The Herd Health Podcast

What does a comfortable environment look like from a cow’s perspective? In this episode, host Dr. Phil Meadows is joined by Dr. Katy Proudfoot of the University of Prince Edward Island to explore cow comfort and welfare, with a particular focus on the calving period. They discuss how health, emotional state and natural behaviours can help shape our understanding of animal welfare, and why reducing stress around calving can have important implications for cattle. || À quoi ressemble un environnement confortable du point de vue d’une vache? Dans cet épisode, le Dr Phil Meadows reçoit la Dre Katy Proudfoot de...

What does “zero” really mean when it comes to drug withdrawal times in food-producing animals? In this episode, host Dr. Tim Nickel is joined by Dr. Patricia Dowling, Co-Director of CgFARAD, to explore why product labels, laboratory testing, and processor requirements do not always align. Through real-world examples, they discuss complex questions involving withdrawal times, medications, vaccines, pesticides, and residue concerns, while highlighting the important role evidence-based guidance plays in protecting farmers, ranchers veterinarians, and Canada’s food supply. || Que signifie vraiment « zéro » en ce qui a trait aux périodes de retrait chez les animaux destinés à l’alimentation?...

Using medications for food-producing animals is not always as straightforward as following the product label. In the first episode of this two-part discussion, host Dr. Tim Nickel is joined by Dr. Patricia Dowling, Professor Emeritus at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, and a founding member of the Canadian Global Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (CgFARAD). Together, they discuss the important differences between on-label and extra-label drug use, how withdrawal times are established, and why CgFARAD plays a critical role in helping veterinarians make evidence-based decisions that protect both animal health and Canada's food supply. || L'utilisation...

Dry off is a high-risk period for new mastitis infections, making prevention strategies critical to maintaining udder health and productivity. In this episode, host Dr. Phil Meadows is joined by Dr. Simon Dufour, Professor at the Université de Montréal, and Dr. Christian Heyerhoff, dairy practitioner in Eastern Ontario, to discuss the role of internal teat sealants in modern dairy herd management. Together, they explore the science behind teat sealants, review the latest research on mastitis prevention, and explain how teat sealants can support selective dry cow therapy programs while reducing reliance on antibiotics. || La période de tarissement est associée...