Weekly Livestock-Equine News: October 13, 2025

In-pen environmental sensor keeps dairy producers ahead of pneumonia in calves

A sensor developed through a UK innovation program led by Scotland’s Rural College is helping dairy farmers prevent pneumonia in calves. Instead of detecting elevated calf temperatures – a sign that pneumonia has already taken hold – the Pneumonitor sensor collects information on environmental conditions in the pen, including temperature, humidity, pressure, gusts and relative volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which could lead to pneumonia. The device sends alerts to smartphones.

Colorado State U launches honeybee veterinary science course

Honeybees are livestock animals that are critically important to our agriculture and food security, says Colorado State University veterinarian and educator Amy Franklin. CSU has added a course for studying honeybees for the first time. The course was created after national regulations 2017 called for beekeepers to have their hives medically treated by veterinarians. One group at the college is studying varroa mites and their impact on honeybees.

Indian Immunologicals introduces gE deleted DIVA marker vaccine against IBR

Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) introduced India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA marker vaccine, Raksha-IBR, targeting infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR). The vaccine is designed as a marker or DIVA, meaning it can differentiate between naturally infected and vaccinated animals. IBR infection rates in India range from 19% in certain regional livestock to 60% in organized dairy farms.

K-State tests treatment strategies for bovine respiratory disease

Rising input costs and growing demands to improve cattle health are pushing producers to look closely at how they manage bovine respiratory disease, one of the beef industry’s most persistent health challenges. Researchers at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine recently shared findings from three field trials that tested treatment strategies in real-world feedlot settings.

High-dose oxytocin allows sows to pass on greater immunity

In a controlled field trial with 96 sows, Bryn Anderson, a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, found that piglets from oxytocin-treated sows had significantly higher average serum Brix values (estimating immunoglobulin G concentration), and a significantly greater proportion reached the passive immunoglobulin transfer adequacy threshold compared to controls. Bray reported her findings at the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference.

Livestock health challenges, solutions

A report from INRAE – the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment – highlights the latest advances aimed at improving livestock health and welfare. In Europe, disease causes around 20% of annual production losses in livestock farming. In France, the associated economic costs amount to tens of millions of euros annually, while worldwide, they are estimated to reach billions of dollars per year.