The collection of hair samples should be undertaken by a competent individual within a secure, contamination-free facility. Hair is a strong, stable tissue that is simple to collect, transport, and store. Data suggest hair is as effective a matrix as … [Read more...] about Collecting hair for livestock drug testing
livestock
Diagnostic Guidance: Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Complex
This post is from the BRD Complex producer handout. Bovine Respiratory Disease, commonly called “Shipping Fever”, is said to be the most costly disease affecting stocker and feedlot cattle. It is estimated that over $3 billion is spent annually on … [Read more...] about Diagnostic Guidance: Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Complex
Keeping livestock healthy during a Texas winter
Texas winters are infamously fickle. Each year, weather conditions range from mild temperatures with high humidity to record-setting rain, sleet, and sometimes, snow. It’s also not uncommon for Texas to experience these weather conditions throughout … [Read more...] about Keeping livestock healthy during a Texas winter
Photosensitization: Causes and testing options
Photosensitization is a serious skin condition in horses and cattle caused by a hazardous combination of certain plants and ultraviolet (UV) light. Certain plants contain photodynamic agents, which then cause a reaction in the animal’s body that … [Read more...] about Photosensitization: Causes and testing options
Drug screen for beta-agonists in hair and wool for livestock species added to TVMDL test catalog
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is pleased to announce the addition of a drug screen for beta-agonists in hair and wool for livestock species. Similar to retinal tissue, hair and wool have been shown to retain … [Read more...] about Drug screen for beta-agonists in hair and wool for livestock species added to TVMDL test catalog
Copper Toxicity in Show Animals
Copper Toxicity in Show Animals Guy Sheppard, DVM In reflecting upon yet another major livestock show season in Texas, it is important to keep in mind the possibility of copper toxicity, particularly in sheep and goats. Sheep are particularly … [Read more...] about Copper Toxicity in Show Animals
Burn-pile leads to arsenic poisoning
Burn-pile leads to arsenic poisoning By Cat Barr, PhD Fifteen crossbred calves were placed in a pasture with a burn-pile. The day after they were provided with Johnson grass hay, one calf was found dead. Two days later, three calves were walking … [Read more...] about Burn-pile leads to arsenic poisoning
