🏛 DVMs in DC

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NEWS

🏛 DVMs in DC

🏛 DVMs in DC - Over 140 veterinary professionals met with legislators in D.C. this week to advocate for legislation promoting increased veterinary services in rural areas and preventing disease spread during AVMA's annual fly-in. They emphasized bills like the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, aiming to attract more veterinarians to underserved areas by removing federal taxation on the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. Senator Klobuchar (D-Minn.) highlighted bipartisan support for vets and pledged to ensure federal backing for their vital role in rural areas.

#️⃣ Cattle Count Crunch - The U.S. cattle industry faces historic lows with the January 2024 inventory hitting its lightest since 1951 at 87.15 million head, down 1.9% from the previous year. Declining for five consecutive years, the beef cow herd inventory stands at 28.22 million head, the lowest since 1961. Inventory of replacement heifers and feeder cattle also hits record lows. Despite productivity growth, a 5% decrease in total beef production is expected for 2024. 

🌽 Nutrition Necessities for New Mamas - Post-calving nutrition is crucial, especially for first-calvers. On top of balanced vitamins and minerals, they require higher-quality feeds to maintain their health and productivity. Managing their diet separately from mature cows is recommended to meet their increased energy needs, prevent loss of body condition, and maintain reproductive performance. Supplementing their diet with 10-15% more protein and energy than mature cows can help support their growth and milk production, but overfeeding protein should be avoided to prevent fertility issues. 

🪱 Worming Wisdom - Despite their higher cost, the value is evident when it comes to extended-release dewormers and their role in improving cattle health and reproductive efficiency. Factors like age and past deworming history should be considered when developing a deworming plan, but extended-release dewormers last up to 150 days, offer long-term benefits in weight gain and reproductive performance, and make a worthwhile investment for producers as spring parasite season approaches.

🍼 Critical Colostrum - Timely colostrum intake is vital for newborn calves, providing essential nutrients and antibodies for their immune system. Commercial colostrum supplements are available if natural sources are lacking. Proper storage and thawing are essential for maintaining colostrum quality. Cow nutrition, stress levels, and age also impact colostrum quality, which is why calf health starts with herd management.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Calf 911: Resuscitation Basics

Oklahoma State University compiled a list of signs to look out for, tools to have and steps to take if complications occur during calving. From cold to unresponsive and everything in between, see what it takes to make this calving season a successful one.

The Beef Cattle Research Council composed a letter with coordinating videos to serve as a guide for producers working toward healthy calves and births.

• Colostrum Management

• Recovery Position

• Tube Feeding

• Dehydration Checklist

CATTLE COMMUNITY

@orkneydairy

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