COLUMBIA, Mo. – The fourth virtual session of Pearls of Production offered by University of Missouri Extension deals with something most livestock producers dread talking about: diarrhea. But gut issues are critical to healthy cattle and profits, says Heather Conrow, MU Extension livestock specialist and chair of the 2025 event.
“This session ensures ‘diarrhea’ is no longer a dirty word. It is something we should talk about! Because, good news! Research shows you are not alone,” says Conrow.
The virtual session, part of the “Pixels of Production” series, is 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23. Register at https://muext.us/PearlsofProduction.
During the session, veterinarian Andrea Pitkin will discuss custom-made SRP (siderophore receptor and porin) vaccines that can help wipe out diarrhea from herds. These vaccines use a purified bacterial extract containing SRP proteins to stimulate an animal’s immune system. Antibodies target the bacteria’s natural mechanism for acquiring iron, effectively “starving” the bacteria of this essential nutrient, controlling infections caused by pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. This approach can potentially reduce antibiotic use to improve overall herd health and performance.
Pitkin is a graduate of University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Much of her research focuses on biosecurity principles and infectious diseases.
At the fifth “Pixels” session, on Oct. 28, MU Extension natural resources specialist and beekeeper Joni Harper will talk about the Heroes to Hives program for veterans.
The daylong, in-person Pearls of Production conference is Nov. 8 in Columbia.
