In this episode, we explore two critical but often misunderstood cattle diseases—Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) and Johne's Disease (Yoni's)—with veterinarian Dr. Alli O'Meara. Whether you're a seasoned producer or new to livestock, understanding these illnesses is key to herd management, biosecurity, and herd longevity.

Main Topics Covered:

• What is BVD, how it spreads, symptoms, and the significance of PI (Persistent Infection) carriers
• Testing protocols: ear notch vs. blood tests, and how to interpret results
• Vaccination strategies, including different vaccine types, timing, and efficacy
• The mechanisms of Johne's Disease transmission and why young calves are most vulnerable
• Testing and control measures for Johne's, including cull strategies and biosecurity
• The importance of herd hygiene, quarantine practices, and education to prevent disease spread
• The role of misinformation and the value of consulting with qualified large animal vets

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to herd health topics with Dr. Alli O’Meara

02:15 - Dr. Alli’s background and her farm life balancing family and veterinary practice

04:45 - Deep dive into BVD: what it is, symptoms, and the importance of PI animals

07:50 - How BVD infects in utero and results in PI calves that shed virus for life

10:20 - Transmission routes of BVD — bodily secretions, semen, and environment

12:00 - Recognizing clinical signs of BVD and the importance of herd testing

14:30 - Vaccination discussion: types, timing, and protocol considerations

16:45 - When and how often to test for BVD — best practices for herd management

20:00 - Quarantine procedures after introducing new cattle to prevent BVD spread

22:30 - Recognizing and testing for Johne’s Disease (Yoni’s): signs, testing methods, and control

25:30 - How Johne’s transmits predominantly through manure and environmental exposure

28:15 - The long incubation period of Johne’s and when to test for early detection

31:00 - Biosecurity tips, herd hygiene, and managing infected animals

34:00 - Differences between infectious diseases in dairy versus beef herds

36:00 - The importance of veterinarian relationships and accurate testing in disease control

40:00 - Final thoughts on proactive herd management, education, and next steps

Resources & Links:

• BVD Information & Testing Options
• Johne’s Disease Control Programs
• Vaccine Types: MLV vs. Killed

Remember: Regular herd testing, proper biosecurity, and consulting with your veterinarian are essential steps to safeguard your herd from these costly diseases. Don't hesitate to ask your vet questions—knowledge is your best tool in herd health management.

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Lil Hooves Podcast: What's Coming in 2026 – Exciting Updates for Miniature Cattle & Livestock Enthusiasts!

In this forward-looking episode of the Lil Hooves Podcast, hosts Kelly Anderson and Becky Kochick share all the big plans and exciting developments lined up for 2026. Whether you're a new mini cow owner, seasoned rancher, or just passionate about miniature cattle and livestock, this episode is packed with ways to level up your knowledge and community involvement.

Episode Highlights:

• Training Videos & Hands-On Resources – We're rolling out new training videos to help you master everyday care, handling, and best practices for your miniature cattle.
• Webinars & Live Events – Get ready for interactive webinars and in-person (or virtual) live events designed to dive deeper into topics like breeding, health, and genetics.
• Memberships & Exclusive Content – Stay tuned for upcoming membership options that unlock premium content, early access, Q&A sessions, and more perks for dedicated listeners and mini cattle owners.
• More Incredible Guests – We've got an expanded lineup of expert guests bringing fresh perspectives, real ranch stories, and practical advice straight from the field.
• Veterinarian Series – A brand-new dedicated series featuring veterinarians specializing in miniature cattle and livestock health – perfect for answering your toughest questions on wellness, common issues, and preventive care.

2026 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet for supporting the miniature cattle community with education, connection, and fun!

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts on what you'd like to see in our 2026 lineup? Drop us a line!

📧 Email: lilhoovespodcast@gmail.com

Connect with fellow mini cow lovers, share your stories, and get real-time updates in our growing community:

👉 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422852116780287

Call to Action – Help Us Grow!

If you're enjoying the Lil Hooves Podcast and finding value in our tips on miniature cattle care, breeding, health, and ranch life, please:

• Follow or subscribe to the show on your favorite platform (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, etc.) so you never miss an episode.
• Leave a review – even a quick 5-star rating and short comment means the world and helps new listeners discover us!

Thanks for being part of the Lil Hooves family – here's to healthy herds, happy mini cows, and an amazing 2026 ahead! 🐄🤠

#LilHoovesPodcast #MiniatureCattle #MiniCows #LivestockPodcast #MiniatureCattle2026 #MiniCowTraining #LivestockWebinars #VeterinarianSeries #RanchLife

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Keywords

Little Hooves, agriculture, ranching, miniature cattle, livestock, podcast, Kelly Anderson, Becky Kochik, farming, education

Summary

In this introductory episode of the Little Hooves podcast, hosts Kelly Anderson and Becky Kochik share their backgrounds in agriculture and ranching. They discuss their experiences with livestock, the purpose of their podcast, and their desire to educate others about miniature cattle and livestock management. The conversation highlights their friendship, the learning journey they are on, and their commitment to providing valuable information to both new and experienced livestock owners.

Takeaways

Kelly and Becky introduce themselves and the podcast.

Kelly has a rich background in agriculture and ranching.

Becky shares her journey into ranching and livestock.

The podcast aims to educate about miniature cattle.

Listeners can learn from both hosts' experiences.

The podcast has evolved beyond just miniature cattle.

Family support plays a significant role in their podcasting journey.

They encourage questions from listeners to foster learning.

The hosts emphasize the importance of sharing knowledge.

The podcast is for everyone, from beginners to seasoned ranchers.

Titles

Welcome to Little Hooves Podcast

Meet Your Hosts: Kelly and Becky

Sound bites

"I want one of these."

"I got sucked in."

"You're the perfect person."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Little Hooves Podcast

04:42 Kelly's Journey in Agriculture

08:11 Becky's Background and Ranching Experience

10:22 The Purpose of the Podcast

12:11 Learning and Growing Together

Get to know your hosts of the new show all about little cows. Where are they from and how did they meet.

Join our Facebook group :https://www.facebook.com/groups/lilhoovespodcast

Email us at lilhoovespodcast@gmail.com

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