TIMELY TOPICS Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources July 2015 Volume 35 Issue 7

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1 OKLAHOMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE NORTHEAST DISTRICT TIMELY TOPICS Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources July 2015 Volume 35 Issue 7 Veterinary Feed Directive Page 2 Heat Stress on Cattle Page 3 I Am Here! Give Me a Call% Page 2 Program Idea Page 3 What About Buying Aged Cows? Page 4 Winter Supplementation Page 6 Creep Grazing Forage Options Page 7 1

2 Veterinary Feed Directive Barry Whitworth, DVM, Area Food/Animal Quality and Health Specialist for Eastern OK Under the Animal Drug Availability Act (ADAA) of 1996, congress created a new category for drugs called veterinary feed directive (VFD) drugs. Prior to this new rule, all drugs were classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription (Rx) drugs. The VFD drugs are antibiotics placed in feed or water that require veterinary oversight for their use. Up till now, only a select few drugs have been designated VFD drugs. Over the past several years, the FDA has been reviewing antimicrobial resistance. From this process, the FDA proposed new guidelines for the judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs used in food-producing animals. (Note: medically important antimicrobial drugs are drugs that are important for therapeutic use in humans) Two main concepts from this review resulted in limiting the use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals for health reasons only and placing the use of them under the oversight of a veterinarian. This review process has led to the FDA proposing new guidelines for the use of antibiotics used in feeds. On June 3, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the final version of the amended new animal drug regulation for the VFD drugs. The revised rule will change all OTC feed grade antibiotics that are medically important to humans to VFD drugs. A few drugs that are not considered important in human medicine such as iopnophores, coccidiostats, and bacitracins will continue to be available OTC. The new rule will become effective on October 1, If no other changes are made, the new rule will begin to be implemented in December The enforcement of the new rule will begin on January 1, In keeping with the FDA s theme of judicious use of medically important antimicrobials, pharmaceutical companies have voluntarily agreed to remove any growth performance claims from the label of VFD drugs. This means using any of these drugs for weight gain or improved feed efficiency is prohibited. Emphasis is placed on using these drugs for prevention, control, and treatment of diseases under the oversight of a veterinarian. In order for producers to obtain a VFD to purchase these drugs, they will need a veterinarian to write a VFD for them. In order for the veterinarian to write a VFD, a proper veterinary-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) will need to be established. The definition of a VCPR is: - A veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making the medical judgements regarding the health of (an) animal(s) and the need for medical treatment, and the client (the owner of the animal or animals or other caretaker) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian. - There is sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal(s). - The practicing veterinarian is available for follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy. Such a relationship can only exist when the veterinarian has recently seen or is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal(s) by virtue of examination of the animal(s), and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal(s) are kept. Now is the time for producers to begin to prepare for the changes in the amended rule. Producers should take an inventory of the feed grade antibiotics that they are currently using. Producers should take that list to their veterinarian and feed dealer and learn what information will be needed to get a VFD for that product or products. Producers need to prepare early to avoid any interruptions in getting those products. Many more details will become available over the next few months about VFDs. Producers should watch for meetings, articles, and webinars about the subject. Information may be obtained from many websites such or FDA CVM website. Producers should remember that there is plenty of time to prepare for the changes. 2

3 Heat Stress on Cattle Earl Ward, NE Area Livestock Specialist It seems like we have missed a transition period on the temperatures and went straight from nice and 75 F to a scalding 95 F. These hot temperatures are not only hot on us, but it can be detrimental to your cattle. Anyone who has ever burnt their forearms by leaning on the hood of a truck knows how hot things can get while out in the blistering sun. Cattle are no different, especially since most of our cattle are black. Cattle are not only affected by the heat from high temperatures and humidity, but they also create their own heat through metabolism and body movements. These conditions add up to a reduction in performance if not managed properly. I know that when I get really hot, the last thing I want to do is eat. The same is for cattle. As temperatures rise, DMI decreases. Research has shown that if temperatures are 95 F or above with some nighttime cooling that DMI could decrease up to 10%, and if it is 95 F or above with no nighttime cooling that DMI could decrease to 65% of normal consumption. At the same time, not only is DMI decreasing but the animal s maintenance requirement is increasing due to body temperature regulation (panting). Heat stress on a bull can severely affect your herd s pregnancy rates. Hot weather can decrease the quantity of sperm a bull produces and a longer recovery time to normal levels of semen production. A study conducted by OSU heat stressed some bulls by placing them into a temperature controlled room (8 hours at 95 F and 16 hours at 88 F each day). These bulls were kept for 8 weeks and then the heat stress was removed and the temperatures were changed to 73 F for another 8 weeks. The study showed a statistical reduction in sperm motility at week 2, and by week 8 sperm motility had been reduced to below 50%. Once the heat stress was removed it took the animals 8 weeks to recover back to a normal sperm motility. Not only does heat reduce the quantity and quality of sperm but it also reduces the bull s libido. One study showed a 48% reduction in bull mounts during the summer versus winter. There are a few things we can provide our animals with that may not eliminate heat stress but help reduce the unpleasantness of it. Shade - Natural or manmade, adequate shade will help reduce the effects heat stress. Minerals Increased heat brings increased water intake. This increase in water intake will increase urine production, which increases mineral excretion. Fly Control Controlling flies will help reduce the animal s activity. Sprinkler By using large droplets (not a mist), wetting animals to the hide will help the animal cool down. Once you start with sprinklers you must continue until the heat wave has passed. These are just a few options to consider during the hottest times of the year. Other resources we can use as tools to determine when our animals are stressed are and for heat stress forecast. If you need more information on ways to manage heat stress on cattle, please visit your OSU Extension office. 3

4 What About Buying Aged Cows? Scott Clawson, NE Area Livestock Specialist The expansion of the cowherd is in full swing. But deciding how to expand is a bit more challenging, especially with all classes of cattle being sold at near record highs. Tracking Oklahoma s livestock auctions this spring has been very interesting. The typical market movements have received a shot in the arm as weather has made receipts volatile as well. While it appears that the western Oklahoma cow markets have strengthened due to the recent rains, the eastern Oklahoma cow markets look more volatile due to excess rains and the corresponding gathering and transportation issues. But as we are combing the countryside for cows to expand our herd, should we look to older cows instead of the higher priced bred heifers? Most market analysts would suggest that we should see real strength in the market for the next several years, or until beef cow numbers are rebuilt to a more stable number. Buying older cows may allow producers to get in while the market is strong and exit the market in the next few years. Several years from now when the cow numbers have increased and prices have moderated some, we could explore a long term commitment to a set of heifers. So how does the investment shape up? Using the Cow Bid Price Estimate Calculator located on we can evaluate the investment. Assuming a moderate weaning weight and averaged prices for the next two years and a fairly moderate cash operating cost, the investment reaches and exceeds the 6% requested rate of return. The cow costs in year one are slightly higher than year two to take in the costs between purchase and calving for year one. The rebreeding of the older cow will be pivotal in this venture, so some management steps may need to be taken in order to assure the recommended body condition score is maintained. A purchase price of $1,750 was used which should be achievable based on current market reports. In sum, the purchase of some older cows may provide a shorter run less capital intense investment at this point in time. It also may provide a natural entry and exit point in this market. As always, spend significant time evaluating the resources that you have to expand your cattle operation in addition to putting the pencil to work building a sound budget. 4

5 SAVE THE DATE : OAEAA State Meeting June 30-July 2 Stillwater, OK Scott Clawson Ag Economics Josh Payne, Ph.D. Animal Waste Management Brian C. Pugh Agronomy Earl H. Ward Livestock Barry Whitworth, D.V.M. Food-Animal Quality & Health Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of $4.10 for 10 copies The pesticide and herbicide information presented in this publication was current with federal and state regulations at the time of printing. The user is responsible for determining that the intended use is consistent with the label of the product being used. Use pesticides and herbicides safely. Read and follow label directions. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied.