Impact Veterinary Services

03/07/2024

Quick puppy cuddle while we wait for the next mob to preg test, because it’s so chilly 🥶!

13/06/2024

This week I travelled to Sydney for the graduation of the Livestock Consulting Interns from LCI4. I was fortunate to participate in the LCI3 program which is facilitated by Meridian Agriculture in conjunction with MLA. It was a fantastic opportunity to build networks and work on some personal development skill. Great to catch-up with our facilitator Ben and colleagues from our group!

05/06/2024

Beautiful winter sunsets after a couple long days in the yards 🌅! Sunland Cattle Co

26/05/2024

We started off the year with a bang settling our new home Nyleta which is located on the Peak Downs Highway 10kms west of Nebo! We have some big and exciting plans for this place and we will keep you posted as they progress!

21/04/2024

Last year I was fortunate enough to partake in the Livestock Advisor Essentials (LAE) course run by MLA. Was a great way to add a few tools to the kit!

https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/professional-development-program-packs-a-punch/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3JK5jIVCopXPWyA6rPkyDcWeIEYCKvFnke18nc5d6SOzgZXzmjJLltuYA_aem_AawrPtDmBb2Rcf5a9K99L5PV5kyC1vprNErK2_kROi3Fts1S1mEyLiowpTUv_GxHHjF-2i2nYu3EMyvXIJvRFnFq

Jo Connolly graduated from a Vet Science degree at James Cook University in Townsville in 2016. She then spent four years in Western Australian as a young cattle vet, gaining experience in the industry and strengthening her skills, whilst at the same time studying a Masters in Agribusiness Managemen...

01/02/2024

22/12/2023

Last job for the year done and dusted!

Last AI cow for 2023. What a team 💪🏼

20/11/2023

Because we live in the real world where everything doesnt always go to plan, we thought we’d share these images. The picture at the top is 10 unfertilized embryos and the bottom are 8 x A grade embryos. You can see the difference in the cell mass. Both cows in the same program, joined to the same bull. We can speculate what caused the unferts in the top picture but the honest truth is we don’t really know why, that’s the joys of embryo flushing and transferring. You can go from the top to bottom pretty quickly, but there is very little chance of thinking you’ve got it all figured out!

24/10/2023

Some great info from Embryo-Life about minerals impact on fertility!

10/10/2023

The last but certainly not the least of our reproductive diseases.

🐄 Leptospirosis in Cattle 🐄

Leptospirosis is a significant concern for cattle. It's a bacterial disease caused by various serovars of the Leptospira bacteria. Let's delve into the causative factors, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and strategies for prevention and treatment.

Causative Factors:
Leptospira Bacteria: These bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals, contaminating the environment, and water sources. Cattle become infected through contact with contaminated water, feed, or direct exposure.

Wet Environments: Leptospira thrive in wet and muddy conditions, making cattle in such environments more susceptible.

Clinical Signs:

Clinical signs of leptospirosis in cattle can vary, but commonly include:
Fever
Reduced milk production
Jaundice (yellowing of mucous membranes)
Reproductive issues, such as abortion
Kidney and liver dysfunction

Diagnostic Methods:
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management.

Common diagnostic methods include:
Serology: Blood tests to detect antibodies against Leptospira.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Detects the presence of Leptospira DNA in urine or blood samples.
Culture: Isolating the bacteria from clinical samples.
Strategies for Prevention:

Prevention is key to controlling leptospirosis in your cattle herd:

Vaccination: Zoetis 7in1 vaccination or Leptoshield are both very effective vaccinations.

Habitat Management: Improve drainage and reduce exposure to muddy areas.

Biosecurity: Limit contact with potentially contaminated water and animals.

Rodent Control: Reduce rodent populations as they can carry and transmit the bacteria.

Quarantine New Animals: Isolate and test new cattle to prevent introducing the disease.

Treatment:
If leptospirosis is suspected or confirmed, treatment involves antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. Supportive care, including fluid therapy, may also be necessary to manage symptoms and aid recovery.

Remember, consulting with your veterinarian is crucial for a comprehensive leptospirosis management plan tailored to your specific herd. Early detection and proactive prevention measures are your best allies in protecting your cattle from this potentially devastating disease. 🐮👩‍⚕️

For personalized advice and guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your cattle's health is our priority! 🌾🏥

28/09/2023

Let's talk about: Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV). It's crucial for us in the cattle business to understand its causative factors, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and strategies for both prevention and treatment.

Causative Factors:
BVDV is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Pestivirus genus. Several factors contribute to its persistence and spread within cattle populations. These include:
1. Direct Contact: Close contact between infected and susceptible cattle is the primary mode of transmission. This can occur through nose-to-nose contact, saliva, urine, and faeces.
2. Persistently Infected (PI) Calves: Calves infected with BVDV in utero during gestation can become lifelong carriers, shedding the virus continually. These PI calves are a significant source of infection.
3. Fomite Transmission: Contaminated equipment, feed, and clothing can serve as vectors for the virus, allowing it to spread to uninfected cattle.

Clinical Signs:
BVDV infections can manifest in various ways, making diagnosis challenging. Clinical signs may include:
1. Acute Infections: Fever, depression, nasal discharge, coughing, diarrhea, and decreased milk production.
2. Mucosal Disease: A severe form of BVDV infection with severe oral and nasal erosions, bloody diarrhea, and rapid deterioration.
3. Immune Suppression: BVDV can weaken the immune system, making cattle more susceptible to secondary infections.
4. Reproductive Issues: Infertility, abortion, stillbirths, and the birth of weak or deformed calves in pregnant cows exposed to the virus during gestation.

Diagnostic Methods:
Accurate diagnosis is essential for managing BVDV. Here are some common diagnostic methods:
1. PCR Testing: Polymerase Chain Reaction tests can detect viral RNA in blood or tissue samples.
2. Serology: ELISA tests can identify antibodies against BVDV in serum, indicating exposure to the virus.
3. Ear Notching: Ear notch samples from calves can be tested to identify persistently infected (PI) animals.
Strategies for Prevention:
Prevention is key to managing BVDV in cattle herds. Strategies include:
1. Vaccination: Implementing a vaccination program to protect susceptible cattle against BVDV.
2. Biosecurity: Maintaining strict biosecurity measures to prevent introduction of the virus, including isolating new animals and controlling fomite transmission.
3. Testing and Removal: Regularly testing for PI calves and removing them from the herd to prevent viral shedding.
4. Herd Immunity: Ensure that a significant portion of the herd is immune to BVDV through vaccination or exposure to the virus, reducing its spread.

Treatment: Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for BVDV once clinical signs appear.

In conclusion, BVDV can have significant economic and health implications for cattle herds. Understanding its causative factors, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and prevention strategies is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive cattle operation. Remember, prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to managing BVDV. 🐮🦠

24/09/2023

🐮 Understanding Campylobacter Vibrio Subspecies Venerealis in Cattle 🐮

🦠 Causative Factors:
Campylobacter Vibrio subspecies Venerealis is a bacterial infection primarily affecting cattle. It is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in cattle, causing infertility and reproductive problems. The primary mode of transmission is through natural mating or artificial insemination with infected bulls or contaminated equipment.

🤒 Clinical Signs:
Clinical signs of Campylobacter Vibrio subspecies Venerealis in cattle can include:

Extended periods of infertility in the herd.
Reduced pregnancy rates.
Increased numbers of empty cows.
Prolonged inter-estrus intervals in females.

🧪 Diagnostic Methods:
To diagnose Campylobacter Vibrio subspecies Venerealis in cattle, a veterinarian may:

Perform a veterinary bull breeding soundness examination (VBBSE).
Conduct vaginal or uterine swabs in females to detect the bacteria.
Monitor herd fertility and reproductive performance.

🚫 Prevention:
Preventing Campylobacter Vibrio subspecies Venerealis in cattle involves several strategies, including vaccination.

💼 Vibrio Vaccine for Prevention:
Consider using the Vibriovax vaccine as part of your preventive strategy. This vaccine can help protect your cattle from Campylobacter Vibrio subspecies Venerealis, reducing the risk of transmission and infertility in your herd. Give us a call to determine your best vaccination protocol for your cattle.

💊 Treatment:
Treatment options for infected cattle are limited. It is challenging to eliminate the infection once it has spread in the herd. Prevention, including vaccination with the Vibrio vaccine, is key in managing this disease.

Remember, early detection, proper management, and vaccination with Vibrio are crucial for maintaining the reproductive health of your cattle herd.

If you have concerns about this disease or need assistance with your cattle's reproductive health, don't hesitate to reach out us. We're here to help ensure the well-being of your cattle and the success of your breeding program! 🐮🌾

19/09/2023

As we near closer to the AI season I think it's important to have a refresher on cattle reproductive diseases. These conditions can have a substantial impact on our bovine friends and, by extension, on the farming industry. In this introductory post, we'll briefly discuss three significant diseases: Campylobacter Vibriosis (Vibrio), Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), and Leptospirosis (Lepto).

1️⃣ Campylobacter Vibriosis 🦠: This bacterial infection is notorious for causing infertility and abortions in cattle, presenting a considerable challenge for breeders and herd managers.

2️⃣ BVDV 🦠: Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus is a complex virus with a range of clinical outcomes. It can weaken the immune system and lead to reproductive issues, including abortions and the birth of persistently infected calves.

3️⃣ Leptospirosis 🦠: This bacterial disease is not only a concern for cattle but also poses a zoonotic risk to humans. It can result in reproductive problems in cattle and should be managed with caution due to its potential public health implications.

In the upcoming weeks we will have more in-depth posts, we'll explore each of these diseases comprehensively. We'll delve into their causative factors, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and strategies for prevention and treatment. My aim is to provide you with a detailed understanding of these conditions to allow cattle producers to protect their herds and maintain their reproductive health.

Stay tuned for more informative posts, and please feel free to ask any questions or share your experiences related to these cattle reproductive diseases. Together, we can ensure the well-being of our cattle and contribute to the advancement of cattle health management. 🐄👨‍⚕️

13/09/2023

Our local Vet Dr Jo Connolly from Impact Veterinary Services has sponsored the Cut Out in the Futurity Campdraft.
Thanks heaps Jo - and welcome to Nebo!

25/07/2023

Some Wagyu heifers recently AIed in a mid year program. An accurate representation of why they are referred to as “hot cows”. The cows body temperature increases when she’s in estrus which was captured nicely with the steam coming off these girls ♨️!

30/06/2023

Such a fantastic week at the Minitube Australia CattlePlan Tech days down in Ballarat! It was a great event and wonderful to see JCU: James Cook University, Australia graduates well represented!

27/05/2023

No free lunches around here! Emily Searle come down for a visit, so of course she got put to work! Four c**t castrations done and dusted, the extra pair of hands was greatly appreciated!

23/05/2023

A great podcast which Ian McLean from Bush Agribusiness discusses what the top 25% of producers in the beef industry do consistently well to make 100% of industry profits!

Yes, you did read read that correctly, the top 25% of beef producers generate 100% of the industry profits!

19/04/2023

🎤 Cattle Tech Days Speaker Profile 5: Dr. Joanne Connolly
Impact Veterinary Services

Dr. Jo has recently been utilising new Fixed Time AI prorgams with reduced yardings AND she has been kind enough to join us to share some of her experiences and results!
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Jo was raised on a small cattle property near Mackay in QLD. She graduated from James Cook University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.

Upon gradation she moved to WA where she worked in cattle practice for 4 years, providing services such as artificial insemination, pregnancy testing, bull testing and assisting clients with implementing herd recording software. While working in WA Jo studied a Masters of Agribusiness Management part-time through Charles Sturt University. She is very passionate about implementing artificial reproduction to assist with business productivity and profitability.

In 2021 Jo returned to Central QLD where she started her own business Impact Veterinary Services, providing artificial reproduction services such as commercial AI programs, embryo flushing and transfer, semen testing and pregnancy testing.

We look forward to Dr. Jo joinin us in June! If you would like to register for the Tech Days event, see the link in comments for full agenda and registration details 👍

04/04/2023

Last week, I was in Darwin at the NABS (Northern Australian Biosecurity Surveillance Network) & ACV (Australian Cattle Vets) conference.

I brushed up on exotic diseases and risks for the Northern Beef Industry.

The NABS net provides funding for producers to engage with private veterinarians to perform post mortem and disease investigations. It’s critical to test for exotic diseases in Australia to prove our freedom of the diseases.

If you have sick or dying animals and want to investigate further don’t hesitate to give me a call on 0458 449 759.

21/03/2023

Timelapse from another job at Sunland Cattle Co!

We are starting to move into Preg Testing season, if you would like to make a booking give Jo a call on 0458449758.

20/03/2023

The AI season is starting to steady up. Here is a Timelapse from one of the jobs from the season for Sunland cattle co.

We are starting to move into the preg testing season, if you would like to make a booking call Jo on 0458449758



Australian Wagyu Association

14/02/2023

It's wonderful to see successful outcomes from previous years work, with healthy embryo and AI calves.
It's always rewarding to see clients achieve success with extra effort.

The calves look great 🤩

28/04/2022

17/04/2022

Happy Easter 🐇💐🌕

31/03/2022

It's wonderful to achieve good results for clients, but a little more satisfying when its for family. It is possible to teach an old dog new tricks.

After pregnancy testing yesterday we achieved a 58% conception from one round of AI and 82% PTIC after two cycles with the bull. It's the first year Mum & Dad have utilized AI, with our main aim to tighten up the joining period of the herd.

Tightening the joining period can have significant benefits. If you want a cow to have a calf for you every year she has a 9 month gestation period, (274 days), a 4-6 week anestrus (not cycling) period after she calves (28-42 days) which leaves her 40-54 days to get in calf. A cows estrus cycle is 21 days, therefore it leaves her only just 2-3 opportunities to conceive, if she's going to give you a calf again in the 12 month period. Often with longer joining periods, cows that conceive towards the end of the period will struggle to re-conceive the following year, due to such a short time for her to cycle and conceive. Synchronization is a fantastic tool which can be used annually of just to 're-set' the window for a couple of years.

Fertility is the number one profit driver for a beef business so maximum calves on the ground should be one of the main objectives for the business. To discuss your joining plan or business goals, give us a call on 0458 449 759.

21/01/2022

Yesterday we did a 30 day preg test on Ben & Kristen Michelmore’s Wagyu cows and heifers that we performed a fixed time AI program on.

It was the first time we used CattlePlan’s new product Cipiosyn. It can be given on the day of Dib removal which prevents an additional yarding. This is different to the the traditional programs and cuts down on time and labour.

We are very pleased to report a 70% conception rate from the first round. To find out more about fixed time AI programs and how they can work for your herd, give Jo a call on 0458449759.

20/12/2021

When doing a fix time artificial insemination (FTAI) programs, we put heat pads on the cows to ensure that the program has been successful in synchronising the cows oestrus cycles and that they are ready to inseminate.

Here are some of the heat pads from a recent program we completed for a client and the Australian Wagyu Association in conjunction with Repro360 Australia.

I think it’s pretty safe to say they were properly synchronised! Here’s hoping for some good results 👍🏽!

29/11/2021

With a fantastic start to the season so far, we have well and truely kicked off the repro season. Very fortunate to have wonderful clients and hopefully we will have some good results to report soon!

To book in your AI or Embryo program, give Jo a call on 0458449759!

06/11/2021

Check out the latest video from FutureBeef which explains and highlights the importance of Bull Breeding Soundness Examinations.

Feel free to give Jo a call on 0458 449 759 if you need your bulls tested for the breeding season ahead!