Likely presence of genetic condition in a line of Angus cattle
Jonathan E. Beever, Ph.D.
Angus.org
This document provides information to the American Angus Association of a genetic condition that will most likely need to be addressed within the US Angus population. In May 2011, I was asked by Angus Australia to begin investigating a phenotype that was being described as polymelia.
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Merck rolls out new training program for Zilmax customers
P.J. Huffstutter, Lisa Baertlein and Theopolis Waters
Reuters
Pharmaceuticals giant, Merck and Co., facing questions from the cattle industry about the effects of its Zilmax feed additive on the health of cattle, on Tuesday responded with plans for a new quality control program to ensure the popular weight-adding drug is properly used.
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Is honesty the best policy?
Emily Metz Meredith
Progressive Cattleman
As those of us in ag have come to quickly realize, honesty isn’t always the easy way. In fact, it’s often extremely difficult for us to confidently communicate what “we do” and how “we do it.” That’s not to say we’re somehow ashamed of our practices or our industry, but rather that communicating exactly what goes on, day in and day out, is a challenge.
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Exclusive: Video of ‘lame’ cattle stirs new concern over growth drugs
P.J. Huffstutter and Lisa Baertlein
Reuters
At a beef industry conference in Denver last week, the animal health auditor for meat producer JBS USA presented a video showing short clips of cows struggling to walk and displaying other signs of distress. The animals appeared to step gingerly, as if on hot metal, and showed signs of lameness, according to four people who saw the video.
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Breeding Cows in Confinement
Karla H. Jenkins
University of Nebraska
As summer approaches many areas in Nebraska are at 60-70% of normal rainfall for this time of year. Due to the soil moisture deficit following the 2012 drought, producers need to reduce 2013 stocking rates by 20-30% and delay turnout as long as possible to allow pastures to recover.
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Beta-agonists, Zilmax and Optaflexx, and Cattle: How Targeted Use Results in Leaner Beef
Factsaboutbeef.com
Cattle farmers use these feed additives in targeted ways, only adding small amounts to the animals’ feed at a specific time in their lives. They are metabolized quickly by cattle so they are not stored in the body over time. Beta-agonists are approved for use in the United States, Canada, Australia and two dozen other countries across the developed world.
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Start Health Care Homework Now
Marcia Zarley Taylor
DTN
Stacie Koger’s parents emigrated from Ontario to start farming in the Mississippi Delta in the 1970s. She is relieved that when the U.S. mandates its version of national health care reform next January, it won’t duplicate Canada’s system here.
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Beef Industry Urged to be Vigilant About Animal Welfare
P.J. Griekspoor
Beef Producer
Self-regulation too often means no regulation at all and the beef industry should steer clear of those who would move in that direction, says Chris Reinhardt a professor in the Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry department.
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National Beef Packing, JBS Won’t Ban Feed Additive Shunned by Tyson Foods
Ian Berry and Jesse Newman
Wall Street Journal
National Beef Packing Co. and JBS SA (JBSAY, JBSS3.BR) said Monday they would not change their cattle-buying practices after rival Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN) announced last week it would stop processing animals fed with a widely used animal supplement.
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