The Herd Health Podcast

Vaccines are a cornerstone of herd health and disease protection. In the first episode of this three-part discussion on vaccines and vaccination, host Heather Hargrave welcomes Dr. Tim Nickel, DVM, to break down the fundamentals of vaccines and vaccination. They clarify the difference between vaccination and immunization, explain how an animal’s immune system responds to vaccines, and discuss why stress, nutrition, and timing are crucial for vaccine effectiveness.

Les vaccins sont une pierre angulaire de la santé du troupeau et de la prévention des maladies. Dans ce premier épisode d’une série de trois discussions sur les vaccins et la vaccination,...

How can Canadian beef and dairy producers contribute to the fight against antimicrobial resistance? In this episode, host Dr. Phil Meadows, DVM, chats with Dr. Jan Sargeant, DVM, a Professor Emerita at the University of Guelph and a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS). Together, they dive into key findings from a recent CAHS report, examining the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, its impact on human health, and how farm-level strategic interventions can make a significant difference. || Comment les producteurs canadiens de bovins laitiers ou de boucherie peuvent-ils contribuer à la lutte contre la résistance aux...

Dry cow management is not about taking a break - it's about building a strong foundation for the next lactation. In this episode, Heather Hargrave chats with Dr. Phil Meadows about the essential components of dry period management, from nutrition to housing to minimizing social stress. Learn why attention to detail during the dry period is critical for fresh cow health, milk production, and long-term herd success. || La gestion des vaches taries est loin d’être une pause - elle vise à établir une base solide en vue de la prochaine lactation. Dans cet épisode, Heather Hargrave s’entretient avec le...

Managing the transition from lactation to dry off is critical to cow welfare and future performance. In this episode, Heather Hargrave and Dr. Phil Meadows discuss Boehringer Ingelheim’s latest innovation BOVIKALC® DRY. Learn how this oral bolus works to reduce milk production, when and how to administer it, and why it’s a valuable addition to a comprehensive dry off strategy. Plus, hear insights from field research and practical tips on which cows might benefit most from BOVIKALC® DRY. || La prise en charge de la transition de la lactation au tarissement est cruciale pour assurer le bien-être de la vache...