ANTHRAX.

 

Animal waste management in the abattoir.

Utilizing sustainable strategies for effective animal waste management in abattoirs:Maximizing Efficiency with Sustainable Animal Waste Strategies in Abattoirs.

 Learn how to effectively manage animal waste in abattoirs with sustainable strategies. 

Discover ways to minimize impact on the environment, reduce costs, and maximize efficiency. Get the facts now for a more efficient and responsible approach to animal waste management.

 Animal waste management in abattoirs is a crucial element of the meat industry. Not only does it have an impact on operational efficiency, but also affects public health and safety due to its potential for contamination with bacteria, viruses, and parasites. 

It is therefore essential that effective strategies are implemented to ensure proper disposal of animal waste products from abattoirs in order to prevent environmental degradation as well as protect human health. 

 Sustainable strategies can be used effectively for managing animal wastes at slaughterhouses which include composting or incineration techniques among others; these approaches not only reduce costs associated with disposing animal remains but also provide additional benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality by eliminating odors caused by decomposition processes. 

 In this blog post we will explore some sustainable methods utilized for efficient management of animal wastes generated within an abattoir environment along with their advantages over traditional practices like burying carcasses or dumping them into water bodies nearby the facility grounds. 

 Composting Animal Waste Products: One popular method employed at many slaughterhouses involves transforming organic matter present in dead animals into useful fertilizers through composting procedures; this process requires minimal infrastructure investment while ensuring safe disposal of biological material without fear of spreading diseases/contaminants across surrounding areas near the facilities (as opposed to burial). 

 The benefit derived from composted manure includes improved soil fertility leading directly towards enhanced crop yields - thus making it highly beneficial especially when farming activities occur close-by where hazardous materials could otherwise seep out during rainstorms if buried underground instead (without proper containment measures).

 Additionally, utilizing biodegradable bags made specifically designed for collecting and storing organics helps further minimize risks posed via fly maggots breeding inside open containers left outside exposed elements too long periods time before collection takes place! Incinerating Animal Waste Products: 

 Another common strategy followed around most modern day slaughterhouse operations utilizes high temperature incineration systems designed specially tailored according meet local regulations governing emission levels pollutants released after burning off organic matter contained within carcasses themselves – resulting reduced atmospheric pollution alongside decreased risk microbial infections spread amongst living organisms nearby vicinity sites where large scale livestock processing occurs regularly basis throughout year round seasons alike! 

 These specialized machines often require significant investments capital up front however they offer quick turnaround times compared other available options since combustion rates incredibly high enough break down even toughest pieces bone tissue quickly and efficiently  in a manner possible leaving behind nothing more than harmless ashes ash residue. 

 Benefits Of Utilizing Sustainable Strategies For Managing Abattoir Wastes Effectively: 

utilizing sustainable strategies such as composting and incineration techniques provides several benefits. These include lowered operational costs while minimizing environmental damage caused by improper handling/disposal methods traditionally adopted in past decades due their lack awareness regarding consequences following bad decisions. 

 We cannot afford to remain ignorant any longer given current state of things happening around us now, all must act fast  to adopt cleaner ways of doing business. This saves us trouble to find entire ecosystem destroyed beyond repair irreversible damage. 

 Waste can also be used as a source of power (bio gas), this will reduce cost in the facility if properly managed.

Transforming The Red Meat Value Chain: Improving Public Health in the 21st Century.

 Transforming The Red Meat Value Chain: Improving Public Health in the 21st Century

The traditional way of producing and marketing red meat has been a major source of public health concerns for decades. From food safety to environmental pollution, the production and sale of red meat has had a widespread impact on our society. But with advances in technology and understanding, there is much hope that we can improve the red meat value chain for the betterment of public health. 

Read on to learn more about how we could potentially transform the red meat value chain to improve public health in the 21st century!

Introduction

The red meat value chain is a complex system that involves many different players, from farmers and ranchers to processors, retailers, and consumers. Each player has a unique set of needs and constraints, and the interactions between them can have important implications for public health.

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the potential health risks associated with red meat consumption. These concerns have led to calls for changes in the way the red meat value chain operates, in order to improve public health.

There is no single solution to the problem of improving public health in the red meat value chain. However, a number of proposals have been put forward that would address some of the key issues.

This article will provide an overview of the current state of the red meat value chain and public health concerns related to it. It will then discuss some of the proposed solutions for improving public health in the context of the value chain.

Definition and Overview of the Red Meat Value Chain

The red meat value chain is the process by which raw materials are converted into finished products that are ready for consumption. The chain involves a number of different actors, including farmers, feedlots, slaughterhouses, processors, retailers, and consumers.

The health of the red meat value chain is of paramount importance to public health. The World Health Organization has estimated that as much as 80% of all non-communicable diseases are attributable to dietary factors, and red meat is a major contributor to dietary risk. Consuming too much red meat can lead to obesity, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases.

In order to improve public health, it is essential to transform the red meat value chain. This means making changes at every stage of the process in order to make red meat healthier. This includes changes such as breeding healthier livestock, providing them with better quality feed, and using more humane methods of slaughter.

It is also important to increase transparency throughout the red meat value chain so that consumers can make informed choices about the products they purchase. To this end, labeling should accurately reflect the content of products and provide information on how the animals were raised and slaughtered. Finally, it is imperative that government policies support these efforts to improve the red meat value chain and protect public health.

So what can be done to improve the red meat value chain and make it more sustainable? Below are three possible solutions:

1. Improve animal husbandry practices: One way to make livestock production more sustainable is to improve  animal husbandry practices. This can involve switching from intensive, industrialized farming methods to alternative systems such as organic, pasture-based and agroforestry approaches. These approaches result in higher animal welfare standards, make better use of natural resources and reduce emissions.

2. Increase investment in research and development: More research and development needs to be done in the red meat sector to improve production efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. This could include developing new animal breeds that require less energy, water or feed inputs, as well as innovating feed formulations to reduce emissions or increase nutrient profiles.

3. Promote responsible consumption: Finally, it is important to address public attitudes toward red meat. This could include educational campaigns about the health benefits of consuming lean red meats such as bison and venison, as well as strategies for reducing overall meat consumption through plant-based diets or other dietary interventions.

Overall, implementing these strategies will help create a more sustainable and healthy red meat value chain that can continue to support public health in the 21st century.

The Role of Government in Transforming the Value Chain

The role of government in transforming the red meat value chain is to invest in and support research and development to improve food safety and quality, while also promoting policies and initiatives that encourage industry consolidation and modernization.

There are two key ways in which the government can help transform the red meat value chain: by investing in research and development to improve food safety and quality; and by promoting policies and initiatives that encourage industry consolidation and modernization.In addition to supporting research on food safety

Conclusion

The red meat value chain can play an important role in promoting public health and sustainability. It is not only a way to meet the changing needs of consumers but also holds great potential for securing healthier, safer and more equitable food systems worldwide. 

By taking into account advances in technology and innovation, societies should take steps to transform their red meat value chain as part of larger efforts to foster better nutrition outcomes across populations, protect the environment and support farmers with sustainable market access. 

With these actions it will be possible to build a 21st century food system that's beneficial for everyone involved.

 

Red Meat Industry: Opportunities and Challenges

The red meat industry is a complex one, with opportunities and challenges that are unique to the sector. This blog post will provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the red meat industry, as well as some tips on how to navigate these waters. By understanding the opportunities and challenges in the red meat industry, you will be able to make informed decisions when it comes to investing in this sector.

1. Introduction

The red meat industry is a large and profitable one with a lot of potential, but it also has a lot of challenges. This article will cover some of the opportunities and challenges in the red meat industry, and how businesses can best take advantage of them.



One of the main opportunities in the red meat industry is that it is a high-protein food. Protein is essential for human health and is important for building and repairing muscle tissue. In addition, red meat is a good source of iron, zinc, and other important minerals.

Another advantage of the red meat industry is that it is a sustainable food source. It is environmentally friendly to produce and it is also a good source of energy. The production of red meat also helps to reduce the number of livestock in the world.

However, there are also some challenges in the red meat industry. One of the main challenges is that it is a high-fat food. Too much fat can be harmful to the body, and it can also contribute to obesity and other health problems.

Another challenge is that red meat is a high-calorie food. Too much red meat can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Overall, the red meat industry has a lot of potential, but it also has a lot of challenges that businesses need to be aware of. By understanding these challenges and opportunities, businesses can best take advantage of the opportunities in the red meat industry.

2. Current state of the red meat industry

The red meat industry is experiencing some challenges at the moment. This is mainly due to the fact that people are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for alternatives to red meat. This has resulted in a decline in the sales of red meat.

However, the red meat industry is still a big business. There are many opportunities for businesses in the red meat industry. Here are a few:

- Produce red meat products that are healthier and have a different flavor profile.
- Develop new meat products that are based on red meat but are healthier.
- Develop new meat products that are based on red meat but are environmentally friendly.
- Develop new meat products that are based on red meat but are more affordable.
- Develop new meat products that are based on red meat but are easier to cook.
- Develop new meat products that are based on red meat but are more sustainable.
- Develop new meat products that are based on red meat but are more humane.

3. Opportunities in the red meat industry

The red meat industry is booming and there are many opportunities for businesses looking to get in on the action. The market is growing at a rapid rate, and there are many people who are looking for high-quality, affordable meat products.

One of the biggest challenges businesses in the red meat industry will face is educating people about the benefits of red meat. Many people are still unaware of the health benefits of eating red meat, and it will be important for businesses to continue educating the public about the benefits of red meat in order to tap into this growing market.

Another challenge businesses in the red meat industry will face is the environmental impact of meat production. The livestock industry is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and it will be important for businesses to find ways to reduce their environmental impact.

4. Challenges in the red meat industry

The red meat industry is a challenging one. It's not just because of the environmental challenges but also the health challenges. For the most part, people in the developed world consume too much red meat and that has negative consequences.

One of the biggest challenges in the red meat industry is finding a way to increase production without compromising the quality of the product. In order to do that, you need to find ways to improve the production process and also find ways to reduce the environmental impact.

Another challenge is the competition from other food products. For example, vegetarianism is on the rise and that's going to have a big impact on the red meat industry. Vegetarians and vegans are going to demand more red meat products and those products are going to have to be of high quality to stand out.

5. Conclusion

The red meat industry is a big business and there are many opportunities and challenges facing it. Opportunities include the growing trend of plant-based meat alternatives, the increasing demand for ethical meat, and the growth of the global middle class. Challenges include the environmental impact of raising and slaughtering animals, the global trade deficit in red meat, and the health concerns around eating red meat.

The red meat industry is big and growing, so there are many opportunities and challenges to consider. In this article, we discuss some of the opportunities and challenges facing the red meat industry. We also provide some tips to help you navigate these opportunities and challenges.

We hope you enjoyed our blog post about the red meat industry. The red meat industry is a large and growing one, and there are many opportunities for those who are willing to work hard. However, the industry also has many challenges, and it is important to be aware of them before starting a business in this field. We have outlined the most important ones for you in this post, and we hope that it will help you make the best decisions for your own business. Thank you for reading!

Future Beef: Global Smart Commodity Group adds live cattle trading to platform

 

Global Smart Commodity Group adds live cattle trading to platform. 

I recently completed an MBA in International Agribusiness and Food Chain Management program where i presented a term paper on technological disruptions in the cattle business in Nigeria. It was an amazing surprise when i came across this article with similar lines of thought as my project. We are set to change the narrative in the cattle trading system in Nigeria, we are changing the paradigm from the farm to the store. 

Lets get into the article without giving out too much information about our project.

 Global Smart Commodity Group adds live cattle trading to platform.

 Global Smart Commodity Group, a multi-asset class commodities exchange, has announced that Salus, the commodities trading platform built on blockchain technology, will begin providing live cattle as a traded commodity. 

 Intended to speed up the commodity trading process, there will be two available types of live cattle offered on the platform: live cattle and feeder cattle. Salus will also provide producers the ability to list identifiers such as weight, sex classification, country of origin, age, breed, genetics and other environmental factors.

 Global Smart Commodity Group, a multi-asset class commodities exchange, has announced that Salus, the commodities trading platform built on blockchain technology, will begin providing live cattle as a traded commodity. Intended to speed up the commodity trading process, there will be two available types of live cattle offered on the platform: live cattle and feeder cattle. Salus will also provide producers the ability to list identifiers such as weight, sex classification, country of origin, age, breed, genetics and other environmental factors. 

"The addition of offering live cattle on Salus is a necessary transition of technology," said Bryce Everett, GSCG's Cattle SME. "People have been searching for this type of option for a while, and they have been looking for a more fair and efficient way to trade cattle. We're very excited about how the outcome will play out." 

 The goal of offering live cattle on the platform will benefit smaller processors, those beyond the big names, giving a global platform to a farmer and rancher, helping to increase profits. 

Each contract of live cattle will be equivalent to 40,000 pounds, or 40 head. Salus was created using blockchain technology. Its Growth Cycle Tracking technology provides users a real time seed-to-delivery monitoring feature which authenticates the commodities' origins and watches over the transaction in each stage of the supply chain.

#blockchain #agribusiness #farming #trading.

Purina fermentation product supports feed efficiency in feedlot cattle.

 

Purina fermentation product supports feed efficiency in feedlot cattle.Feed costs are a constant consideration for cattle feeders. Improving feed efficiency, even by a small margin, can pay big dividends in the long run. “If cattle eat less and gain the same, it’s a nice advantage because you save on the amount you’re feeding. 

5The cattle industry has continually focused on improving feed efficiency through nutrition and genetics,” said Ron Scott, Ph.D., director of beef technical innovation with Purina Animal Nutrition. “Purina EfficienZ fermentation product is designed to help take things a step further.” 

The use of fermented feed is an age-long method to achieve feed efficiency and promote animal health.read 

 The new EfficienZ fermentation product is a non-nutritive feed additive available in select Purina supplements to support feed efficiency and help improve feed conversion in finishing cattle rations by optimizing rumen function.

Read Beef magazine.on side bar.

Rancher sentenced for running $244m ‘ghost cattle’ scam.

 

Rancher sentenced for running $244m ‘ghost cattle’ scam. A cattle rancher in Washington has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for defrauding Tyson Foods and another company out of more than $244 million by charging the victim companies for the purported costs of purchasing and feeding hundreds of thousands of cattle that did not exist. 

 According to court documents, Cody Allen Easterday used his company, Easterday Ranches Inc., to enter into a series of agreements with the companies under which Easterday Ranches agreed to purchase and feed cattle for them. Per the agreements, Tyson and the other company would advance Easterday Ranches the costs of buying and raising the cattle. Once the cattle were slaughtered and sold at market price, Easterday Ranches would repay the costs advanced – plus interest and certain other costs – retaining the difference as profit.( READ BEEF MAGAZINE ON SIDE BAR.)

Model predicts cross-species contamination risk for farm animals.

 

A new mathematical model from US researchers reveals the high risk of cross-species disease spread on farms with more than one type of animal. According to the model developed by a team at North Carolina State University—and described in Veterinary Research—biosecurity efforts focused on the top three per cent of farms in a particular contact network may significantly cut back cross-species disease dissemination. 

 “Most disease-prevention programs focus control and prevention measures on one species; however, it is well known that cross-species transmissions occur,” A/Prof Gustavo Machado said. “For example, foot-and-mouth disease can be transmitted among all ungulate species. And all of these farms are connected—they sell and share animals all the time.” 

 The researchers created a stochastic mathematical model that described the ‘connectedness’ of farms in one area of Southern Brazil. 

The model included three years’ worth of data for a population of 90 million animals and traced over 1.6 million animal movements between farms, such as animal sales and grow-finishing movements. 

 The model simulated disease outbreaks that began in cattle, pigs, and small ruminants (i.e., sheep or goats), respectively, in order to determine the likelihood of cross-species contamination in each case. They ran 1000 distinct simulations 100 times each to identify,continue

Beef supply chain emissions can be reduced by more than 30% by 2030.

New and emerging technologies and management practices all offer significant opportunities.Beef supply chain contributions to global GHG emissions need to go down, and they can. 

Rabobank anticipates the market will be the most effective driver of GHG emissions reduction and believes that beef supply chain emissions can be reduced by more than 30% by 2030 in major markets.

 But in order to unlock the opportunities, leadership is needed. All sectors and supply chains need to reduce emissions, and the beef supply chain is no exception. 

Beef supply chains account for about 6% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, of which about half are accounted for by the beef production stage of the supply chain. 

 New and emerging technologies and management practices – covering feed production, cattle breeding, cattle feeding, and soil and pasture management – all offer significant opportunities to reduce emissions. 

But that is not the only resource, global beef supply chain emissions can also be reduced significantly by transferring best practices from the most efficient beef supply chains to less efficient ones. The main driver will be the market. 

 #Agribusiness #Beef #Environment #Climatechange #SDGS.#foodsafety. 

  How onions in cattle feed can reduce emissions.

Manage mud to manage cattle health.

                 

Manage mud to maintain cattle health.

    

  

Significant presence of mud can increase energy requirements by as much as 30%. Wading through mud burns more calories, resulting in reduced gain for developing breeding stock and fed cattle, as well as reduced milk production for cows. Confounding things, cattle tend to eat less to avoid the extra effort to get to feed. On top of reduced performance, mud can have negative impacts on health, especially young calves. 

Mud clings to hair coats and makes it more difficult for the animal to regulate body temperatures, especially if nighttime temperatures dip below freezing. Pathogens also thrive in these conditions, creating continual exposure to calves. 

This occurs both directly because of the poor environment and indirectly when nursing from contaminated udders. Left unmanaged, excessive mud can also cause foot injuries and outbreaks of foot rot. 

 Four ways to manage mud to ensure cattle health. 

 1) Provide bedding. Multiple sources are available. When managed appropriately, manure and liquids tend to settle to the bottom of cornstalk bedding allowing for a drier surface. For feedlots and yearling cattle, it's recommended to provide 1 pound of bedding per day per inch of mud per head, while 4 pounds of bedding per day per inch of mud is needed for cow-calf pairs, with heavy bred females somewhere in the middle.

 2)Consider building a feeding pad. While a more expensive option, building a pad from packed gravel or lime with geotextile fabric provides a longer-term solution to managing mud. A concrete feeding area allows for easier cleaning and captures more manure nutrients for crop production. Both can be beneficial for reducing feed waste as well. 

 3) continue

  

Mosquitoes spread viruses faster than thought

Researchers say discoveries about virus development in mosquitoes might someday help stop disease transmission. Researchers at the University of Missouri have found viruses spread in the bodies of mosquitoes much quicker than previously thought. 

 "Previously, the common understanding was that when a mosquito has picked up a virus, it first needs some time to build up inside the mid-gut, or stomach, before infecting other tissues in the mosquito," said Alexander Franz, an assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine and the study’s corresponding author. "However, our observations show that this process occurs at a much faster pace; in fact, there is only a narrow window of 32 to 48 hours between the initial infection and the virus leaving the mosquito’s stomach.

 For this field of research, that revelation is eye opening." continue.

Should RFID tags be industry standard?

Should RFID tags be industry standard? USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comment on a proposal where APHIS would only approve Radio Frequency Identification as the official eartag for use in interstate movement of cattle that are required to be identified by the traceability regulations.

An official eartag is defined as an identification tag approved by APHIS that bears an official identification number for individual animals.

 Regulations allow APHIS to approve tags that can be used as official identification, and both metal and RFID tags are current options.

 A transition to RFID tags would support APHIS’ ongoing efforts to increase animal disease traceability by more accurately and rapidly allowing animal health officials to know where affected and at-risk animals are located.

While this would not prevent disease outbreaks, it would allow animal health officials to more quickly contain outbreaks

Rabies found in cattle.

Rabies found in cattle in 3 states Minnesota and Texas have reported one case each of rabies in cattle this year, and Oklahoma has reported two.

Veterinarians do not recommend vaccinating all cattle for rabies, but Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian Barry Whitworth says dairy cows, show animals, horses and other animals with regular human contact should be vaccinated. Full Story: Bovine Veterinarian

AGRIBUSINESS: Effects of hot weather on heat detection and breeding.

AGRIBUSINESS: Effects of hot weather on heat detection and breeding.While good weather can be of huge benefit for farmers, it can also be a roadblock if it hangs around for too long or is too intense. It can make heat detection and breeding more difficult in myriad ways. Heat stress can affect or hamper hormone production in cattle which can lead to cows or heifers not displaying signs of heat. This is known as silent heats, or subestrus. Specifically, heat stress can cause an increase in cortisol secretion which has been reported to block estradiol and reduce estrus behavior. Bull fertility Heat stress also affects the breeding performance of bulls. While hot weather in general can affect bull fertility (bull testes must be 2-6°C cooler than core body temperature for fertile sperm to be produced) heat stress can be detrimental to semen quality, testicular volume, sexual behavior. This in turn affects conception rates, fertility rates and bull fitness. One thing to bear in mind is that younger bulls are more susceptible to elevated air temperatures. READ: Heat Detection and Timing of Insemination for Cattle. FODDER/ FEED. If your cow isn’t getting enough green grass, this means they might not be getting enough minerals such as phosphorus, or trace elements like copper and cobalt, which all help promote the cow having a strong estrus. Cattle can also suffer from a Vitamin A deficiency after a long drought due to the cow not getting enough beta carotene (which cows convert to Vitamin A) which is usually rich in green grass. These deficiencies can be an issue during drought periods, or during winter, when grass isn’t as green. Drought can compound vitamin A deficiency because plants go dormant early in the year and it’s a long time before animals eat green grass again. Heat Stress In hot climates, or in years where there is abnormally high temperatures, cows can end up miscarrying due to heat stress. In one case, reported , German farmer Phillip Ellerbrock found a 40-45 day old embryo behind a cow.This was after a prolonged period of 35C temperatures. Not only did this happen, but fields of grass and grain were dried up and burned by the sun. There are a number of ways you can prevent and alleviate Heat Stress and its effects on your herd. If they are out on pasture, ensure that they have an area of shade where they can stay cool if they need to. In some hot countries farmers dig cooling ponds.If they are in housing, make sure you have a cooling system to keep the air temperature down.

AGRIBUSINESS: BREEDING SOUNDNESS.

             AGRIBUSINESS: BREEDING SOUNDNESS IN BULLS.

 How long can I keep a bull, and at what age can a young bull start mating cows?
 Puberty in bulls occurs when they can produce viable sperm. This happens at approximately 12 months of age, though it can vary in individual bulls several months before or after this age depending on biological type (primarily frame size and potential mature weight), nutrition, and health status.

circumference measures approximately 26 cm. A generally accepted guideline is to purchase/use only yearling bulls that have a minimum 32-cm scrotal circumference.

  Bulls can remain in service until they are 10 or 12 years of age. However, this is not the norm and usually remain in the herd for 4 to 5 years. Many do not last nearly that long due to hoof problems, structural problems, fertility issues, or injuries.

 Read: The management factors affecting fertility.

AGRIBUSINESS: Factors that affect bull fertility.

AGRIBUSINESS: Factors that affect bull fertility.When it comes to bulls, fertility is of upmost importance as their job is to secure the future of your herd. 1)Body Condition Your bull should have a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 3 or more before being turned out to the cows. As bulls can lose hundreds of pounds of weight during the breeding season it is a bad idea to have them in bad condition at the start of breeding season. This will likely compromise herd fertility and reduce the reproduction rate. Dramatic weight loss leads to lower sperm quality and production. However you need to watch out for overweight bulls too because they can become lazy. READ: Fertility of cows and bulls. 2) Weather Heat stress can have a detrimental effect on sperm motility in Bulls. It also affects fertility in cows. Excessive cold can affect bull fertility too, especially in cases of frostbite. Scrotal frostbite can affect fertility. Usually the way to spot this is inflammation and swelling days after freezing. This inflammation generates heat which affects development of the bull’s sperm and could temporarily - or permanently - sterilize the bull. 3) Disease and infection. Disease and parasite control in bulls is very important. Even if the disease doesn’t directly relate to fertility, it could affect his body condition. If the bull fails to maintain a good body score it could lead to reduced vigor. Infections like foot rot can display itself with a fever. Fever is harmful to a bull’s performance, as the sperm that were forming whilst he was suffering from it will be abnormal, and afterwards, he will have an infertile period of about 60 days. Disease prevention should be treated the same in a bull as with females. New animals should be screened by a vet for possible infectious agents, and only buy bulls from a reputable source with a healthy herd plan. Here are three rules you should follow to avoid disease in cattle. Don’t expose cows to bulls from other herds or vice versa. No leasing or borrowing bulls No grazing in common lands with other herds, good solid fences to keep neighbors out. Bovine Trichomoniasis - This is a venereal disease which leads to repeat breeders, low pregnancy rates and abortions beginning in early pregnancy and continuing right up to the time of calving. There is no treatment for Trichomoniasis, although most cows will self-clear of the disease within 120 days. Bulls spread the disease between cows and any bull found carrying it must be culled. Because of this you should test your bulls annually. 4) Injury Lameness. If a bull is lame he won’t be able to stand up to his task. If he is partly lame his performance will be impaired.

AGRIBUSINESS: LIVER FLUKE IN CATTLE.

AGRIBUSINESS: LIVER FLUKE IN CATTLE. A liver fluke is a parasitic worm that commonly live off of cattle, sheep and other livestock.Cattle can pick them up while out at pasture, and if not treated can drastically affect their performance, and cause liver damage. The disease they cause is called fascioliasis. Cattle typically develop chronic disease and classically show loss of weight, condition and become anaemic. Liver fluke-related disease can become acute and even fatal.However, if the offending liver flukes mature into adult egg-laying parasites, it can lead to severe liver damage depending on the number. Cattle infected with liver fluke are considered to be more susceptible to other infections,that is why it is so important to deal with liver fluke early. HOW TO DEAL WITH LIVER FLUKE 1: IDENTIFY RISK If you are aware of high risk areas for liver fluke, then deal with them as soon as possible. Fence off wet areas, attend to leaky troughs and pipes, drainage or housing early.If you have lost any sheep, investigate this, as this can be an early indication of fluke risk for your cattle. 2: TREAT APPROPRIATELY Cattle cannot pick up liver fluke when they are housed, however if they are not, it has the potential to put their growth rates well below market weight. Correct treatment means using the right product, at the right time, using the correct dose rate and administering it the right way. Never underdose your cattle for liver fluke, and do not assume that one size fits all when you’re measuring doses. Base your measurement off your heaviest animal for a group of cattle. Do not overdose your cattle either as this can encourace resistance to liver fluke treatments. If you have a large variation in weights, group them to ensure an accurate dose rate. If the treatment comes in the form of an injection, ensure it goes under the skin and not into the muscle. 3: AVOID RESISTANCE Over-reliance or overdosing on a flukicide can lead to drug resistance growing in liver fluke.It is important that you have an effective plan for cattle that reduces the risk of resistance spreading. Treatment: Among the products that kill liver flukes are Ivomec® Plus (Merial); Valbazen® (Pfizer) and Noromectin® PLUS (Norbrook),triclobendazole, nitroxynil 34% and 3 Levanor plus.

'Green'-feed: Industrial microbes could feed cattle, pigs, chicken.

'Green'-feed: Industrial microbes could feed cattle, pigs, chicken. Deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and nitrogen pollution . Today's agricultural feed cultivation for cattle, pigs and chicken comes with tremendous impacts for the environment and climate. Cultivating feed in industrial facilities instead of on croplands might help to alleviate the critical implications in the agricultural food supply chain. Protein-rich microbes, produced in large-scale industrial facilities, are likely to increasingly replace traditional crop-based feed. A new study now published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology for the first time estimates the economic and environmental potential of feeding microbial protein to pigs, cattle and chicken on a global scale. The researchers find that by replacing only 2 percent of livestock feed by protein-rich microbes, more than 5 percent of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, global cropland area and global nitrogen losses could each be decreased.

Vaccination increases family wealth, girls' education.

Vaccination increases family wealth, girls' education.A Washington State University-led research team found households in rural Africa that vaccinate their cattle for East Coast fever increased their income and spent the additional money on food and education. Researchers also found that when fewer cattle died from the fever, girls were more likely to attend secondary school. "When households vaccinate, it increases their wealth and income and sets them on a trajectory to provide education for their children," said lead author Tom Marsh, professor in WSU's School of Economic Sciences and the Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health. "Vaccinating is a way for households to pull themselves out of poverty.

Cattle may spread leptospirosis in Africa.

A study has shown that cattle may spread leptospirosis in Africa. The bacterial infection leptospirosis is increasingly recognized as an important cause of fever in Africa. Now, researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have analyzed the major risk factors for contracting leptospirosis and discovered that rice and cattle farming are associated with acute infection. Leptospirosis, caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira, causes a wide range of symptoms and can lead to serious complications include kidney and liver problems. In one study conducted in northern Tanzania, 8.8% of people with severe fevers had leptospirosis. Scientists know that animals can carry leptospirosis and lead to its spread throughout the environment or directly to humans. However, the major animal reservoirs and modes of transmission have not been well described. Rice farming, cleaning cattle waste, feeding cattle and farm work were all positively associated with acute leptospirosis. Smallholder farming -- which may be associated with substantial exposure to both livestock and rodents -- as well as frequent sightings of rodents in one's kitchen or food store -- was associated with seropositivity. see