Friday, March 23, 2012
Economist's talk rouses debate among veterinarians in academia
Economist's talk rouses debate among veterinarians in academia: New models for veterinary education presented
Cowboy Mounted Shooting to Join 2012 All American Quarter Horse Congress
Cowboy Mounted Shooting to Join 2012 All American Quarter Horse Congress:
Attendees of the 2012 All American Quarter Horse Congress will get to see some quick-draw action when the AQHA Cowboy Mounted Shooting event is held this year on Sunday, October 28.
The Ohio Quarter Horse Association, which hosts the Congress annually, approved the addition of open, amateur, and youth AQHA-approved Mounted Shooting classes to the 2012 show schedule at its March 19th Board of Directors meeting. Although the details are still being worked out, organizers expect about 150 mounted shooters to participate during the inaugural event.
The show’s management made changes to the 2012 Congress show schedule, which resulted in the Celeste Center being open on the last day of the show, noted Congress Tri-Chairman Skip Salome. “The Mounted Shooting classes will be great for spectators, and we’re really excited to have them,” Salome said during the presentation to board members. OQHA is working with the Ohio Outlaw Shooters group to iron out details for the event.
The AQHA Cowboy Mounted Shooting classes will be in addition to 43 new classes announced earlier this month when OQHA released the tentative show schedule for the 2012 show.
The All American Quarter Horse Congress is the world’s largest single breed horse show, bringing more than 650,000 people and an estimated 180 million in revenue to Columbus, Ohio, during the show’s three-week run each October. For additional information, please visit www.oqha.com.
Related posts:
Attendees of the 2012 All American Quarter Horse Congress will get to see some quick-draw action when the AQHA Cowboy Mounted Shooting event is held this year on Sunday, October 28.
The Ohio Quarter Horse Association, which hosts the Congress annually, approved the addition of open, amateur, and youth AQHA-approved Mounted Shooting classes to the 2012 show schedule at its March 19th Board of Directors meeting. Although the details are still being worked out, organizers expect about 150 mounted shooters to participate during the inaugural event.
The show’s management made changes to the 2012 Congress show schedule, which resulted in the Celeste Center being open on the last day of the show, noted Congress Tri-Chairman Skip Salome. “The Mounted Shooting classes will be great for spectators, and we’re really excited to have them,” Salome said during the presentation to board members. OQHA is working with the Ohio Outlaw Shooters group to iron out details for the event.
The AQHA Cowboy Mounted Shooting classes will be in addition to 43 new classes announced earlier this month when OQHA released the tentative show schedule for the 2012 show.
The All American Quarter Horse Congress is the world’s largest single breed horse show, bringing more than 650,000 people and an estimated 180 million in revenue to Columbus, Ohio, during the show’s three-week run each October. For additional information, please visit www.oqha.com.
What is a Balanced Equine Diet?
What is a Balanced Equine Diet?:
By: Russell Mueller, Equine Nutrition Consultant
Before getting into specifics about equine diets and addressing particular conditions, I feel it’s important to share how we need to look at the diets of our horses.
What is a balanced diet? My definition of a balanced diet is one that meets…
1) all the nutrient needs of the horse
2) with the most hay and lowest amount of concentrate possible
3) at a cost effective price
4) that fits in the owner’s management style
There are several factors here, but the overriding principle is to base the diet around forage and to have feed supply the essential nutrients the forage is not. Doing so in a cost effective manner means constructing the diet at the lowest cost, while still meeting the nutrient needs of the horse.
You can always feed a deficient diet for less money than a balanced one, but then it doesn’t meet the first requirement. It’s odd, but I believe the fourth factor is key. Sometimes, nutrition consultants forget to match the way an owner feeds with a feed that fits with their personality. In that case, an owner might get frustrated and stop doing what is best for their horse.
The power of the forage portion cannot be overlooked. I get calls all the time from people who say, “I’m feeding X protein feed. Is that enough for my horse?” Well, I can’t answer that question until I know what the forage source is.
Because a horse’s diet is typically 80% hay, forage has a large impact on the nutrients provided. This is what we call the Total Diet. We must factor in all nutrient sources.
And just because one product has a higher percentage of a nutrient doesn’t mean it has the largest impact on the diet. In fact, if we feed 20 lbs of a 8% protein hay, that hay is providing 726 grams of protein. If we also feed 6 lbs of a 14% feed, the feed is providing 381 grams of protein. The combined total is 1,107 grams in a day. Be aware that in this situation, the forage is actually supplying a higher level of the nutrient than the feed, because of the volume of hay being fed.
With that in mind, no forage is 100% complete, in terms of meeting all of a horse’s nutrient needs. That’s where the feed or concentrate comes in–to supply the nutrition that’s not being supplied by the hay. That may be just a vitamin/mineral supplement with excellent quality hay; protein, vitamins, and minerals with average hay; or all nutrients with poor quality hay. Making sure your feed is matched with your hay is the best way to build a cost effective diet for your horse.
Related posts:
By: Russell Mueller, Equine Nutrition Consultant
Before getting into specifics about equine diets and addressing particular conditions, I feel it’s important to share how we need to look at the diets of our horses.
What is a balanced diet? My definition of a balanced diet is one that meets…
1) all the nutrient needs of the horse
2) with the most hay and lowest amount of concentrate possible
3) at a cost effective price
4) that fits in the owner’s management style
There are several factors here, but the overriding principle is to base the diet around forage and to have feed supply the essential nutrients the forage is not. Doing so in a cost effective manner means constructing the diet at the lowest cost, while still meeting the nutrient needs of the horse.
You can always feed a deficient diet for less money than a balanced one, but then it doesn’t meet the first requirement. It’s odd, but I believe the fourth factor is key. Sometimes, nutrition consultants forget to match the way an owner feeds with a feed that fits with their personality. In that case, an owner might get frustrated and stop doing what is best for their horse.
The power of the forage portion cannot be overlooked. I get calls all the time from people who say, “I’m feeding X protein feed. Is that enough for my horse?” Well, I can’t answer that question until I know what the forage source is.
Because a horse’s diet is typically 80% hay, forage has a large impact on the nutrients provided. This is what we call the Total Diet. We must factor in all nutrient sources.
And just because one product has a higher percentage of a nutrient doesn’t mean it has the largest impact on the diet. In fact, if we feed 20 lbs of a 8% protein hay, that hay is providing 726 grams of protein. If we also feed 6 lbs of a 14% feed, the feed is providing 381 grams of protein. The combined total is 1,107 grams in a day. Be aware that in this situation, the forage is actually supplying a higher level of the nutrient than the feed, because of the volume of hay being fed.
With that in mind, no forage is 100% complete, in terms of meeting all of a horse’s nutrient needs. That’s where the feed or concentrate comes in–to supply the nutrition that’s not being supplied by the hay. That may be just a vitamin/mineral supplement with excellent quality hay; protein, vitamins, and minerals with average hay; or all nutrients with poor quality hay. Making sure your feed is matched with your hay is the best way to build a cost effective diet for your horse.
Related posts:
Miscellaneous vitreous-derived IgM antibodies target numerous retinal proteins in equine recurrent uveitis
Miscellaneous vitreous-derived IgM antibodies target numerous retinal proteins in equine recurrent uveitis:
Abstract
Objective In equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), immune reactions are directed toward known antigens like S-antigen, interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein, and cellular retinalaldehyde-binding protein, and anti-retinal antibodies were detected in vitreous samples. The aim of this study was the investigation of intraocular immunoglobulin M (IgM) reactivities to retinal proteome.
Procedures Retina was separated by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and blotted semidry on PVDF membranes. To identify intraocular IgM antibody responses to retinal tissue, blots were incubated with vitreous samples of ERU-diseased horses (n = 50) and healthy controls (n = 30), followed by an HRP-labeled secondary antibody specific for equine IgM. Noticeable 2D western blot signals were aligned on a 2D gel of retinal proteome, excised, and subsequently identified by tandem mass spectrometry.
Results Interestingly, frequent and very miscellaneous IgM response patterns to the retinal proteome in 68% of ERU vitreous samples were detected. Binding of IgM antibodies was localized at 17 different molecular weights. The most frequently detected signal, in 21 of the 50 samples, was located at 49 kDa. Comparing the samples interindividually between one and up to nine different signals in one sample could be observed. All healthy vitreous samples were devoid of IgM antibodies. Analysis of targeted spots with mass spectrometry led to the clear identification of 11 different proteins (corresponding to 16 different spots). One candidate could not be discovered so far.
Conclusion The considerable IgM response to retinal proteins demonstrates an ongoing immune response, which might contribute to the remitting relapsing character of ERU. Novel identified target proteins point to a diverse response pattern of individual ERU cases.
Bute and Banamine: Avoid Using Together (AAEP 2011)
Bute and Banamine: Avoid Using Together (AAEP 2011): In a recent study one researcher showed that there is no benefit in effect from combining the two drugs, and he speculated that increased toxicity is very likely if that combination is given over several days time....
Equine Drug Testing, Medication Regulation Book Released
Equine Drug Testing, Medication Regulation Book Released: Wind Publications released fourth edition of "World Rules for Equine Drug Testing and Therapeutic Medication Regulation," by Thomas Tobin, MVB, MSc, PhD, MRCVS, DABT, professor at University of Kentucky Gluck Research Center, and Kimberly Brewer, DVM...
Complicated Equine Skin Diseases
Skin diseases in horses can be very frustrating. BVEH in Navasota is fortunate to have a partnership with board certified Veterinary Dermatologists. http://www.bveh.com/dermatology.htm
Complicated Equine Skin Diseases: "The practice of equine dermatology is usually straightforward with clinical examination and diagnostic testing; it is a rare occasion for an equine skin condition to be considered an actual emergency," said Ann Rashmir-Raven, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS. ...
Complicated Equine Skin Diseases: "The practice of equine dermatology is usually straightforward with clinical examination and diagnostic testing; it is a rare occasion for an equine skin condition to be considered an actual emergency," said Ann Rashmir-Raven, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS. ...
Weed of the Month: Red Maple
Weed of the Month: Red Maple: Red maple is a highly valued tree in managed landscapes in the eastern United States and Canada but is also toxic to horses....
2012 Foal Photos Call for Submissions
We are looking forward to seeing some BVEH foals win the contest!
2012 Foal Photos Call for Submissions:
Here's your chance to show off your brand-new babies! If you’d like to brag on your new foal, submit your favorite photo to Quarter Horse News so that it may be considered for publication in the New Foals section to be published in the June 15, 2012, issue. You can also enter the 2012 Foal Photo Contest, which is for non-professional photographers only.
2012 Foal Photos Call for Submissions:
Paula Parkhill, Deming, N.M., took this winning photo in the 2011 QHN Foal Photo Contest
Make plans now to attend the 2012 NCHA Convention
Make plans now to attend the 2012 NCHA Convention: Make plans now to attend the 2012 NCHA Convention to be held in Nashville, Tennessee, June 22 – 24. Make your room reservations at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel by dialing 1-800-336-3335 and identifying yourself as attending the NCHA Convention or online. Be sure and book by June 2, 2012 to ensure the lower group rate. [...]
Paint Horse Breaks Record at 6666 Ranch/NCHA Eastern National Championships
Paint Horse Breaks Record at 6666 Ranch/NCHA Eastern National Championships: Press release provided by The American Paint Horse Association With more than $80,000 in National Cutting Horse Association lifetime earnings, American Paint Horse A Cat Named Sue broke a record while winning three championships at the NCHA Eastern Nationals, which was March 5-16 in Jackson, Mississippi. The 12-year-old sorrel solid Paint-bred gelding is by all-time [...]
RETAMA NEAR DEAL WITH GAMING COMPANY TO KEEP TRACK OPEN FOR 6 YEARS
RETAMA NEAR DEAL WITH GAMING COMPANY TO KEEP TRACK OPEN FOR 6 YEARS:
AUSTIN, (Texas Thoroughbred Association) – Today’s San Antonio Express News, in an article written by Patrick Danner, reported that Retama Park officials are close to completing a deal with an as yet unnamed publicly traded gaming company to fund the Selma track’s losses for the next six years and repay millions in track debt.
Danner reported “the deal would give Retama a much-needed lifeline and allow track officials at least three more opportunities to persuade state lawmakers to let voters decide whether to permit slot machines and possibly other casino games at Texas racetracks.”
AUSTIN, (Texas Thoroughbred Association) – Today’s San Antonio Express News, in an article written by Patrick Danner, reported that Retama Park officials are close to completing a deal with an as yet unnamed publicly traded gaming company to fund the Selma track’s losses for the next six years and repay millions in track debt.Danner reported “the deal would give Retama a much-needed lifeline and allow track officials at least three more opportunities to persuade state lawmakers to let voters decide whether to permit slot machines and possibly other casino games at Texas racetracks.”
Just How Big is That Thing?
Just How Big is That Thing?:
HOUSTON, (HLSR) — The 80th anniversary of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo set the paid Rodeo attendance with 1,283,419. Total attendance for all activities on the grounds ranks second in the Show’s history, with 2,257,970 visitors.
“Mostly beautiful weather, Spring Break, amazing athletes, superstar concerts, unique family entertainment, and the world’s best livestock show — we’ve created the winning formula for fun,” said Skip Wagner, president of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “Thanks to the help of 26,000 volunteers, we are able to produce an incredible entertainment and educational venue.”
Following are highlights from the 2012 Show:
Attendance highlights
Houston Livestock Show™, Auction Totals
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS and Notable NuMbers
For complete results and highlights, visit www.rodeohouston.com, or, visit the Show on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube: rodeohouston.
HOUSTON, (HLSR) — The 80th anniversary of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo set the paid Rodeo attendance with 1,283,419. Total attendance for all activities on the grounds ranks second in the Show’s history, with 2,257,970 visitors.“Mostly beautiful weather, Spring Break, amazing athletes, superstar concerts, unique family entertainment, and the world’s best livestock show — we’ve created the winning formula for fun,” said Skip Wagner, president of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “Thanks to the help of 26,000 volunteers, we are able to produce an incredible entertainment and educational venue.”
Following are highlights from the 2012 Show:
Attendance highlights
- The 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo entertained 2,257,970 visitors (all activities on the grounds).
- The one-day total attendance record fell Saturday, March 17, with 153,159 visitors.
- RodeoHouston® paid attendance totaled a record 1,283,419. Fans enjoyed action-packed rodeo performances and superstars in concert.
- Five RodeoHouston performances landed in the list of the Show’s top 20 paid Rodeo attendance records, with three taking the top spots:
- first: March 15, 2012 — Jason Aldean – 74,901
- second: March 11, 2012 — Duelo and La Original Banda El Limon – 74,588
- third: March 14, 2012 — The Band Perry – 74,241
- eighth: March 17, 2012 – Brad Paisley – 73,757
- 11th: March 12, 2012 — Zac Brown Band – 73,374
- Five RodeoHouston performances landed in the list of the Show’s top 20 paid Rodeo attendance records, with three taking the top spots:
- A record 260,033 people attended the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest to help kick off the Show.
- RodeoHouston committed more than $2 million to its contestants in 2012.
- The 2012 RodeoHouston BP Super Series, an international, invitation-only rodeo, featured the world’s top 40 cowboys and cowgirls in seven events.
- With the entire purse provided by RodeoHouston, and no entry fees required by the athletes, contestants competed for a share of $1.6 million in prize money in the Super Series, and each event champion walked away from Reliant Stadium with at least $50,000, a RodeoHouston trophy saddle and a champion buckle.
- 2012 RodeoHouston BP Super Series Champions, with total money earned, are:
- tie-down roping: Adam Gray – Seymour, Texas – $56,300
- bareback riding: Kaycee Feild – Payson, Texas – $53,650
- team roping: Cody Graham – Everton, Mo., and Monty Petska – Turlock, Calif. – $110,400
- saddle bronc riding: Cody Wright – Milford, Utah – $56,700
- steer wrestling: Wade Sumpter – Fowler, Colo. – $53,700
- barrel racing: Lindsay Sears – Ropesville, Texas – $59,900
- bull riding: Beau Schroeder – China, Texas – $56,200
- The Cinch RodeoHouston Super Shootout®: North America’s Champions presented by Crown Royal closed the 2012 Show Sunday, March 18. This ground-breaking, invitation-only, one-day event featured champion athletes from 10 of the best rodeos in the United States and Canada. Contestants competed in bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding and saddle bronc riding. With a total purse of $200,000, the Super Shootout is the richest one-day rodeo event in the world. Each champion walked away with $25,000 and a champion buckle, plus a $2,500 bonus from Crown Royal and a $1,500 voucher from Mattress Firm.
- 2012 Cinch RodeoHouston Super Shootout presented by Crown Royal Champions are:
- bareback riding: Will Lowe, RodeoHouston
- barrel racing: Lindsay Sears, 2011 WPRA World Champion
- bull riding: Bobby Welsh, RodeoHouston
- saddle bronc riding: Taos Muncy, Rodeo Austin
- Super Shootout Team Award: RodeoHouston
- United sponsors the High Flyin’ Award, which awards two airline tickets for the first 19 performances, plus a year’s worth of airline travel to the overall winning contestant with the highest flights, hardest spills, roughest crashes and toughest luck. Bull rider Tyler Smith of Fruita, Colo., was the 2012 overall winner.
- 2012 Cinch RodeoHouston Super Shootout presented by Crown Royal Champions are:
Houston Livestock Show™, Auction Totals
- This year’s livestock competitions and horse shows boasted 26,305 entries.
- Six of the junior auction Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion sales set new records. The prices for the top winners include (* indicates new world’s records):
- *Grand Champion Barrow, $178,000; *Reserve Grand Champion Barrow, $121,000
- *Grand Champion Goat, $155,000; Reserve Grand Champion Goat, $110,000
- *Grand Champion Lamb, $210,000; Reserve Grand Champion Lamb, $130,000
- Grand Champion Pen of Broilers, $130,000; Reserve Grand Champion Pen of Broilers, $80,000
- Grand Champion Steer, $460,000; Reserve Grand Champion Steer, $250,000
- Grand Champion Turkey, $100,000; Reserve Grand Champion Turkey, $60,000
- *Grand Champion Work of Art, $206,000; *Reserve Grand Champion Work of Art, $175,000
- Junior auction sales totaled $9,262,266.
- The junior auction totals (unaudited preliminary totals that do not include cash contributions and some purchase commitment amounts) included:
- market steers: $3,120,865
- lamb and goat: $2,010,326
- barrows: $1,291,575
- poultry: $1,420,500
- school art: $1,419,000
- The Junior Commercial Steer Sale totaled $643,512.
- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Champion Wine Auction brought in $1,411,500, including a Show record price of $211,000 for the Grand Champion Best of Show, and a Show record price of $160,000 for the Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show.
- The Ranching & Wildlife Auction totaled $333,800.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS and Notable NuMbers
- Houston Texans football players Andre Johnson and J. J. Watt served as the grand marshals of the 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade, Saturday, Feb. 25.
- ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run celebrated its 25th anniversary with 15,001 athletes, including Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo President Skip Wagner and Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes. With its $400,000 donation in 2012, ConocoPhillips has contributed more than $3.3 million to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Educational Fund since the race began in 1988.
- The Show hosted 2,474 registered international guests from 65 countries, including large delegations from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Venezuela. Several guests came from as far away as Thailand and Pakistan.
- Rodeo Rockstar, a new singing competition, featured 116 entries. Audition videos were submitted online and more than 33,000 online public votes determined the preliminary round contestants. The preliminary and final rounds, held live during the Show on the Kids Country Stage, resulted in winners in two divisions:
- Junior: Erica Honore – 14, Houston
- Youth: Julia Cole – 18, Houston
- The Show hosted the Versatility Ranch Horse and Cowboy Mounted Shooting World Shows March 1 – 3, 2012.
- More than 300,000 visitors utilized the Show’s Rodeo Express and METRO Park & Ride locations.
- In the Capital One Bank AGventure Birthing Center, 74 piglets, 26 lambs and 21 calves were born during the Show. In the Poultry Exhibit, more than 960 chicks hatched.
- Following are examples of what Show visitors experienced:
- More than 20,000 young cowboys and cowgirls took a turn on the pony rides.
- More than 11,000 kids tested their strength and endurance by climbing the rock wall.
- More than 12,000 visitors rode camels.
- More than 120,000 visitors slid down the three giant slides.
- More than 110,000 visitors took a spin on a Ferris wheel.
- More than 71,000 people viewed the park from the skyride.
- More than 50,000 people participated in scheduled school tours and field trips.
- Food could be found at nearly all areas within Reliant Park, and Show visitors enjoyed the unique types available. Consumed were:
- 23,000 cinnamon rolls
- 10,000 orders of chicken fried bacon
- 9,000 pounds of shrimp
- 8,000 pizzas
- 6,000 orders of fried cookie dough
- 6,300 orders of catfish
- 4,500 pulled pork sundaes
- 200 pounds of alligator
- 3,000 orders of chicken fried meatballs
- 50,000 pounds of potatoes
- 146,000 barbecue sandwiches
- 30,000 tamales
- The combined total of the Show’s and entertainers’ merchandise sales reached more than $2 million in 2012.
For complete results and highlights, visit www.rodeohouston.com, or, visit the Show on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube: rodeohouston.
Texas A&M Confirms Drought Statistics
Texas A&M Confirms Drought Statistics:
COLLEGE STATION, (TAMU) – Texas agricultural losses due to the 2011 drought reached a record $7.62 billion, making it the most costly drought in history, according to updated totals by Texas AgriLife Extension Service economists.
“2011 was the driest year on record and certainly an infamous year of distinction for the state’s farmers and ranchers,” said Dr. David Anderson, AgriLife Extension livestock economist. “The $7.62 billion mark for 2011 is more than $3.5 billion higher than the 2006 drought loss estimates, which previously was the costliest drought on record. The 2011 losses also represent about 43 percent of the average value of agricultural receipts over the last four years.”
“No one alive has seen single-year drought damage to this extent,” said Dr. Travis Miller, AgriLife Extension agronomist and a member of the Governor’s Drought Preparedness Council. “Texas farmers and ranchers are not strangers to drought, but the intensity of the drought, reflected in record high temperatures, record low precipitation, unprecedented winds coupled with duration – all came together to devastate production agriculture.”
“When you are one of the biggest agricultural producing states in the nation, a monumental drought causes enormous losses,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. “While the pain and damage this drought has caused cannot be overstated, our state’s farmers and ranchers are determined in their commitment and fierce in their resolve. We will rebuild and continue delivering the safest, most reliable and most affordable food supply in the world.”
Miller said millions of acres of Texas crops never received enough rain to germinate the planting seed.
“Even irrigated farmers experienced huge losses as water supplies that they could deliver were not adequate to produce crops under these conditions with no rain,” he said. “The drought started in the fall of 2010, resulting in very little winter grazing. Many of our pastures and hay meadows never greened up after the winter.”
Diminishing water supplies and no local hay production dramatically increased the cost of maintaining livestock herds, resulting in massive culling and unprecedented runs at livestock sale rings beginning in June, Miller said.
“Hay was purchased as far away as Montana, dramatically driving up the cost of supplemental feed. While much of the state began to receive some relief from this drought in late fall or early winter, most of the large areas of the plains and West Texas have yet to receive any relief.”
Through August of 2011, AgriLife Extension economists previously reported $5.2 billion in drought losses. The following are updated drought losses for 2011 by commodity with previously reported loss estimates from August in parenthesis:
Livestock: $3.23 billion (up from $2.06 billion);
Lost hay production value: $750 million (no change);
Cotton: $2.2 billion (up from $1.8 billion);
Corn: $736 million (up from $409 million);
Wheat: $314 million (up from $243 million);
Sorghum: $385 million (up from $63 million);
COLLEGE STATION, (TAMU) – Texas agricultural losses due to the 2011 drought reached a record $7.62 billion, making it the most costly drought in history, according to updated totals by Texas AgriLife Extension Service economists.“2011 was the driest year on record and certainly an infamous year of distinction for the state’s farmers and ranchers,” said Dr. David Anderson, AgriLife Extension livestock economist. “The $7.62 billion mark for 2011 is more than $3.5 billion higher than the 2006 drought loss estimates, which previously was the costliest drought on record. The 2011 losses also represent about 43 percent of the average value of agricultural receipts over the last four years.”
“No one alive has seen single-year drought damage to this extent,” said Dr. Travis Miller, AgriLife Extension agronomist and a member of the Governor’s Drought Preparedness Council. “Texas farmers and ranchers are not strangers to drought, but the intensity of the drought, reflected in record high temperatures, record low precipitation, unprecedented winds coupled with duration – all came together to devastate production agriculture.”
“When you are one of the biggest agricultural producing states in the nation, a monumental drought causes enormous losses,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. “While the pain and damage this drought has caused cannot be overstated, our state’s farmers and ranchers are determined in their commitment and fierce in their resolve. We will rebuild and continue delivering the safest, most reliable and most affordable food supply in the world.”
Miller said millions of acres of Texas crops never received enough rain to germinate the planting seed.
“Even irrigated farmers experienced huge losses as water supplies that they could deliver were not adequate to produce crops under these conditions with no rain,” he said. “The drought started in the fall of 2010, resulting in very little winter grazing. Many of our pastures and hay meadows never greened up after the winter.”
Diminishing water supplies and no local hay production dramatically increased the cost of maintaining livestock herds, resulting in massive culling and unprecedented runs at livestock sale rings beginning in June, Miller said.
“Hay was purchased as far away as Montana, dramatically driving up the cost of supplemental feed. While much of the state began to receive some relief from this drought in late fall or early winter, most of the large areas of the plains and West Texas have yet to receive any relief.”
Through August of 2011, AgriLife Extension economists previously reported $5.2 billion in drought losses. The following are updated drought losses for 2011 by commodity with previously reported loss estimates from August in parenthesis:
Livestock: $3.23 billion (up from $2.06 billion);
Lost hay production value: $750 million (no change);
Cotton: $2.2 billion (up from $1.8 billion);
Corn: $736 million (up from $409 million);
Wheat: $314 million (up from $243 million);
Sorghum: $385 million (up from $63 million);
Your Horse and Spring Thunderstorms
Your Horse and Spring Thunderstorms:
COLLEGE ATATION, (TAMU) – Severe weather can be a troubling event, especially when there are animals whose welfare and comfort is of concern as well. Small pets can usually take cover with their owners, but what precautions can an owner take for larger animals such as horses?
“The first step in protecting your horses and other livestock from severe weather is to realize what the severe weather risks are in your area,” says Dr. Brandon Dominguez, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) & Biomedical Sciences and member of the CVM Veterinary Emergency Team. “For many areas, springtime brings threats of severe thunderstorms, lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes.”
Often owners like to keep horses stalled in a barn to protect them from lightning during a storm, but giving them the ability to travel could keep them safer.
“Generally, if horses are in a pasture with trees or near a lightning rod, the risk of the horse being struck is greatly diminished. A three-sided shelter can help to keep them warm and dry during a storm in addition to shielding them from lightning strikes,” says Dominguez.
Dominguez believes that when storms become more severe, to possibly include tornadoes or high gusts of winds, horses are even safer outside of their stalls.
“It is wise to keep barnyards and pastures clear of debris before storms are due to strike. If a tornado were to hit a barn with horses secured in stalls, the likelihood and severity of being hit by debris would be considerably increased,” says Dominguez.
True, horses in pasture may not escape completely unscathed, but the cuts and contusions are usually less significant.
With torrential rainfall, flooding, and particularly flash flooding, if horses are given the opportunity to move to higher ground away from danger, they will follow their natural instinct for survival. Flash flooding, if injury or obstacles prevent horses from escaping, can lead to a horse being swept downstream and potentially drowning.
“Less harsh, but just as serious, are the consequences of standing in perpetually flooded pastures. The chronic exposure to moisture could lead to softening of the hoof and sole leaving a horse susceptible to stone bruises, sole abscesses, white line disease, and infection such as thrush,” says Dominguez.
Dominguez explains that rapid drying may cause hooves to crack and become brittle, but keeping feet cleaned and picked out and applying hoof conditioners will help minimize the harm from flood waters. Additionally, flooding may cause toxins to spread from storage areas to pastures where horses are gathered exposing them to contaminants that they would not ordinarily contact.
“The most ideal confinement during severe weather would be a large pasture with a three-sided shelter to protect animals from the elements, but that also allows them to escape from danger. Not being in the lowest portion of the field, but in the vicinity of trees or a lightning rod is also advantageous,” says Dominguez.
With the variety of horse-owners, horse-properties, and horses, planning before severe weather occurs should take into consideration the ability to keep everybody safe.
COLLEGE ATATION, (TAMU) – Severe weather can be a troubling event, especially when there are animals whose welfare and comfort is of concern as well. Small pets can usually take cover with their owners, but what precautions can an owner take for larger animals such as horses?
“The first step in protecting your horses and other livestock from severe weather is to realize what the severe weather risks are in your area,” says Dr. Brandon Dominguez, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) & Biomedical Sciences and member of the CVM Veterinary Emergency Team. “For many areas, springtime brings threats of severe thunderstorms, lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes.”
Often owners like to keep horses stalled in a barn to protect them from lightning during a storm, but giving them the ability to travel could keep them safer.
“Generally, if horses are in a pasture with trees or near a lightning rod, the risk of the horse being struck is greatly diminished. A three-sided shelter can help to keep them warm and dry during a storm in addition to shielding them from lightning strikes,” says Dominguez.
Dominguez believes that when storms become more severe, to possibly include tornadoes or high gusts of winds, horses are even safer outside of their stalls.
“It is wise to keep barnyards and pastures clear of debris before storms are due to strike. If a tornado were to hit a barn with horses secured in stalls, the likelihood and severity of being hit by debris would be considerably increased,” says Dominguez.
True, horses in pasture may not escape completely unscathed, but the cuts and contusions are usually less significant.
With torrential rainfall, flooding, and particularly flash flooding, if horses are given the opportunity to move to higher ground away from danger, they will follow their natural instinct for survival. Flash flooding, if injury or obstacles prevent horses from escaping, can lead to a horse being swept downstream and potentially drowning.
“Less harsh, but just as serious, are the consequences of standing in perpetually flooded pastures. The chronic exposure to moisture could lead to softening of the hoof and sole leaving a horse susceptible to stone bruises, sole abscesses, white line disease, and infection such as thrush,” says Dominguez.
Dominguez explains that rapid drying may cause hooves to crack and become brittle, but keeping feet cleaned and picked out and applying hoof conditioners will help minimize the harm from flood waters. Additionally, flooding may cause toxins to spread from storage areas to pastures where horses are gathered exposing them to contaminants that they would not ordinarily contact.
“The most ideal confinement during severe weather would be a large pasture with a three-sided shelter to protect animals from the elements, but that also allows them to escape from danger. Not being in the lowest portion of the field, but in the vicinity of trees or a lightning rod is also advantageous,” says Dominguez.
With the variety of horse-owners, horse-properties, and horses, planning before severe weather occurs should take into consideration the ability to keep everybody safe.
Case Report: Equine Infertility
Dr. Shana Buchanan is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and herbalist. She sees cases by appointment every other Monday at Brazos Valley Equine Hospital in Navasota. Additionally Dr. Jay Bickers is a certified veterinary acupuncturist at Brazos Valley Equine Hospital in Stephenville. Acupuncture in combination with other therapies can very useful for many reproductive problems in aged mares.
Case Report: Equine Infertility:
Case Report: Equine Infertility:
Equine Infertility
Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs
History
Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs
History
Mare “P” is a 14-year-old Quarter horse that has failed to cycle and become pregnant four out of the five years. 2009 was the first time the mare foaled. The owner disclosed that the mare always has had a long winter coat during the spring and is under lights. She is not housed around cycling mares and a teaser stallion is not available for estrus testing. The mare conceived her only pregnancy after an acupuncture treatment.
Western Examination, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The mare is presumed to have “Cushing’s” or pituitary pars intermedia disorder (PPID). This condition prevents the mare from cycling as a result of an abnormal. This condition is recognized as the mare having a long hair coat, not cycling, and infertility. As a result, the mare’s body is not in sync with the natural cycle of fertility that coincides with the increased spring daylight hours. The increased daylight hours signals the pituitary to produce increasing amounts of lutenizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) that leads to a normal cycle and ovulation allowing a successful pregnancy to occur. The Western treatment for this mare’s disorder is to be placed “under lights” to mimic the increased daylight hours observed during the spring and summer, be placed around other cycling mare and a teaser stallion, and be given Altrenogest (Regu-mate). Altrenogest is a synthetic progesterone that will suppress release of stored LH and FSH in the pituitary. Although it suppresses the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), it does not suppress the production of the two. After discontinuing the medication, these increased hormone levels will be released and mares will cycle shortly after discontinuation. This time frame is the most fertile time frame for the mare to conceive.
Eastern Examination, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Since the owner’s only success with this mare’s fertility concurred with acupuncture, the owner elected to treat this mare with conventional and nonconventional medicine. The use of acupuncture in reproduction has been documented as an adjunct to help an aging mare to cycle and become pregnant. The Chinese view conception as a result of pre-heaven, post-heaven, and kidney-essence. Pre-heaven essence is equivalent to the sperm and ovaries successfully uniting. Post-heaven essence is equivalent to the nutrition consumed. Kidney-essence is equivalent to an individual’s constitution. The goal of acupuncture for this mare is to nurture and strengthen the pre-heaven essence and improve the kidney-essence. As a result, the mare most likely will become pregnant.
The best way of strengthening the two essences is to perform acupuncture on the meridians that passes through the reproductive organs and unique acupuncture points that are known to strengthen the uterus and help with conception. Most of these points lie on the Bladder (BL), Liver (LIV), Kidney (KI), and Spleen (SP) channels. There are a few extra-ordinary points known to strengthen the reproductive system in general such as Stomach (ST), Small Intestine (SI) and Heart (HT) points. The following points in the table below were used. Most of these points were injected with vitamin B12 complex to stimulate the acupuncture points long-term because the mare was being shipped and most likely not able to return for follow-up treatments. The asterisks (**) indicates the points that were stimulated at each of the three sessions. The nonasterisks indicate that the point was used once during the three sessions.
Acupuncture Point | Point Function |
LI 10 | Qi deficiency |
LI 11 | Tonification point |
ST 36 (**) | Xue tonification point |
ST 44 | Mammary gland tonification |
ST 45 | Clears heat |
SP 1 (**) | Regulates blood |
SP 6 | Master point for the lower abdomen and urogenital system |
SP 9 | Drains damp |
SP 10 (**) | Regulates estrus |
HT 9 | Tonification |
SI 1 | Lactation |
BL 10 | Tonification of the bladder meridian |
BL 16 (**) | Invigorates blood |
BL 18 (**) | Regulates liver blood |
BL 20 (**) | Dispels and transforms damp |
BL 21 | Dispels and transforms damp |
BL 23 (**) | Nourishes essence |
BL 67 | Labor |
KI 1 (**) | Tonifies yin |
KI 3 | Infertility |
GB 41 (**) | Urogenital disorders |
LIV 1 (**) | Urogenital problems |
LIV 3 (**) | Promotes LIV Qi flow |
LIV 4 (**) | Urogenital problems |
LIV 8 (**) | Nourishes liver blood |
Bai-Hui (**) | Any rear end problems |
Da-Feng-Men | Sedation |
Xue Fu (**) | Ovary point |
Monday, March 12, 2012
Ruidoso’s All American Could Have 75 Percent Purse Increase
Ruidoso’s All American Could Have 75 Percent Purse Increase:
RUIDOSO DOWNS, New Mexico (February 13, 2012) — Topped by the Grade 1 All American Derby, which is poised to reach a record $2,300,000 purse, this summer’s futurities and derbies at Ruidoso Downs are showing impressive increases through the February 1 sustaining payments and supplemental nominations.
The All American Derby could have a 75-percent purse increase this summer.
It has 190 eligible horses, including a pair of supplemental nominees. A year ago, there were 148 eligible horses on its way to a $1,317,015 purse.
The 2012 All American Derby will be the all-time richest race for three-year-old quarter horses, and three-year-old and older quarter horses.
This year’s Grade 1 Rainbow Derby could have an 11-percent purse increase over last year.
It is projected to reach the $1,000,000 level with 138 eligible sophomores (one supplement), compared to last year when there were 119 eligible horses and the purse nearly reached $900,000.
The June running of the Grade 1 Ruidoso Derby should have a 14-percent purse increase over 2011.
It could hit the $800,000 mark after having a $702,896 purse last year. There are 103 eligible horses (one supplement) compared to 89 horses last year.
Futurities and derbies for New Mexico-breds are also showing increases.
The Zia Derby for quarter horses could be up 24 percent over last year. It is on pace to reach $150,000 with 69 horses (10 supplements) eligible to this year’s running. This compares to 53 eligible horses (four supplements) last year when the purse was $121,219.
The Mountain Top Futurity for thoroughbreds could show a 10-percent increase. It has 55 eligible horses (one supplement) and could reach a $150,000 purse.
The Senor Futurity could be up 34 percent. It may reach the $200,000 mark, compared to last year when the purse was $149,250.
The summer racing season at Ruidoso Downs begins on May 25 and runs through Labor Day with the Grade 1, $2,400,000 All American Futurity, the world’s richest quarter horse race, on closing day.
The basic weekly racing schedule is Friday through Monday with exceptions for the Four of July and All American Futurity trials.
For information, go to www.raceruidoso.com.
RUIDOSO DOWNS, New Mexico (February 13, 2012) — Topped by the Grade 1 All American Derby, which is poised to reach a record $2,300,000 purse, this summer’s futurities and derbies at Ruidoso Downs are showing impressive increases through the February 1 sustaining payments and supplemental nominations.The All American Derby could have a 75-percent purse increase this summer.
It has 190 eligible horses, including a pair of supplemental nominees. A year ago, there were 148 eligible horses on its way to a $1,317,015 purse.
The 2012 All American Derby will be the all-time richest race for three-year-old quarter horses, and three-year-old and older quarter horses.
This year’s Grade 1 Rainbow Derby could have an 11-percent purse increase over last year.
It is projected to reach the $1,000,000 level with 138 eligible sophomores (one supplement), compared to last year when there were 119 eligible horses and the purse nearly reached $900,000.
The June running of the Grade 1 Ruidoso Derby should have a 14-percent purse increase over 2011.
It could hit the $800,000 mark after having a $702,896 purse last year. There are 103 eligible horses (one supplement) compared to 89 horses last year.
Futurities and derbies for New Mexico-breds are also showing increases.
The Zia Derby for quarter horses could be up 24 percent over last year. It is on pace to reach $150,000 with 69 horses (10 supplements) eligible to this year’s running. This compares to 53 eligible horses (four supplements) last year when the purse was $121,219.
The Mountain Top Futurity for thoroughbreds could show a 10-percent increase. It has 55 eligible horses (one supplement) and could reach a $150,000 purse.
The Senor Futurity could be up 34 percent. It may reach the $200,000 mark, compared to last year when the purse was $149,250.
The summer racing season at Ruidoso Downs begins on May 25 and runs through Labor Day with the Grade 1, $2,400,000 All American Futurity, the world’s richest quarter horse race, on closing day.
The basic weekly racing schedule is Friday through Monday with exceptions for the Four of July and All American Futurity trials.
For information, go to www.raceruidoso.com.
Change is Our Companion but NOT Our Friend in Business Management…Ollie the horse is teaching me why
More from Dr. Andy Clark, DVM, MBA.
Change is Our Companion but NOT Our Friend in Business Management…Ollie the horse is teaching me why:
Change is Our Companion but NOT Our Friend in Business Management…Ollie the horse is teaching me why:
I am working with a group putting together a business program that may be presented in 2013. One of the discussion points has focused on the conflict in organizations that accompanies most if not all efforts to implement and manage change. It remains fascinating to me that to a person, our colleagues in the veterinary profession speak effusively about the changes we are experiencing and the remarkable rate at which change is happening. Very few believe that their practice does not NEED to change, BUT…change efforts are often met with fierce resistance within the organization.
Since we all appear to be in alignment on the presence and necessity of change, it is odd that so many resist change so strongly. I have been spending a lot of time lately trying to contribute to the program with some bit of understanding as to why this resistance to change is so predictable.
Veterinarians, especially equine practitioners can be a remarkably independent lot. We routinely work alone without immediate access to colleagues or mentors. Our clients expect and even demand that we come up with a plan on the spot, regardless of how serious or bizarre the situation we face. We have learned to trust ourselves and we don’t have a strong fundamental tradition of trusting others.
We assemble management groups, informal groups of peers and hire advisors, all in the effort to change our practices with the objective of becoming more financially successful. We explain and understand our objectives. So far that’s all good. Then train comes off the tracks; we resist the change necessary to achieve the objective.
I was raised around cattle ranching and spent all of my life until a year ago riding quarter horses in western saddles. My hobby changed radically about a year ago when my quarter horse was killed in a strange accident. My unlikely hobby decision was to take up riding in an English saddle and learn to jump. My wife Kathleen found a great horse for me. His name is Ollie. He is an 8 year old Irish Sport Horse and he is an expert at his job. When I tell people about my plan I get a lot of “you’re nuts” looks. Everybody has to have a goal and mine is to learn to jump.
As Kathleen has been giving me jumping lessons she has made it perfectly clear that the business of jumping the fences is divided into Andy’s business and Ollie’s Business. Andy’s business is to point Ollie at the proper jump and to have him going more or less the right speed. Ollie’s business is everything else. I have decided to implement change in my life. I understand the objective and how to achieve it. I need to take care of my business and let Ollie take care of his business.
We started over poles on the ground. I was totally comfortable sticking to my business and then letting Ollie stick to his business. The plan worked wonderfully. Ollie and I each did our part and we made the first successful steps in implementing change, learning to jump.
As the jumps got a little bigger (still small), I began to hear coaching input from Kathleen, “you are in Ollie’s business”. When I am able to stay out of his business we jump the jump! However when I insist on being in Ollie’s business…we don’t jump the jump successfully.
The point of this blog is to explore our resistance to implementing change even when we acknowledge its necessity. My hobby objective is to learn to jump. I hired (actually bought) a well-credentialed jumping consultant with a great track record who really knows his business, Ollie the horse. At critical points in the process of implementing change to reach my objective, I stop letting the expert, Ollie, do his job and I try to do it myself. The results are 100% poor, yet I continue to do it occasionally and even may blame poor Ollie for the results. Why, you ask, would a person with three college degrees refuse to let the expert do his job???
Ollie the horse is teaching me about trust. It’s all about trust. I have been an independent and resourceful person all of my life. With the help of trusted mentors and friends I have solved my problems. In this situation, learning to ride in and English saddle and jump, with potentially severe consequences, I am having trouble trusting Ollie to do his job. I’m stuck here until I can learn to trust that Ollie will do his job. Only then will I will be able reach my objective. I have assembled the resources I need, but until I trust, I can’t make the change necessary to be successful.
Maybe that’s why we resist change. We aren’t used to trusting. Perhaps we should work on trusting instead of changing…change might take care ofitself.
How Does Your Customer Service Look to Your Clients?
Dr. Andy Clark is a consultant whose posts we follow. Several recent ones we especially appreciated as BVEH is committed to surpassing your needs and expectations. If you are not "Wowed" leaving our office, we want to know it. Our loyal clients are the engine that drives the business and we are thankful for your repeat service. What can BVEH do to WOW you today?
How Does Your Customer Service Look to Your Clients?:
In veterinary practices I try to teach doctors and staff to focus on two outcomes; the patient outcome and the client outcome. Not all the patients have a good outcome no matter who’s the vet. However, I truly believe that in nearly all cases it is possible, although not easy, to have a good client outcome. I am absolutely certain that clients value good client outcome and will be loyal to the veterinarian who provides it. Good customer service, client outcome, is low hanging fruit in our profession.
Last Friday I had two totally unrelated great experiences with businesses that both left me with a definite WOW . Friday morning I needed to have a horse somewhere at 11. It takes an hour to get there. At 9 AM I discovered that through some unexplainable event, my gooseneck trailer hitch pin was bent and the hitch could only be partially secured to the ball. I was definitely not putting a horse in that trailer. Winners Circle Trailers is 20 minutes away. When I arrived there was a lot going on and it actually looked like a busy equine clinic. Without realizing it, I behaved exactly like a pushy horse owner. I walked into Cory’s office and said, I really need your help Cory, I have a hitch emergency. Yes,
you get the picture; I defined a routine problem as an emergency on a Friday and expected a fix. It would have been perfectly reasonable to tell me, “Sorry, the shop is full. Leave the trailer and we’ll get it back to you Monday.” That’s not what he did. He stopped everything, replaced the hitch and had me on the road in 20 minutes. I drove home picked up the horse and made it to the 11 O’clock on time. Wow number one for the day!
I buy almost everything except groceries on line. When I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, I could order groceries on line too. At any rate, I buy shirts on line from a company called Paul Fredrick. Recently, I needed a pink shirt to wear to a cancer fund raiser and in an effort to be uber efficient, I ordered the shirt on my iPhone while in an airport security line. When the shirt arrived it was GIANT, imagine a small pink tent. I had ordered the neck 2 inches too large. I checked my ‘out box’ to learn that I had, in fact, ordered the wrong size. Ok fine, the shirt is hanging in the closet as a reminder to be careful multi-tasking while ordering stuff on the iPhone. Friday afternoon, someone from Paul Fredrick contacted me as a follow up to the purchase. I admitted my mistake and said I can’t wear the shirt but I know it’s my own fault. It would have been perfectly reasonable to tell me “sorry for the mistake but we are very clear that custom orders can’t be returned” Now for the WOW; what I was told was this “I appreciate your honesty but we want you to have that shirt in the right size, we’ll send one Monday. WOW!!
Both businesses could have been perfectly reasonable and I would not have thought less of them because I value the service they provide. However, both provided a WOW moment, a great client outcome. Winners Circle Trailers fouled up their Friday service schedule and Paul Fredrick is out the cost of a shirt. Now, not only do I value their service but I’m LOYAL!
In your business, look every day for opportunities to provide a WOW moment for your clients. We all need LOYAL clients.
How Does Your Customer Service Look to Your Clients?:
In veterinary practices I try to teach doctors and staff to focus on two outcomes; the patient outcome and the client outcome. Not all the patients have a good outcome no matter who’s the vet. However, I truly believe that in nearly all cases it is possible, although not easy, to have a good client outcome. I am absolutely certain that clients value good client outcome and will be loyal to the veterinarian who provides it. Good customer service, client outcome, is low hanging fruit in our profession.
Last Friday I had two totally unrelated great experiences with businesses that both left me with a definite WOW . Friday morning I needed to have a horse somewhere at 11. It takes an hour to get there. At 9 AM I discovered that through some unexplainable event, my gooseneck trailer hitch pin was bent and the hitch could only be partially secured to the ball. I was definitely not putting a horse in that trailer. Winners Circle Trailers is 20 minutes away. When I arrived there was a lot going on and it actually looked like a busy equine clinic. Without realizing it, I behaved exactly like a pushy horse owner. I walked into Cory’s office and said, I really need your help Cory, I have a hitch emergency. Yes,
you get the picture; I defined a routine problem as an emergency on a Friday and expected a fix. It would have been perfectly reasonable to tell me, “Sorry, the shop is full. Leave the trailer and we’ll get it back to you Monday.” That’s not what he did. He stopped everything, replaced the hitch and had me on the road in 20 minutes. I drove home picked up the horse and made it to the 11 O’clock on time. Wow number one for the day!
I buy almost everything except groceries on line. When I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, I could order groceries on line too. At any rate, I buy shirts on line from a company called Paul Fredrick. Recently, I needed a pink shirt to wear to a cancer fund raiser and in an effort to be uber efficient, I ordered the shirt on my iPhone while in an airport security line. When the shirt arrived it was GIANT, imagine a small pink tent. I had ordered the neck 2 inches too large. I checked my ‘out box’ to learn that I had, in fact, ordered the wrong size. Ok fine, the shirt is hanging in the closet as a reminder to be careful multi-tasking while ordering stuff on the iPhone. Friday afternoon, someone from Paul Fredrick contacted me as a follow up to the purchase. I admitted my mistake and said I can’t wear the shirt but I know it’s my own fault. It would have been perfectly reasonable to tell me “sorry for the mistake but we are very clear that custom orders can’t be returned” Now for the WOW; what I was told was this “I appreciate your honesty but we want you to have that shirt in the right size, we’ll send one Monday. WOW!!
Both businesses could have been perfectly reasonable and I would not have thought less of them because I value the service they provide. However, both provided a WOW moment, a great client outcome. Winners Circle Trailers fouled up their Friday service schedule and Paul Fredrick is out the cost of a shirt. Now, not only do I value their service but I’m LOYAL!
In your business, look every day for opportunities to provide a WOW moment for your clients. We all need LOYAL clients.
Acupuncture and Managing Pain in Horses (AAEP 2011)
Acupuncture and Managing Pain in Horses (AAEP 2011): Using acupuncture to manage severe pain in horses and other animals is not a novel concept, but veterinarians have been hard at work lately combing research studies to better understand this complementary therapy's efficacy and safety....
Nonstructural Carb Tolerance in Healthy Horses (AAEP 2011)
Nonstructural Carb Tolerance in Healthy Horses (AAEP 2011): The words "nonstructural carbohydrates" (NSC) have become almost synonymous with "bad news" for managing certain equine conditions, but until recently it was unclear what an NSC diet means for a "normal," nonobese horse....
Horse Vaccines in 2012: Where We Stand
Horse Vaccines in 2012: Where We Stand: Reviewing the AAEP's vaccination guidelines to brush up on knowledge of the different options before discussing protocol with a veterinarian can help simplify what could be a tedious process, one researcher explained....
Equine Motor Neuron Disease: What We Know Now
Equine Motor Neuron Disease: What We Know Now: Horses with equine motor neuron disease (EMND) often appear thin due to a loss in muscle mass. These horses often stand in a "camped under" stance, hold their heads in a relatively horizontal position, and have an elevated tail carriage....
CDFA Releases 'Biosecurity for Equine Events' Toolkit
CDFA Releases 'Biosecurity for Equine Events' Toolkit: The CDFA website indicates that the toolkit is designed "to provide the equine industry with resources and tools to assess venues and develop event-specific biosecurity and disease control plans for keeping horses healthy at equine events."...
Coat Color Testing
Coat Color Testing: 
The American Quarter Horse Association is now offering several coat-color tests, including a panel test, individual color tests and gray zygosity test. This test is designed to determine the actual coat color of a horse.
The American Quarter Horse Association is now offering several coat-color tests, including a panel test, individual color tests and gray zygosity test. This test is designed to determine the actual coat color of a horse.
Playin Witha Cat, Sam Shepard Top Eastern Nationals Open With 226
Playin Witha Cat, Sam Shepard Top Eastern Nationals Open With 226:
Sam Shepard, the National Cutting Horse Association Eastern Nationals’ No. 3 all-time earner heading into this year’s show, came close several prior times but had never won its Open title until marking a 226 Sunday aboard 7-year-old gelding Playin Witha Cat.
Playin Witha Cat & Sam Shepard
Zenyatta welcomes Bernardini foal Thurs. night
Zenyatta welcomes Bernardini foal Thurs. night: 
Zenyatta, the 2010 Horse of the Year, has given birth to her first foal, a Bernardini colt, in one of the most anticipated equine births in recent memory.
Zenyatta, the 2010 Horse of the Year, has given birth to her first foal, a Bernardini colt, in one of the most anticipated equine births in recent memory.
Misbehaviour in Pony Club horses: Incidence and risk factors
Misbehaviour in Pony Club horses: Incidence and risk factors:
Summary
Reasons for performing study: Horse misbehaviour is an important cause of poor performance in Pony Club horses, is associated with horse-related rider injuries and has been implicated as a nonspecific presenting sign for musculoskeletal pain. Despite this, little is known about the incidence of and risk factors for misbehaviour in Pony Club horses.
Objective: This study aimed to describe the incidence and types of misbehaviour in a cohort of Pony Club horses and to identify risk factors for misbehaviour during riding.
Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted with 84 Pony Club horses from 41 families belonging to 7 Pony Clubs in one inland region of Australia. Owners recorded misbehaviour events and kept daily records of horse housing, exercise, nutrition, healthcare and disease status. Horses were subjected to a monthly veterinary examination. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe the incidence of misbehaviour, and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess putative risk factors.
Results: Misbehaviour during riding occurred on 3% of days when horses were ridden. On 52% of days with misbehaviour, the misbehaviour was classified as dangerous. Risk of misbehaviour was independently increased on exercise days when the horse was competing, and in months when the horse was fat or obese, fed supplementary feed daily, grazed on paddocks with >50% of ground cover as green grass, exercised on 5 days per month or less, and ridden for a total of 12 h or more in the month. No significant relationship was detected between misbehaviour and back pain.
Conclusions: In populations such as the study population the risk of misbehaviour is higher in fatter horses, in horses with access to pastures with greater green grass cover, in those fed daily supplements, in horses receiving exercise less frequently, and during competition.
Potential relevance: These results highlight the importance of considering horse body condition, nutrition and exercise in any investigation of horse misbehaviour. In addition, recommendations based on these results could be used by veterinarians assisting horse owners to prevent misbehaviour. From the perspective of recreational horse owners, behaviour is a key determinant of horse performance.
Friday, March 9, 2012
NCHA Starts Executive Director Search
NCHA Starts Executive Director Search:
Bill Brewer, National Cutting Horse Association interim executive director since March 1, hopes it’s “a matter of weeks and not months” before he turns the job over to a full-time replacement, but said no definite timetable has been established.
Bill Brewer
Are Employers Immune from Liability for Employees' Horse-Related Injuries in Texas?
This is a nice summary written by Allison Rowe in her blog.
Are Employers Immune from Liability for Employees' Horse-Related Injuries in Texas?:
In general, a defendant can only be immune from suit in a Texas horse-related injury case if the plaintiff was a “participant in a farm animal activity or livestock show” when the injuries occurred.
Chapter 87 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code (the “Act”) was amended in 2011 to, among other things, include farm animals other than equines. However, the “participant” requirement did not change in 2011. Neither the former nor the current version of the Act specifically states whether or not employees of equine activity sponsors are considered “participants in a farm animal activity or livestock show” under the Act.
The 1st Court of Appeals in Houston is the only Texas court to have taken up this issue (Dodge v. Durdin, 2005). In that case, Deborah Dodge sued her employers, Magestic Moments Stables, et al, after a horse kicked her in the abdomen as she was administering paste-wormer at the direction of her employer. Dodge claimed that she incurred $4,000 in medical bills as a result of her injuries, and that her employers’ negligence was the proximate cause of her damages.
Majestic Moments claimed that Dodge's suit was barred by the Act. The trial court agreed, and dismissed the case. On appeal, the 1st Court of Appeals disagreed that the Act applied to an employer / employee relationship.
Workers’ compensation did not cover Dodge’s alleged injures. Unlike employers in many states, Texas employers are able to opt out of the workers’ compensation system. For more information, see this post.
In Dodge, the 1st Court of Appeals noted that the only other Texas court to have addressed the definition of “participant” was the Corpus Christi Court of Appeals in Johnson v. Smith (2002). In that case, the Corpus Christi court acknowledged that an independent contractor—not an employee—in charge of breeding and handling stallions was a participant under the Act. The 1st Court of Appeals distinguished the Johnson case from the Dodge case on its facts.
Neither the Dodge nor the Johnson case were appealed to the Supreme Court.
The Texas Supreme Court has not yet addressed whether or not an employee or independent contractor who is injured while working with horses on their employer’s premises is a “participant” for purposes of the Act. Until the Supreme Court takes up this issue or the Legislature clarifies it, this issue continues to be somewhat unsettled in Texas. Texas equine businesses should therefore not rely upon the Act to provide immunity from suits brought by employees or independent contractors.
Businesses can take several steps to minimize liability risk in this area, including 1) procuring insurance to cover employee or independent contractor injuries; 2) having employees or independent contractors sign liability releases; and 3) forming limited liability entities through which employees and independent contractors are retained.
A special thank you to reader Lois Mermelstein, Esq. of Austin, Texas for submitting this topic suggestion.
Are Employers Immune from Liability for Employees' Horse-Related Injuries in Texas?:
In general, a defendant can only be immune from suit in a Texas horse-related injury case if the plaintiff was a “participant in a farm animal activity or livestock show” when the injuries occurred.
Chapter 87 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code (the “Act”) was amended in 2011 to, among other things, include farm animals other than equines. However, the “participant” requirement did not change in 2011. Neither the former nor the current version of the Act specifically states whether or not employees of equine activity sponsors are considered “participants in a farm animal activity or livestock show” under the Act.
The 1st Court of Appeals in Houston is the only Texas court to have taken up this issue (Dodge v. Durdin, 2005). In that case, Deborah Dodge sued her employers, Magestic Moments Stables, et al, after a horse kicked her in the abdomen as she was administering paste-wormer at the direction of her employer. Dodge claimed that she incurred $4,000 in medical bills as a result of her injuries, and that her employers’ negligence was the proximate cause of her damages.
Majestic Moments claimed that Dodge's suit was barred by the Act. The trial court agreed, and dismissed the case. On appeal, the 1st Court of Appeals disagreed that the Act applied to an employer / employee relationship.
This warning sign should not be a "news flash" to anyone.
Citing its review of legislative intent, together with the duties assigned to Texas employers under the Texas Labor Code, the 1st Court of Appeals held that, “the Equine Act applies to consumers and not to employees and that Dodge is therefore not a ‘participant’ under the Equine Act.” Workers’ compensation did not cover Dodge’s alleged injures. Unlike employers in many states, Texas employers are able to opt out of the workers’ compensation system. For more information, see this post.
In Dodge, the 1st Court of Appeals noted that the only other Texas court to have addressed the definition of “participant” was the Corpus Christi Court of Appeals in Johnson v. Smith (2002). In that case, the Corpus Christi court acknowledged that an independent contractor—not an employee—in charge of breeding and handling stallions was a participant under the Act. The 1st Court of Appeals distinguished the Johnson case from the Dodge case on its facts.
Neither the Dodge nor the Johnson case were appealed to the Supreme Court.
The Texas Supreme Court has not yet addressed whether or not an employee or independent contractor who is injured while working with horses on their employer’s premises is a “participant” for purposes of the Act. Until the Supreme Court takes up this issue or the Legislature clarifies it, this issue continues to be somewhat unsettled in Texas. Texas equine businesses should therefore not rely upon the Act to provide immunity from suits brought by employees or independent contractors.
Businesses can take several steps to minimize liability risk in this area, including 1) procuring insurance to cover employee or independent contractor injuries; 2) having employees or independent contractors sign liability releases; and 3) forming limited liability entities through which employees and independent contractors are retained.
A special thank you to reader Lois Mermelstein, Esq. of Austin, Texas for submitting this topic suggestion.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
TAHC: RT @USDA: USDA Blog: New Farmers Benefit from Ag Census http://t.co/h7l6UKzp
TAHC: RT @USDA: USDA Blog: New Farmers Benefit from Ag Census http://t.co/h7l6UKzp: TAHC: RT @USDA: USDA Blog: New Farmers Benefit from Ag Census http://t.co/h7l6UKzp
Application of Platelet-Rich Gel to Enhance Wound Healing in the Horse: A Case Report
This article talks about using PRP to heal wounds. We have had a similar experience with large hard to heal wounds and PRP.
Application of Platelet-Rich Gel to Enhance Wound Healing in the Horse: A Case Report: Abstract: A large torn wound of the dorsal elbow region was observed in a 17-year-old Arabian mare. Surgical reconstruction was performed with the horse in standing sedation, but suture dehiscence occurred 2 days later. Autologous platelet-rich gel (PRG) was then applied to the wound every 3 weeks for a total of 3 administrations to accelerate good-quality healing. The wound had healed rapidly and completely within 5 months of the first PRG treatment, without chronic effects or formation of exuberant tissue granulation and with minimum scarring. This case report suggests that topical treatment with autologous PRG, as additional therapy, might be considered beneficial in the management of large-wound healing in horses, and it can be regarded as safe and inexpensive treatment that can be used in field.
Application of Platelet-Rich Gel to Enhance Wound Healing in the Horse: A Case Report: Abstract: A large torn wound of the dorsal elbow region was observed in a 17-year-old Arabian mare. Surgical reconstruction was performed with the horse in standing sedation, but suture dehiscence occurred 2 days later. Autologous platelet-rich gel (PRG) was then applied to the wound every 3 weeks for a total of 3 administrations to accelerate good-quality healing. The wound had healed rapidly and completely within 5 months of the first PRG treatment, without chronic effects or formation of exuberant tissue granulation and with minimum scarring. This case report suggests that topical treatment with autologous PRG, as additional therapy, might be considered beneficial in the management of large-wound healing in horses, and it can be regarded as safe and inexpensive treatment that can be used in field.
Tapeworms: Can Cause Colic in Horses!
Tapeworms: Can Cause Colic in Horses!:
Tapeworms are a member of a group of parasites called flatworms. Tapeworms are also referred to as cestodes. In the horse, tapeworms gather around the ileocecal valve in the cecum and attach to the mucosa with a scolex that has 4 suckers. They have no mouth parts or digestive tract, so they absorb nutrients through their cuticle. Equine Tapeworms are about 3 inches long by 1/2 inch wide.
Tapeworms are a member of a group of parasites called flatworms. Tapeworms are also referred to as cestodes. In the horse, tapeworms gather around the ileocecal valve in the cecum and attach to the mucosa with a scolex that has 4 suckers. They have no mouth parts or digestive tract, so they absorb nutrients through their cuticle. Equine Tapeworms are about 3 inches long by 1/2 inch wide.
Dexamethasone Use in Broodmares at Breeding Time (AAEP 2011)
Dexamethasone Use in Broodmares at Breeding Time (AAEP 2011): While dexamethasone can be used successfully to treat mating-induced endometritis, some veterinarians believe it prevents ovulation. But a research team recently found that a single dose of the drug at breeding time did not interfere with ovulation....
Plethysmography now Available at BVEH
BVEH is proud to announce the addition of a new diagnostic tool to diagnose breathing problems in performance horses. As the only clinic in Texas and one of a handful in the US with this equipment, BVEH is taking our ability to diagnose and treat airway/lung problems to a new level.
The Open Pleth™ with Equine Flowmetrics™ is a non-invasive tool to measure airway inflammation. As a compliment to the BAL, we can now better characterize the degree of problems, monitor response to therapy, and diagnose horses with a very low level of airway inflammation.
Airway inflammation, also known as Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) is a type of bronchitis that will impact a horse's performance. Common complaints of horse's suffering from IAD include: slower times, prolonged recovery, coughing, and bleeding with exercise.
The system utilizes software that is a modification of traditional whole body plethysmography. Unlike traditional respiratory studies there is no use of an enclosure. Measurement of flow is made at the opening of the nares in the horse. Sensors over the chest and abdomen measure volume displacement.
The flowmetric system compares flow at the nose and the chest/abdomen. Their differences help to identify sub-clinical respiratory problems.
The system was kindly provided by Arenus to assist in our evaluation of their respiratory supplement Aleira. If you have a horse you think may have a respiratory problem or want more information, come see us.
The Open Pleth™ with Equine Flowmetrics™ is a non-invasive tool to measure airway inflammation. As a compliment to the BAL, we can now better characterize the degree of problems, monitor response to therapy, and diagnose horses with a very low level of airway inflammation.
Airway inflammation, also known as Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) is a type of bronchitis that will impact a horse's performance. Common complaints of horse's suffering from IAD include: slower times, prolonged recovery, coughing, and bleeding with exercise.
The system utilizes software that is a modification of traditional whole body plethysmography. Unlike traditional respiratory studies there is no use of an enclosure. Measurement of flow is made at the opening of the nares in the horse. Sensors over the chest and abdomen measure volume displacement.
The flowmetric system compares flow at the nose and the chest/abdomen. Their differences help to identify sub-clinical respiratory problems.
The system was kindly provided by Arenus to assist in our evaluation of their respiratory supplement Aleira. If you have a horse you think may have a respiratory problem or want more information, come see us.
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