Progress in the cattle industry has always been driven by those unafraid to innovate. This month’s new technologies are transforming both animal health and ranch management so today’s trailblazers are equipped with tools that blend science, creativity and practical know‑how. 

Pour-on for New World screwworm and cattle fever tick

In December, Merck Animal Health announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a conditional approval for Exzolt™ Cattle-CA1.

This product is a pour-on solution effective for the prevention and treatment of infestations caused by New World screwworm larvae and for the treatment and control of cattle fever tick. It is approved for use in beef cattle 2 months of age and older. It is not approved for use in bulls intended for breeding (1 year of age and older), dairy calves or veal calves. There is also a 98-day meat withdrawal period.

“The threat of New World screwworm represents a growing concern to U.S. agriculture, potentially causing devastating economic losses for cattle producers that could reach hundreds of millions of dollars,” says Rick DeLuca, president, Merck Animal Health. “We worked closely with the FDA to accelerate availability, so that veterinarians and cattle producers will have access to a powerful new tool to protect cattle from these serious parasites, helping to safeguard the industry’s economic future and the nation’s beef supply.”

Exzolt Cattle-CA1 was granted conditional approval based on demonstration of safety and a reasonable expectation of effectiveness when administered according to label directions based on global studies conducted by Merck Animal Health in recent years.

For more information visit www.ExzoltCattle-CA1.com. 

Grazing and analytics tracking tool

In mid-December, Envu announced their ranch management platform RangeView^® is now integrated with Ceres Tag’s livestock tracking technology, combining grazing management, satellite-based pasture monitoring and advanced cattle analytics into one system.

“The significance of RangeView allowing cattle producers to maximize their grazing efficiency and optimize their stocking rate with Pasture Feed Intake by Ceres Tag cannot be underestimated. Producers have never had this level of profit-generating potential at their disposal, and this partnership facilitates this amazing new profit opportunity for ranchers around the world,” says Shane White, National Sales Manager for Ceres Tag.

RangeView is an innovative digital tool from Envu that allows ranchers to track invasive species infestations and herbicide treatment through satellite and geospatial technology as a result of an existing partnership with Satelytics. Additionally, RangeView offers a grazing management module that allows ranchers to plan and execute a management plan for proper pasture utilization.

Ceres Tag gives ranchers an even closer look at their herd, with powerful individual analytics and location tracking. Ceres Tag allows ranchers to track forage intake and feed efficiency, as well as estimate methane output.

Envu is offering a free 90-day trial for ranchers who want to upgrade their technology, improve their herd health and modernize their grazing management strategy.

For more information go to www.us.envu.com/range-and-pasture/digital-ranch-management.  

Editor’s note: Jenna Whitaker is a freelance writer from Moscow, Idaho.