nutrition and calf feedlot health. These limited data reveal that deficiencies of protein, energy, and trace minerals in the cowherd may lead to greater calf morbidity and mortality after weaning.

As the body of research grows this connection will likely be better characterized.

Leadership

How Do We Deal With Conflict and Tough Conversations?

By: Dr. Nels Lindberg, Production Animal Consultation

As this fall run comes to a close, we can look back on the issues and problems we have tackled over the past few months. We might have been challenged with keeping our teams motivated daily, dealing with surprise loads of cattle, or handling a customer unhappy over some deads. Maybe a feed truck driver ran over and tore up a bunkline or a water line broke, creating a mud hole the size of Texas. Regardless of the challenges faced, there were likely conflicts along the way. As leaders, we often do one of two things: we either create conflict or avoid it.

Many times, we create conflict by being aggressive entrepreneurs and pushing our crews too hard as we grow our businesses. We generate chaos as we shift between ideas and opportunities for growth and we lose focus on what truly matters, which may lead our organizations in the wrong direction.

Conflict and problem solving are a normal part of growth, and as leaders we must find a balance between management and entrepreneurship. Under-managing can create excess turmoil in our organizations, while over-managing typically leads to stagnation and limits growth.

We can also create conflict by having high expectations of our teams. Most people have faced low expectations their whole life. We must always look to “raise the bar” and set high expectations, or we will never achieve high levels of success.

The second challenge we face as leaders is avoiding conflict or tough conversations. This is an issue for most of us,

and I have failed at it many times. But what happens if we have a splinter and we don’t remove it? It only festers.

Not addressing the conflict or having the tough conversation only allows the issue to fester. And the worst part is unresolved conflict leads to gossip, which is deadly to all organizations. On the flip side, over-managing in an effort to eliminate all conflict limits growth and the ability to change or adapt, which is also deadly to organizations. Again, we must continually pursue that sweet spot between managing and creating.

One of the worst things that we can do as leaders is be part of the conflict. We must have the humility to look at ourselves in the mirror and establish if we are unknowingly participating in the issue. We often participate in conversations with crews or teams that create, magnify, and even explode into conflict.

The use of a mirror is very powerful, and we must look into it routinely and ask ourselves if we are participating in the problem. If we are, we must be able to change that answer very quickly, or we will fail in even attempting to lead an organization, especially as we attempt to resolve issues.

As we face the issues head on, we must look at the big picture and identify some of the “roots” of the issues. If we created them through our leadership, we need to address the issues with ourselves first and foremost. Then we must take full responsibility with our teams and have an honest conversation with them.

Maybe we took on way too many calves and we overwhelmed our teams. Or maybe we hired the wrong mill manager or head cowboy to lead a team. As a side note, pacdvms.com 35

routinely ask yourself, “Is there anyone on our team that I would not rehire if I was looking to hire again?” If the answer to that question is yes, work now to help that person find a better opportunity elsewhere.

Handling these conflict situations and tough conversations starts with excellent communication. Communication is the lifeblood of all top-running operations. We can all think of places we have worked with terrible communication. Would you go back? As leaders, we must do simple things such as walk around the organization.

We must get out of the office and talk to our people, from cattle foremen and bunk readers to feed truck drivers and tank washers. These people will give you the “vibe” of the operation.

Communication should happen early and often, and we should never address an individual conflict publicly. We are often tempted to do so when we are upset, but if we do so in front of their entire team, they will lose all respect for us.

Communication takes love and grace. That may sound weird and you may think I’m crazy, but having love and grace for all of your people will give you a much different tone and much better word selection when you have these conversations. What is your level of love and grace for the team you lead? Do you genuinely care for them, their family, and their success? Remember, these are people, with families, with mouths to feed, with personal challenges outside

of the yard, and they need our love, grace, and respect.

The hardest thing for us to learn and to do is to intentionally work very hard to extend the most love and grace to those we may love the least. We all have people that irritate us and give us real “heartburn”, but these are the people we must work the hardest to love. If we don’t, we will never gain their trust, or even the team’s trust, and we may never resolve conflict with them.

As we have these conversations, we must do three things to resolve conflict: we must have very frank candor, we must have a gentle kindness, and we must be vulnerably transparent by admitting our faults and mistakes. These three points are very valuable, and the last point will win many battles if you admit your imperfections and your mistakes. If you do, you become real and genuine, and you will create a level of trust that needs to be attained.

Lastly, dealing with conflict and having tough conversations takes both energy and intentionality. As we go through our day, these situations often occur when our emotional bank account is at $0 and we have zero energy. In order to make the most of all of these situations and handle them effectively, you must have a “full tank of gas” and good positive energy. Conflict is never fun for anyone, but we must be able to handle it with much grace and love. Do you have grace and love? If not, let’s find it! Your people need it and deserve it!

Have More Control of Your Data With FUSION, the standalone feedlot management software!

Highest Quality Grade & Grade Yield

Reached Finishing Weight 2 Weeks Early Chronic Lameness

Arrange Ranch Direct Purchase Next Year Drug Withdrawal

Highest Rate of Gain Decline Future Purchase Opportunities

FUSION offers... individual cattle tracking - historical GPS audit trail inventory tracking - carcass data importing projection calculator - feed guard ...plus much more!

For a FREE Consultation Contact: sales@ssgfusion.com ssgfusion.com

Business Management

Are You a Strong Leader?

By: Quint Finney, Business Management In previous articles we’ve discussed the difficulties of attracting, developing, and maintaining staffing levels at the feed yard. We’ve also discussed the importance of employee engagement, communicating the purpose of the organization, and the culture of the organization.

In this article, I would like to focus on what may be the most important point in achieving the above: leadership.

It has been said that everything rises and falls on leadership. It is also said that any organization takes on the reflection of its leader. If these statements are true, then why do so few organizations dedicate the time and resources necessary in developing their management team in terms of effective, productive leadership? It is, no doubt, the nature of the business to sometimes have more to accomplish in a day than seems reasonably possible. However, there is no question that effective leadership makes not only these times more manageable, but will increase production and efficiency during normal operating conditions.

To successfully execute the responsibilities of management in the feed yard to the greatest extent possible, managers must possess strong leadership skills. These skills may be the most valuable asset that a manager can possess. Understanding that people want to be involved in the process and teaching the purpose of the task at hand are not only excellent leadership characteristics but they lend well in developing others within the workforce and increase efficiency and productivity.

Strong leaders recognize and strive to enhance potential within their organization. They take a personal interest in the success of those they lead and they recognize that the success of the organization is largely dependent upon that success.

Successful leaders set the example. Effective leaders consistently set good examples, both on the job and off.

It may be the most important thing a leader can do. They will continually demonstrate that that they are willing and capable of carrying out the tasks that are requested of their subordinates. They continually place emphasis on efficiency, productivity and teamwork. Effective leaders maintain professionalism yet remain approachable.

Strong leaders set the pace. Well thought out, structured planning is crucial to the operation. Without it, efficiency and production suffer at all levels. Personnel need and should be able to expect managers to give clear, concise instruction pertaining to carrying out tasks within the operation. Good leaders will have defined objectives and expectations, as well as a system for measuring results, and consistently communicate them to the crew.

Effective leaders are continually building the team. Two of the most important factors in business are the ability to effectively deal with people and the ability to communicate.

These two factors go hand in hand. Most employees want to understand why we do what we do.

The best leaders recognize this and act accordingly. They understand the importance of soliciting feedback from the crew concerning operational issues. They recognize that the people doing the job day in and day out will have some good ideas that lend well to increased efficiency. They understand that it is vital that employees recognize the importance of their contributions and the impact of those contributions pertaining to cattle performance. They understand the importance of building strong, effective professional relationships. This attitude creates ownership in not only the completion of tasks, but in the outcome as well.

Strong leadership is crucial to the success of any organization. Productivity and efficiency have always been important factors in our business, but with current market conditions they are more important than ever. Markets will change, and when they do, the best led organizations will benefit the most. pacdvms.com 37

Industry Update

Keeping an LED Eye on Sick Feedlot Cattle By: Bethany Johnston, University of Nebraska Extension, reprinted with permission from Progressive Cattlemen. The article appeared in their November 2016 issue.

Putting a rancher in the hospital is like trying to bag an angry tomcat to haul him to the vet.

Even if the cat resembled death the minute before, if there is any spunk left, the claws and teeth shred your shirt sleeves to ribbons as he continues hissing into the bottom of the bag.

If you have been unbagged, I mean, admitted to the hospital for more than a few days, you realize: 1) the walls get smaller every day, 2) your grip on the little red button relaxes as you feel better, and 3) your thoughts wander.

Think about the life of a nurse before that little red button. The nurse would stride through the halls, patrolling the rooms, even the bright-eyed, on-the-mend patients. Ticktock-tick-tock.

Think of the wasted minutes checking on healthy clients, who yell at the nurse for waking them from their nap. What about the severely ill teetering on the edge of death? Or the stitch-in-time patients whom timely medicine would cure?

Too bad the nurse was checking on the healthy lot.

Your thoughts drift from hospitals to feedyards. The average pen rider patrols the lots, on average eyeing 4,000 to 7,000 head daily – a mere four seconds per head to declare the animal “healthy” or “sick.” Can you imagine how helpful that little red button could be to the feedlot labor and the sick animals?

For the last couple years, the company, Quantified Ag, envisioned, created and just finished testing a little red button for sick cattle. But the little red button is actually an electronic ear tag. And instead of the nurses’ station, your smartphone receives the alert.

“We saw a need in the feedlot industry and created a sim38 pacdvms.com

ple, user-friendly product,” says Vishal Singh, CEO. Why the feedlot setting? The feedlot provides a concentrated number of animals, whose health is evaluated in seconds.

As death losses creep up for many feedlots, a tool like this electronic ear tag can greatly improve herd health, especially for light, high-risk calves.

Reading the signs The team, including Andrew Uden (COO), Brian Schupbach (CTO) and Alex Heine (product development), succeeded in developing an easy-to-use product that saves time, money and the ability to doctor animals before physical symptoms appear.

The ear tag collects vital signs directly from the animal, beams the information to a receiver, then a computer or smart device is notified with the tag numbers of the sick animals.

Unlike a normal dangling ear tag, this cylinder-shaped ear tag nestles inside the top curve of the ear (the part of the ear you clean out before tattooing).

The ear tag is quickly clipped to the ear during processing with a companion air gun and staple, specially designed to work with the ear tag. Whiiish, clip, done.

The first signs of a sick animal are higher temperatures and less activity. The body temperature is monitored by a laser pointing down the ear canal, biometrics (the behavior of the animal) and range of motion is monitored for decreased movement (indicating a sick animal). Other components tucked in the small cylinder of the ear tag include RFID (radio frequency identification) and a LED light.

When an animal’s symptoms trigger a threshold, the pen rider’s cell phone notifies them of the sick animal. Pen riders trot directly to the pens with sick animals, while overlooking the healthy pens.

From Uden’s experience in feedyards, 50 to 60 percent

of the pens are healthy and do not need attention from the pen riders. “Your labor is now concentrated to where the sick animals are.” Not only is the labor now concentrated, but the sick animals are easy to spot.

The visual tag number of the animal is displayed on your phone and the LED light in the tag glows. The days of squinting at visual tags is over. Now sick animals light up in the pen.

There is only one piece of equipment we haven’t talked about – the receiver. The ear tag communicates every hour with a receiver that is usually placed on the feedmill.

The receiver converses with tags in a two-mile radius and can handle 62,000 ear tags. (Multiple receivers can be set up for more cattle and larger areas.) The receiver sends the information to the “cloud” where it can be accessed through computers or mobile interfaces.

The benefit for cattle With all this technology, the price is surprisingly economical. The company estimates the total system cost is less than $20 per head, calculating out to 7 to 10 cents per day per head. Uden reflects on the benefits: catching sick cattle early and using less costly and lower doses of antibiotics to treat less severe cases.

The labor of the pen riders is also focused on the sick animals. “Your ratio of pen rider to cattle is now 1 to 1,

when before it was one guy overseeing thousands of head.”

Feedlot managers are able to calculate the benefits by receiving meaningful data in the form of simple spreadsheets.

Percent sick, doctored and death loss can all be calculated.

Feedlots can also track healthy, performing pens back to the producer, and continue to purchase calves from those farms or ranches.

The gentle beep of your heart monitor brings you back to reality; the reality you are still in the hospital. But wait – are you seeing things from the high-powered drugs dripping into your IV? Or is that the nurse with a pneumatic air gun, ear tag and dismissal papers looming towards you? Whish, clip.

Wanted: Comfortable Cows By: Jeffrey M. DeFrain, PhD, DBLACAS, Progressive Dairy Solutions, Inc. Next to forage quality, maximizing cow comfort, regardless of housing system, is critical to unlocking greater levels of performance. Data from Bach et al. (2008) clearly demonstrates the impact of non-dietary/management factors. These authors reported a 29 lb/cow/d variation in milk yield across 47 dairy herds (approximately 3,129 cows) in Spain fed the exact same TMR. Non-dietary factors accounted for 56% of variation in milk yield and was largely associated with age at 1st calving, feeding for refusals, pushing up feed and stalls:cow (pen stocking density).

We can witness this all too often in the field where dairies or feedyards operating <10 miles of each other, fed largely the same dietary ingredients have significantly different levels of animal performance. When you take a deeper dive into how one facility is outperforming another, differences in cow comfort often stand out as the common denominator. In fact, data from Dr. Rick Grant and others at the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute has shown each hour of additional resting time will provide for 2.0 to 3.5 lb more milk per cow per day.

If comfortable cows are “WANTED”, and they should be, one should assess the budget of the three major daily behaviors/activities known to drive performance, health, efficiency and ultimately, cost of production. According to Dr. Rick Grant, these include: 1. Eating – generally around 5 h per day 2. Lying/resting – 12 to 14 h per day (including 6 h of ruminating) 3. Ruminating – 4 h per day while standing 4. Drinking/socializing – 1 h per day 5. Milking/travel/headlocks – less than 3 h per day Research has shown that lying time takes precedence over eating and social behaviors. As we should expect, when rest/lying is limited, health and productivity become compromised. Lying time has been found to be closely related to the level of lameness within a herd. Focusing on management factors which may limit lying behavior will generate improved animal performance and reduce the incidence of lameness in the herd.

The objective of encouraging lying/resting is largely related to management of claw horn lesions, namely sole pacdvms.com 41

hemorrhage, sole ulcers and white line disease. These claw lesions are associated with damage/inflammation to the underlying corium which can be caused by hormonal changes around calving, degeneration of the digital cushion with aging and/or subacute ruminal acidosis. This damage to the corium becomes further compounded when time spent standing is increased. One classic example of this is the increase in incidence of these lesion types 60 to 90 d following heat stress where hours spent standing/d was increased.

Therefore, we must commit to management factors associated with maximizing lying times and minimizing time spent standing.

There has been a great deal of research focused on management factors associated with lying behavior. Key take aways from this research include: 1. Surface: cows prefer soft, deep, clean and dry surfaces with solid traction/footing. Therefore, sand remains the gold standard for freestalls while grooming of compost/ pen maintenance of open lots dairies requires close supervision to encourage lying behavior.

2. Cows have a strong desire to maintain a consistent number of hours of rest per day. Management factors such as poor management/grooming of resting surface, poor freestall design, inadequate parlor throughput, time spent in lock-ups, overstocking and heat stress can deter cows from lying and also affect feeding behavior. Data suggests each 3.5 mins cows are deprived of rest results in a 1 min reduction in feeding time. This can further lead to changes in eating behavior (time of eating, fewer meals/d, eating rate, sorting, etc.) if feed bunk stocking density (number of cows / headlock) is already maxed.

3. House 1st lactation heifers separately from mature cows. Heifers housed separately from mature cows have greater feed intake and increased resting time. Subordinate animals are the first to be affected by changes in stocking densities.

4. Excessive time in lock-ups robs cows of lying time.

Cows should not be locked up for > 2 h per day, assuming one of the hours is associated with a fresh feed delivery.

42 pacdvms.com

5.Standing, while waiting for a freestall to become available also presents a greater lameness factor due to more exposure of the hoof to the manure slurry. In general, stocking density must rise above 1.2 stalls per cow for lying time to decline.

6. In hot temperatures, cows spend more time standing in the alley under the fans/soakers. Consider reducing stocking densities in breeding pens and have ample fans and soakers in the holding pen and limit time in the holding pen during hot weather.

7. Depriving lying time limits blood flow to the mammary gland, generates an increase in blood cortisol and reduces levels of circulating growth hormone. Furthermore, reducing lying time negatively affects blood flowing to the fetus which affects fetal growth.

8. When considering new construction or remodels to existing facilities, always put cow comfort first, not labor efficiencies.

In summary, maximizing cow comfort and lying time will generate improved animal performance, reduce the incidence of lameness in the herd and ultimately reduce cost of production. The cow’s environment clearly influences the risk of becoming lame as well as the ability to recover from lameness. Studying cow behavior along side herd health records can enable one to paint a clear picture as to how well management is doing at creating an optimal level of cow comfort to maximize animal performance.

Getting to Know the PAC Team: Dr. Tom Edwards

Greetings! As I look out of my office window this morning in Kearney, Nebraska, I see the colors of the leaves changing and the outside temperature is a cool 40°.It’s a sober reminder that it will soon be time to pull out the long sleeve shirts, coveralls, and muck boots. Fall is my favorite season of the year.

I grew up in the small town of Ainsworth, Nebraska, where my father had a thriving 3-man veterinary practice. I was blessed to spend a lot of time riding with him on farm calls. Typically on a farm call, I was busy chasing chickens, playing in the water tanks, and jumping out of the haymow.

According to my mother, I was a holy terror! I don’t remember it quite that way, but I’m not going to argue the fact.

Another good fortune was that my dad also practiced out of a Super Cub airplane, which covered more territory over the Sandhills. Not only did we make several calls in a day, we might also drop in and shoot a few unsuspecting ducks on the way home.

In high school, my love of flying “took off ” on a completely new direction. I started flying lessons during my junior year of high school and soloed after just 8 hours, which isn’t even legal or possible anymore. On my first flight with my instructor Sam, he decided to scare me a little bit, and he did a great job of it by executing a stall maneuver! Let’s just say, it made more laundry for mom to do! I really enjoyed flying,so much so that after graduating Manhattan High School, I entered a trade school in Kansas City, Missouri, to achieve my Airframe & Powerplant License, (also known as an airplane mechanic.) I spent 6 years in the airline industry and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Then it happened,I was stricken with the BUG! Walking into the hangar one day, a beautiful flight attendant named Debbie happened to catch my eye,and she still does after 30 years. We live in Kearney, Nebraska and have 2 sons.

Kyle is a mechanical engineer on landing gear systems on a new generation fighter jet with Textron Aviation in Wichita, KS.Our other son Derek and his wife Lindsay also live in Wichita and are seeking employment at the university level following their graduations and wedding.

I have many hobbies including hunting and fishing, and I am a classic car enthusiast. My sons and I have spent many hours of bonding while working on my ‘69 GTO. My official DVM career started in 1995 when I walked across the graduation stage and was hooded by my father.

That was truly a blessing. I also had three other great DVMs from Oakland, Nebraska that provided a wealth of knowledge in my early career: Dr. James Unwin, Dr. Stewart Hartwell, and Dr. Kelly Lechtenberg. These three individ-

uals played a major role in my education and provided me with a solid foundation within the beef industry. I cannot thank them enough for the role they played in my education and getting me involved with various bovine organizations.

I have practiced as a consulting veterinarian for 21 years and have learned that there is always more to achieve in our lives.

My interests in feedlot cattle are focused on lameness, as it pertains to foot rot, toe abscesses, injuries, and digital dermatitis. I also have an interest in the use of reproductive ultrasound to determine pregnancy, fetal staging, and fetal sexing, as well as soft tissue evaluations. Respiratory disease remains the obvious focus in most feedyards, and as an industry we need to continue to strive to improve our animal well-being.

I’m looking forward to working with this over-achieving group and expanding my education further, to better serve our clients, our industry, and our livelihood. We have many challenges ahead of us that will require our expertise to keep the food chain healthy.

Starting top left, clockwise: Drs Tom and Al Edwards; Dr. Tom and Deb; Kyle, Al and Tom taking flight; Deb, Tom, Derek and Lindsay at Derek and Lindsay’s wedding.

OTHER BRD TREATMENTS WERE 50% AS EFFECTIVE AS DRAXXIN® IN SEVERAL STUDIES.

Treat bovine respiratory disease (BRD) the right way with DRAXXIN® (tulathromycin) Injectable Solution. DRAXXIN demonstrated 50% fewer re-treats and 50% fewer dead or chronic animals1 versus competitive products in several large pen studies.2 Which means your cattle stay healthier, and that helps keep your bottom line healthier, too.

BRD SOLUTIONS FROM ZOETIS

Get the numbers on DRAXXIN at draxxin.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: DRAXXIN has a pre-slaughter withdrawal time of 18 days in cattle.

Do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older. Do not use in animals known to be hypersensitive to the product. See Brief Summary of Prescribing Information on adjacent page and full Prescribing Information at draxxin.com/pi.

1

Data on file, Study Report Nos. 1133R-60-05-491, A131R-US-12-028, 2132T-60-01-050, 1133R-60-02-376, 2132T-60-01-063, 1133R-60-03-388 and 11RGDRA01, Zoetis Services LLC.

2

Data on file, Study Report Nos. 1133R-60-05-491, 1133R-60-05-492, 1133R-60-05-493, A131R-US-12-028, 2132T-60-01-050, 1133R-60-02-376, 2132T-60-01-063 and 1133R-60-03-388, Zoetis Services LLC.

All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. © 2016 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved. DRX-00120

Addressing Feedlot Lameness Norfolk, NE On Wednesday, October, 12th, Zinpro and PAC hosted an “Adressing Feedlot Lameness” meeting.

The program included Dr. Dorte Dopfer from the University of Wisconsin, who discussed the anatomy of the foot and normal mechanical function. Dr. Connie Larson from Zinpro highlighted the importance of nutrition when dealing with lameness.

Dr. Tom Noffsinger and Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz demonstrated how stockmanship can help prevent and control feedlot lameness. Dr. Shane Terrell went through the locomotion scoring tool that can be used to identify the degree of lameness in the animal.

After lunch, the attendees broke into three different groups and had an opportunity to see first hand some of the tools discussed during the morning session in action.

The rotations included an interactive locomotion scoring activity, a stockmanship and facility design demonstration and a wet lab on hoof trimming.

Thank you to Daniels Manufacturing and Weborg Feeding for providing equipment and cattle for the day. Thank to all the attendees for coming out to the meeting and for all you do to help improve our beef industry.

PAC 2016 Year-End Snapshot 140 beef operations with more than 2 million cattle on feed

Relationships with 6,200 caregivers across beef, dairy & swine operations

6 dairies & 3 heifer development operations with 18,000 milking cows & 62,000 replacement heifers

6,630 issues of Protein Producers printed & 2,940 issues emailed

8 swine operations with 9.4 million m arket pigs & 650,000 sows

2 Summit meetings with 325 total attendees

PRODUCT INFORMATION NADA 141-299, Approved by FDA.

(Florfenicol and Flunixin Meglumine) Antimicrobial/Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug For subcutaneous use 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.

BRIEF SUMMARY: For full prescribing information, see package insert.

INDICATION: RESFLOR GOLD® is indicated for treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis, and control of BRD-associated pyrexia in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not use in animals that have shown hypersensitivity to florfenicol or flunixin.

WARNINGS: NOT FOR HUMAN USE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. This product contains material that can be irritating to skin and eyes. Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. In case of accidental eye exposure, flush with water for 15 minutes. In case of accidental skin exposure, wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.

Consult a physician if irritation persists. Accidental injection of this product may cause local irritation.

Consult a physician immediately. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) contains more detailed occupational safety information.

For customer service or to obtain a copy of the MSDS, call 1-800-211-3573. For technical assistance or to report suspected adverse reactions, call 1-800-219-9286.

Not for use in animals intended for breeding purposes.

The effects of florfenicol on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. Toxicity studies in dogs, rats, and mice have associated the use of florfenicol with testicular degeneration and atrophy. NSAIDs are known to have potential effects on both parturition and the estrous cycle. There may be a delay in the onset of estrus if flunixin is administered during the prostaglandin phase of the estrous cycle. The effects of flunixin on imminent parturition have not been evaluated in a controlled study. NSAIDs are known to have the potential to delay parturition through a tocolytic effect.

RESFLOR GOLD®, when administered as directed, may induce a transient reaction at the site of injection and underlying tissues that may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter.

RESIDUE WARNINGS: Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 38 days of treatment.

Do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older. Use of florfenicol in this class of cattle may cause milk residues. A withdrawal period has not been established in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: Transient inappetence, diarrhea, decreased water consumption, and injection site swelling have been associated with the use of florfenicol in cattle. In addition, anaphylaxis and collapse have been reported post-approval with the use of another formulation of florfenicol in cattle.

Consumers count on the care you provide to make sure that your animals are healthy and comfortable.

And when an animal does get sick, Resflor Gold® (florfenicol and flunixin meglumine) helps you do both of those things. Resflor Gold effectively targets the most common causes of BRD – and it provides relief from the fever that comes along with it.

High-quality food starts with the right care. Visit ResflorGold.com to learn more.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION NOT FOR HUMAN USE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. This product contains material that can be irritating to skin and eyes. Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 38 days of 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 calves born to these cows. A withdrawal period has not been established in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. Do not use in animals that have shown hypersensitivity to florfenicol or flunixin. Not for use in animals intended for breeding purposes. The effects of florfenicol and flunixin on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. When administered according to the label directions, RESFLOR GOLD may induce a transient local reaction in the subcutaneous and underlying muscle tissue. Brief summary available on adjacent page.

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.

7/15 BV-RG-53719

In cattle, rare instances of anaphylactic-like reactions, some of which have been fatal, have been reported, primarily following intravenous use of flunixin meglumine.

Made in Germany Intervet Inc. Roseland, NJ 07068 ©2009, Intervet Inc. All Rights Reserved.

May 2009 US 3448_IV

Events December

28th Assiniboia Vet Clinic/Yorga Farms Producer

1st - 2nd Academy of Veterinary Consultants,

29th - 31st Nebraska LEAD Seminar, Union

Denver, CO, PAC members attending

3rd North American PRRS Conference, Chicago, IL, Dr. Jim presenting

January

Meeting, Flintoft, Saskatchewan, Dr. Tom presenting College, Lincoln, NE, Dr. Shane attending

February 1st - 3rd NCBA National Convention, Nashville,

9th - 11th Feedlot Receiving Calf Health and

TN, PAC members attending

Well-being Conference, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, Dr. Tom presenting

23rd Great Plains Livestock, Inc, Livestock Leadership Seminar 2017, Downs, KS, Dr. Nels presenting

25th Miller Vet Clinic Producer Meeting, Huron, SD, Dr. Tom presenting

right for your operation.

Talk to your veterinarian about prescription ZACTRAN. For more information, visit ZACTRAN.com.

®ZACTRAN is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2015 Merial, Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved.

RUMIOTD1405 (01/14)

Production Animal Consultation PO Box 41 Oakley, KS 67748 pacdvms.com