Anti Antimicrobial Policy
The American Medical Association (AMA) recently went on record opposing the use of antimicrobial products at non-therapeutic levels in livestock.
AMA resolutions urge that agricultural operators terminate the use of antimicrobials based on scientifically sound human health risk assessments. But, the Animal Health Institute (AHI) says the AMA's assertion of increasing disease resistance passing to humans is not true.
The measure, which originated with the California Medical Association, does not represent a cooperative effort between the human and animal health industries, says AHI.
— Texas Cattle Feeders Association
Canada And Grubs
Cattle grubs are an ever-present livestock pest, despite evidence to the contrary, says Doug Colwell, a livestock parasite researcher at the Lethbridge (Alberta) Research Centre.
Colwell's results run contrary to other studies that found little evidence of cattle grubs at packing plants. Those studies led to the conclusion that the Canadian cattle grub battle, started in the early 1970s with mandatory application of control products to all classes of cattle, was won.
“Just because the cattle grubs arent found in the packing plant doesnt mean the animal was never infected with the parasite,” says Colwell.
Cow/calf producers and feedlot operators should continue to keep cattle grubs in mind when planning their parasite control objectives. Evidence points to reduced weight gains in calves that have been infested, and indirect evidence suggests that cattle grubs leave them more susceptible to disease.
For more information, contact Colwell at 403/317-2254.
Supply And Demand
Beef prices at retail have moved to another all-time high. Since January, prices have averaged 11.8% higher than a year earlier. And, although consumption was off less than 2%, beef demand at the consumer level still showed a healthy growth of 3.4% for this period compared to 2000. However, demand for live fed choice cattle was down about 1.5%.
How can demand for live cattle be down and retail consumer demand be up?
We pulled down cold storage stocks about 82 million lbs. Last year these stocks increased substantially. Also, beef imports were up and exports were down.
There are signs the currentness of fed cattle marketings is slipping. The percentage of cattle grading choice is increasing and the differential between choice and select is declining.
— Livestock Marketing Information Center
Four Clues For Heat Stress
Clue #1: Hot weather following precipitation can be very stressful for feedyard cattle. Days with temperatures in the high 80s or above following a precipitation event can be extremely stressful, especially if the wind speed is below 5 miles/hour for extended periods.
Clue #2: Monitor the upper critical temperature-humidity limits of cattle. Consider this limit has been reached when the temperature-humidity index (THI) reaches 80 (e.g., 86°F at 60% relative humidity).
Clue #3: Feedlot losses have been commonly reported when consecutive days with THI values above 80 have been tied together with nights in which the temperature stayed above 70°F.
Clue #4: The cattle will start to move around the pen looking for an area of the pen that is more comfortable. They will start to slobber, and their respiratory rate will increase to more than 100 breaths/minute. They will begin to elevate their head to make it easier to breathe. They will position their body to minimize their exposure to the sun. Generally this is facing the sun.
— University of Nebraska