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Difficult calvings, known as dystocia, can significantly affect both calf survival and cow health. However, with proper preparation and informed decision-making, many of these challenges can be managed successfully. In this episode, host Dr. Tim Nickel, welcomes Dr. Jen Pearson, Assistant Professor at Oregon State University, to discuss the essentials of difficult calving. They define dystocia, highlight key risk factors for dystocia, and share practical strategies for recognizing when intervention is necessary and the best way to respond. || Un vêlage difficile, appelé dystocie, peut avoir un gros impact sur la survie du veau et la santé de la vache....

Which diseases should cattle be vaccinated for and when is the right time to do it? In part two of a discussion on vaccines and vaccination, Heather Hargrave continues the conversation with Dr. Tim Nickel, DVM, focusing on disease risk and building vaccine protocols for your herd. They explore core and optional vaccines for beef and dairy herds, explain how disease pressure shifts throughout the production cycle, and introduce a practical “gold, silver, bronze” framework to help producers balance ideal protocols with practicalities. || Contre quelles maladies vos bovins devraient-ils être vaccinés et quel est le meilleur moment pour le...

What defines an effective calf oral electrolyte solution, and when should producers reach for one? Host Nathalie Hilborn, PhD, welcomes Dr. Phil Meadows, DVM, Technical Services Veterinarian at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada. Together, they dive into the important roles oral electrolyte solutions play in calf health, including hydration, buffering, and gut support. With Phil’s unique perspective as both a former dairy producer and a veterinarian, the conversation spotlights how Diakur® Plus is formulated to support calf health and what distinguishes it from conventional electrolyte products.

Qu’est-ce qui caractérise une solution orale d’électrolytes efficace pour les veaux, et quand les producteurs devraient-ils l’utiliser? Nathalie Hilborn, PhD, reçoit la Dre Anne-Claire Brisville, DMV, vétérinaire en services techniques chez Boehringer Ingelheim Santé Animale Canada. Ensemble, elles explorent le rôle essentiel des solutions orales d’électrolytes pour la santé des veaux, notamment l’hydratation, un système à agents tampons optimisé et le soutien de la santé intestinale. Avec sa spécialité en médecine interne chez les bovins, Anne-Claire nous explique comment Diakur® Plus est formulé pour favoriser la santé des veaux et ce qui le distingue des électrolytes classiques.

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...

The dry off period is not a holiday for dairy cows – it lays the foundation for success in the next lactation and overall udder health. In this episode of the Herd Health Podcast, Heather Hargrave chats with Dr. Phil Meadows, DVM, about the challenges and strategies involved in managing cows leading up to the dry period. Learn why controlling milk production before dry off is essential for udder health, welfare, and overall performance, and hear about practical strategies you can implement today. || La période de tarissement n’est pas une période de congé pour les vaches laitières – c'est...

How is antimicrobial use monitored and measured in Canada? In part two of this series, host Dr. Phil Meadows returns with Dr. Herman Barkema to explore how antimicrobial use is tracked and assessed at the farm level. Dr. Barkema shares insights from his ongoing research on antimicrobial resistance, including global collaborations and Canadian studies on selective dry cow treatment and clinical mastitis management. The episode also highlights the importance of communication between veterinarians and producers to encourage the adoption of antimicrobial stewardship practices. || Comment l’utilisation des antimicrobiens est-elle surveillée et mesurée au Canada? Dans la deuxième partie de cette...