October 29, 2009
Future Trends in Animal Agriculture Symposium
THE FUTURE OF ANIMAL AGRICULTURE: 2030 Morning theme: What Will Animal Agriculture Look Like? Afternoon theme: What Should Animal Agriculture Look Like? Date: December 2, 2009 For more information: http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/news/FTAADec09.pdfPosted by sball at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)
October 23, 2009
Doppler Ultrasound Helps Scientists Understand Fescue Toxicosis in Cattle
Doppler technology--the very same technology used by meteorologists to track thunderstorms--is being used by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists to better understand the rate at which fescue toxicosis restricts blood flow in cattle. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/091020.htmPosted by sball at 10:17 AM | Comments (0)
New Issue of ARS Healthy Animals Newsletter Available
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) today posted a new issue of "Healthy Animals." This quarterly online newsletter compiles ARS news and expert resources on the health and well-being of agricultural livestock, poultry and fish. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/091021.htmPosted by sball at 10:15 AM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2009
MLA grants and scholarships for students in graduate library science
MLA offers a variety of grants and scholarships to assist qualified students in graduate library science programs and to enable practicing health sciences librarians to take advantage of opportunities for continuing professional development. http://www.mlanet.org/awards/grants/Posted by sball at 02:57 PM | Comments (0)
Up-close and personal with animal welfare
Dairy Herd Management - More than 200 people gathered this weekend at the Cal Poly dairy symposium in San Luis Obispo, Calif., to take a close look at animal welfare and the dairy industry. http://www.dairyherd.com/news_editorial.asp?pgID=675&ed_id=9691Posted by sball at 01:26 PM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2009
FDA Alerts Pet Owners to Voluntary Recall of Premium Edge Cat Food
US Food & Drug Administration - FDA is providing the following information from Premium Edge Pet Foods to alert pet owners of a voluntary recall of certain cat foods manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods for Premium Edge. http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm187218.htmPosted by sball at 12:59 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2009
Sheep Breeding Improvements Arise from ARS-University Research
Artificial insemination (AI) techniques that work well with cattle and swine can be difficult or costly to perform in sheep, but help’s on the way, thanks to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) studies in Fort Collins, Colo. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/091019.htmPosted by sball at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)
October 15, 2009
Scientists remove amyloid plaques from brains of live animals with Alzheimer's disease
EurekAlert.org - New research in the FASEB Journal suggests that manipulation of the brain's own immune cells with IL-6 could lead to reversal of Alzheimer's disease pathology. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-10/foas-sra101509.phpPosted by sball at 02:12 PM | Comments (0)
The Animal Welfare Maze: Confused by conflicting programs?
AgWeb.com - As consumers, national food chains and activists clamor for more information about how food is produced, the dairy industry is responding with numerous programs to address animal well-being. http://www.agweb.com/DairyToday/Article.aspx?id=153781Posted by sball at 02:08 PM | Comments (0)
Major BVA AWF Funded Welfare Teaching Project Gets Underway In Vet Schools
MedicalNewsToday.com Direct exposure to cattle, sheep and horses during EMS can have profound effects on both a student's future career and attitudes towards animal care. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166962.phpPosted by sball at 07:35 AM | Comments (0)
Wysong dog food recalled
The Oregonian - A manufacturer of natural pet food has recalled some of its products, fearing they may contain mold. http://www.oregonlive.com/pets/index.ssf/2009/10/wysong_dog_food_recalled.htmlPosted by sball at 07:26 AM | Comments (0)
Noise pollution threatens animals
BBC News (U.K.) - Noise pollution is becoming a major threat to the welfare of wildlife, according to a scientific review. http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8305000/8305320.stmPosted by sball at 07:25 AM | Comments (0)
Animals feel the pain of religious slaughter
New Scientist (U.K.) - Brain signals have shown that calves do appear to feel pain when slaughtered according to Jewish and Muslim religious law, strengthening the case for adapting the practices to make them more humane. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17972-animals-feel-the-pain-of-religious-slaughter.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=lifePosted by sball at 07:23 AM | Comments (0)
Oklahoma City may donate animal carcasses to OSU vet school
The Oklahoman - Oklahoma City officials are hoping some good can come from the thousands of animals euthanized each year at the city’s animal shelter. http://newsok.com/city-might-donate-animal-carcasses/article/3408788#ixzz0U0D1mWRoPosted by sball at 07:20 AM | Comments (0)
Dogs Helping to Advance Cancer Research
U.S. News and World Report - Treatment for canine tumors may yield insight into therapies for people, researchers say. http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/10/13/dogs-helping-to-advance-cancer-research.htmlPosted by sball at 07:19 AM | Comments (0)
Design Considerations for Mouse Holding Rooms
ALNMag.com - After review of many animal facilities, there appears to be no norm for the number of racks of mouse boxes in animal holding rooms for a standard vivarium. http://www.alnmag.com/articles.asp?pid=468Posted by sball at 07:05 AM | Comments (0)
EU project sets new standards in animal welfare
CORDIS - A new set of animal welfare measures has been developed by a project called WELFARE QUALITY ('Integration of animal welfare in the food quality chain: from public concern to improved welfare and transparent quality'). The 44-partner consortium from 13 European countries plus Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay, is funded by the EU with EUR 14.6 million under the 'Food quality and safety' Thematic area of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), and runs from May 2004 to the end of 2009. http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=EN_NEWS&ACTION=D&SESSION=&RCN=31359Posted by sball at 06:54 AM | Comments (0)
Phenylbutazone in Horses - Veterinarians
US Food & Drug Administration - phenylbutazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used for the relief of inflammatory conditions associated with the musculoskeletal system in horses. http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/ucm186621.htmPosted by sball at 06:52 AM | Comments (0)
October 14, 2009
Animals in America: Understanding Meta-narratives (World Views) and the Support for Animal Welfare
Oct 27, 2009 - Washington, DC - DIVERSE VOICES IN AGRICULTURE. a series of educational seminars. Dr. Wes Jamison, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida. http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/news/Diverse%20Voices%20in%20Ag%20Wes%20Jamison.pdfPosted by sball at 11:52 AM | Comments (0)
Agricultural Bill Passes Senate, Moves onto President
@TheHorse - On Oct. 8, 2009, the United States Senate passed the final version of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (H.R.2997). http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=15088Posted by sball at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)
"Monster" Saves Family From Flames
NBCWashington.com - Eight people escaped from a fire in Beltsville, Md., injury free, thanks to their family dog and a smoke alarm that went off early Tuesday morning. http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Dog-Alarm-Save-Family-From-Flames-64095017.htmlPosted by sball at 07:57 AM | Comments (0)
October 13, 2009
Schwarzenegger vetoes two animal welfare bills
DVM360 - Bipartisan support in the California Legislature was not enough to save two animal-welfare laws from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto. http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/Veterinary+news/Schwarzenegger-vetoes-two-animal-welfare-bills/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/633467?contextCategoryId=378&ref=25Posted by sball at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)
Schwarzenegger says Calif. cows can keep tails
The Washington Post - California cows are the first in the nation with the legal right to swat flies as nature intended now that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill banning the painful practice of tail docking that he once mocked as being a waste of legislators' time. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/12/AR2009101202603.html?hpid=sec-politicsPosted by sball at 03:17 PM | Comments (0)
New farm animal welfare law passes in Michigan
DVM 360 - Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm today signed a new animal-welfare law mandating pen sizes for veal calves, egg-laying hens and pregnant sows. http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/Veterinary+news/New-farm-animal-welfare-law-passes-in-Michigan/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/633468?contextCategoryId=378&ref=25Posted by sball at 02:04 PM | Comments (0)
Eagles Notes: Eagles kick off animal-welfare program
Philadelphia Inquirer - The Eagles launched their TAWK initiative yesterday by issuing $50,000 grants to the Humane Society of the United States, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, and the Berks County Humane Society. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20091013_Eagles_Notes___Eagles_kick_off_animal-welfare_program.htmlPosted by sball at 01:59 PM | Comments (0)
ARS System to Detect Poultry Contamination Passes First Commercial Test
Technology developed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists that automatically scans poultry carcasses for contamination has been successfully tested in a commercial poultry plant. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/091009.htmPosted by sball at 01:47 PM | Comments (0)
US, Brazil poultry industries to cooperate on common issue
WATTAgNet.com - The U.S. and Brazil believe that by working together they can overcome many challenges that they face globally, such as the environment, animal welfare, and global trade barriers. http://www.wattagnet.com/11459.htmlPosted by sball at 01:35 PM | Comments (0)
Reading dog inspires students
WPTV.com - Galloway has taught Abigail to "read" 8 different words, including "sit," "get," "down," and "roll." http://www.wptv.com/content/news/stlucie/story/reading-dog-abigail-WPTV-dan-galloway/VHWli3nBykO9bez0H_0O0g.cspxPosted by sball at 09:18 AM | Comments (0)
At UC, dogs now hear this!
Cincinnati.com - Experts at the University of Cincinnati's FETCH Lab, is that the dog is an excellent candidate for hearing aids. http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20091009/NEWS01/910100352/1168/NEWS0101/At+UC++dogs+now+hear+this+Posted by sball at 07:50 AM | Comments (0)
October 09, 2009
Rhesus Macaque Monkey Moms 'Go Gaga' for Baby, Too
ScienceDaily — The intense exchanges that human mothers share with their newborn infants may have some pretty deep roots, suggests a study of rhesus macaques. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008123224.htmPosted by sball at 02:36 PM | Comments (0)
Owners Should Count Calories for Obese Pets, Consider Several Factors for Good Health
ScienceDaily — You might watch your daily calorie intake or glance over nutritional information on food packages, but do you do the same for your pet? http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008113313.htmPosted by sball at 02:35 PM | Comments (0)
Pigs Use Mirrors
U.S. News & World Report - Smart swine can figure out how to find a bowl of food. http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2009/10/08/pigs-use-mirrors.htmlPosted by sball at 11:50 AM | Comments (0)
Protecting humans and animals from diseases in wildlife
EurekAlert.org - Avian influenza (H5N1), rabies, plague, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), and more recently swine flu (H1N1) are all examples of diseases that have made the leap from animals to humans. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-10/uon-pha100709.phpPosted by sball at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
ACLAM Foundation - Grants & Funding
The ACLAM Foundation Committee members are pleased to announce our solicitation of research proposals in Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine. http://aclam.org/foundation/rfp.htmlPosted by sball at 11:45 AM | Comments (0)
Researchers to animal-rights activists: We're not afraid
CNN.com - Three research scientists have taken a rare public stand against animal-rights activists, describing them as terrorists for their threats and acts of violence in commentaries published in the latest issue of The Journal of Neuroscience. http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/08/animal.rights.threats/index.htmlPosted by sball at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)
Tendon, ligament repair in horses focus of research
EurekAlert.org - Jennifer Barrett, assistant professor of equine surgery at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, has been awarded a grant from the Morris Animal Foundation to conduct research that will help determine better ways to treat lameness in horses, as well as other animal species, such as dogs. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-10/vt-tlr100809.phpPosted by sball at 09:39 AM | Comments (0)
October 08, 2009
Meet Boomer, the world's biggest dog
BrisbaneTimes.com.au -Boomer, a 180-pound Landseer Newfoundland dog, measuring one meter at the shoulders and 2.1 meters long from nose to destructive wagging tail, he might be the world's tallest living dog. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/meet-boomer-the-worlds-biggest-dog-20091008-gohv.htmlPosted by sball at 03:16 PM | Comments (0)
Michigan rules would give farm animals more space
TheTimesHerald.com - Michigan farm animals confined in small cages would get more space under legislation that Gov. Jennifer Granholm is expected to sign. http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20091002/NEWS05/91002006/Mich.-rules-would-give-farm-animals-more-spacePosted by sball at 02:57 PM | Comments (0)
Itineraries for Traveling Animal Performers Proposed by USDA
@TheHorse - The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to amend Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations to require the submission of itineraries by traveling exhibitors of regulated animals. http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=15038Posted by sball at 07:51 AM | Comments (0)
New flu vaccine can help dogs under some circumstances
Deseret News - H3N8 isn't new, but its vaccine is. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service conditionally approved the first vaccine for the H3N8 canine influenza A virus just in time for flu season this year. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705335164/New-flu-vaccine-can-help-dogs.htmlPosted by sball at 07:49 AM | Comments (0)
October 07, 2009
Reduced Murine Local Lymph Node Assay
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM), on behalf of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM), announces recommendations for the reduced murine Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA). http://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/methods/immunotox/rLLNA.htmPosted by sball at 11:50 AM | Comments (0)
Who’s Watching Out for Wildlife? 'The Endangered Species Act: Interfacing with Agricultural and Natural Ecosystems?"
DIVERSE VOICES IN AGRICULTURE:a series of educational seminars presents The Council for Agricultural Science & Technology (CAST) Publication Presentation. October 19th. http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/news/USDA%20Announcement%20Endangered%20Species%209o06.pdfPosted by sball at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
October 06, 2009
New Book Charts Path Of Animal Welfare Science
Voxy News - The history and future of animal welfare is encompassed in a new book co-written by two researchers from the College of Sciences. http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/new-book-charts-path-animal-welfare-science/5/26378Posted by sball at 01:52 PM | Comments (0)
Horse (Equus caballus) whinnies: a source of social information.
Animal Cognition - Results support the existence of social knowledge in horses and suggest a process of vocal coding/decoding of information. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19449192Posted by sball at 01:22 PM | Comments (0)
Exploring the Health Benefits of Pets
NYTimes.com - When Chad, a yellow Labrador retriever, moved in with Claire Vaccaro’s family in, he already had an important role. As an autism service dog, he was joining the family to help protect Ms. Vaccaro’s 11-year-old son, Milo. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/06/health/06pets.htmlPosted by sball at 01:09 PM | Comments (0)
Lawsuit Sheds Light on Use of Legal Medications in Horses
NYTimes.com -There is a growing concern within the veterinary community that overmedication — with drugs like corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories that can have dangerous consequences — and lax oversight are part of the reason the United States has the world’s worst mortality rate for thoroughbreds. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/06/sports/06horse.htmlPosted by sball at 01:08 PM | Comments (0)
Lab Toys
The-Scientist.com - How does cage enrichment affect rodents? http://www.the-scientist.com/article/display/56010/Posted by sball at 01:03 PM | Comments (0)
Foot and mouth disease vaccine from GM plants
Transgenic Research - Expression and purification of an anti-Foot-and-mouth disease virus single chain variable antibody fragment in tobacco plants. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11248-009-9257-0Posted by sball at 01:01 PM | Comments (0)
October 05, 2009
Ultrasound Used for Better Breeding in Sheep
Ultrasound technology routinely used to accurately predict characteristics that indicate carcass yield and value in cattle and swine can also be used in live sheep, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and cooperators have found. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/091005.htmPosted by sball at 10:08 AM | Comments (0)
Kitty Stomping is Sick
Newsweek - But are depictions of animal cruelty the legal equivalent of child pornography? The Supreme Court will decide. http://www.newsweek.com/id/216740Posted by sball at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
Man faces charges in horse case
The Billings Gazette - Former BLM worker accused of cruelty, property destruction. http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/article_9555a594-ae42-11de-b8ab-001cc4c002e0.htmlPosted by sball at 09:40 AM | Comments (0)
Veterinarian uses stem cells to treat spinal cord disease
The VIN News Service - With veterinarians across the country training to use stem cells for tendon and ligament repair, a professor at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) wants to take the technology a step further by applying them to chronic, cell-based diseases. http://news.vin.com/vinnews.aspx?articleId=14031Posted by sball at 09:25 AM | Comments (0)
October 02, 2009
Breeding and Genetic Change in the Holstein Genome
Recent research by scientists at the Agricultural Research Service's Animal and Natural Resources Institute (ANRI) in Beltsville, Maryland, and the University of Minnesota (UM) suggests there may be a genetic connection between increased milk yields and reduced fertility.http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/oct09/genome1009.htmPosted by sball at 10:06 AM | Comments (0)
October 01, 2009
Livestock Can Help Rangelands Recover from Fires
A 14-year study by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Oregon found that rangelands that have been grazed by cattle recover from fires more effectively than rangelands that have been protected from livestock. These surprising findings could impact management strategies for native plant communities where ecological dynamics are shifting because of climate change, invasive weeds and other challenges. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/090930.htmPosted by sball at 01:09 PM | Comments (0)