Rostov Veterinary Services

04/05/2025

📑 Simplifying Drug Dose Calculations in Veterinary Practice 🐾

Whether you're a vet student, new graduate, or seasoned practitioner, drug dose calculations can feel overwhelming—especially under pressure. Here's a quick and simple formula to help you get it right every time:
👉 Dose (ml) = Dosage rate (mg/kg) × Body weight (kg) ÷ Drug concentration (mg/ml)
🔍 Example with Ketamine
A 20 kg dog prescribed Ketamine at 11 mg/kg, with the drug available at 50 mg/ml:
Dose = (11 × 20) ÷ 50 = 4.4 ml
📌 Tip: Always simplify the drug in hand before calculations. For instance, 100 mg in 2 ml = 50 mg/ml.
Mastering this not only boosts your confidence—it ensures accurate, safe, and effective treatment for your patients.
🩺 Share this with your fellow vet professionals or students. Let’s make dosing stress-free and standardized!

26/04/2025

"Unlocking the Secret to Timely Conception in Cows: The Ketone Connection"

Introduction

Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor in the success of any cattle operation. One of the key challenges farmers and veterinarians face is optimizing conception rates, particularly in the context of timed Artificial Insemination (AI). Recent research has shed light on a fascinating link between ketone concentrations and conception in cows. In this article, we'll delve into the details of this groundbreaking discovery and explore its implications for the cattle industry.

The Ketone Connection

Studies have shown that cows with lower ketone concentrations are more likely to conceive early, whereas those with higher ketone levels tend to conceive later. But what exactly are ketones, and how do they impact reproductive performance?

Ketones are energy molecules produced when the body breaks down fat for energy. In cows, high ketone levels can indicate energy imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, or metabolic stress. The relationship between ketone levels and conception suggests that energy status plays a critical role in reproductive efficiency.

Implications for Cattle Farmers and Veterinarians

The discovery of the ketone connection has significant implications for the cattle industry. By managing ketone levels through nutritional and health programs, farmers and veterinarians can potentially improve fertility rates and optimize conception. This, in turn, can lead to:

- Enhanced reproductive efficiency
- Increased productivity
- Improved profitability

Practical Strategies for Managing Ketone Levels

So, how can farmers and veterinarians put this knowledge into practice? Here are some evidence-based strategies for managing ketone levels and optimizing conception:

- Monitor ketone levels regularly
- Adjust nutritional programs to ensure energy balance
- Implement stress-reduction strategies
- Optimize health programs to prevent metabolic disorders

Conclusion

The ketone connection is a game-changer for the cattle industry. By understanding the link between ketone levels and conception, farmers and veterinarians can develop targeted strategies to improve reproductive efficiency and optimize productivity. As research continues to uncover the intricacies of this relationship, one thing is clear: managing ketone levels is key to unlocking timely conception in cows.

20/04/2025

15/04/2025

Did you know? In beef cattle, twin pregnancies occur in about 2% of cases under very good nutrition (1 in 50). However, triplets are extremely rare, occurring in only 1 in 100,000 births!

Sources: Bob Larson and Dr. Sherrill Echternkamp

Follow Rostov Veterinary Services / Microscope Veterinary and Livestock Consultancy for more interesting facts and updates on animal health and production!

22/03/2025

Unlocking the Secrets of Veld Management: A Key to Successful Livestock Farming in Zambia

What is Veld?
Veld refers to the natural vegetation that livestock feed on, comprising of grass, browse, and fruit. In Zambia, veld management is crucial for optimizing livestock productivity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of farming operations.

Understanding Veld Types in Zambia
Zambia has two primary types of veld:

Highveld (Sour Veld)
Characterized by high rainfall and leached soils, the Highveld is dominated by strong perennial, upright, and tufted grasses. These grasses, such as thatching grass, lignify early, becoming unpalatable and less nutritious as they mature.

Lowveld (Sweet Veld)
In contrast, the Lowveld, with its dry and fertile soils, is comprised of annual grasses and weak perennials. These grasses remain palatable and nutritious even as they mature.

Importance of Veld Management
Effective veld management is essential for:

Optimal Livestock Nutrition
Maintaining Soil Health
Conserving Biodiversity
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture

Strategies for Effective Veld Management
Implement Rotational Grazing
Provide Targeted Nutritional Supplements
Practice Effective Pasture Management
Monitor and Evaluate Veld Conditions

Benefits of Effective Veld Management
Increased Livestock Productivity
Improved Soil Health
Enhanced Biodiversity
Increased Farm Income

Conclusion
Veld management is a critical component of successful livestock farming in Zambia. By understanding the different types of veld, implementing effective management strategies, and prioritizing sustainability, farmers can optimize livestock productivity, maintain soil health, and support biodiversity.

22/03/2025

THE WISE OLD FARMER AND HIS TWO SONS.

In the rural village of Gidan Rogo, a seasoned farmer named Baba Danladi had two sons, Abubakar and Yusuf. As Baba Danladi approached retirement, he summoned his sons and imparted his wisdom: "I have dedicated my life to farming, and now it is your turn. Choose your path wisely, and remember that success in farming requires patience, perseverance, and hard work."

Abubakar opted to raise beef cattle, while Yusuf chose to establish a dairy farm. Their father presented each of them with five cows and wished them success.

Abubakar's Beef Farming Venture

Abubakar took his cows to a vast grazing field, providing them with fresh grass and supplementing their diet with grains to accelerate their growth. He regularly monitored their health, checking for diseases and ensuring they had access to clean water. After a year, Abubakar sold two of his cows at a premium price during the festive season, earning a substantial profit. However, he had to wait several months before making another sale.

Yusuf's Dairy Farming Enterprise

In contrast, Yusuf adopted a more labor-intensive approach, rising every morning at 4 AM to milk his cows. He ensured they received a nutritious diet rich in vitamins to optimize milk production. Initially, the workload was exhausting, but soon, Yusuf was selling fresh milk to neighboring villages, generating daily income. Within a few months, he had saved enough to purchase another cow, expanding his business.

A Lesson from Baba Danladi

Two years later, the brothers visited their father, each with a unique success story. Abubakar had fewer cows but had reaped significant profits from selling beef. Yusuf, on the other hand, had more cows and a steady daily income from milk sales. Baba Danladi smiled, proud of his sons' accomplishments: "You have both succeeded in different ways. Farming has many paths, and success depends on your patience, hard work, and dedication."

From that day forward, Abubakar and Yusuf respected each other's farming methods, recognizing that both beef and dairy farming could lead to success in their own way.

Moral of the Story

The story of Baba Danladi and his two sons teaches us that there is no single formula for success in farming. Whether you raise cattle for meat or milk, success comes from hard work, planning, and patience. By embracing different approaches and learning from each other's experiences, farmers can thrive in their own unique ways.

13/03/2025

Separate Fact from Fiction: Common Livestock Myths Busted

Are you a livestock farmer looking to optimize your operations and boost productivity? If so, it's essential to separate fact from fiction and debunk common myths that can hold you back.

Here are eight common livestock management myths, along with the facts that set the record straight:

1.Myth: Urea is toxic to livestock.
Reality: When used correctly, urea can be a valuable source of protein for your animals.

2. Myth: Superboost causes diarrhea in livestock.
Reality: Superboost is designed to promote healthy growth and development in your animals.

3. Myth: Hiring unskilled labor is a cost-effective solution.
Reality: Investing in skilled labor may seem costly upfront, but it pays off in the long run through increased productivity and profitability.

4. Myth: Hiring experts is too expensive.
Reality: While hiring experts may require an initial investment, it can save you money and headaches down the line by preventing costly mistakes and inefficiencies.

5. Myth: Supplements are unnecessary during the rainy season.
Reality: Even during the rainy season, supplements play a crucial role in ensuring your animals receive the nutrients they need to thrive.

6. Myth: Vaccines can harm or kill livestock.
Reality: Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your animals from deadly diseases.

7. Myth: A female animal is automatically pregnant after mating.
Reality: Pregnancy should always be confirmed, as embryo loss can occur.

8. Myth: Twins are impossible in livestock.
Reality: With proper supplementation and care, twins can be a welcome addition to your livestock operation.