Building blocks for animal health

farmhelp Making farming a little easier

Trust in the Basics

By Cheryl Kepes Building blocks for animal health

Most farmers would likely agree, it would be great if someone handed them a quick guide containing every best kept secret in the business. The daily challenges and constant unknowns in farming, make it a tough profession to master. Despite the seemingly complicated nature of the business, livestock experts agree there are some simple universal management strategies essential for overall animal health.

Record Keeping: Carving out time dedicated to documenting animal health information can save producers headaches in the long run. Keeping animal health records enables producers to accurately monitor symptoms, document prevention measures and record treatments. Experts recommend producers keep records of current animals and request written health records for purchases. “This emphasizes the need to purchase from known sources with good health protocols,” Rosslyn Biggs, DVM, assistant clinical professor, director of continuing education and beef cattle extension specialist at Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said.

Know Your Veterinarian: Producers need to make sure they have established a good relationship with a veterinarian prior to calling on the veterinarian’s help in the case of an emergency. The veterinarian should be familiar with the producer and the producer’s livestock operation.

A solid relationship with a local veterinarian is critical to optimal herd or flock health. “Due to the lack of veterinarians in many areas, unless you have a good veterinary-client-patient-relationship and are in good financial standing with the veterinary practice, producers may find that a veterinarian will not see them,” Biggs explained.

Biggs said producers may want to consider sitting down with their veterinarian

what do you say?

What is a breeding criterion for firstcalf heifers?

“Wool fungus. Show sheep are washed often, removing the lanolin while also being exposed to other animals. We spray a lubricant containing a high level of lanolin.”

Zack Kendrick Benton County, Ark.

“A good vaccination program tops the list for us.”

Maggie Davidson Madison County, Ark.

“While most understand the importance of staying on top of the vaccination program, checking herd health constantly not only makes more money but makes life easier.”

Jared Pass Sebastian County, Ark.

“For us, it’s vaccinating our sows every three months against PRRSV (porcine reproductive and respiratory virus), and for our chickens, it’s keeping them on fresh grass.”

Jed Bricker Conway County, Ark.