New Products

Drovers Beef Biz: Check Out These New Products Promoted During CattleCon

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:18:40 GMT

Akralos Animal Nutrition , a new North American animal feed and nutrition company, officially launched Feb. 1. Formed through a joint venture, Akralos combines Alltech’s U.S.-based Hubbard Feeds and Canada-based Masterfeeds businesses with ADM’s U.S. feed operations. Operating a network of more than 40 feed mills across North America and supported by more than 1,400 team members, Akralos delivers feeds, minerals and supplements through its brands.

Bimeda announces the launch of Eprimectin , a new generic eprinomectin pour-on. Eprimectin delivers the same broad-spectrum parasite control as the pioneer brand Eprinex (eprinomectin) from Boehringer Ingelheim. Eprimectin is the ideal solution for both beef and dairy operations, including lactating dairy cattle, thanks to its zero milk and meat withdrawal time. Producers can expect the same convenient, weatherproof formulation and proven efficacy they’ve come to trust from this molecule.

Breedr announced new features to make managing breeding stock and tracking calves easier. These features include: separate breeding stock from commercial cattle, create virtual animals before calves are born and view genetic and EPD information at the chute. It also introduced three new chute-side processing improvements: quick induction, genetic results in chute mode and reliable offline performance.

Solvet announces CattleZen, a new cattle stress management tool designed to help producers maintain calmer, healthier beef and dairy cattle. CattleZen is a proprietary blend of maternal bovine-appeasing substance and a calming pheromone that, when applied just above the muzzle, stimulates a calming effect.

Using a direct-to-satellite device, CERES GEN6 brings together livestock health, behavior, location and pasture feed intake intelligence with new reproduction algorithms. Producers can now identify cycling cows, monitor bull activity and receive calving alerts to improve reproductive efficiency, season after season.

Envu is making it easier for ranchers to make smarter decisions about their grazing management rotation through their innovative ranch management tool, RangeView . Now, ranchers can seamlessly integrate CERES TAG into their RangeView dashboard to track cattle across range and pasture, herd optimization and ROI.

Ever.Ag announces the launch of Feedlot IQ , an intelligent, connected feedlot management platform built for cattle feedlot operations. Designed to help feedyards improve consistency, support animal health and make earlier, more informed decisions, Feedlot IQ uses advanced artificial intelligence and connected data for a clearer understanding of what’s changing across the yard.

Golden Agri-Resources, ED&F Man and Westway Feed Products are partnering to expand sustainable palm-based animal feed through the GoNutri product line. This collaboration will strengthen the supply chain for sustainable animal feed, providing customers in North America direct access to high-quality, sustainable, palm-based animal feed supplements.

Built by a lifelong rancher and software founder, Herd Advisor combines practical experience with data to give producers a clearer view of the market ahead. Just say “Hey Siri, cattle record” then speak naturally. Records go to review — confirm, edit or delete. Nothing slips through the cracks.

FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for IVOMEC(ivermectin) 1% Injection to prevent infestations caused by New World screwworm in cattle. The over-the-counter product must be administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration or at the appearance of a wound.

John Deere’s V452M round baler headlines the updated lineup of VR and CR round baler models, introducing a new naming convention and advanced features for heavy crop and silage conditions. The current 1 Series round balers remain and continue to serve customers with their baling needs.

Jones-Hamilton Co. announces the launch of SurpHace , a rebrand that brings together the company’s pH and ammonia control products for beef and dairy operations under a single product name. SurpHace replaces BeefUp and ParlorPal, delivering the same environmental control but positioned to serve the broader livestock market.

KEEN Utility announces the release of a new pull-on waterproof work boot — Flatland . Keen is known for out-of-the-box comfort, snug heels, wide toe boxes and asymmetrical carbon toes that are lightweight and unobtrusive.

Merck Animal Health’s EXZOLT CATTLE-CA1 (fluralaner topical solution) received FDA’s conditional approval for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae (myiasis) and the treatment and control of cattle fever tick (Rhipicephalus microplus). Recently, FDA removed the “single use only” language from the product label.

MGK Insect Solutions launched Troika Farm and Livestock Aerosol , a synergized dual-active, broad-spectrum insecticide that delivers the quick kill needed for immediate relief and provides residual control. The aerosol kills more than 25 insects on contact with residual control up to four weeks.

New Holland expands its T7 tractor series with three redesigned models . A new front axle design cuts the turning radius by 20% versus previous models, and in-cab visibility has been improved in every direction.
Norbrook’s Defendazole (fenbendazole) is the first FDA-approved generic white drench dewormer. The product treats and controls many of the common profit-limiting internal parasites that reduce feed efficiency and threaten the health of your herd. With Defendazole, producers can expect the same safety, efficacy and performance advantages as Safe-Guard (fenbendazole) oral suspension.

Ritchie introduces an all-climate solution for cattle operations that need a flexible watering solution for use in various pen configurations. The new OmniMaster 4 puts the proven performance and producer-favorite features of the OmniMaster 8 in a smaller footprint to water up to 180 beef cattle.

Suther Feeds announces the launch of Sulutions CaliGuard Paste , a biologically active nutraceutical designed to support gut health, hydration and digestive stability in livestock. This ready-to-use paste is a tool for calves and young animals during periods of stress, transition or digestive challenge. CaliGuard Paste is formulated with a targeted blend of tannins, essential oils and probiotics.

Vermeer Corporation and alliance partner G.T. Bunning & Sons Ltd. announce a new milestone in their collaboration efforts: The first MS400 manure spreaders produced at Vermeer’s Griswold, Iowa, facility are now shipping to dealers and customers in North America. While Bunning remains the design and engineering lead, Vermeer is leveraging its manufacturing capabilities to better meet demand and expand future product availability.

Westway’s Synergy line delivers nutrition where it matters most — out on pasture. Available in a molasses base, Synergy products provide cattle a highly palatable source of vitamins and minerals through a consistent, self-regulated delivery system to eliminate waste and increase labor efficiency. This new product is a fit for cattle producers who feed cubes, a TMR, commodities or liquid feed.

Zoetis Inc. has announced the launch of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) genetic predictions in INHERIT Select for commercial cow-calf operations and as an upgrade to its INHERIT Connect test for seedstock. This marks the first time cattle producers can select replacement females and evaluate sires based on genetic predictions for BRD health and survival.

Be sure to check out BoVet Editorial Director Andrea Bedford’s The Bovine Vet Podcast . She walked the trade show floor at CattleCon 2026 and visited with companies about new products. You can read more at: Beyond the Trade Show Floor: Translating CattleCon’s Top Tech Into Daily Practice

Livestock and mRNA Vaccines: What You Need To Know

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 01:56:43 GMT

As misinformation regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in livestock filter through social media, there are facts begging to be set straight.

Recently, a claim was made saying producers are required to inject livestock with mRNA vaccines.

According to USDA spokesperson, Marissa Perry says, “There is no requirement or mandate that producers vaccinate their livestock for any disease. It is a personal and business decision left up to the producer and will remain that way,” in response to the claim, Associated Press shared in an article .

National Pork Board’s Director of Consumer Public Relations, Jason Menke echoed the statement to AP, noting that the decision to use vaccines and other medical treatments to protect animal health and well-being are made by the farmer under the direction of the herd veterinarian.

To further explain mRNA vaccines and shed light on controversies, Dr. Kevin Folta, a molecular biologist and professor at the University of Florida, shares his viewpoint and experience with the technology.

What are mRNA Vaccines?

First introduced to the population through the COVID-19 vaccines, mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccines have been in development for decades, says Folta in a recent AgriTalk segment.

He adds that the technology’s potential in human health makes it a likely candidate to have a place in animal health as well. However, “the technology is being maligned in social media, and is now shaping decisions at the level of state legislature,” Folta says. This leads to the growing importance that producers and consumers become more educated on the topic.

What Folta believes began in January of this year, based on claims with very little data, certain advocates against mRNA vaccines are concerned that mRNA vaccines are in use and development in livestock. Additionally, these vaccines may then be present in the food these animals provide.

Why mRNA Vaccines Are Not Present in Food

“It’s not in your food. It’s a vaccine for the animal that, just like any vaccine, protects the animal from disease,” Folta says.

Current mRNA vaccines being used in swine are injected into the muscle, Folta explains, which causes the development of the immune response protein to then stimulate the body to work against the virus.

“In the absence of the virus, it’s kind of like giving the virus or giving the body a ‘wanted’ poster that says, ‘when this individual comes along, and this virus comes along, work against it,’ and it’s all gone within hours,” he adds.

The mRNA never leaves the cells from where it was injected. RNA is a very unstable molecule that must be kept cold, buffered and in solvent, to remain viable, Folta explains.

Additionally, any licensed vaccine comes with a minimum time before that animal can enter the food chain, also known as the “withdrawal time,” says Alan Young, professor in the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at South Dakota State University and founder of protein platform (non-mRNA) vaccine company Medgene.

The Animal’s Genes Are Not Altered

While mRNA vaccines include genetic code, Folta says the use of a mRNA vaccines does not alter the animal’s genes in any way.

“This [mRNA] is an intermediate between the gene itself and the products that the gene encodes. So, it’s like having a blueprint and a house. The mRNA is like the construction worker. It takes the blueprint and manufactures the house. In the case of the cell, it takes the DNA blueprint and then takes a little bit of that information to build part of the final structure. The mRNA is just that intermediate, it does not change the genes. It doesn’t change the DNA itself,” he explains.

What are the Benefits of mRNA Vaccines?

More flexibility and faster response to new disease, Folta describes as reasons why mRNA vaccines are becoming more popular.

Traditional vaccines require large amounts of a virus to be raised and purified before being injected to elicit an immune response, he adds. Meanwhile, mRNA encourages the body to make a little piece of protein to elicit the desired immune response.

“It’s much cleaner, much easier. If you’re moving parts in this machine, to make this product that induces an immune response, it’s so good in so many ways,” Folta says.

In pork production specifically, researchers are working with mRNA vaccines that will work this way against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which is a viral disease that causes economic loss totals around $664 million per year in the U.S. (Holtkamp et al., 2013).

Additionally, the use of mRNA technology adds another tool to the toolbox, which may be helpful in combating diseases, such as African swine fever (ASF), avian influenza and other food-animal diseases.
“This stands to be a revolutionary technology if we don’t get in the way,” Folta adds.

Are There Risks to mRNA Vaccines?

Folta says everything has some sort of risk, but it’s important to weigh the benefits against the risk.
As seen with the COVID-19 vaccines, in rare cases, people experienced side effects from the vaccine. However, Folta is encouraged by the initial results in livestock.

“If you look in animals where these [vaccines] have been used, there have been no unusual effects noted. Everything potentially has risk, but it’s monitored, and especially in large animal populations, we can look very carefully at that for surveillance,” he explains.

mRNA Enters State Legislation

While some consumers spread misinformation about the use of mRNA vaccines, the ideas have also crept into state legislation.

The Missouri House Bill 1169 , with a special hearing set for Apr. 19 on the matter, aims to require a label be used on meat from animals treated with an mRNA vaccine, identifying the “potential gene therapy product.”
This bill falsely claims that mRNA vaccines would modify the genes of the organism, Folta explains.

mRNA vaccines are simply another modality that can protect animal health, which results in healthy animals producing the best and safest food products, Folta says, and provides producers with more options to help combat disease.

“To have affordable food, we need to have continual innovation in the animal, medical, veterinary space and mRNA vaccines are safe and an effective way to treat the animal that does not change the final product,” he adds.

The COVID-19 pandemic simply “broke the seal” to the development of these new modalities that will change the way human and animal diseases will be treated in the years to come.

More on Vaccines:

Genvax Technologies Secures $6.5 Million to Advance Novel Vaccine Platform

Cattle Veterinarians Have New Vaccination Guidelines

Don’t Assume That Old Refrigerator Is Good Enough To Store Vaccines

OTC Livestock Antibiotics Will Require Prescription June 11

FDA Approves Elanco’s New, First-in-Class Methane-Reducing Feed Ingredient

Wed, 29 May 2024 19:24:18 GMT

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated recently announced that the FDA has completed its comprehensive, multi-year review of Bovaer® (3-NOP), a first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient, and determined the product meets safety and efficacy requirements for use in lactating dairy cattle.

According to the company, Bovaer works by suppressing the enzyme in the cow’s rumen that forms methane. Feeding one tablespoon of Bovaer per lactating dairy cow per day can reduce methane emissions by about 30% or about 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions annually while creating an opportunity for dairy farmers to be financially rewarded for reducing their dairy’s carbon footprint. Feeding one million cows, Bovaer would reduce emissions equivalent to removing more than 285,000 cars from the road for a year, Elanco states. Feeding Bovaer to cattle has proven to be safe for animals, producers and consumers.

“This monumental announcement has the ability to accelerate the opportunity for climate-neutral dairy farming while creating a new revenue stream for dairy farmers across the country,” says Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We appreciate FDA’s commitment to maintaining high standards for science-based review, while balancing the need to quickly bring solutions to the market. Bovaer represents another example of Elanco being a partner of choice in animal health, where the capabilities of our talented R&D, regulatory and commercial teams are delivering significant value.”

Industry experts are also applauding the approval of this first-ever ingredient.

“The FDA’s approval of Elanco’s Bovaer is another important step on U.S. dairy’s journey toward a net-zero future, one in which dairy farmers have already made great progress,” says Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. “Bovaer and other new technologies that reduce enteric emissions will help U.S. farmers be rewarded for participating in voluntary, producer-led sustainability initiatives, which is critical for the success of such efforts”

Sustainability experts have also chimed in.

“Reducing enteric methane is critical if we are to reach our climate goals,” said Dr. Frank Mitloehner, CLEAR Center Director and University California Davis Professor and Cooperative Extension Air Quality Specialist. “It’s exciting our farmers will have an important tool to do that, in Bovaer.”

With milk prices lacking, input cost climbing and consumer perception becoming ever more important, Elanco states that feeding Bovaer to cows provides a scalable and credible way for dairy farmers to benefit from being good stewards of the environment while also being financially rewarded for implementing on-farm sustainability interventions.

“At an added cost of a few cents a gallon of milk, Bovaer can help food companies meet their climate commitments and consumer desire for more sustainable dairy products,” says Katie Cook, Vice President, Livestock Sustainability and Farm Animal Marketing at Elanco. “Meanwhile, by engaging in voluntary carbon markets and securing USDA and state conservation programming, dairy producers have a scalable sustainability practice with the potential to create an annual return of $20 or more per lactating cow by feeding Bovaer. Our goal is to make this opportunity a reality starting this summer, while creating a self-sustaining carbon inset market for American agriculture.”

For more on nutrition, read:

Merck Introduces Allflex CleanVax Nozzles and Shields for Intranasal Vaccination

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 19:10:58 GMT

Merck Animal Health announces new Allflex CleanVax nozzles and shields for clean, fast and convenient administration of intranasal vaccines to cattle.

The CleanVax intranasal vaccination system includes shorter nozzles that are less invasive than conventional cannulas, as well as clear plastic disposable shields that can be replaced between animals or groups of animals for more hygienic administration.

“CleanVax nozzles and shields optimize every aspect of the intranasal vaccination process for confidence in a clean, consistent dose every time,” says Jonathon Townsend, DVM, PhD, dairy technical services for Merck Animal Health. “The system is simple to use and enhances calf comfort, hygiene and consistency, making it easier on both the calf and caregiver.”

The following are the advantages of the CleanVax intranasal vaccination system:
• Calf-friendly, shorter nozzles minimize discomfort;
• Atomizer tips ensure even distribution across mucosal surfaces and reduce product drip;
• Easy-to-use nozzles attach to any brand of syringe or Luer lock applicator gun;
• Hygienic shields add a layer of protection and enhance biosecurity.

“CleanVax nozzles and shields are designed to make intranasal vaccine administration more hygienic, calf-friendly and consistent,” Townsend adds. “As a leader in intranasal vaccination technologies, Merck Animal Health continues to advance cattle health and production with innovative and effective solutions for cattle producers.”

Intranasal vaccines available from Merck Animal Health include Bovilis Nasalgen 3-PMH, Bovilis Nasalgen 3, Bovilis Nasalgen IP, Bovilis Coronavirus and Bovilis Once PMH IN.

Allflex CleanVax products are now available throughMerck Animal Health representatives or Allflex suppliers. Learn more at MAHcattle.com.

New Oral Vitamin and Mineral Supplement for Cattle

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 15:43:31 GMT

Bimeda, Inc. has recently launched BOVitalize™ in the US. BOVitalize is an oral vitamin and mineral supplement for beef and dairy cows, bulls and ruminating calves.

Vitamin and mineral nutrition is vital to cattle throughout their lifetimes. Both play a key role in reproduction and fertility, growth and development, immunity, and performance. Inadequate vitamin and mineral levels in cattle can lead to suppressed immune function, lower fertility and decreased growth rates---all of which will negatively impact a producers’ bottom line.

In an ideal situation, the majority of an animal’s required vitamins and minerals should be furnished through their daily diet of high-quality forages and/or grains. However, this is not always guaranteed, and supplementation should be used to achieve adequate levels.

BOVitalize contains selenium, copper, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin E. The product was specifically designed to complement operations’ existing nutrition program to provide key trace mineral fortification to support cattle productivity during stressful events in their lifetimes—like calving, breeding, branding, weaning, transport, and processing—where the bioavailability of nutrients can be negatively affected.

“Bimeda is excited to offer a product containing key vitamins and trace minerals that will give veterinarians and producers the ability to supplement cattle when they need it in a convenient manner.” said Dr. Chris Thomsen, Senior Technical Services Veterinarian, Bimeda US.

BOVitalize is administered to cattle as a single oral dose of 5 mL per 220 pound of body weight and will be available initially in 4 Liter jugs.

To learn more go to www.BimedaUS.com/bovitalize

Zoetis Introduces Valcor Injectable, with Doramectin and Levamisole, for Parasite Control

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 22:46:18 GMT

Zoetis announces it is introducing Valcor, the first approved dual-active endectocide available by prescription, to the beef and dairy industry. The product contains doramectin (Dectomax) and levamisole, according to Mark Alley, senior technical services veterinarian for Zoetis.

Valcor is designed to address 35 internal and external parasites – including various growth stages.

The parasite spectrum targeted for control includes adult and L4 of Haemonchus placei, Cooperia spp. (including C. oncophora) and Ostertagia ostertagi, as well as the adult version of Nematodirus helvetianus and Ostertagis ostertagi (inhibited L4).

The product is also indicated for the treatment and control of lungworms, eyeworms, grubs, mange mites and sucking lice.

Target Populations Approved For Treatment

Valcor can be used in beef cattle 2 months of age and older and in replacement dairy heifers less than 20 months of age. It is not for use in beef bulls intended for breeding over 1 year of age, dairy calves or veal calves.

It will be administered in a single, subcutaneous injection of 1 mL per 55 lb. of body weight.

Valcor will be available for purchase, starting August 1, 2023, company officials said during a virtual media conference call on Thursday.

Veterinarians were informed of the new product this past week during a similar online meeting, according to Alley.

“The information on Valcor will also be presented at the Academy of Veterinary Consultants meeting coming up next week,” he adds.

Why Injectable Imidazothiazole?

As the company evaluated active ingredients it could bring to the marketplace as a new tool to combat parasites in beef and dairy cattle, injectable imidazothiazole came to the company’s attention. Out of the 286.5 million doses of parasiticides sold in the U.S. in 2022, for use in 39 million beef and dairy cows, none were injectable imidazothiazole, Alley reports.

“That gives us a great opportunity to be able to incorporate this particular class of dewormer into our program and, hopefully, be able to get much better control than we historically have gotten with some of the other dewormers that we have available to us,” he says.

Mode Of Action

Alley says the two active ingredients in Valcor lead to parasite paralysis and death. How the two active ingredients work:

• Doramectin modulates the activity of chloride ion channels in the nervous system of nematodes and orthropods to inhibit the electrical activity of nerve cells.

• Levamisole is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist that continuously stimulates worm muscles.

In a research study with more than 1,500 head of heifers, Valcor reduced fecal egg count numbers by 99.9% compared to a leading competitor at 85%, Alley reports.

Heifers treated with Valcor gained 9.3 pounds more than the competitor-treated heifers over 56 days. “That additional weight gain adds up to more dollars per head,” he says.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not treat cattle with Valcor within 15 days of slaughter. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows; not for use in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, and veal calves. Safety has not been evaluated in breeding bulls. Use with caution in cattle treated with cholinesterase inhibitors. This product is likely to cause injection site swelling; tissue damage (including granulomas and necrosis) may occur. These reactions have resolved without treatment. See full Prescribing Information at ValcorTough.com/pi .

Bimeda® US Launches SpectoGard® Sterile Solution

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 19:14:58 GMT

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois (July 19, 2023) – Bimeda Inc. is pleased to announce that SpectoGard (spectinomycin sulfate) sterile solution—which received FDA approval in September of 2022—is now available for veterinarians and cattle producers in the United States. SpectoGard Sterile Solution is the first bioequivalent, generic spectinomycin sulfate injectable solution that is approved for use in cattle for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (pneumonia) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni.

SpectoGard Sterile Solution contains the same active ingredient in the same concentration and dosage form as the approved brand name drug product, Adspec® (Zoetis, Inc., Kalamazoo, MI), which was first approved on January 28, 1998 but has been unavailable due to discontinued manufacturing for over 5 years.

“We are excited to provide veterinarians and producers an effective treatment option for the most common bacterial causes of BRD from a class of antimicrobials that hasn’t been used in many years. SpectoGard Sterile Solution is an aminocyclitol, which is closely related to the aminoglycosides except it doesn’t have the same potential side effects (such as nephrotoxicity) as the aminoglycosides do.” said Dr. Chris Thomsen, Senior Technical Services Veterinarian, Bimeda US.

SpectoGard Sterile Solution should be administered to cattle at a daily dose of 10 to 15 mg spectinomycin per kg of body weight (4.5 to 6.8 mL per 100 lbs. of body weight). Treatment should be administered at 24-hour intervals for 3 to 5 consecutive days. The meat withdrawal time for this product is 11 days.

SpectoGard Sterile Solution is available in 500 mL vials and requires a veterinary prescription for use.

To learn more, contact your veterinarian or go to www.BimedaUS.com/SpectoGardInj

Merck Animal Health Announces AROVYN™ Is Available

Tue, 24 May 2022 17:18:44 GMT

Merck Animal Health announces that AROVYN™ (tulathromycin injection) is now available to veterinarians prescribing tulathromycin, which is used to control and treat bovine respiratory disease (BRD), plus treat foot rot and pinkeye. The prescription antibiotic, recently approved by the FDA , is the latest addition to the comprehensive antimicrobial portfolio and BRD solutions from Merck Animal Health.
“AROVYN offers veterinarians and producers a new, cost-effective option for tulathromycin from an animal health company they know and trust,” said John Champagne, D.V.M., dairy technical services, Merck Animal Health.
In beef and non-lactating dairy cattle, AROVYN is indicated for the treatment of BRD and control of respiratory disease in animals at high risk of developing BRD associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni and Mycoplasma bovis. It also is approved for treatment of pinkeye or infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) associated with Moraxella bovis, plus treatment of foot rot associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii. In suckling calves, dairy calves and veal calves, AROVYN is indicated for treatment of BRD associated with M. haemolytica, P. multocida, H. somni and M. bovis.
“AROVYN is backed by Merck Animal Health’s technical service and sales team with extensive expertise in managing BRD, cattle health and well-being,” explained Dr. Champagne. “The Merck Animal Health dairy portfolio offers multiple options to help producers manage BRD in calves, including a first-of-its-kind intranasal vaccine, BOVILIS® NASALGEN® 3-PMH.”
AROVYN is approved for cattle and swine and comes in 50-, 100-, 250- and 500-mL vials. It is manufactured in the same facility as other Merck Animal Health antimicrobials, such as ZUPREVO® (tildipirosin), with the same high quality assurance guidelines. To learn more, contact your veterinarian or www.ArovynforBRD.com .

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CATTLE: AROVYN 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 full Prescribing Information.

SWINE: The pre-slaughter withdrawal time for AROVYN in swine is five days. AROVYN should not be used in animals known to be hypersensitive to the product.

New Product In Battle With Feral Hogs

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 19:08:32 GMT

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced a new tool in the war against feral hogs with the release of a new hog contraceptive bait entering the market this week. A new product called HogStop is being released with the goal of curbing the growth of the feral hog population in Texas over time.

“The feral hog problem has exploded into a crisis,” said Commissioner Miller, “Texas farmers and ranchers need every tool they can get their hands on to stop these hogs. With this new product, we’re one step closer to my goal of making feral hogs an endangered species in Texas.”

According to recent reports, the feral hog population in Texas has swelled to over 2.6 million. Feral hogs cause an estimated $52 million in damages, not just to farm and ranch land, but to urban areas, parks, golf courses. Feral hogs were even responsible for at least one human death in the last few years.

An all-natural contraceptive bait, HogStop targets the male hog’s prodigious ability to reproduce. Feral hogs have the highest reproduction rate of any similar species and can produce a new litter every three months or so and can produce litters of up to 20.

“I am very excited about this new product, Hogstop,” Miller said. “This could be a great new weapon in the war on feral hogs. It appears that unlike other hog baits, this is not a poison. Instead, it interrupts the reproduction of this animal over time, and therefore makes the product more humane. Hogstop, or any other product that is available to help Texas farmers and ranchers curb the damage done by these feral hogs, is welcomed at the Texas Department of Agriculture.”

Hogstop is considered a 25 (b) pesticide by the EPA, and as such, does not have to be registered by TDA before use.

“Contraceptive baits like HogStop work to strike a blow against the exponential growth of the feral hog population in Texas,” said Miller. “As we fight to find other ways to eradicate these pests, these kinds of products can knock down the numbers over a period of time.”

For more information about HogStop, visit their website at www.hogstop.com

Elanco Introduces NUPLURA PH+ for Cattle

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 16:52:45 GMT

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated ) brings the cattle industry powerful new options for fast, smooth and flexible protection against bovine respiratory disease (BRD)—one of the deadliest diseases affecting U.S. cattle.¹

New NUPLURA PH+ builds on the proven performance of NUPLURA PH against Mannheimia haemolytica, while adding protection against common viral causes of BRD, including BVD Types 1 and 2 and IBR.

NUPLURA PH+ provides protective immunity against M. haemolytica in as little as 10 days, which is the fastest immunity claim on the market. M. haemolytica is the primary bacterial cause of pneumonia in cattle.² NUPLURA PH+ protects against M. haemolytica and other causes of BRD in calves, as well as in animals at risk for BRD during weaning, branding, shipping, commingling and other times of elevated stress.

For cattle producers concerned about both bacterial and viral causes of BRD, these NUPLURA PH+ options provide additional protection:

• NUPLURA PH+BVD delivers additional protection against BVD Types 1 and 2
• NUPLURA PH+3 adds protection against BVD Types 1 and 2, plus IBR

“With NUPLURA PH+, the fastest BRD vaccine on the market just got better. Producers can now target bacterial and viral BRD pathogens with one vaccination. This means less stress on the animal, less labor and less time to administer,” says Brett Terhaar, Elanco Animal Health technical consultant. “Producers have the flexibility to deliver the right protection their herds need, at the right time.”

In addition, NUPLURA PH+ is gentle and safe to use on animals as young as 28 days. Field trials show that calves vaccinated with NUPLURA PH+ stay on feed and water with minimal sweats or other setbacks.³ With few post-vaccination reactions to overcome, animals can devote energy to growth and productivity.

Two virulence factors

NUPLURA PH+ is the only M. haemolytica vaccine portfolio that combines recombinant leukotoxoid technology and purified outer membrane proteins (OMPs). These two virulence factors are key to the vaccine’s strong, smooth response.

Using recombinant technology to produce NUPLURA PH+ results in consistently high levels of pure leukotoxoid, which stimulates production of antibodies that bind and inhibit M. haemolytica leukotoxin and allow for a strong immune response. NUPLURA PH+ contains OMPs and is designed for minimal adverse reactions.

1 Griffin D. Economic impact associated with respiratory disease in beef cattle. Vet Clin North Am Food Animal Pract 1997;3:367-77.
2 Irsik MB. Bovine respiratory disease associated with Mannheimia haemolytica or Pasteurella Multocida. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Publication VM-163, University of Florida. Accessed June 7, 2012.
3 Elanco Animal Health. Data on file.

Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance Reduces Stress, Cortisol Levels In Cattle, Research Shows

When you observe a mama cow soothe an upset calf – taking it from bawling to calmly nursing in nearly an instant – you’ve just witnessed a naturally produced pheromone, called maternal bovine appeasing substance (MBAS), at work.

The pheromone, which is secreted through the skin of the mammary gland of lactating cows, is now available as a synthetic analog in the U.S., called FerAppease, for use in cattle experiencing stress from routine practices that are part and parcel in beef and dairy production.

Developed and marketed by FERA Diagnostics & Biologicals, FerAppease has been researched and evaluated by animal health scientists across a variety of production practices for the past decade.

“The maternal bovine appeasing substance is something that I’ve been investigating for nearly 10 years now, and the results are always consistently positive,” reports Reinaldo F. Cooke, DVM, PhD, endowed professor of beef cattle production at Texas A & M University.

FerAppease is designed to be topically administered to the nuchal skin (poll) and the skin above the muzzle. The product is locally assimilated by the vomeronasal organ located in the nasal cavity and is effective for 14 days.

“When the animal smells the bovine appeasing substance, the vomeronasal organ picks up that stimulus and translates into the brain as an appeasing, calming effect. It basically alleviates perception of the stress by the calf’s brain,” Cooke told Dr. Dan Thomson, Production Animal Consultation veterinarian and host of DocTalk, during a recent podcast.

Health Outcomes In Dairy And Beef Animals

In beef animals, Cooke has evaluated the product in a variety of production stages: at weaning in cow/calf herds, in calves being placed in feedyards and in finished cattle being shipped to a packing plant.

He also has conducted one study on the use of the technology in dairy calves ready for weaning¹. The dairy study was conducted on a commercial dairy in New York to evaluate health outcomes in treated vs. untreated Holstein calves. Application of the MBAS decreased the incidence of diarrhea (71% in controls and 59% in treated calves) and decreased mortality (7.8% in controls and 2.4% in treated calves).

An overview of the dairy study results is available in the American Association of Bovine Practitioner (AABP) The Bovine Practitioner.Cooke also addressed the study in Episode 184 of the AABP podcast Have You Herd? Listen to it here: AABP PodCasts - Effect of Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance

More Than 10 Studies Conducted In Beef Cattle

For beef cattle, Cooke and his colleagues have authored articles from more than 10 published studies demonstrating the performance of FerAppease. One of the latest Texas A&M University peer-reviewed studies published in the August 2024 Journal of Animal Science².

Results from this study showed that administrating FerAppease resulted in decreased physiological stress markers in beef cattle. Compared to the control group, cattle receiving FerAppease had lower serum cortisol concentrations after castration and lower hair cortisol concentrations during the initial 28 days on feed.

“An increase in cortisol levels is the key negative physiological driver resulting from stress that impacts cattle appetite, health and weight gain,” Cooke says.

Specific to health benefits from administering FerAppease, the study results demonstrated improved immuno-competence with higher serum antibody concentrations against Parainfluenza 3 upon initial and booster vaccinations, according to a FERA news release.

Overall improved health response and better recovery from Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) were also observed in this study for FerAppease-treated beef cattle. A higher portion of cattle administered the technology required only a single antibiotic treatment to recover to positive health after BRD diagnosis compared to the control group. Mortality rates due to BRD were 83% lower in cattle treated with the product compared to the control group.

Multiple, Practical Uses With Positive ROI

As Cooke has considered where the technology fits within livestock production, he says his first thought was for calves at weaning, “especially because the calf takes about two weeks to recover from the separation from the cow,” he says.

“Then my next focus was on high-risk receiving cattle, because of all the stresses associated with the feedlot receiving. Reimplant is also another time point where we can address the stress of processing cattle. And the last period that I suggest is right before they go to the packing plant to address the stress of loading, transport, arrival, and waiting at the packing plant, which can translate into more carcass dressing,” Cooke told Thomson during the DocTalk podcast. Watch it here:
DocTalk Ep 634 - Bovine Appeasing Substance (FerAppease)

Cooke adds that the study published in the August 2024 Journal of Animal Science showed that by alleviating stress related to the process of shipping cattle to the packing plant, there was an increase of 1.5 percentile points in carcass dressing, roughly an additional 14 pounds of carcass.

“That’s $3 a pound of carcass today, so an additional $30 to $50 per head, which is significant” Thomson estimates.

Cooke adds that the economic analysis for use of FerAppease, depending on the production stage for use, offers producers a return on investment between 20:1 to 30:1.

Rodrigo Bicalho, CEO FERA Diagnostics & Biologicals, says A FerAppease treatment retails for about $3 per head for adult cattle and $1.50 per head for calves.

FerAppease use doesn’t require a veterinarian’s prescription or a Veterinary Feed Directive plan, and there are no meat withholding requirements. For more information and study data, visit www.FERAah.com .

References:¹Bringhenti, L., Colombo, E., Rodrigues, M., and Cooke, R. Effect of maternal bovine appeasing substance on health and performance of preweaned dairy calves. The Bovine Practitioner, Volume 57, No. 2, 2023. Available at: https://bovine-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/bovine/article/view/8772 .

²Pickett, A., Cooke, R. de Souza, I., Kertz, N., and Mackey, S. Administering the maternal bovine appeasing substance improves overall productivity and health in high-risk cattle during a 60-d feedlot receiving period Journal of Animal Science. Manuscript ID for Peer Review: JAS-2024-8536.

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