All episodes

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...

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern for both human and animal health. In this episode, Dr. Phil Meadows sits down with Dr. Herman Barkema, Professor in Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary and United Nations University Chair in Infectious Diseases in a Changing Climate. Dr. Barkema provides an overview of global trends in antimicrobial use and resistance, explaining how the situation varies between advanced dairy industries and developing regions. Learn why antimicrobial stewardship matters in Canadian dairy farming and how reducing unnecessary antibiotic use can protect both animal and public health. || La résistance aux antimicrobiens est...

Parasite resistance is becoming an increasing challenge for cattle producers. In this episode, Heather Hargrave speaks with Dr. Tim Nickel, DVM, to break down what parasite resistance is, how it develops, and why it threatens the long-term effectiveness of current treatment options. They discuss practical strategies for slowing down resistance, including proper dosing, strategic treatment timing, and the use of refugia. Learn how a proactive approach to parasite control can help protect your herd's health and sustain treatment options for the future. || La résistance des parasites est un problème de plus en plus courant auquel sont confrontés les producteurs...

​Effective parasite control is more than just choosing a treatment—it's about using the right approach at the right time. In this fourth episode of our parasite management series, Heather Hargrave speaks with Dr. Tim Nickel, DVM, to discuss treatment options, application strategies, and how they complement broader management practices. Learn how producers can work with their veterinarians to build effective treatment protocols and why timing, dosage, and product selection are critical to success. || La lutte antiparasitaire efficace ne se limite pas à choisir un traitement—il s’agit d’utiliser la démarche appropriée au bon moment. Dans ce quatrième épisode de notre...

​Effective parasite control goes beyond treatment—proper herd management plays a crucial role in reducing parasite exposure and improving herd health. In this episode, host Heather Hargrave sits down with Dr. Tim Nickel, DVM, to discuss key management strategies for limiting parasite burdens in cattle. From nutrition and biosecurity to pasture rotation and stocking density, learn how proactive planning can minimize parasite risks. || Une maîtrise efficace des parasites va au-delà du traitement—la prise en charge adéquate des troupeaux joue un rôle crucial dans la réduction de l’exposition aux parasites et l’amélioration de la santé du troupeau. Dans cet épisode, l’animatrice...

In this episode of the Herd Health Podcast, Heather Hargrave sits down with Dr. Tim Nickel, DVM, to continue the conversation on parasite management in cattle. They discuss practical diagnostic tools, including fecal egg counts, and ways producers can assess both internal and external parasites. Dr. Nickel offers insights on working with veterinarians to implement effective testing and control strategies for herds.

Dans cet épisode du balado sur la santé du troupeau, Heather Hargrave discute avec le Dr Tim Nickel, DMV, pour continuer la conversation sur la prise en charge des parasites chez les bovins. Ils discutent d’outils diagnostiques pratiques,...

Parasites can have a silent but costly impact on your herd. In the first episode of our five-part series on parasite management, Heather Hargrave sits down with Dr. Tim Nickel, DVM, to explore what parasites are, why they’re hard to detect, and their prevalence in Canadian herds. Learn how both internal and external parasites affect cattle and why developing a tailored management plan with a veterinarian is essential for every producer.

Les parasites peuvent avoir un impact silencieux mais coûteux sur votre troupeau. Dans le premier épisode de notre série à cinq parties sur la prise en charge des parasites,...