Weekly equine and livestock news: February 14, 2022

Bimeda’s new equine analgesic is the first FDA-approved generic alternative to Dormosedan, company says

Bimeda announced the launch of Detomidine Hydrochloride, a sedative and analgesic used to facilitate minor surgical and diagnostic procedures in mature horses and yearlings. The product, which is available to veterinarians, is the first and only FDA-approved bioequivalent to Zoetis’ Dormosedan sterile solution injection, according to the announcement. Both Detomidine Hydrochloride and Dormosedan are equivalent in strength, dosage, form and route of administration, according to Bimeda. Detomidine Hydrochloride injection is available in 10 mg/mL in both 20 milliliter and 5 milliliter sizes.

U.S. officials call for ‘concrete action’ from China to meet phase one trade commitments

U.S. officials called for “concrete action” from China to meet its commitment to purchase $200 billion in additional goods and services in 2020 and 2021 under the phase one trade deal signed by former President Donald Trump. Their comments came shortly before the expected release of full-year trade data that analysts anticipated would show a significant shortfall in China’s pledge to increase purchases of U.S. farm products and other goods and services. Through November, China had met only about 60% of the goal, according to trade data compiled by a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. China’s government has engaged with U.S. officials, but the Biden administration wants “concrete action,” not “talks for the sake of talking,” said one official. The officials said that while they would continue to press China, the deal offered little leverage to enforce the purchase commitments, Reuters reports.

Pilgrim’s Pride committee rejects JBS’ latest buyout proposal

A special committee that formed to review JBS’ proposal to purchase the shares of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation that it doesn’t currently own has once again said JBS’ offer is insufficient, WattAgNet reports. JBS, which owns about 80% of Pilgrim’s Pride, in August had offered to buy the remaining shares at $26.50 per share. After that offer was rejected, JBS increased it by $2 per share. That offer has now been rejected, and JBS told the special committee it’s continuing to evaluate the situation and will consider whether to further revise the proposal. JBS expects to respond by the end of February.

Elanco launches new technology, initiatives to track emissions and monetize carbon reduction efforts in cattle feeding operations

Elanco is piloting UpLook, a technology that aims to predict producers’ greenhouse gas emissions and helps them identify key emissions drivers in their operations. “Elanco believes this established baseline and tracking of progress is the first step to certification and monetization of carbon reduction for producers,” according to the announcement. Initial pilots of the system are beginning with cattle feeders, and the product is expected to be available in the second quarter of the year. Elanco has also announced an investment in the startup Athian, which, according to the announcement, “is expected to aggregate data for producers of all sizes and then work to create a carbon credit marketplace to monetize and capture value from sustainability efforts.” Finally, Elanco has launched the Leave it Better initiative, “an overarching program for Elanco’s cattle sustainability outreach” that will include “producer education, innovation, and partnerships,” according to the announcement.

Farm income in 2022 will be lower than last year, but still high: USDA

Farm income this year will be eroded by record-high expenses and sharply lower federal subsidies, but it’s still expected to be 26% above the 10-year average, according to a USDA forecast. USDA’s Economic Research Service predicts income will be $113.7 billion this year, down from $119.1 billion in 2021. This would be the second year in a row of high net farm income, boosted by strong commodity prices and a boom in exports as China returns to its spot as the No. 1 U.S. customer, Successful Farming reports. If this forecast turns out to be true, 2021 and 2022 would be the highest years for farm income since 2013, when it set a record of $123.7 billion. Net farm income averaged $90 billion a year from 2011 to 2020. Still, despite a promising forecast, 2022 “will be very volatile,” said Joe Glauber, a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute, adding that climate, supply chain and cost factors could all affect income this year.

New nose swab test could detect bovine respiratory disease

A Purdue University research team is developing a nose swab test to detect bovine respiratory disease. The test can be administered pen-side and can deliver results in about an hour, said Mohit Verma, a Purdue professor who’s leading development of the test. Verma said the test can identify three strains of bacteria that contribute to BRD: Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica and Histophilus somni. “We’ve been working to improve our test to get it out of the lab and into the hands of farmers and veterinarians, and it worked very well in the field,” Verma said. Bovine Veterinarian reports.