Livestock News for April 9

Merck completes acquisition of Antelliq

Merck has completed its acquisition of Antelliq Corp. from funds advised by BC Partners, according to National Hog Farmer. This announcement positions the company as a global leader in animal health digital tracking, traceability and monitoring technology and complements the existing portfolio of vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Antelliq will be an operating unit within Merck Animal Health.

“Fake meat” creator issues recall on Impossible Burger

According to the website Eater, on March 22, “fake meat” creator Impossible Foods issued a recall on its Impossible Burger product after a piece of plastic was found at a California restaurant, Dairy Herd Management reported. The recall was voluntary and not enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Impossible Foods is asking retailers and restaurants to throw away bulk product produced on Feb. 19, 2019, bearing the lot number OAK19050000. The “ground beef” imitation, veganproduct comes in 5 lb. pre-packaged blocks. According to an Impossible Foods spokesperson, the company was “taking preventative measures to ensure the safety of our product and the operations of our food manufacturing plant.”

Midwest flood damage to agriculture totals at least $214 million

According to Politico, President Donald Trump recently approved Iowa’s federal disaster request, which detailed $1.6 billion in damage from catastrophic flooding across the region. Gov. Kim Reynolds said the damage to agriculture totals at least $214 million from livestock losses and swamped farmland and grain storage sites. With Congress back in session, the growing price tag could ramp up pressure on lawmakers to offer additional aid.

Alltech launches nationwide on-farm dairy support network

In response to the mounting challenges faced by America’s dairy industry, Alltech announced it has launched a program to provide experts and resources to support farmers. The Alltech Dairy On-Farm Support program includes a team of experienced, elite dairy advisors from across the U.S. who will act as a resource for nutritionists, producers and laborers in order to help them reach goals, solve problems and lay a foundation for a profitable and sustainable future. For more information about the Alltech Dairy On-Farm Support program and to contact an elite advisor, visit Alltech.com/on-farm-support.

Study quantifies economic impact of U.S. poultry industry

According to Feedstuffs, the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and United Egg Producers have released an updated economic impact study that highlights the positive impact the poultry industry has on jobs, wages, and federal and state revenue in the U.S. Results from the study showed the U.S. poultry industry provides 1,984,784 jobs, $108.9 billion in wages, $495.1 billion in economic activity and $38.5 billion in government revenue. Since the last study conducted in 2016, the poultry industry has created 302,515 additional jobs, and the economic impact has increased by 11%.

Centenary University enhances equine diagnostics with new technology purchases

The Equine Studies Department at Centenary University has introduced two new tools to enhance hands-on learning opportunities for students: the latest digital radiography and ultrasound technology. These advances promise to deepen students’ understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of injuries to horses, according to Jesslyn Bryk-Lucy, D.V.M., the University’s resident veterinarian and assistant professor of Equine Studies. While the new technologies can pinpoint many maladies, they are used primarily to view tendon and ligament injuries. Centenary students work side-by-side with Dr. Bryk-Lucy to examine and treat horses at the University’s Equestrian Center in Long Valley, N.J. In addition, Dr. Bryk-Lucy uses images in class to illustrate a range of equine conditions, from back and dental pain, to issues with cartilage, bones, and tendons. “These are important tools to teach students about equine anatomy,” Dr. Bryk-Lucy said, adding that the upgrades replace out of date units. “It’s technology that our graduates will encounter out in the field, for sure.”