August 2019 Newsletter
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A New Generation Of Mycotoxin Technology
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By Dan Leiterman
In my April 2017 newsletter article “Managing Mycotoxins In Feedstuffs: Mycotoxin Binder Strategies”, I explained the significant negative effects mycotoxins have on livestock health and production. That article pointed out the previous challenges of inaccurate lab analysis of mycotoxins, how to interpret a lab analysis to determine a management plan for a given level of exposure and the subsequent limitations of strategies available at the time. This article can be found on our website under the “Articles” tab, under the sub-category of “Inoculant.”
Milk Or Profit: A Case Study
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By Erik Brettingen, B.S.
Rolling herd average or milk production per cow are numbers commonly referred to when discussing the success of a dairy farm. Milk production is an easy number to identify but the actual profitability of an operation is a much more complex topic. A dairy herd’s income is simple to see by reading the milk check. Determining the real profit of the herd cannot be so easily evaluated as it takes time to assess the expenses involved in making the milk and running the operation.
How To Determine The Value Of Whole Leaf Aloe Vera For Your Livestock
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By Teresa Marker, B.S.
Stress is defined as a state of strain from adverse or demanding conditions. Livestock can be stressed by many different factors: weaning, pen movement, dehorning, vaccinating, shipping, lactation, weather, flies, etc. Some of these stressors can be reduced by good management, but not all stressors can be eliminated. The immune system of an animal has the ability to resist infection or disease. However, when animals are stressed, they are more vulnerable to disease due to decreased immune function.
Heat Stress In Poultry
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By Stephanie Hutsko, PhD
Simply put, heat stress occurs when a bird’s core temperature is higher than its thermoneutral zone (Figure 1). A thermoneutral zone is a temperature range in which an animal does not use any additional energy to maintain its normal core body temperature. Heat stress is a result of a negative balance between the energy transfer from the bird’s body to its environment and the amount of heat energy produced by the bird. This imbalance can be caused by multiple factors such as ambient temperature, humidity, air movement, metabolism rate and thermal irradiation. Effects can range from mild distress to death.
Maximizing Your Cover Crop Potential
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By Alex Austin, B.S
There are many benefits of incorporating a cover crop into crop rotations. Clearly identifying crop needs and goals will aid in proper plant species selection.
This article will discuss four basic goals of cover crops; protecting soil from erosion, grazing and harvesting of forage, improving soil health and weed suppression.
Rethinking Drafts And Calves
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By Ryan Leiterman, D.V.M.
Drafts and pre-weaned calves: Rarely is a topic so misunderstood. Many calf raisers are uncomfortable with the topic of drafts on calves, regardless of the outside temperature. Most people believe that drafts are to be avoided at all costs. I once heard of a veterinarian who would spark a lighter in a calf pen and if the flame flickered, even the slightest bit, would declare the presence of a dangerous draft. Contrary to popular belief, however, drafts on pre-weaned calves are not always a bad thing. In fact, in certain situations, they can even be beneficial.
Progressive Dairy Magazine Features “Calves and Bicycle Wheels” by Dr. Leiterman and Lorrie Meister, CVT
Crystal Creek® is proud to announce that Dr. Ryan Leiterman and Lorrie Meister’s recent article “Calves and Bicycle Wheels-A Systematic Approach to Troubleshooting Pre-weaned Calves“, has been published in the Progressive Dairy Magazine. 
This article discusses the evaluation of overall calf health. Break one spoke on a wheel, and the whole wheel collapses. Calves are no different. Every aspect of calf care must be carefully managed to optimize calf health and growth. Read more to learn how your calves can benefit from these concepts.
Click here to view as a pdf: Calves and bicycle wheels- A systematic approach to troubleshooting pre-weaned calves
Dr. Ryan Leiterman holds degrees in both Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Medicine.
By Dr. Ryan Leiterman and Lorrie Meister, CVT
On Oct. 11, 1826, Theodore Jones of London, England, received a patent for what he called “wire wheels.” Jones found if he added wires, or what we now call spokes, to a circular rim, the wheel could bear greater stress while maintaining its round shape. The addition of the spokes helped the rim distribute the stress evenly throughout the wheel. This strength is dependent on all the spokes working together; if one or more spokes are weak or broken, the
rim may collapse. In the same way spokes help keep a wheel round, calves have six main “spokes” that help keep them healthy when subject to stress, which are:
1. Colostrum 2. Calories
3. Bedding 4. Air Quality
5. Vaccination 6. Sanitation
April 2019 Newsletter
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Interpreting The Value Of A Livestock Mineral
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Customer Favorite This article was originally published in the April 2012 Issue of the Crystal Creek® Newsletter
By Dan Leiterman
The goal of this article is to offer insight in determining the value of a livestock mineral. The value can be determined by combining the information supplied on the label and visual observation of the mineral itself, along with some basic ingredient knowledge. A critical analysis will consider ingredient quality, nutrient bioavailability and possible negative, unintended consequences associated with poor ingredient quality or inappropriate formulation techniques.