2019 marks another successful Jim Schumacher Memorial Livestock Day

The annual Jim Schumacher memorial livestock day was well attended with over twenty-five community livestock producers benefitting from the collaborative efforts of Phillips county extension and local veterinary care providers. Attendees heard speakers discuss a variety of topics that pertain to and can impact their operations.

The first speaker of the day was Dr. Thomsen with Merck Animal Health who presented on Johne's disease in cattle. Johne’s disease is caused by M. paratuberculosis, a bacteria that causes the intestinal wall to thicken making it difficult to impossible for nutrients to be absorbed by the animal. This leads to chronic diarrhea and poor body condition while consuming a normal diet. Infection can take place in utero or from contact/ingestion of contaminated feces from an infected animal that is shedding the bacteria. While cattle of all ages are susceptible, it has been found that infection is highest 0-6 months of age. However, an infected animal might not show signs until later in life. Prevention and control of the disease is difficult once it enters a herd. Prevention includes taking precautionary measures to not allow infected animals into a herd and maintaining clean and uncrowded calving environments (to try and reduce contact with the bacteria). Dr. Thomsen highlighted that there is no treatment for the disease and that the number of infected animals is most likely higher than the known numbers.

Cattle production efficiency was discussed before and after lunch by Dr. Funston with the University of Nebraska. Part of Dr. Funston’s research has been studying the role environment plays on developing cattle and how it pertains to their future productivity. In summary, cattle had greater lifelong productivity when grown on the diet they are expected to reproduce on. Additionally, heifers and bulls born as a result of a first cycle conception have been found to be reproductive for a longer period of time thus leading to a lower cow/bull depreciation. Dr. Funston also emphasized that reducing stress before and after breeding led to a greater pregnancy rate.

During lunch Dr. Ann Johnson talked about the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). A VFD is a prescription for an antibiotic to be added to feed or water that has to be obtained from a veterinary. When an antibiotic that is added to feed is also used in the treatment of humans, a VFD is required. VFD’s continue to evolve thus it is important to visit with your veterinarian about any changes.

Following lunch, Ann Henderson with Allflex demonstrated ways that EID and RFID tags can and will continue to be implemented. Currently RFID tags can be used to monitor cattle health. For example, there is a program that will send notifications to your phone if a cow tagged with an FRID tag has had less activity than normal (might not be feeling well) or when going into labor. In regard to future use, it is projected that by 2023 metal BANG’s tags will no longer be in use and instead EID BANG’s tags will be implemented.

The final topic of the day was Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) presented by biologist Scott Thompson with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. With the increased spread of the disease there were many questions as to what the disease is, how it is transmitted, and who can contract the disease. CWD is a fatal neurologic disease specific to deer, elk, moose, and caribou. The disease is caused by a prion protein that is abnormally folded. When the animal comes into contact with the prion by either direct contact with an infected animal or contaminated ground or feed, it causes normal prion proteins to abnormally fold. This cause death to the cell and ultimately leads to neurological and nerve damage. Sign of infection is a general poor (wasting) body condition. Care should be taken when handling potentially infected animals, particularly the head and spinal cord. Testing options include removing the retropharyngeal lymph nodes and submitting them for testing. FWP will continue to monitor areas where CWD has been found (along the High-Line and southern part of the state), bordering regions, and other areas across the state.

If you couldn’t make it to this year’s Livestock Day be on the lookout for next year’s date and plan to attend!

This article was written by Sarah Townsend. Sara will be the new Extension Administration and 4-H Assistant starting March 1, at the MSU Phillips County Extension Office.