Cattle Chat Episode Summary

Episode Title: Laminitis, Coccidiosis, Variety Questions
Date: September 27, 2024
Podcast: BCI Cattle Chat – Beef Cattle Institute, Kansas State University
Hosts: Dr. Brad White (A), Dr. Dustin Pendell (B), Dr. Philip Lancaster (C), Dr. Brian Lubbers (D), Dr. Bob Larson (E)

Overview

In this episode of Cattle Chat, the BCI team addresses practical issues relevant to beef producers: managing laminitis in adult cows—particularly as it relates to grass, diagnosing and treating coccidiosis in weaned calves, and a grab-bag of important questions tied to cattle health, feed management, and the effects of animal diseases on international trade. Listeners gain actionable insights directly from veterinary experts, grounded in both scientific knowledge and hands-on experience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Great Biscuits vs. Rolls Debate

Segment: 00:17 – 02:09

• The hosts open with a light-hearted debate on whether biscuits or rolls would be their choice with a homemade meal.
• Quote (Bob): “You don't talk about politics, religion, or bread groups.” (02:06)
• Consensus: varied preferences, with Brad favoring rolls; Bob and Dustin favoring biscuits; Brian indifferent.
• Transition: “I guess that's why you ask people questions.” – Brad (02:04)

2. Listener Question: Laminitis in Adult Cows on Grass

Segment: 02:09 – 08:37

What is Laminitis?

• Brian: Inflammation of the sensitive lamina tissue under the hoof wall, leading to pain and, if chronic, abnormal hoof growth or bone changes. (02:42 – 03:31)
• Distinction between laminitis and foot rot: foot rot is infectious and outside/around the hoof, while laminitis is inside the hoof.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Bob explains that laminitis is usually linked to grain overload and acidosis, but can, though rarely, occur on lush grasses that have high carbohydrate content—possibly causing similar subacute acidosis. (03:49 – 05:06)
• Philip expands: Lush, highly fermentable pastures may lead to subacute acidosis due to fast-fermenting sugars, but such grass-induced laminitis is less severe than classic grain overload. (05:06)

Management and Prognosis

• Brad: Queries about expected recovery—next week, next year, or never.
• Brian: Long-term issue. Recovery is slow even with diet changes, and severely affected cows may never return to 100%; sometimes need therapeutic hoof trimming. (06:22 – 07:08)
• Bob: “Depending on the amount of damage, the recovery may never occur... What you're hoping is that the damage is pretty mild.” (07:08)
• Key takeaway: Prevention is crucial. Work with a local veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and region-specific guidance.

3. Coccidiosis in Calves: Diagnosis & Management

Segment: 08:37 – 12:30

What is Coccidiosis?

• Bob: “Coccidiosis is an internal parasite… a single cell organism that'll burrow into the intestinal wall and can cause some damage there. The organism is really, really common… but being exposed and having disease are two different things.” (08:37)
• Most often observed in stressed, recently weaned calves; hallmark sign is bloody diarrhea. (08:37 – 09:55)

Differentiating Coccidiosis from Dietary Changes

• Philip: With dietary changes, stools may be loose but with consistency; coccidiosis typically produces dark, watery, and bloody diarrhea due to digested blood. (10:21)
• Brad: Looser, lighter stools can be from feed change; dark, bloody suggests true disease.

Treatment & Prevention

• Brian: “First step is just get the diagnosis… It's an easy diagnosis to make.” (11:29)
  • Fecal sample confirms coccidia.
  • Treatments: Amprolium (oral); ionophores for both prevention and treatment.
  • Prevention: Keep ionophores in starter diets post-weaning as practical approach.

4. Variety Questions: Disease, Trade, VFDs, and Mineral Management

a) Disease & International Trade Impact

Segment: 12:30 – 15:53

• Dustin: Diseases of high contagion and economic impact (e.g., Foot and Mouth Disease, High Path Avian Influenza [HPAI], African Swine Fever) are the main international trade risks.
  • Quote: “Number one, if it's highly contagious... that's what I’d turn to probably first.” (13:50)
• At present, HPAI has had limited or only indirect effects on beef, although greater spread could have trade implications. (14:44)

b) Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) Basics

Segment: 15:55 – 19:35

• Brian:
  • VFDs require an established veterinarian-client relationship.
  • VFDs are distinct from prescriptions—no extra-label use; must adhere to labeled application (16:31 – 17:50).
  • Valid for up to 6 months, not renewable indefinitely. Separate VFDs may be necessary for multiple groups or continued situations. (18:06 – 19:22)
• Brad and Bob: Collaboration with veterinarian and feed mill is essential for proper procedure and documentation. (19:35)

c) Mineral Management During Forage Transitions

Segment: 20:10 – 24:38

• Philip:
  • Dormant forages/crop residues are low in Vitamin A, and possibly in calcium and phosphorus. Mineral programs should adjust accordingly. (20:51)
  • Intake monitoring is vital; cows may eat more mineral when salt in their diet changes.
• Bob:
  • “...In dormant forages calcium and phosphorus intake is going to be lower both through it's lower in the forage and they eat less.” (21:48)
  • Special points for lactating or fall-calving cows—requirements are higher.
• Monitoring Tip: Track mineral placement and consumption (e.g., pounds per cow per week) using simple records, even just noted delivery dates and quantities, to assure target intake. (22:48 – 24:15)
• Advice: “...cows, we've weaned the calves, I'm tempted to ignore them because they should be able to take care of themselves, but not completely. You still need to monitor body condition, need to monitor mineral intake…” – Bob (23:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You don't talk about politics, religion, or bread groups.” – Bob (02:06)
• “Recovery may never occur… What you're hoping is that the damage is pretty mild.” – Bob (07:08)
• “Coccidiosis is an internal parasite… it's a single cell organism that'll burrow into the intestinal wall and can cause some damage there.” – Bob (08:37)
• “It's an easy diagnosis to make… if you see them, you're probably about as close to 100% diagnosis as you get in veterinary practice.” – Brian (11:29)
• “No extra-label use; must adhere to labeled application” – Brian (17:50)
• “In dormant forages, calcium and phosphorus intake is going to be lower… So it's something to consider.” – Bob (21:48)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:17 – 02:09: Bread Debate (Biscuits vs. Rolls)
• 02:09 – 08:37: Laminitis: Causes, Prevention, and Prognosis
• 08:37 – 12:30: Coccidiosis in Calves: Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment
• 12:30 – 15:53: Disease Impact on International Trade
• 15:55 – 19:35: Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) Procedures and Renewal
• 20:10 – 24:38: Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation with Dormant Forages

Takeaways

• Laminitis is a chronic, often slow-to-resolve lameness issue in cows, possibly connected to lush pastures as well as grain overload.
• Coccidiosis should be top-of-mind when seeing bloody diarrhea in weaned calves; diagnosis and prompt treatment are straightforward.
• Diseases with high transmissibility pose the greatest risks to international trade.
• Veterinary Feed Directives must be on-label, and require ongoing partnership with your vet and feed supplier.
• As forage sources change with the seasons, mineral and vitamin programs should be adjusted for cow health, especially for lactating or fall-calving cows.

Listeners are encouraged to keep rigorous records and stay in communication with veterinarians for all management and health issues.