Iowa State Veterinary Field Services

07/15/2024

Exciting opportunity for sheep producers!

Join us for this FREE program on July 26. It is a live only program, and will not be broadcast on Zoom. Please register using this link to allow us to plan for lunch. http://go.ncsu.edu/NSIPEducationalEvent

01/12/2024

Although our office is closed, we will still run emergency only calls. Stay safe everyone!

01/09/2024

Due to inclement weather we are running on emergency only and our office will be closed today. Stay safe everyone!

11/08/2023

📢📢 Do you have Dairy goats or want to own dairy goats and learn more about milk quality?!??!? Here is a great opportunity to learn more information!

09/27/2023

We are lucky to have him! Congrats Dr. Engelken!

Dr. Terry Engelken, professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine, has been named Mentor of the Year by Merck Animal Health.

https://vetmed.iastate.edu/article/engelken-named-mentor-year-aabp-conference

09/26/2023

Want to make $150 more on your cull cows? Sell your open or late bred cows sooner rather than later!

Historical trends show about a 10% decrease in price of cull cows sold in early October compared to December – January. So, if you haven’t already, get those cows preg checked!

Here are some considerations when making a game plan for capturing the most value when marketing cull cows and bulls.

1️⃣ Assess feed availability. While there is value in adding weight to cows with poor body condition, the feed bill expense associated with keeping those animals around might not be worth it.

2️⃣ Improve efficiency. If feeding, look for opportunities to reduce feed waste, improve weight gain by introducing grains, and limiting days on feed. IBC benchmark data demonstrates feed conversions under 15 lbs per head during the first few weeks on feed of dry cows fed a total mixed ration, but feed conversions quickly increase after 60-75 days on feed.

3️⃣ Consider alternative marketing. While late bred females might not fit within your desired calving window, there may be value in selling those females by the head rather than the pound with the current markets.

06/29/2023

06/11/2023

A tip on a pest for pasture management!

Now is the time to address that problem Canada thistle patch while it is in the early bud stage. By the time these plants pass 50% flower, control methods become less effective.

Unlike it’s biennial cousins (bull thistle, musk thistle) Canada thistle is a perennial and spreads by lateral roots as well as seed. All treatment methods require a long-term, multi-year commitment to eradicate the problem w**d once established.

Herbicides effectively control this Class B noxious w**d when used in the early bud stage. Use caution near desirable plants and READ LABELS CAREFULLY.

Alternative control options, and more information regarding controlling Canada thistle are discussed here https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2021/05/spring-control-canada-thistle-%E2%80%93-now-time

**dcontrol **d

06/05/2023

It’s WPX week, are you ready?!
🐷Brucellosis and PRV tests completed within the last 30 days
🐷6-way leptospirosis vaccinated within the last 30 days
🐷health check and paper completed this week

Healthy pigs for purple banners!

Good luck exhibitors!!

05/19/2023

05/17/2023

Beginning June of 2023 FDA guidance 263 will go into effect.

New antibiotic guidelines and what does that mean for you?!
No medically important antibiotics (penicillin, oxytetracycline, erythromycin, to name a few) will be sold over the counter. In order to obtain these antibiotics you will need:
▪️ An Established Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (documented visit on farm by a licensed veterinarian within 1 year)
▪️Prescription to purchase or purchase at a local veterinary clinic.

05/16/2023

Awards presented to College of Veterinary Medicine graduating seniors.

https://vetmed.iastate.edu/article/awards-presented-cvm-graduating-seniors

05/15/2023

Another new face at ISU VFS:

Name: Justin Swanton

Position: Program Specialist 1 (answers the phones and also sits near the front entrance)

When and where did you graduate: Iowa State University, 2020

Favorite Species to Work on: Sheep and Beef cattle

Favorite thing about VFS: Getting to work with the veterinarians everyday and expand my knowledge of large animal medicine.

Funny Story to share: "When I was in 5th grade, I showed a steer at the county fair and during my showmanship class, my steer decided to mount the heifer that was in front of us. I hung on to the halter and was pretty embarrassed, but the crowd sure thought it was funny."

05/12/2023

......And that's a wrap! To the Class of 2023, welcome colleagues! It was a privilege to get to know and teach you!

05/10/2023

Are you ready for the breeding season?!
✔️AI date determined and synchronization protocol planned
✔️ Bulls semen checked
✔️Heifers/cows adequate BCS
✔️+/-Pre-breeding shots 60 days before the start of breeding

Need help? We can help with that!

05/08/2023

Let us introduce a new face to ISU VFS!

Name: Kayla Ross

Job: Program Specialist 2 (You can find her answering your phone calls and at the front desk!)

When and Where did you graduate: 2019 BS in Animal Science from ISU and MS in Animal Breeding in Genetics from ISU in 2021.

Favorite Species to work on: Beef cattle, but a soft spot for Katahdin Sheep.

Funny story about me: "Growing up my family raised and showed Simmental cattle. One year at the Iowa State Fair, 5-6yo Kayla was separated from Grandpa Lucas on the way to the bathroom. I proceeded to wander into the Charolais aisle of the barn, where a very kind lady picked me up. When she asked where my parents were I proceeded to tell the lady these were not the right cows to show. My mom still finds this story hilarious to this day."

Anything Else you'd like the public to know: "My favorite time of the year is calving season (lambing is a close second)! I spend most my free time in March at my family farm helping with the 200+ calves that will be born each year. It is hard, but rewarding work!"

05/04/2023

04/24/2023

https://www.sheepandgoat.com/_files/ugd/aded98_d5be0f72f0214988a73f90966f00fcae.pdf

https://www.sheepandgoat.com/infographics