By Dr B.B. Van Houten, Technical Manager: Zoetis South Africa (Pty) Ltd Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a broad definition of the complex disease process which is the single most important animal health factor affecting the health and profitability of cattle operations around the world.1 It is estimated that BRD costs the USA beef industry… Continue Reading
Monthly Archives: Jul 2016
Simple Guidelines for the Interpretation of Tri-trichomonas Foetus PCR Results from Preputial Washes/Scrapings from Bulls
Dr Rick Last – BVSc; M.Med.Vet (Pathology) Specialist Veterinary Pathologist Introduction The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become the preferred laboratory test for the diagnosis of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in bulls (preputial scrapings or washings) and cows (lochial testing). Multiple experimental trials have demonstrated that to identify all infected bulls in a particular herd,… Continue Reading
Selecting for a Disease Resistant Flock
Ariena Shepherd (MMedvet Smallstock) Tugela Veterinary clinic 036 448 2613 Sheep have a relative short generation interval and therefore genetic progress is relatively quick. They also have a wide genetic variability both between and within breeds which again helps with genetic selection. Selecting for disease resistance can be done on many levels. The development… Continue Reading
Preparing a Mare for Breeding
Dr Coroline Tarr The ideal mare for breeding is the young mare with a foal at foot, proving her fertility and her patience during the process. As age increases, particularly beyond the age of twenty, we’re heading into more tricky territory. Even more significant, is the number of years she has been barren. Feel free… Continue Reading
Valuation of A Veterinary Clinic
INTRODUCTION Ask your auditor, bank manager/consultant or lawyer and each will come up with an suggestion or formula to evaluate your practice. Excess Earnings Capitalisation Method My stay in the UK, buying and selling my practice, convinced me that the so-called recommended by the AVPMCA (North American Management Association of Veterinary Practice Management Consultants and… Continue Reading
New Rules for the Practising of the Veterinary Proffessions
The new rules for the practising of the veterinary professions came into operation on 9 November 2015. These are available on the SAVC’s website at www. savc.org.za. The rules differ dramatically from the previous rules in several respects, such as advertising (now allowed), touting (which fell away), rule 10 which now contains clear rules regarding… Continue Reading
Assessing The Cost Of Lameness
By D. J. Tomlinson, Ph.D., M. T. Socha, Ph.D., Research Nutritionists, Zinpro Performance Minerals® and Jackie Tucker Chemuniqué International Lameness is a continuous challenge for dairies in South Africa. Whether it is caused by physical injury, hoof disease or dietary deficiencies, it results in increased veterinary costs, increased culling, decreased milk yield and ultimately decreased… Continue Reading
