Dr. Jake - Ruminant Reproductive Services, PLLC

05/01/2025

I have been out and about this weekend trying to respond to emergencies before the snowstorm. ❄️ With ice on the forecast I may be unavailable until roads are clear. You can see how emotional I am about snow in my current state pictured below.👇

Remember horses and livestock are particularly sensitive to sudden changes in diet. As snow is starting to fall, please resist the temptation to feed increased amounts of grain. Every year during cold and snowy weather, I respond to calls for horse choke and colic emergencies from well intentioned owners that have overfed grain during inclement weather. Instead feed extra hay, which will help animals stay warm from sustained heat generated by bacterial fermentation in the gut. Hydration will also help with gut motility, so be sure to have plenty of clean water available. Stay safe and warm!!

29/10/2024

George Washington said this in 1776 regarding soil degradation:

“A few years more of increased sterility will drive the inhabitants of the Atlantic states westward for support; whereas if they were taught how to improve the old soils, instead of going in pursuit of the new and productive soil, they would make these acres, which now scarcely yield them anything, turn out beneficial to themselves.”

It’s interesting how he credits the decline in soil health back then to the desire for westward expansion. Animal or human—we all depend on healthy soil.

09/10/2024

Cattle Producers,

Check out this opportunity offered by American Farmland Trust, Virginia Forage and Grassland Council, and M2B Grazing Alliance.

18/05/2024

Interesting… It seems like I have had an uptick lately in calls regarding neurologic calves. A possible explaination?

Researchers have finally unraveled a genetic mystery that has affected Angus cattle. They have the answers now to the rash of neurological issues. https://loom.ly/vQZarm8

15/05/2024

Spiral hair whorls lower on the forehead are linked to docility: https://www.grandin.com/references/abstract.html

02/05/2024

"Error seems to be propagated with the velocity of light. Every obstacle disappears before it, and everywhere it is welcomed. Truth, on the contrary, is usually recieved with indifference, and often with doubt, mistrust, or suspicion."--Guenon on Milch Cows, A Treatise Upon The Bovine Species In General, 1883

26/04/2024

Worth Re-Quoting:
Don't assume that those who disagree with you are evil, stupid or greedy. And even when they are, that doesn't relieve you of the responsibility for making a constructive and convincing argument.-Russ Parsons

26/04/2024

Some of y’all go to the beach, but I will take a sea of green grass instead.

25/04/2024

20/04/2024

Spring is all about PHOTOSYNTHESIS-plant leaves capturing sunlight and carbon dioxide that gets turned into useable energy for ruminants! What an amazing process of recycling nutrients and creating energy that sustains life.

09/04/2024

Special announcement: I will be unavailable for farm calls today due to the birth of a new (human) addition to our family. Feel free to text if you have an animal question and I will do my best to respond.

30/03/2024

Heritage shorthorn genetics. The sire of this embryo transfer calf was born in 1966.

22/03/2024

Thank you all for your patience the past couple days as I’ve had to re-schedule appointments and been unavailable for emergencies due to illness. I usually avoid going to the doctor because they are almost as bad as vets, but today it was much needed. I am started on treatments and should be back soon. I apologize for any inconvenience.

12/03/2024

It’s that time of year! We are currently booking routine appointments 3-4 weeks out and getting up to 40 calls a day! Shoot us a text or give us a call to get on the schedule for your spring needs and be sure to be stocked up on all the meds and supplies Dr. Jake has recommended for your herd. We deeply appreciate all of our clients and hope everyone has a smooth calving, kidding, and lambing season! 🐂 🐐 🐑