RUMINANT FOCUS
Ruminant business news, tailored real-time data and analysis, business life and economic evaluations.
Boehringer Ingelheim has introduced LENZELTA, a new vaccine for dairy cows and heifers aimed at reducing both the incidence and severity of clinical mastitis. The product is becoming available in several EU countries from April 2026, adding a new prevention option in one of dairy farming’s most persistent health challenges.
Lallemand Animal Nutrition is putting rumen stability at the center of its latest dairy messaging as heat stress pressure builds across herds and feeding programs come under strain.
HIPRA has moved all of its monodose animal health vaccines to eco-friendly packaging, replacing plastic components with FSC-certified cardboard in a shift that also covers its ruminant portfolio.
Lallemand Animal Nutrition has launched MAGNIVA Platinum for Canadian dairy and beef producers, positioning the product as its most advanced forage inoculant technology and drawing attention to a familiar pressure on farms: getting more value from every tonne of silage.
According to the company, the product is designed to help improve dry matter recovery, nutrient retention, aerobic stability and feedout flexibility. That matters in a market where forage quality is closely tied to feed costs, ration consistency and overall farm performance.
Rather than being just another product launch, the announcement speaks to a wider issue across ruminant production. When silage losses increase or stability falls at feedout, the impact can quickly move beyond the bunker. Producers may face more spoilage, less predictable rations and greater reliance on purchased feed, all of which can weigh on margins. Lallemand framed the launch around that same challenge, saying producers are looking for ways to maximize efficiency and protect the value of their forages.
Synlait and Nestle have renewed their on-farm partnership in New Zealand, extending a three-way model with nearly 40 Canterbury dairy farmers to support lower-emissions milk production and farm efficiency.
Lely has spotlighted growing interest in automated milking in Australia after completing a three-day roadshow in Northern Victoria from March 17 to 19, with visits to Melbourne University’s Dookie Dairy, Benlock Jerseys and Clydevale Holsteins. According to the company, farmers from across the region attended to see automatic milking systems operating on commercial farms and to discuss practical questions around labor, cow flow and day-to-day management.
GEA has opened a new software development lab in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as it steps up investment in AI for dairy herd management.
A global animal health milestone is being pursued with an unusually clear deadline: eradication of PPR (peste des petits ruminants) by 2030. In Turkiye, that target moved from strategy into practical coordination as 50 PPR vaccine producers from 15 countries met under a program shaped by FAO and WOAH priorities, with the gathering hosted locally by Dollvet Biotechnology. The core purpose was to accelerate global collaboration and remove technical and operational bottlenecks that could slow the endgame against PPR.
FAO’s messaging during the meeting framed the economic stakes. Sheep and goats are critical assets for rural and low-income communities, and a significant share of livelihoods in regions such as South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa depend on small ruminants. In that context, PPR is not just a veterinary challenge; it is a disease with outsized socio-economic impact across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and parts of Europe—a reason the 2030 goal is increasingly treated as a development objective as much as a disease-control objective.
Indonesia has embarked on one of the most ambitious livestock programs in Asia, a $3 billion plan to increase its national dairy herd from around 220,000 to 1 million cows by 2029.
Covid-19 revealed to the world that viruses are not only a human health concern but also a growing economic and operational threat to livestock.
Indonesia has embarked on one of the most ambitious livestock programs in Asia, a $3 billion plan to increase its national dairy herd from around 220,000 to 1 million cows by 2029.
The countdown has begun for the 33rd World Buiatrics Congress (WBC 2026), taking place 6–10 September 2026 in Istanbul, Turkiye.
The screwworm parasite — eradicated from the U.S. more than half a century ago — has re-emerged at the Mexican border, triggering swift regulatory action.
In its 2024 Sustainability Report, Alltech not only updates its strong progress in cutting emissions and boosting energy efficiency — it also challenges the narrative surrounding livestock in climate conversations through its headline initiative: World Without Cows. As of 2025, the total economic value of the global livestock sector is estimated at approximately USD 1.5 trillion. This figure encompasses the economic output and trade of cattle, pigs, small ruminants, poultry meat, milk, and eggs.
As global climate change intensifies, its economic and biological impacts on livestock production are becoming impossible to ignore.
The congress, which was successfully held with a record participation of over 1500, shared current approaches and scientific studies on herd management, preventive veterinary practices and correct vaccine selection with veterinarians throughout the scientific program. HIPRA, which participated in the congress as a platinum sponsor, brought participants together with academicians and HIPRA professionals who are experts in their fields with the HIPRA Satellite Symposium organized within the scope of the congress scientific program and the “Meet to Expert” events held at the HIPRA Stand area.
As part of its commitment to delivering “More Than Nutrition,” Nutrimoore (Phytobiotics TR) has continued its regional outreach with a highly focused scientific meeting addressing the increasing viral threats affecting ruminant herds in western Turkiye. The event was held at Omega Farm—one of the country’s flagship dairy operations—with the participation of Prof. Dr. Kadir Yesilbag, a leading virologist from Uludag University, and numerous veterinary professionals from the field.
The Canadian Dairy XPO (CDX) reports another successful event this year, drawing 17,600 visitors over two days to the fully booked venue in Stratford, Ontario. Now under the ownership and management of DLG, the German Agricultural Society, the 350-exhibitor strong trade show has reaffirmed its position in its 11th edition as a must-attend event for dairy producers across Canada. The on-site survey found that 82 percent of attendees were active quota-holding dairy producers, with 51 percent reporting more than $8 million (CAD) in operational equity, with 98 percent of all producers indicating plans to return in 2026.
In a significant yet rare event, the United Kingdom reported its first-ever case of avian influenza (H5N1) in a sheep, marking an unusual cross-species infection that has caught the attention of animal health professionals and industry stakeholders. This case, identified during routine monitoring at a site in Yorkshire, comes at a time when the poultry sector, in particular, has been on high alert for avian influenza due to increased incidents among wild birds and poultry populations across Europe. The sheep, which had tested positive for H5N1, was promptly culled as part of standard disease control protocols, and testing was conducted to assess any further spread. According to UK officials, no additional animals at the facility showed signs of infection. Despite the rarity of this particular spillover event, the swift response by the UK’s veterinary authorities — including quarantine measures and enhanced surveillance — played a critical role in containing the risk. As a precaution, the local farm was closely monitored to ensure there were no further outbreaks.
Phora Animal Health, in partnership with the 177-year-old American giant Arm & Hammer, took part in the Herd Health and Management Congress as a gold sponsor. The surprise participant of this year's congress was Phora Animal Health. Phora's stand, which was present at the congress with Arm & Hammer, one of the important animal health and nutrition organizations of the USA, was one of the most interesting points during the congress.
One of the most common problems in cattle breeding is respiratory system infections, and these diseases continue to cause serious economic losses for breeders. Cattle respiratory system diseases are a problem for beef and dairy cattle farming in many parts of the world, especially in the USA, Canada, England and Europe. Economic losses occur due to expenses incurred during the treatment process, loss of productivity and deaths.
Calf diarrhea is a leading cause of early-life illness and mortality in calves, and to effectively manage it, one must first understand its deep connection with the digestive system. Diarrhea occurs when the normal balance between nutrient digestion, fluid secretion, and absorption in the intestines is disrupted. For young calves, this balance is especially delicate. Nutrients such as proteins and carbohydrates must be broken down into water-soluble forms like amino acids and simple sugars before absorption through the intestinal wall can occur. This process involves enzymatic breakdown and transport across intestinal structures called villi and microvilli.
A recent study by Dutch researchers highlights the economic and environmental value of extending the productive lifespan of dairy cows. Fertility issues are among the top reasons for early culling in dairy herds. By adjusting reproductive management strategies, farms could improve profitability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions per liter of milk produced. Using a bio-economic simulation model tailored for 100-cow herds, researchers tested different scenarios involving the number of artificial insemination (AI) attempts and thresholds for culling cows with low milk yields. The results showed that increasing the maximum AI attempts and relaxing milk production thresholds led to higher average culling ages, up to 5.6 years.
Scientists from the University of Florida have revealed that the calving season has a major impact on the lifespan and productivity of dairy cows. University of Florida scientists have found that calving season has a major impact on the lifespan and productivity of dairy cows. University of Florida scientists have found that a striking study has taken an in-depth look at the effects of calving season on the lifespan and productivity of dairy cows.
Considering the damage that traditional farming methods cause to the ecosystem, sustainable and green farming practices are becoming an inevitable necessity. This model increases soil fertility by preserving biodiversity, while offering farmers a more stable and profitable production opportunity in the long term. This farming model, which reduces chemical use and uses water and soil resources more efficiently, is seen as the most effective way to ensure food security in the future. Green farming, which adopts a production process in harmony with nature, both protects the ecological balance and minimizes environmental problems and provides economic sustainability in the long term.
Farmers in Scotland are investigating the impact of foodborne pathogens on livestock and ways to minimise the risks of these pathogens. A study highlights the need for effective interventions. Scottish livestock farmers are working to gain more information to better understand the impact of foodborne pathogens on the sector and minimise the risks posed to their animals by these pathogens. Consumer perceptions of foodborne pathogens are also a major concern for farmers. A comprehensive study on this topic aims to provide potential solutions for managing livestock risks on Scottish farms.
In animals, as in humans, many follicles develop in waves in synchrony with the follicular dynamics in the ovaries during the estrus cycle. Hormones are organic active substances that are produced by the endocrine glands in the body and carried to other parts of the body through the blood and create biological effects on the relevant target organs. They work as a catalyst on the organs they affect and ensure the continuity of some functions. In this respect, they can be used for the treatment of some diseases due to their deficiencies, and they are also used in the treatment of some diseases that are not related to hormones due to their physiological and pharmacological effects. Recent studies have revealed the importance of hormone therapy in domestic animals. However, there are certain points that should be taken into consideration during such treatments:
Turkiye is one of the countries with great potential in terms of agriculture and animal husbandry. Dairy farming in particular is a strategic sector in terms of both meeting the needs of the domestic market and contributing to the national economy through exports. Although milk production in Turkiye is largely based on small and medium-sized family businesses, there has also been an increase in the number of large farms in recent years.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has resurfaced in Central Europe, disrupting livestock operations and triggering trade responses across borders. What began with a limited outbreak in Germany earlier this year has now extended to Slovakia and Hungary, underscoring the interconnected nature of regional animal health systems. Germany reported FMD in cattle in January but responded swiftly with effective containment measures, allowing it to regain disease-free status by March. However, the virus has since been detected in Slovakia’s Trnavský region, where four cattle farms reported cases between March 20 and 24. Hungary also confirmed a case in a village near its Slovakian border, and authorities believe the outbreaks are connected.
The rumen is often described as the “powerhouse” of the cow, and the cow obtains three-quarters of its energy from here. A balanced rumen environment is critical to the performance and health of the ruminant. The primary goals in the ruminant diet should be to provide a well-maintained and stable rumen environment, as well as to include sufficient and appropriate nutrients in the ration. At the same time, the development of correct feeding strategies has become an essential issue in the livestock industry in terms of increasing the supply-demand ratio and cost bills, and in achieving meat-milk production targets.