Latest News From Animal Welfare

Congress Mulls Bills Meant to Help Ranchers Defend Calves From Vultures
Congress Mulls Bills Meant to Help Ranchers Defend Calves From Vultures

While estimates suggest that black vultures are responsible for the loss of thousands of calves every year, as a protected species, the bird may not be killed without a permit.

Managing Cows in Severe Cold Weather
Managing Cows in Severe Cold Weather

For each 1-degree Fahrenheit the average daily temperature is below 30 degrees a cow in moderate BCS will need an additional one percent in daily energy requirement.

Pros and Cons of Using Darts to Treat Cattle
Pros and Cons of Using Darts to Treat Cattle

Remote drug delivery devices to treat cattle are increasingly popular among producers, especially for use with cattle on pasture. Many veterinarians, however, continue to question whether such tools warrant use at all.

New Lidocaine-Infused Band Reduces Castration Pain, Discomfort
New Lidocaine-Infused Band Reduces Castration Pain, Discomfort

Solvet Lidoband is approved for use in calves under 250 pounds and in lambs under 50 pounds. The local, soothing anesthesia works for up to 42 days, helping veterinarians and producers improve animal well-being.

Animal Ag Organizations Team Up to Combat Misinformation and Share Science
Animal Ag Organizations Team Up to Combat Misinformation and Share Science

Everyone knows communication is key to animal agriculture's future success. That's why the Animal Agriculture Alliance and National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) are teaming up.

Farmer Nightmare: Government Floods Family Twice, Kills Herd and Refuses to Pay Damages
Farmer Nightmare: Government Floods Family Twice, Kills Herd and Refuses to Pay Damages

Richie Devillier is fighting back after the government twice flooded his 900-acre farm and home, killed his cattle, ran his family through emotional hell—and insisted he foot the entire bill.

Cattle Cycle Uncertainty Looms As Drought Kicks Expansion Down the Road
Cattle Cycle Uncertainty Looms As Drought Kicks Expansion Down the Road

With persistent drought conditions across many states, indications show the current cattle cycle may not be nearing an end anytime soon. Here’s a look a historical trends and what we might expect in the coming months.

Animal Activist and Former Baywatch Star Found Not Guilty in ‘Open Rescue’
Animal Activist and Former Baywatch Star Found Not Guilty in ‘Open Rescue’

Former “Baywatch” star Alexandra Paul and activist Alicia Santurio were found not guilty of misdemeanor theft after “rescuing” two chickens in 2021. Although they faced jail time, Paul says it was worth the risk.

Nine Research Grants Focus on Improving Beef and Swine Antibiotic Use
Nine Research Grants Focus on Improving Beef and Swine Antibiotic Use

The International Consortium for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Agriculture (ICASA) has awarded nine grants to develop management strategies that improve judicious antibiotic use in beef cattle and swine.

Weather the Freeze: 3 Tips to Ensure Cattle Have Winter Water Access
Weather the Freeze: 3 Tips to Ensure Cattle Have Winter Water Access

Strategies to keep your water sources open and clear to drink to optimize your cattle’s performance during winter.

VIDEO: Meet Trust In Beef Industry Partner U.S. Roundtable For Sustainable Beef
VIDEO: Meet Trust In Beef Industry Partner U.S. Roundtable For Sustainable Beef

Trust In Beef is pleased to introduce a series of collaborative value chain program partners in a new video series. In this video, meet rancher and USRSB 2021/22 Chair Steve Wooten of Kim, Colo.

Helping Cattle Cope with Summer Heat
Helping Cattle Cope with Summer Heat

After seeing the devastation of a major heat stress event, consider these strategies to help mitigate heat stress issues in the herd.

Easier Said ... But It Must Be Done
Easier Said ... But It Must Be Done

If we, who believe animal-derived proteins are good for people, do not share animal agriculture’s story, those who wish to diminish or eliminate animal agriculture from the food system will lead the conversation.

Farm Journal and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture Team Up to Help Animal Ag Share Its Story
Farm Journal and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture Team Up to Help Animal Ag Share Its Story

Consumers are interested in how animal agriculture affects health and wellness, environmental stewardship, animal welfare and worker safety. Now is the time for a more robust and meaningful conversation.

Help Cattle Beat the Heat with These Tips
Help Cattle Beat the Heat with These Tips

Kansas State beef veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff explains some of the ways producers can help cattle be less stressed in high heat conditions.

Angus VNR: New Lens on Animal Welfare

Healthy animals perform best, but the emerging field of animal-welfare science suggests their mental health plays a key role that might be measured.

We asked veterinarians for their thoughts on the key challenges and opportunities for success in eight categories during the decade of the 2020s.
What to Expect from the 2020s

Part 7: Animal Welfare

AABP Updates Dehorning Guidelines
AABP Updates Dehorning Guidelines

Due to an emphasis on animal welfare and newer pain mitigation options available, AABP updates its calf dehorning guidelines.

Sources of pain for animals can include castration, tail docking, dehorning/disbudding or branding.
Ouch – that hurts!

Researchers address challenges in livestock pain mitigation.

Stockmanship experts Ron Gill (left) and Curt Pate will once again lead demonstrations on low-stress cattle handling.
Register for Upcoming Stockmanship and Stewardship Workshops

The well-regarded Stockmanship and Stewardship training programs continue this summer, with the next event scheduled for August 9 and 10 in Fort Collins Colorado.

The Gravedigger’s Tale: Farm Venture Turns Into Ministry
The Gravedigger’s Tale: Farm Venture Turns Into Ministry

David Heidt is far more than a gravedigger—he is a minister of comfort. Beneath the ground of Heidt’s farmland, 2,500 meticulous horse burials testify to his care and service.

The USDA's cattle heat-stress forecast shows much of the eastern and central states under risk of dangerous to emergency heat stress as this week progresses.
Risk of Heat Stress Rises this Week

The July weather pattern is posing to offer challenges this week for feedlot operators and cattle producers.

The high-risk ratings reach north through Kansas, Nebraska and neighboring states, particularly on Thursday and Friday.
Beat the Heat

For most of us, July 4th means cookouts, parades and fireworks. But for livestock, it’s the unofficial entry to the “dog days of summer,” with the associated threat of damaging heat stress.

Stockmanship and Stewardship event in Ames, June 28-29
Stockmanship and Stewardship event in Ames, June 28-29

Cattle producers should make plans to visit Ames, Iowa, for the Midwest Summer Stockmanship & Stewardship experience on June 28-29, 2019.

With training, monitoring and evaluation, livestock operations can minimize the risk for damaging accusations of welfare violations.
Welfare Crisis: Prepare and respond

Early one morning, you find your phone and e-mail swamped with messages about an undercover video supposedly documenting animal abuse on the farm.

Nebraska Feeder Pleads Not Guilty to Cruelty Charges in Cattle Deaths

After more than 200 cattle died on a feedlot in Nebraska, the cattle feeder who was responsible for the animals' care has pleaded not guilty to 40 charges he faces in the alleged livestock neglect case.

After more than 200 cattle died on a feedlot in Nebraska, the cattle feeder who was responsible for the animals' care has pleaded not guilty to 40 charges he faces in the alleged livestock neglect case.
Nebraska Feeder Pleads Not Guilty to Cruelty Charges in Cattle Deaths

After more than 200 cattle died on a feedlot in Nebraska, the cattle feeder who was responsible for the animals' care has pleaded not guilty to 40 charges he faces in the alleged livestock neglect case.

Muddy feedlot conditions common in 2019 lead to poor animal performance, some health issues, and increased odors as temperatures warm.
Muddy Feedlot Surfaces: What Are My Options?

Muddy feedlot conditions common in 2019 lead to poor animal performance, some health issues, and increased odors as temperatures warm.

Nebraska Cattle Feeder Faces More Charges in Neglect Case

A feedlot operator in Nebraska who has been linked to more than 200 cattle dying from neglect has been charged with more crimes in the case.

Nebraska Cattle Feeder Faces More Charges in Neglect Case
Nebraska Cattle Feeder Faces More Charges in Neglect Case

A feedlot operator in Nebraska who has been linked to more than 200 cattle dying from neglect has been charged with more crimes in the case.

On one of the ranches, chute scores and body weight were significant predictors for 30-day pregnancy rates.
Does Cow Temperament Affect Fertility?

Selecting cattle for mild temperament can pay off in a number of ways. In addition to handler safety, more docile cattle might provide an advantage in reproduction.

Dr. Clyde Lane, professor emeritus from the University of Tennessee, stresses knowing the weight limits of your truck and trailer, and conducting regular inspections for safety.
Safe Travels

Just about every cattle producer with a pickup truck also has a stock trailer to connect to it, but many don’t give their trailer a lot of thought.

Arrest Made After 200 Cattle Found Dead at Nebraska Feedlot

Aaron Ogren, 30, of Exeter, Nebraska, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after more than 200 cattle died on a feedlot.

Aaron Ogren, 30, of Exeter, Nebraska, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after more than 200 cattle died on a feedlot.
Arrest Made After 200 Cattle Found Dead at Nebraska Feedlot

Aaron Ogren, 30, of Exeter, Nebraska, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after more than 200 cattle died on a feedlot.

Livestock Neglect Results in 200 Dead Cattle on Nebraska Feedlot
Livestock Neglect Results in 200 Dead Cattle on Nebraska Feedlot

In addition to 200 cattle dying because of alleged livestock neglect and another 200 cattle that were still alive have been removed from the property.

You Herd Right: 8 Tips to Gather the Herd
You Herd Right: 8 Tips to Gather the Herd

Basic stockmanship plays a critical role in BQA. Check out the advice on herding from the 2019 NCBA Cattle Convention.

Stock image of a police car.
Iowa Man Accused of Letting Cattle Die of Starvation

South-central Iowa authorities are investigating after dozens of head of cattle were found starved to death on property near Osceola.

Stephanie Tarlowe, Cornell University
Campus Connection: Students and Recent Grads Address Cannabis Issue

What are your initial thoughts on the potential for using Cannabis products such as CBD or THC for production or therapeutic applications in beef or dairy cattle?

Dr. Ron Gill (left) and Curt Pate demonstrate animal-handling principles during a previous Stockmanship & Stewardship event.
NCBA, Merck Plan 2019 Stockmanship & Stewardship Programs

NCBA Producer Education program to host up to six regional events in 2019.

Injectable opioids are used in animals to treat pain following severe trauma and to control pain during and after surgery.
FDA Works to Address Opioid Supply Shortage

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced this week it has worked with Pfizer Inc. to help alleviate a shortage of certain injectable opioids available to treat pain in animals.

Cattle make fewer trips to the feedbunk during muddy conditions which results in lower feed intake.
Managing Mud on Cattle Farms

Challenges associated with mud on the cattle farm need to be identified and evaluated to ensure the environment is not detrimental to animal health and performance.

Positive attitudes correlate with positive behavior.
Contented Crew, Contented Animals

When feedlot and dairy workers enjoy their jobs, feel empowered to make decisions and understand the reasons behind their tasks, they are most likely to provide good animal husbandry.

Top 10 Gaps in Cattle Care and Well-being
Survey Shows Top 10 Gaps in Cattle Care and Well-Being

Merck Study asks U.S. beef producers and veterinarians to weigh in on the most important welfare topic where training is needed.

California Landlord Charged for Killing 11 Cattle After Lease Dispute

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office exhumed 11 head of cattle from a property after a dispute between two ranchers and a landowner.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office exhumed 11 head of cattle from a property after a dispute between two ranchers and a landowner.
California Landlord Charged for Killing 11 Cattle After Lease Dispute

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office exhumed 11 head of cattle from a property after a dispute between two ranchers and a landowner.

A ranch in Williamson County, Texas had 82 cattle seized after 10 head were found dead. The likely cause was either starvation or a lack of water.
88 Cattle Confiscated in Texas After Being Malnourished, 18 More Dead

Ten cattle died on one Texas ranch where 82 cattle were seized, while another ranch in Texas had eight head die and six cattle confiscated. All of the cattle are believed to have been deprived of water or feed.

Cows stand in water to cool off on a hot summer day.
Reduce Heat Stress in Cattle

Summer heat and humidity can take a toll on cattle and humans.

Cow Rescued from Cattle Guard by Firefighters, Oil Field Crew

A cow in Colorado was recused by animal control officers, firefighters and oil field workers after getting stuck in a cattle guard.

Founded in 1903, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association is a professional association composed of more than 3,700 veterinarians committed to protecting public health, promoting high educational, ethical and moral standards within the veterinary profession.
TVMA Urges Producers to Include Livestock in Disaster Preparation

Floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey had a significant impact on livestock and horses, forcing the livestock industry to cope with the associated lost revenue.

Follow BQA Guidelines When Treating and Selling Cows

Summer often brings a few infectious ailments to beef cows. Common problems include eye infections and foot rot. Treatment of affected cows will often involve the use of antibiotics, so remember VFD rules.