New Products
New BRD therapy approved
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Pulmotil, a bovine respiratory disease (BRD) treatment for groups of cattle in the early stages of a BRD outbreak that provides 14 days of sustained in-feed therapy, a practice that reduces stress associated with cattle handling, an Elanco release says.
Pulmotil is approved for the control of BRD associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni in groups of beef and non-lactating dairy cattle, where active BRD has been diagnosed in at least 10% of the animals in the group.
Similar to the prescription requirement for injectable products, the FDA requires a veterinarian to issue a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) for the use of the treatment. The VFD helps ensure veterinarian oversight and judicious use of the therapy according to the label and feeding directions. The VFD process requires a coordinated effort by the producer, feed-ingredient supplier, veterinarian and nutritionist.
Before making the product widely available, Elanco will conduct additional commercial trials, and work closely with veterinarians and their clients to develop protocols that support the VFD process and maximize Pulmotil's value in a variety of commercial settings.
For more information visit www.elanco.com.
Energy-free livestock waterer
Brower has introduced an energy-free livestock waterer that uses groundwater temperature to provide a dependable water supply year round. The waterer uses geothermal energy and heavy insulation (R-value of 7.14) to keep water from freezing in the winter and to keep it cool in the summer.
Flap closures reduce ice buildup and are easily operated by livestock. The flaps are reversible for training. The waterer features unique baffles that guard against icing and keep the valve operating under severe conditions. Minimal drinking activity that results in water being replaced twice each day is required to replenish heat gradually lost.
Installation is simple using an 8-inch (in.) to 12-in. tile, with no heat well needed. Weather stripping and an insulated sleeve for the supply line are included.
The waterer has a capacity of 20 gallons (gal.), and is ideal for cattle, horses and elk. It can accommodate approximately 150 beef or 60 dairy cattle.
For more information visit www.browerequip.com.
Mobile app for ag markets
Agricharts, the agricultural division of Barchart.com Inc., has announced the release of a new mobile application that offers a real-time or delayed platform for viewing quotes, charts and analysis for grains, livestock and other commodity markets.
The new mobile service features a new design and user interface that focuses on enhanced touch-screen navigation used by iPhone, Android and other smartphone owners. The mobile application also features comprehensive weather conditions, forecasts and radar maps, as well as the latest commodity-related news, keeping agribusinesses and producers well-informed wherever they are. In addition, the new mobile service can be white-labeled by third parties and can integrate third-party content, providing firms with a complete mobile solution.
Users will find an agricultural futures price summary, market commentary and personalized weather information right from the mobile homepage. From there, users can quickly access quotes for all futures markets, as well as charts, cash grain bids, news and weather. Users can also create a custom watchlist and upgrade from the free delayed mobile service to real-time.
For more information visit www.agricharts.com or launch the mobile application for your mobile device at www.agricharts.com/mobile.
Smaller, faster tiller
Horsch Anderson has introduced the Joker RT, PT and MT Series tillage systems it says can finely chop and incorporate residue back into a field in the fastest, most efficient manner, due to its ability to perform at speeds up to 12 mph, more than twice as fast as traditional tiller systems.
The off-set rows of notched discs on the new tillers can tear through ruts and redistribute soil in undesirable condition from tire ruts, erosion and weather, leveling the soil while precisely controlling tillage depth. With a narrow frame design and depth control systems, the Joker can be set up for tillage from ¼-in. to 1-in. up to 4-in. to 5-in. depths.
Other tillage systems often drag light finishing tools behind the implement, which fail to manage clumps and hard soil. The finishing tool on the new tillage system rolls over the top of the soil rather than through it, which means loose clumps are crushed instead of pushed aside. In addition, the self-cleaning design of the finishing sytems shake off excess dirt and help reduce buildup on the machine.
The new tillers can be used in wet, dry, rocky and extreme conditions and are smaller, faster and more efficient than traditional tillers, according to the release.
For more information visit www.horschanderson.com/joker.html.