Featured Article:

Lameness in Cattle: Rules of Thumb
by David C. Van Metre, DVM, DACVIM

Lameness remains a major cause of disease and economic loss in dairy, cow-calf, and feedlot operations.  The impact of lameness on fertility, productivity, and farm economics has been well documented.  The majority (88-92%) of lameness in cattle involves the structures of the foot; specifically, one or both of the component digits of the bovine foot located below the level of the fetlock (ankle).  Sole ulcers, white line disease (defects in the sole at the junction with the vertical hoof walls), and interdigital footrot are the most common foot disorders that create lameness in cattle.

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Beef Briefs:

Brief Review of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling Interim Final Rules and Cow-Calf Producers
By Jack C. Whittier
Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University

On Monday, July 28th, 2008 USDA Ag Marketing Service (AMS) issued a 233-page document containing the “interim-final rules” for the mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (mCOOL) program.  In 2002, the US Congress passed a law requiring certain “covered commodities” (including beef) to be verified and labeled as to their county of origin.  Final rules for COOL were included in the 2008 Farm Bill.  This document provides further instructions.

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