The introduction of an alternative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) col­lection site in equine practice at the atlantoaxial (AA) space has grown in popularity with increased proficiency and applica­tion of ultrasound-guided techniques. In cattle, CSF is routinely collected at the lumbosacral (LS) space or the atlantooccipital space, which requires general anesthesia. Although described in camelids, the technique has not been evaluated in cattle. The objectives of the present study were to demonstrate that ultra­sound-guided AA CSF collection could be performed safely and reliably in standing beef cattle and that ultrasound guidance between the first and second cervical vertebrae (C1-C2, i.e., AA) would minimize iatrogenic blood contamination in samples compared to the LS centesis site.

Conditions involving the horns of adult cattle requiring vet­erinary attention are not infrequent. Horns are desirable in certain breeds of cattle (i.e. Longhorns and some foundation genetics) and for cattle engaged in certain disciplines (i.e. ro­deo bulls). Broken horns, skull fractures at the base of the horn, sinusitis (with or without a history of surgical dehorning), and trauma are just some of the reasons horned cattle present to veterinarians. For each of these conditions, treatment tends to have a more favorable outcome when instituted early.

Bovine respiratory disease remains a significant issue facing both beef and dairy cattle production systems. Among the risk factors that impact this multifactorial disease, the influence of weather in the early receiving period remains unclear. The ob­jective of this project was to explore the relationship between weather conditions near arrival at a stocker facility on the sub­sequent bovine respiratory disease risk in medium- to high-risk stocker calves over the first 30 days post-arrival.

Facilities for finishing cattle in North America include open lots with either earthen or solid pen floors, and confinement barns with either a bed pack or a deep pit. Confinement barn facili­ties are typically found in areas that receive a greater amount of precipitation, and actually represent a relatively small propor­tion of the total cattle on feed in North America. Currently, the most common feedlot facility type would be an open lot with an earthen floor. However, the use of roller compacted con­crete has been identified as an economically viable product for amending feedlot pen floors to create a solid surface on which cattle are housed. The objective is to identify the pros and cons of roller compacted concrete as a pen floor surface, and discuss the management and production implication of this pen floor surface technology so that feedlot practitioners are equipped to have an informed discussion with their clients about the incor­poration of this product into their production systems.

The purpose of this presentation is to aid bovine practitioners and clinic owners in expanding their practice to include small ruminant clients as well as how to service them to keep them as returning and valued clients. We will review what makes small ruminant clientele as well as the animals themselves, different to cattle clients and patients.

Xylazine prolongs the duration of lidocaine when administered as a distal paravertebral block in cattle. This study investigates if the observed effect is due to the perineural administration of xylazine with lidocaine or if it could be achieved by systemic administration of xylazine and perineural lidocaine.

This paper examines cross-cultural communication in the Unit­ed States, focusing on the growing Hispanic population’s im­pact, particularly in agriculture. Through personal anecdotes and cultural analysis, it explores the complexities of navigat­ing linguistic and cultural differences. Key topics include the prevalence of Spanish speakers, cultural awareness, and the distinction between ignorance and arrogance in cross-cultural contexts. The study addresses terminology debates (Hispanic/ Latino/Latinx) and the significance of cultural holidays. Cen­tral to the discussion is the concept of “meeting in the middle” - encouraging mutual effort in language learning and cultural appreciation. This approach is proposed as a means to foster re­spect and build stronger communities. The paper aims to pro­vide insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by cultural diversity, offering practical suggestions for bridging cultural divides in increasingly multicultural environments.

Antimicrobials are used on dairy farms to treat bacterial infec­tions and are most used to manage mastitis. The aim was to de­scribe variation in antibiotic treatment protocols on MI and OH dairy farms. We hypothesized that frequency, dosage and dura­tion of antibiotic treatments would vary among farms.

Transition milk, produced by cows during the first few days after calving, represents a critical nutritional resource for neo­natal calves. Research has demonstrated that transition milk plays a significant role in calf health and development due to its unique composition. This paper explores the composition and benefits of transition milk, with a focus on its role in support­ing calf immunity, growth and overall well-being. The initial postpartum period in dairy cows is marked by the secretion of transition milk, which is produced after colostrum and before mature milk. Transition milk plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the highly concentrated nutrients of colostrum and the more stable composition of mature milk. Recent research has provided deeper insights into the composi­tion and health benefits of transition milk, highlighting its im­portance in early calf nutrition.

Pain management in cattle presents unique challenges due to regulatory considerations, cost and difficulty assessing pain in these animals. This presentation summarizes key findings from recent research on pain management practices in the beef and dairy industry, focusing on the use of analgesics, challeng­es in drug approval, and the communication and perspectives between producers and veterinarians. The research highlights the increased use of pain management in older cattle, with veterinarians showing greater odds of utilizing analgesia com­pared to producers. Painful routine procedures, such as castra­tion and dehorning, are identified as common sources of pain for cattle, emphasizing the need for effective pain mitigation strategies. However, the limited availability of FDA-approved drugs for pain management in cattle poses significant chal­lenges for industry stakeholders, both financially and practi­cally. Furthermore, this presentation explores communication and perspectives regarding pain management between produc­ers and veterinarians, aiming to understand the impact of dis­agreements on their relationship and their perceptions of rec­ognizing pain in cattle. The findings underscore the necessity for more FDA-approved pain management drugs for use in cat­tle to address the challenges the beef and dairy industry faces.