tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76078414775426155462024-03-28T23:29:58.781-04:00Lenoir and Greene Counties Extension Livestock BlogEducational information from your local NC Cooperative Extension CenterEve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-66198034475120146162013-08-02T14:57:00.001-04:002013-08-02T14:57:23.707-04:00Armyworms<style>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Submitted by:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eve H. Honeycutt Extension Livestock Agent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lenoir and Greene Counties</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another pest to be on the lookout for is the
Armyworm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are most active during late
summer and early fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can devour a
field of forage overnight (or during the day).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Keep your eyes out for:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fall armyworms laying on the ground surface on the hayfield
-- they like to "rest" here.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Stripping of leaves and eventually stems</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Increase in birds in the field may be an indication of
armyworms</span></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here is a picture of a fall armyworm:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8YcsedHXskSFzIaxbDB41RLPTywGaAB08aJ7l7NTFito2axtWZHjMA4ay1LRakh2GJEj_60aSCnMf-pULrr6BSc7sYUwKaQ2oNgy7GNF2Nu59F0ei6loSAEAw6VZBBMkV6Z205hjSKU/s1600/armyworm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8YcsedHXskSFzIaxbDB41RLPTywGaAB08aJ7l7NTFito2axtWZHjMA4ay1LRakh2GJEj_60aSCnMf-pULrr6BSc7sYUwKaQ2oNgy7GNF2Nu59F0ei6loSAEAw6VZBBMkV6Z205hjSKU/s320/armyworm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Worms can range a little in color (young versus adults)--some may
look more brown.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They especially like bermudagrass but they
are not picky when the pickings are slim -- they will eat fescue, soybeans, and
small grains too, as well as other plants. They may be repeat offenders -- you
may see them now and again before the end of the season. There are a number of
labeled products but here is a list for your convenience on
bermudagrass/rye/pasture/hay (some are restricted use). Read and follow labels
carefully and follow precautions and restrictions:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Diflubenzuron (Dimilin 2L)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Methomyl (Lannate)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chlorantraniliprole (Rynaxypyr R) (Prevathon)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Spinosad (Tracer, Entrust)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Zeta-permethrin (Mustang Max)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Carbaryl (Sevin) </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Control them when you see them and tell your
neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chances are they are eyeing
his fields for the next meal.</span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;"></span></b></div>
Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-10675695897151693982013-08-02T14:55:00.005-04:002013-08-02T14:58:57.389-04:00Bermudagrass Leaf Spot<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Submitted by:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eve H. Honeycutt Extension Livestock Agent</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lenoir and
Greene Counties</span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bermudagrass
leaf spot is caused by a fungus from the genus <i>Helminthosporium</i> and the
disease has been informally called Helminthosporium leaf spot, Helminthosporium
leaf blotch, or Leaf Blight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Leaf spot is
a fungal disease that is brought on by constant wet conditions, especially when
the forage is tall and cannot dry thoroughly between rain storms. We saw
a lot of leaf spot last year because of the same weather pattern in late
summer. On the grass itself, leaf spots are more numerous near the collar
of the leaf blade. Leaf lesions are irregularly shaped and brownish green to
black in color. Infected plants may occur in irregular patches. Extensive
damage occurs when the pathogen attacks crowns, stolons and rhizomes. Severely
affected hayfields may become brown and thin. <br />
The good news is that leaf spot will not hurt your animals, though it does make
the grass less tasty. The bad news is there is very little you can do
about it. There are no fungicides approved for forage crops. The
best thing you can do is manage your stand of bermudagrass as best as you can.
Leaf spot will reduce yields and will continue to spread as long as the
conditions remain moist. One of the best preventative measures is to make
sure your soil has adequate potassium levels (as shown on your soil sample
analysis). Potassium allows the soil and the plant to be healthy enough
to fight fungal diseases like leaf spot. Potassium is supplied in the
form of potash, and the soil typically needs 75% as much potash as nitrogen
EACH season to maintain adequate fertility and disease resistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Keep an eye
on your fields through this rainy weather and watch for irregular discoloration
or thin yields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do get leaf spot
in a field, the frost this winter should kill it and it should come back next
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to monitor your soil
sample and follow the recommendations for all the nutrients, not just
nitrogen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;"></span></b>
Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-91110024831507010672013-08-02T14:54:00.003-04:002013-08-02T14:54:37.220-04:00Block and Tub Supplements for Grazing Beef Cattle<style>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Submitted By Eve H. Honeycutt, Extension Livestock Agent,
Lenoir and Greene Counties</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adapted from the Texas Agri-Life Extension Publication E-178</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">B<span style="color: black;">lock supplements are a convenient mechanism for delivering
supplemental nutrients</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">to
grazing beef cattle. As the labels on most blocks or tubs state, they are meant
to</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">be
used as supplements, not feeds. Success or failure of a block/tub
supplementation</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">program
will depend on the availability of forage. If forage is limited or of poor
quality,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">self-fed
blocks or tubs cannot make up the nutrient deficit and are not formulated to do
so.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blocks
and tubs have become increasingly</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">popular
because:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">•
They are easy to store and handle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">•
They are easily accessible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">•
They require little labor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">•
Minimal equipment is required.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">•
Consumption is self-limiting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blocks
are particularly appealing to owners of the smallest herds of cattle (fewer
than 50 cows) and owners of large operations of more than 300 cows. Many small
producers have off-ranch employment and like the convenience and comfort of
knowing supplement is continuously available. Large</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">operators use blocks because
they save time and labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As with other
supplements, blocks and tubs can vary widely in their cost, ingredient</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">composition,
nutrient content, storage requirements and consumption characteristics.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blocks and
tubs generally can be divided into three categories based on the manufacturing
method used.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">• <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Pressed blocks</u></b>- these blocks are
usually the least expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The can
soften in moist and humid environments, leading cattle to eat more than
necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mature cattle generally
consume 1-4 pounds per day, depending on the hardness of the block.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">• <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Chemically hardened blocks</u></b>-
these usually have a high mineral content, which can cause objectionable
flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can also deteriorate
during prolonged inclement weather, especially if they are packaged in
cardboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mature cattle normally
consume 1-3 pounds daily.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">• <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Low moisture (cooked) tubs</u></b>-
These are the most expensive of the three types however due to their uniform
consumption, the cattle tend to eat less, ranging from 0.5-1.5 pounds per
animal per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These tubs will absorb
moisture from the air, so the container must be rigid and kept upright.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Block and tub
supplements are an effective way to supplement nutritional needs in cattle, but
they are not a forage substitute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forage
must be available in adequate quantity and quality for any supplement to
produce the desired results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Supplements
should be made available as soon as protein or energy deficiency is suspected
and before noticeable loss of body condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Blocks and tubs should be moved around within a grazing area and placed
near water or loafing areas to encourage consumption.</span></div>
Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-30737099112983881352011-12-20T15:21:00.000-05:002011-12-20T15:21:21.739-05:00Think Pink- For a Healthy Lagoon<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIM9XXdEx7P07mt0pqYCeZVml1lP9VrvUiojG0OvX6Rucdp4XtXKWC2hnQYUh4c_cCxMpqRfJvn7SGfuQ5sjcuQKPVIQVwH19Z-fRz0jyhdQiefBhP2aWfVUleUx_afIexPWc4YnW_aY/s1600/lagoon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIM9XXdEx7P07mt0pqYCeZVml1lP9VrvUiojG0OvX6Rucdp4XtXKWC2hnQYUh4c_cCxMpqRfJvn7SGfuQ5sjcuQKPVIQVwH19Z-fRz0jyhdQiefBhP2aWfVUleUx_afIexPWc4YnW_aY/s200/lagoon.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">By Eve H. Honeycutt</div><div class="MsoNormal">Extension Livestock Agent, Lenoir and Greene Counties</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though we are in the dead of winter, it is never too late to think about maintaining a healthy lagoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be spring before you know it and many of you will be ready to use some of those stored nutrients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While you are planning for the spring, plan for your lagoon too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">First a few words about the life cycle of a lagoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As solids build up in your lagoon, anaerobic bacteria also builds up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These bacteria do not need oxygen to survive, so please don’t ever let anyone talk you into aerating your lagoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As these aerobic bacteria multiply, they “breathe” and release carbon dioxide, which we see as tiny bubbles on the surface of the lagoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon after the bubbling begins, the purple sulfur bacteria come to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These purple sulfur bacteria are named that because of the characteristic purple color they release as part of their digestion and the sulfur gases that give the lagoon it’s unique smell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once these guys are on the scene, you can bet your lagoon is working hard to digest the solids at the bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This bacterial activity is 3-4 times greater in the summer, which is why most lagoons don’t turn pink until the weather warms up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The key now is to maintain the anaerobic party going on and keep your lagoon from building up solids too quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However the tricky part is keeping all of them “happy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your bacteria can become “unhappy” and die off for many reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Washing down the house with a disinfectant, overloading the lagoon with liquids or solids, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures can all affect the pH balance in your lagoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Collecting accurate and reliable waste samples is a great way to monitor your lagoon- especially the pH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good pH for a lagoon is about 7.5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the pH is too low, you can bring it up by adding lime at a rate of 1 pound per cubic foot of liquid.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you find yourself with a lagoon that is collecting a lot of solids, black in color, or low bubble activity, you should take some action to improve it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lack of good management on your part can result in an expensive lagoon cleanout sooner than you may be ready for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One good management tool is an agitator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using an agitator regularly, especially in the summer, can suspend the solids in the lagoon and allow for increased bacterial activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen this method work very well for lagoons on more than one occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are going to use an agitator, remember to sample the water AFTER you agitate since you will be releasing more nitrogen and phosphorus with the movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also want to let the solids settle down a bit before<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you pump so you don’t wear out your equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A little management and planning can go a long way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contact your local Extension office if you have any other questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lagoons are a vital part of a hog operation, and they demand your attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think Pink!</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-7719972194943942332011-12-20T15:14:00.000-05:002011-12-20T15:14:29.946-05:00Heifer Development Considerations<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Information compiled <u>from 2011 Requirements for “Show-Me-Select” Program and Sales</u>, and <u>Impact of Heifer Development on Reproductive Success</u>, D.J. Patterson, Ph.D., University of Missouri</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Submitted by Eileen Coite, Extension Livestock Agent, Wayne County </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On December 6<sup>th</sup>, many of us attended the Eastern Carolina Cattlemen’s Conference in Clinton and learned about many topics useful to cattlemen, with one very unique presentation on heifer development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. David Patterson from the University of Missouri shared with us details of the Missouri “Show-Me-Select” Replacement Heifer program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Objectives of this program are to: 1. Implement a Total Quality Management (TQM) strategy to on-farm heifer development, 2. Enhance marketing opportunities for and add value to Missouri raised heifers, and 3. Provide a reliable source of quality replacements based on management, reproduction, and genetics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I think of these objectives and what Missouri has accomplished with the “Show-Me-Select” heifer program, I wonder if we should look towards adopting a similar program in North Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me tell you more about it, and give you something to think about too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are several “requirements” to participate in the program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be an eligible producer with eligible heifers for the program, the following steps must be taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, a producer must officially enroll, pay a $5 enrollment fee, and join one of the nine regions of Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers, Inc. across the state of Missouri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, producers must have owned the heifers enrolled in the program for at least 60 days prior to breeding, and they must be owned by residents of Missouri in order to sell in a sanctioned Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All heifers must have a pre-breeding reproductive evaluation, specifically including measurements of their pelvic area six weeks prior to breeding. Additionally, all heifers must be included in a herd health vaccination program starting at weaning or before, under the guidance of a veterinarian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vaccinations for respiratory and reproductive diseases are a must, at very specific stages of their development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, a pregnancy examination must be done on bred heifers within 90 days of the breeding season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breeding dates, identification records, and fetal age must be recorded, and those that remain open or lose a pregnancy become ineligible for the program. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are also specific “sale eligibility” requirements for the heifers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of these include:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>being enrolled at pre-breeding, be on a parasite control program, free of blemishes, horns or scurs, be a minimum of 800 pounds and be a body condition score in the range of 5-8 on the day of the sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All heifers will be inspected by a certified USDA grader for frame, muscle and body condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also must have had a pregnancy exam within 30 days of the sale, confirming that they are “safe in calf” at the time of the sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heifers in individual sale lots are grouped to calve within 45 days of each other based on expected calving dates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only heifers meeting requirements of the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program that are tagged and entered in the program database are eligible for certification, and a $10 per heifer certification fee is due as the heifer receives her official tag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Show-Me-Select Program has earned many accomplishments for Missouri cattlemen over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them are as follows:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are nearly 100,000 heifers currently enrolled in the program, with producers being assisted by 205 veterinarians and seventeen extension livestock specialists across the state. Producers are now able to use resources and technologies for their on-farm heifer development that is also beginning to spill over to their cow herd management.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an increased interest and success in estrous synchronization and artificial insemination across beef herds, allowing for improved genetics and reproductive management, as well as increased value and sale prices of heifers. The program has provided a means for producers to sell over 23,000 heifers throughout Missouri and seventeen other states since the program began in 1997. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I hope you found learning about the “Show-Me-Select” ™ Replacement Heifers, Inc. program as interesting as I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may want to consider a similar heifer development program in North Carolina someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you would be interested in learning more about the program, details can be found at:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://agebb.missouri.edu/select/">http://agebb.missouri.edu/select/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-72659514032406341512011-12-20T15:12:00.000-05:002011-12-20T15:12:41.252-05:00One man’s friend is another man’s farm hand<style>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;">Submitted by Emily Herring, Extension Livestock Agent, Pender County</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>“It’s me again, Hank the Cowdog, Head of Ranch Security.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how each book of the classic Hank the Cowdog series starts. The famous children’s book about a scrawny, bumbling cowdog who interrupts his thoughts more than he thinks them, and always seems to get into more trouble on the texas ranch than he does solving problems of missing cattle, chicken thieves, and coyotes. While this dog is the above average dumbbell, he is like any dog. He is loyal, helpful, honest, and willing to please anybody even if it means going up and beyond the call of duty. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though we protect our livestock with the best fences, keeping them in good health, and making sure they are comfortable; we cannot always be with them 24/7. With predators like coyotes, bobcats, wild dogs and other carnivorous animals are on the rise of invasion on account of drought, lack of food, or loss of territory. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Farmers are starting to look for guard animals that can not only defend itself but can fight off wild animals if the need arises. That is where “Man’s Best Friend” comes in handy. Dogs have always been a considered a “working animal” for humans for hundreds of years. Though it takes tons of training and plenty of time; guard dogs have started to make a comeback for farmers who want to stop worrying about their livestock when they are not presently with them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their jobs are quite simple really. The main focus of a guard dog’s job is protection of property and livestock from intruders. Depending on the severity of training on the dog, depends on the number of fatal or near-fatal attacks on livestock. Most farmers train their own dogs to guard while others purchase a dog that has already been trained by professional trainers. Some farmers keep their dogs in the pastures with the livestock so as they will be close-by at all times when there is no one else around. Other owners simply train their dogs to watch and protect along the perimeter of the farm property so not only can they watch livestock, but also let farmers know when cars approach and even protect young children from danger. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Size is another factor in the livestock protection business. Small dogs like Jack Russell terriers, are mostly used to keep small animals like possums, raccoons, foxes, and rats that are susceptible to diseases away from the livestock; and larger dogs like Rottweiler’s or Great Pyrenees’ are perfect for fighting off larger animals like coyotes or bobcats. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though the number of working dog breeds is miles wide, the number of breeders who specifically raise dogs for guarding purposes is very rare in the area. The best way for finding the right dog for your farm is by looking through online websites, magazines, newspapers, and even at your local feed stores where people have posted flyers of certain working dog breeds. If you have a specific breed you are looking for; it is best to do some research on the breed of dog to see if that breed is perfect for your lifestyle and family. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guard dogs are not a guarantee that predator invasion will diminish; but they will give you the satisfaction and peace of mind knowing that your livestock, whether cattle, sheep, or goats, will have someone there to help them if any trouble comes. Yes, when it comes to having a guard dog for “Ranch Security”, we can be sit back, relax, and be worry-free. And as Hank would say after a good day’s work, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Case Closed.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-72188526344682705472011-10-20T14:01:00.005-04:002011-12-20T14:07:09.310-05:00Equine Coggins, Vaccination, & Teeth Floating ClinicA great event is coming up in Lenoir County at the Lenoir County Livestock Arena on Saturday November 5th. Livestock Veterinary Services is partnering with our local REINS (Regional Equine Information Network System) volunteers to provide a working clinic for horse owners. See the brochure below for information on registration and costs. Contact Dr. Justin Martin at 252-933-1483 or 252-527-4960 for more information.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbv0MptqScP0oLTOhIuTZ3LqILg8tY0JqsC3zHeLzWy5yAfth4zkRvk7QNLlHnpuKeqZTUc54_euKnap0Ta6W_k9YTX9DBeNmFZChTq9JCwA2u3qcwAggIDwISR4cbeKIihhNGXyqiJFc/s1600/clinic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbv0MptqScP0oLTOhIuTZ3LqILg8tY0JqsC3zHeLzWy5yAfth4zkRvk7QNLlHnpuKeqZTUc54_euKnap0Ta6W_k9YTX9DBeNmFZChTq9JCwA2u3qcwAggIDwISR4cbeKIihhNGXyqiJFc/s320/clinic.png" width="248" /></a></div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-27961998803318627502011-09-01T08:53:00.003-04:002011-12-20T13:47:11.101-05:00Picking Up After the Storm On Pasture-Based Livestock FarmMatt Poore,<br />
Extension Beef Specialist, NCSU Department of Animal Science<br />
<br />
Pasture-based beef, dairy, sheep and goat farmers need to be diligent in checking livestock, repairing damaged infrastructure, and looking for possible hazards in pastures caused by storm damage. Whether the storm was a severe thunderstorm, a hurricane, or a tornado, storm damage can cause acute injury and further damage to livestock if tending to animals and pastures is made a low priority in the recovery process. At a time when there often is damage to personal property including dwellings, outbuildings, and other non-livestock facilities, sometimes the livestock and the pastures take a lower priority. The health and well-being of livestock should be the second priority after the health and well being of farmers and their families.<br />
<br />
Immediately after the storm subsides, producers should assess damage both to their infrastructure and their livestock. After they are sure friends and family are out of peril, they should check their pasture infrastructure to make sure that cattle or other livestock are in the pastures they were in before the storm, and that none of the animals are injured. If animals were injured by flying debris, the farmer should contact a veterinarian immediately if the injuries were severe. If conditions are so bad that livestock need to be evacuated, producers should contact their local extension agent, veterinarian, or emergency management officials.<br />
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Next, they should check to make sure waterers are operational and that fences are up and intact. If livestock are watered in a pressurized system and power is out, the producer should make haste to use a generator to restore power to the well system, or to provide another source of water (whether that be creating an emergency opening in the fence into a pond or stream, or by hauling water to the animals).<br />
If hauling water, make sure the amount delivered to the animals is adequate. Adult lactating beef cows of average size need to be provided at least 25 gallons per day of fresh water, while dairy cattle would require more. Mature sheep and goats will need 1-3 gallons per day (depending on their size). Cattle in particular may be dangerous when very thirsty. If cattle have been deprived of water for 24 hours or more, producers should take great care when filling water tanks or restoring water flow to small tanks. Cows are likely to fight aggressively to get to the water source, and the cattle or even the farmer may be injured in the struggle.<br />
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If electric fencing is in use, producers need to check the power level to make sure the system is operational, and if the power is out, they should restore emergency power to the fence energizer. The perimeter fence should be checked to make sure fallen trees or branches have not downed the fence. If fence damage has occurred, farmers should make every effort to get trees or branches off the fence and<br />
should make temporary repairs to keep livestock from wandering out of the pasture. More permanent repairs can be made later in the recovery process. If the system is electric, putting up temporary polywire and temporary posts may be the quickest way to restore the perimeter.<br />
<br />
After assessing damage to the livestock and infrastructure, producers should assess other potential hazards caused by storm damage. Debris blown into pastures such as insulation and other building materials (common following tornadoes) may be eaten by livestock, leading to digestive upset and possibly death.<br />
<br />
As producers check pasture infrastructure and scout for debris, they should also look for downed wild cherry tree limbs (or fallen wild cherry trees) and immediately either fence them away from livestock or remove them from pastures before livestock consume them. PRUSSIC ACID POISONING FROM CONSUMING WILTED CHERRY LEAVES FOLLOWING STORM DAMAGE IS A VERY COMMON CAUSE OF DEATH IN CATTLE, SHEEP and GOATS. This is an especially great hazard if pastures are short and livestock are hungry, because they may rapidly consume a large amount of the toxic material.<br />
<br />
Another potential poisoning that may result from late summer or fall storm damage is acorn poisoning. If there are oak trees in pastures and storms knock many of the green acorns down at one time, livestock may consume enough to be poisoned. As producers scout pastures for damage, they also should be aware of the potential for acorn poisoning. They should note which pastures have the highest levels of acorns, then take steps to keep animals away from them. As with cherry tree poisoning, the greatest risk is when livestock are hungry and pastures are grazed short.<br />
<br />
Finally, farmers should make sure livestock have adequate forage or feed, and should check mineral feeders to ensure animals have access to dry mineral (and are consuming the targeted amount). When farmers are hit by storm damage, there is much to think about and sometimes farmers neglect to follow normal management practices once they see that livestock are not injured and that infrastructure is intact. It is very important for animals to continue to have access to adequate forage and mineral supplement. If there is extensive damage to infrastructure, it may be most convenient to confine livestock to one pasture and feed hay until repairs can be made.<br />
<br />
After Hurricane Floyd hit the east coast in 1999, livestock specialists and veterinarians received numerous reports of livestock with various health problems for several months after the storm. Investigations of these situations by local livestock agents did not reveal specific issues caused directly by the storm, but rather that some livestock were undernourished because farmers had so many other problems to deal with. In a great many cases, the livestock had no access to a mineral supplement and were suffering from deficiencies. Many mineral feeders had been blown all the way out of pastures, the mineral present was soaked and hardened so that livestock were not consuming it, or minerals had simply not been put out. Trace minerals (including zinc, copper and selenium) are deficient in many areas of the country and are important for the animal to be able to deal with stress and immune challenge.<br />
<br />
Storms are an inevitable part of life, and managing damage means more than just cutting trees off fences and making sure livestock are not injured. Immediately following the storm the safety and health of you and your family comes first, but remember to continue to protect the safety and health of the animals you care for as part of your livelihood.Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-28994311484875253042011-08-25T13:28:00.001-04:002011-12-20T14:07:32.406-05:00Schedule of Events- Fall 2011<style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">September 5</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Labor Day;</b> State/County Holiday- Extension office will be closed</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">September 10</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Greene County Goat Show;</b> part of the Carolina Youth Meat Goat Circuit. Call Eve to register by September 8. Spectators welcome.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">September 23 & 24</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lenoir County Fair Youth Livestock Shows</b> at Lenoir County Fairgrounds. Registration deadline September 21.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">October 13-23</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">North Carolina State Fair</b>, Raleigh</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">October 29</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NC Sweet Potato Festival</b>, Snow Hill; Chicken and Rabbit Show 10 am</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">November 5 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Equine Dentistry Educational Series</b> and Clinic at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension office between 6:00 pm and 8:000 pm. To register, contact Craven County Cooperative Extension at (252) 633-1477</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">November 11- Veterans Day- </span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">State/County holiday- Extension Office will be closed.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">November 17</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Southeast Regional Pork Conference</b>; Lenoir County Extension office. Call 252-527-2191 to pre-register. Registration fee is $5 per person. You will receive 6 hours of CEC and a delicious meal.</span></div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-10814281584038421842011-08-25T13:27:00.001-04:002011-12-20T13:47:31.728-05:00Getting your Goats Ready for the Breeding Season<style>
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</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Submitted by Margaret Bell, Livestock Agent-Jones & Craven County</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Written by: Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, NCSU</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Breeding is a very important aspect of any meat goat operation. But, preparing the breeding does and buck(s) for the breeding season could have a large influence on the outcome and the profitability of the operation. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">Will body condition influence breeding success?</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">As the breeding season approaches</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">, producers should be concerned with the body condition of their breeding does. Goat should not be allowed to become too thin or too fat. Failure in reproduction, low twinning rates and low weaning rates will result if does are too thin. Overly fat does can suffer from pregnancy toxemia, but fat does are rarely a problem.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The term body condition refers to the fleshing of an animal. Simply looking at an animal can easily be misleading. Rather, animals should be touched. The easiest area to feel and touch to determine the body condition of an animal are the rib areas, on either side of the spine, by running a hand over those areas and pressing down with a few fingers. In doing so, one is able to determine the amount of fat covering the ribs. In general, does in good condition will have a fat thickness of not more than 0.03 to 0.05 inches over the backbone. Other areas to monitor are the shoulders, the tail heads, the pins, the hooks, the edge of the loins and the backbone. Practice makes perfect, thus use your animals to get a feel for it. An easy way to start is to select a few animals that are over conditioned and some others that are thin to get a feel for extreme body condition. Then introduce a small group of animals and compare their body to the animals having extreme body condition. Producers should develop an eye and a touch for the condition of their animals and strive to maintain a moderate amount of condition on their goats.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">One should also be concerned with the body condition of the breeding bucks. If bucks are overfed and become too fat, they may have no desire to breed does. Because of the increased activity and decreased feed intake during the breeding season, breeding bucks will most probably lose weight. Therefore, they need to be in good body condition and physical shape before the season starts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Body condition is also used to determine whether flushing will be of benefit to breeding does.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Flushing means increasing the level of feed offered to breeding does, mostly energy, starting about one month prior to the introduction of the bucks. By increasing the amount of feed offered, does will put on weight. This in turn will signal to the body that the doe can afford to raise several kids and ovulation rate and litter size will increase. Increasing the level of energy offered to does should continue throughout the breeding season and for approximately 30 to 40 days after removing the bucks for adequate implantation of the fetuses in the uterus. Does in extremely good body condition will tend not to respond to flushing. On the other hand, does that are in relatively poor condition, that is on the thin side, as a result of summer pastures of poor quality, high worm loads, late kidding</span> <span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">of twins or triplets, will respond favorably to flushing by improving their body condition. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Flushing can be accomplished by moving breeding does to a lush nutritious pasture 3 to 4 weeks prior to the introduction of the bucks. This cost-effective flushing method or “feed flush” or “green flush” is underutilized in the Southeast where forage is abundant. Another method is feeding ½ lb/day of a high energy</span> <span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">supplement. Corn is the grain of choice for flushing; whole cottonseed is another low cost, high energy supplement. The goal being to increase the intake and body weight, breeding does should be grouped according to their body condition and fed accordingly to first improve their body condition, then to maintain it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">What other measures will increase reproductive performance?</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Several other important measures will affect breeding indirectly, such as trimming feet, the grouping of animals, deworming, using the “buck effect” to synchronize does, and vaccination.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">1. Trimming feet.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Feet and legs should be examined closely for sores, overgrown hooves and sources of strange smells that could be associated</span> <span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">with infections or foot rot. Start trimming the feet of your animals several weeks before the breeding season to make sure that they will be in top shape during that period of increased activity. The buck in particular will cover a lot of territory. A lame buck will cover does only sporadically, or might give up altogether. Similarly, limping does may not let bucks breed them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">2. Grouping of animals.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Goats are very social animals and should be grouped together several weeks before the breeding season so that the pecking order of the animals is established. Forming groups just prior the breeding season will disrupt the pecking order of the animals. The fighting that will ensue to establish a new pecking order within the newly-formed groups will be a source of stress and will influence reproductive performance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Young does should have reached approximately 70 to 75% of their estimated mature body weight to be bred successfully without adversely affecting their mature size. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">3. Deworming </span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">the breeding does and the buck(s) before the start of the breeding season is an important management tool. If flushing is planned, it is advisable to deworm prior to flushing. Wormy does will not increase their body condition during the flushing period and therefore flushing may not increase ovulation rate. In addition, wormy does will not breed well or may not breed at all, or may conceive and abort later.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">4. The “buck effect”.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Keeping the does away from bucks is important in the development of sound breeding programs that should be paralleled with feed resources and market demands. The best approach to separate does from bucks is to develop a secure buck pasture. The buck pasture should be far enough from the breeding doe herd, otherwise scent emitted by glands located behind the base of the bucks' horns will induce estrous in does. Due to this "<b>buck effect</b>" does will come into heat approximately 7 to 10 days after the introduction of the buck. It is a good strategy to use to naturally synchronize breeding does at the start of the breeding season. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -.75in -.5in 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 481.5pt 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">5. Vaccination</span></b><i><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Although some producers have had no problems so far without implementing a vaccination program, it is recommended that goats be vaccinated against overeating disease (enterotoxemia) and tetanus prior to the start of the breeding season.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -.75in -.5in 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 481.5pt 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -.75in -.5in 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 481.5pt 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in;"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Is the buck ready for breeding?</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -.75in -.5in 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 481.5pt 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in 10.5in 11.0in 11.5in 12.0in 12.5in 13.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Bucks may be easily overlooked but one cannot assume that they are reproductively sound. A buck that was sound one year may not be the next. The results of using a reproductively unsound buck will be reduced kidding rates and profits. It is a good idea to watch bucks for normal urination and also for signs of sexual behavior as the breeding season approaches. For a more thorough breeding evaluation, immobilize the buck and examine the testes. They should be roughly the same size, fairly firm to the touch and devoid of lumps. The presence of testicular abnormalities could indicate that the buck is unsound for breeding. Next, examine the sheath (also called the prepuce) and the penis if you can protrude it. It requires some experience to push the prepuce down to reveal the penis. The penis should be checked for sores and the pizzle (the thin worm-like process at the end of the penis) should not be hard anywhere. The presence of hard, small lumps could be an indication of urinary stones (a condition also called urinary calculi). A buck suspected of reproductive problems, whether in its testes or any part of the penis, should be examined by a veterinarian before allowing it to breed does.</span></div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-8704473992943245072011-08-25T13:25:00.002-04:002011-12-20T13:47:52.242-05:00Don’t Wait Too Late For Your Winter Pasture<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">by<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">: </b>Emily Herring- Pender County Livestock Agent</span></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">As of right now, the last thing on everyone’s mind is winter pastures with the warm days and the warm nights that seem to follow. But now is the perfect time to prepare your pastures for the winter. The importance of a winter pasture is going to be even more important this winter due to the drought we have experienced this summer. Local hay is going to be short and the need to sustain your own animals will be greater. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> For this article, the focus will be on winter annual ryegrass with the best dates being September 1- September 30, and the possible dates being September 1- October 31. But first things first, be sure to take representative soil sample of the field you want to seed/overseed with ryegrass and get that sent off to the lab for results as soon as</span> <span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">possible. OR if you have taken a soil sample within the last three years those results can be utilized for gaining information about the pH. The recommended pH level for winter ryegrass is 6.5 which is the same as Bermuda and Fescue. The pH is the most important part of the equation when establishing pastures of any kind. Once this is completed and the results come back, apply the nutrients as the soil test indicates. Keep in mind if you are using an old soil test report and you have already applied lime at the recommended rates then lime may not be necessary and the other nutrients may not be the same for ryegrass as for other grasses. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> Next, decide on the ryegrass seed that you want to plant. While at the store deciding on the different seed, be sure to look at the label on the seed bag for germination rate, percent of the desired seed, inert matter, and weed seed. Compare the different varieties of seeds based on those seed labels to make a logical decision on the right choice based on high germination rate, high desired seed, and low inert matter and weed seed.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt;"> Getting the field (seedbed) ready to plant should be the next step. If there is a substantial amount of yield left on the perennial summer pasture be sure to graze it down to keep other grass competition down when seeding with ryegrass. If </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">grazing is not an option, mowing the perennial summer pasture down is another way. By doing either one of these methods it’s called overseeding and it’s a good option to keep a warm season stand of grass while utilizing the land for winter grazing. If overseeding is your preferred method, then seeding by a grain drill will be the most beneficial way of establishment. When deciding on having a pasture that is solely ryegrass (no other grass being present, like Bermuda) then total elimination of weeds will be necessary by applying roundup (glyphosate) at the recommended rates on the label for the weeds being controlled. Getting the seedbed prepared will be necessary by lightly disking and lightly packing the soil back. After this is completed, then broadcasting seed can take place with a light drag to cover the seed. When dragging over the seed keep in mind the seedbed needs to be clean and free of debris because it can cause more soil to cover the seed therefore making the chances of germination lower. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> After deciding on the ryegrass and getting the field prepared, plant at the recommended seeding rates of 30-40 pounds per acre when broadcasting it and at 20-30 pounds per acre when drilling. The planting depth should be at only ¼ inch to ½ inch deep. Good seed-soil contact needs to be met when planting ryegrass but special care needs to be taken to make sure the seed is not too deep. The most common problem seen when trying to establish pastures is planting depth and planting hen the soil is too dry. Adequate moisture needs to be in the soil when planting any type of seed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">When the ryegrass is getting established, keep livestock/horses off of it until it reaches 6-10inches in height and then grazing can be allowed until ryegrass is 3-4 inches in height. When this level is met animals should be moved off the pasture to another area and fertilization with nitrogen is required for optimum re-growth. If overgrazed more than 3-4 inches, then grazing on the pasture will be a one time occurrence and money will be wasted. The total amount of nitrogen in the entire growing season is 80-100 pounds per acre so split applications of nitrogen after each grazing segment should not amount to more than 100 pounds at the end of the life cycle of the plant (until April). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Don’t wait too long to get your winter annual pastures established, remember the possible recommended dates for planting annual ryegrass is September 1<sup>st</sup> until October 31<sup>st</sup>. Waiting too late into the fall can affect yields greatly and reduce the chances of a stand. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-64760725315486970212011-08-25T13:24:00.002-04:002011-12-20T14:09:32.451-05:00Understanding the New Swine Transportation Law<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">by Eileen A. Coite, Wayne County</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Have you heard of House Bill 432, better known as the “Transportation of Swine”? If you produce and market swine in North Carolina, and transport hogs on public roads, you will want to be familiar with the details of this new law as of June 27<sup>th</sup>, 2011. The law takes effect October 1, 2011, and will very likely be a concern of some small and mid-sized swine producers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Most producers identify all animals on their farm with some form of identification, whether an ear tag, tattoo, ear notch, or combination of these. However, after October 1, each animal that is transported either to another farm or a processing facility must be identified with a method approved by the State Veterinarian. Producers are invited to give input to determine which methods will meet requirements of the law, but also be of little hassle, cost, and inconvenience to them. In fact, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Veterinary Division will be providing tags for identification, free to producers. Producers may contact the NCDA office to order these tags. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">What has caused the need for this legislation? Feral swine is the sole purpose for this law. This new law is not intended to trace animals back to a particular farm, but is only intended to distinguish between domestic and feral swine. Feral swine have become a major problem in North Carolina, and identification of domestic swine is critical to identifying those that are transporting feral hogs. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">It is important to note that even though the law is in effect October 1, 2011, the State Veterinarian’s office will be using this first year to educate producers and not penalize those unaware. However, anyone that is found blatantly conducting illegal activity and transporting feral swine will be fined, at a rate of $5000 per feral hog being moved. This is why identification is so critical. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">For more information on the Swine Transportation Law, to order tags, or give input to the State Veterinarian’s office, producers are asked to call 919-733-7601 and ask for someone in the livestock section. Additionally, producers may be added to an email distribution list to stay in tune to any changes, notices and items of interest with regard to this law. Anyone interested should send an email to </span><a href="mailto:Joe.Web@ncagr.gov"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Joe.Web@ncagr.gov</span></a><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"> and request to be added to the “swine ID distribution list”. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission can give details on trapping and/or hunting feral swine, which is legal for anyone with a hunting license. For more information on this, please contact the NCWR Commission or visit </span><a href="http://www.ncwildlife.org/hunting/index.htm"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.ncwildlife.org/hunting/index.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-14637787982163866262011-08-25T13:23:00.003-04:002011-12-20T13:55:41.293-05:00Fecal Egg Counting Service Available<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"></span></u></b><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">by Eve Honeycutt, Lenoir & Greene Counties</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">For those producers who are battling drug resistant parasites on their farm, or if you just want to know whether or not you need to de-worm your animals, I will now offer fecal egg counting as a free service at the Extension office. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> All you have to do is collect a fresh sample of manure- less than 30 minutes old. Use a plastic zip-top bag to collect the sample and bring it to the Extension office. If you can't get to the office right away, refrigerate the sample and bring it to the office as cool as possible without freezing. I can perform the fecal egg counts at your convenience, in less than 30 minutes. Knowing your worm load before you use a chemical de-wormer can help you determine if you need to de-worm at all, or help you choose the best product. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">If you are planning to bring a sample, please call me at least one day in advance to check my schedule and make sure I will be in the office that is most convenient for you. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-12841586509972474772011-08-25T13:22:00.003-04:002011-12-20T14:05:35.570-05:00Common Cattle Diseases and Treatments<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">By Eve H. Honeycutt</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Extension Livestock Agent, Lenoir and Greene Counties</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">There are many common cattle diseases that occur in eastern North Carolina cow/calf herds. Below is a discussion of two of these diseases, possible treatments, and advice on veterinary care.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">PINKEYE</span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Pinkeye is one of the most common diseases in cattle. It can affect all ages of cattle and it is highly contagious. Multiple strains of bacteria can cause the disease, and it can be difficult to determine which one is the culprit in your herd. In the early stages of pinkeye, the animal will be very sensitive to light, and you may see a bluish spot on the lens of the eye, followed by watery discharge. Once the animal has pinkeye, it will be bothered easily by vectors such as flies, dust, and tall grass seedheads. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Treating Pinkeye</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Pinkeye can be treated with over the counter medication such as LA-200 or penicillin. If these treatments do not improve the eye, a vet should tend to the eye in order for the animal to recover. Over the counter treatments or home remedies that involve powder, sprays, or salt should not be used due to the irritating nature of these products. Cancer eye should not be confused with pinkeye, since cancer eye is much more serious and usually is first noticed by lumps or bumps growing around the eye. Animals with cancer eye or pinkeye should not be taken to a stockyard in order to safeguard the human food supply and prevent other animals from contracting the diseases. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">CALF DIARRHEA/SCOURS</span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Calf scours is one of the most common diseases in newborn calves. Contrary to popular belief, it is impossible to tell what bacteria is affecting the animal based solely on the color of the feces. However, a good guess can be made about the possible bacteria present based on other factors. If the scours occurs in a calf less than 10 days old, the bacteria present is probably E. Coli, Rotavirus, or Coronavirus. Cryptosporidium is a protozoa that can cause scours in calves at 5-35 days of age. Salmonella is severe bloody diarrhea and a high body temperature. Calves less than 21 days old will not be troubled by Coccidia because of the incubation period of the disease in the calf’s body. When treating calf scours, it is important for the animal to continue to drink (or be forced to drink) milk to prevent further dehydration and provide adequate nutrition. Because of the diarrhea, metabolic acidosis may occur which will cause the animal to breathe heavily. If the calf is lying on the ground and willing to accept your intervention, then it should be treated. If the animal readily gets up to follow its mother, even with diarrhea, then it will most likely recover quickly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Treating Calf Scours</span></u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">(</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Clell V. Bagley</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">, DVM, Extension Veterinarian, Utah State University)</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">:</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">There are a variety of fluid and electrolyte formulas available and most will work to some extent. Consult with your veterinarian about his choice and why. If the products are not working, re-evaluate with him again. Some formulas also contain a gel substance which helps to add bulk and may absorb some toxins (poisons) from the gut. Most calves with scours tend to be acidotic (their system is too acid). It will help these calves to receive electrolytes that are alkaline (basic) in nature for 24–36 hours. After that they should be changed to non-alkaline electrolytes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">If being used with or near milk feeding, an acetate form should be used. If this is not a problem them bicarbonate or lactate can be used. The use of systemic antibiotics by injection may also be of benefit if a bacterial infection has become generalized in the calf’s body. The major problem encountered in treatment with fluids and electrolytes is that producers give too little, too late. Plan to give 2 qts., 2–4 times per day. Determine the frequency of treatment needed by the amount of dehydration present; this is evidenced by sinking of the eyes and elasticity of skin on the neck and withers. Don’t mix the fluid and electrolytes with milk; that prevents curd formation and the milk is then of no benefit. If you are feeding milk, wait for 15–20 minutes before giving the fluid and electrolytes. </span></div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-20113361230768387912011-08-24T09:44:00.002-04:002011-12-20T13:51:48.330-05:00Irrigation Guidelines for Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, and Flood WatchesAll farms covered under a permit in North Carolina need to be aware of the regulations you are expected to abide by as a tropical weather system approaches. Your permit states in Section II.22:<br />
<br />
"Land application of waste shall cease within four (4) hours of the time that the National Weather Service issues a Hurricane Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, or a Flood Watch associated with a tropical system including a hurricane, tropical storm, or tropical depression for the county in which the permitted facility is located. Watches and warnings are posted on the National Weather Service's website located at: www.weather.gov"<br />
<br />
You can also call the National Weather Service office that serves our area. For Lenoir and Greene Counties, it is the office in Newport/Morehead City. The phone number is 252-223-5737. <br />
<br />
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-36893367866504002032011-08-24T09:31:00.004-04:002011-12-20T14:07:46.752-05:00Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis Found in Eastern North Carolina<style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">North Carolina’s Office of the State Veterinarian and the Center for Disease Control were notified August 18<sup>th</sup> that one horse in eastern North Carolina had tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE). Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of all members of the equine species. EEE is classified as a zoonotic disease, meaning humans may also contract the disease. Healthy adults who contract EEE may show flu-like symptoms including high fever and headaches, while older adults and children may become severely ill. Death may result in cases involving both equine and humans. The equine mortality rate due to EEE ranges from 75 to 90 percent.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Equine infected with EEE may show signs that include fever, depression, loss of appetite, irritability, weakness, excitability, central nervous system disorders (ie. circling, lack of coordination, head pressing, the tell-tale “saw horse” stance, sensitivity to light, and blindness). In rare instances, horses have been known to show no signs of the disease prior to death.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis is spread when a mosquito feeds on an infected horse, then moves on to a healthy horse. Dr. Ray, Director of Livestock Health Programs for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Veterinary Division noted that in many years we would have had one or more cases of the disease prior to early August and, that recent rains following drought conditions in eastern North Carolina may be partially responsible for the presence of the disease.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The best way to protect your equine against EEE is to keep their vaccinations up-to-date. Work with your veterinarian to be sure your horses are vaccinated annually. In addition, measures to limit mosquito populations will help decrease spread of the disease. It is also important that horse owners report to a veterinarian, any cases in which signs of EEE are observed. While a few cases of the disease are reported in North Carolina annually, it is thought that many more cases go unreported. Reporting any suspicious signs to your veterinarian may save other equine and possibly human lives.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-89755055054017425132011-08-03T14:17:00.001-04:002011-12-20T14:12:03.271-05:00Do you have the right driver’s license?<style>
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</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eileen Coite, Livestock Agent, Wayne County </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Having the right type of driver’s license and tags on your vehicles sounds simple enough, but is it? I often find that things are not always as easy as it would seem, and sometimes just as we think we know the laws, there is a change. I originally wrote this article a couple of years ago, but a few things have changed and I have heard that the state highway patrol have been more frequently stopping drivers hauling livestock and other agricultural commodities, so it might be a good time to review our driving rules for pulling livestock and horse trailers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The bottom line on licenses to pull trailers is to know the weight of your trailer. Every trailer (and vehicle) has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVRW) listed on the body of the vehicle. Look for a small metal plate on the front end or side of your trailer which lists all specifications, including the GVRW. For regular passenger vehicles, a class C regular license will suffice. According to the DMV, a class C license allows you to “operate any combination of noncommercial motor vehicles that have a GVRW of more than 10,000 pounds and less than 26,001 pounds, as long as the driver is 18 years of age or older”. Furthermore, according to the DMV “most drivers need only a Regular C license to operate personal automobiles and small trucks.” So, if your horse or livestock trailer is rated with a GVRW which is less than 10,000 pounds, you are fine with a class C license. Most small livestock and horse trailers fall into this category, such as a two horse tag-a-long or even some aluminum goosenecks. If it’s over this weight, read on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are two other classes of “regular” licenses. These are a Class A and Class B. The only real difference between the two of these is that the Class A is for any vehicle towing a vehicle of 10,000 pounds or more and the Class B is for a vehicle that weighs 26,001 pounds or more. Most truck/trailer combinations with a trailer over 10,000 pounds would require a Class A license, since small or passenger trucks weigh less than 26,001 pounds. If you have a large or long bodied horse or livestock trailer, you most likely will need a Class A license to haul. Occasionally, horse or livestock owners have been stopped and asked to see their license, and some have had to find drivers to get their rig back home! Don’t let this happen to you. Check your trailer now and make sure you are in compliance. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another thing to consider is vehicle tags. In addition to having the correct license, most vehicles must have a weighted tag if hauling a trailer or carrying weight that goes over 7000 pounds. So, if you are hauling a livestock or horse trailer, you will need weighted tags, or possibly farm tags, and should weigh your loaded trailer to know how much weight you are pulling and how much to have registered for your tags. Farm tags are only offered if you can document that your vehicle is used for farming as your source of income. There is an official form with questions that must be submitted to qualify for farm tags. Finally, make sure to give your trailer a good overall inspection. Checking the brakes, the floor, and lights is critical. Especially if you are ever hauling after dark, all lights should be operational and I’ve been told that just one non-functional light could cause problems if you are stopped. In fact, if your trailer has a gross weight of over 4000 pounds it also needs a yearly state inspection, so that might be something else to check into. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Much of the information I have provided here can be viewed at the NC Division of Motor Vehicles website, at <a href="http://www.ncdot.org/">www.ncdot.org</a>. Otherwise, contact the closest DMV office for questions you may have. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-89112773068026013412011-08-03T14:15:00.001-04:002011-12-20T13:51:24.410-05:00Updated Publication for Calibration of Stationary and Traveling Systems<style>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; font-size: 16pt;"></span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; font-size: 10pt;">By: Emily Herring- Livestock Agent –Pender County, </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Publication courtesy of NCSU, AG-553-09 and Amanda Hatcher, Duplin County Livestock Agent</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">North Carolina State University has released an updated version of “Calibration and Uniformity Assessment for Animal Wastewater Application Equipment” to give updated information on hard hose travelers and solid set systems. Irrigation systems wear and develop buildup, therefore affects their performance, both from an irrigation standpoint and from an economic standpoint. Calibrations are required once every two years for swine facilities in North Carolina with a state general permit and required once a year for swine facilities with an NPDES permit.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Here’s a summary of things to keep in mind before starting a calibration:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">A manufacturer’s chart for your system’s sprinkler and nozzle combination is needed for your irrigation design or wetted acreage determination.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Perform calibrations during periods of no to very light wind (less than 5 mph).</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Check wetted diameter and flow pressure under periods of normal pressure.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Equipment needed to complete a calibration:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Pressure gauge, either a mounted gauge or a handheld with pitot tube. (Which will cost roughly $38.00 offline.)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Flow meter with in-line adapters <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">IF</b> field-measured nozzle pressure and manufacture’s charts will not be used to obtain flow rate.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Measuring tape, 200-300 feet or wheel. (A measuring tape will cost roughly $25 offline.)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Flags for checking wetted diameter. (Roughly $5 for a set of flags.)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Caliper for measuring nozzle size. (Roughly costs $10.)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Calibration forms for recording measurements. These can be found at your local Extension Office.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">For hard-hose travelers and stationary systems (solid sets), the following steps are needed:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Measure the nozzle size of traveler guns.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Measure pressure at the nozzle or sprinkler.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Measure the wetted diameter of the nozzle or sprinkler.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Measure the flow rate.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Compare the measured pressure, wetted diameter, and flow rate against the manufacturer’s chart, irrigation design documents, and/or the wetted acreage determination.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Although the rain gauge method that was once needed every three years is not required now to determine uniformity, sprinkler spacing (or lane spacing for travelers) must be within design specifications and pressure must be within the ranges provided by manufacturer (Liu, 2009; 9<sup>th</sup> SB 1217 Guidance Document, North Carolina 1217 Interagency Group, 2009). To check for uniformity: </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Compare field-measured wetted diameter and pressure to manufacturer’s charts.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Calculate the sprinkle or lane spacing as a percentage of field-measured wetted diameter to determine if spacing falls in the recommended range.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Field data sheets at the end of the publication help calibrations to go more smoothly. If you would like to receive a copy of this publication contact or if you have any questions about calibrations, contact your County Extension Agent. For a total estimated onetime cost of the equipment needed to do a calibration at the most roughly being $78 it would be a good way to save money on the farm versus paying a company to do it. </span></div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-23484787120540340492011-08-03T14:12:00.002-04:002011-12-20T14:07:59.425-05:00Hardware Disease In Cattle<style>
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</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By: Margaret A. Bell, Livestock Agent – Craven & Jones Counties</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Adapted from: ‘Hardware Disease in Cattle’ from Michigan Extension </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Have you ever heard of Hardware Disease? Did you know that it could cause serious problems with your cattle’s health? Hardware Disease is when some type of sharp objet pierces the wall of the stomach and then has access to the heart. Then the object may pierce the heart sac causing even more problems. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">So, what symptoms will your cows have if they have Hardware Disease? They will be depressed, have a poor appetite and will most likely be reluctant to move. Cattle may also have indigestion, or show signs of bloat. These symptoms may disappear but will most likely show back up within the next seven days. If you suspect Hardware Disease in your cow and the animal is slaughtered, it is possible to find a wire of nail that is poking through the reticulum wall. A cow has four compartments to its stomach and the reticulum is one of those four compartments. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">What type of treatment is there for Hardware Disease? Treatment for this disease varies from animal to animal. If the animal is extremely valuable, you may consult with your veterinarian to see if a rumenotomy is recommended. This is when your veterinarian approaches the problem surgically to the reticulum. Also, they may palpate the area to verify a foreign object or some type of adhesions. If any object is found, it is possible for your veterinarian to make an incision into the wall of the animal’s ruminal wall and manually remove the object. Much care are needed with all of the above options, so please consult with your veterinarian and make sure you have a good patient – client – veterinarian relationship. Another option in a case where the animal is not exceptionally valuable would be to slaughter the animal and try to diagnose the problem that way and use it as an example for future possible cases of Hardware Disease in your herd. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">As for prevention, a popular way routine is to use magnets in the reticulum. As with other procedures, it is recommended you ask your veterinarian to perform this procedure. The goal of the magnet is that it simply keeps foreign objects that are metallic and they will adhere together in a ball. This will reduce the chances that this object will penetrate the reticulum wall causing major medical problems. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The prognosis of Hardware Disease varies due to several factors. The main factor is how much infection is present and how long the animal has had the foreign object. However, if this is caught early enough, sometimes it can be fixed and the animal will live a normal life after. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-27815896417974176362011-08-03T14:09:00.002-04:002011-12-20T14:08:17.685-05:00Supplementing Cattle on Drought-affected Pastures<style>
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</h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Submitted by Eve H. Honeycutt, Livestock Agent, Lenoir and Greene Counties</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Adapted from an article by Greg Lardy, Extension Beef Specialist, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, North Dakota State University</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><span style="font-family: Times;">As I write this, it is too early to tell if the recent rain will do enough to improve the effects of the recent dry, hot weather on our forage crops. With any luck, there will be more rain in the near future to increase soil moisture and forage yield. But just in case, I thought some good information about drought affected pastures would benefit those of you with grazing animals. Cattle producers generally have two main options for meeting the nutrient requirements of cattle on drought affected pastures and ranges. The first is to provide supplemental feed to ensure the cow herd has adequate energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. The second is to reduce the nutrient requirements of the cow to a point where they can be met with available forage.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Drought-affected pastures generally do not produce adequate forage to maintain "normal" stocking rates, so producers must provide supplemental energy to meet the needs of the cow herd. Pastures that are dormant due to drought conditions may be low in vitamin A, phosphorus, and protein. Meeting the need for these nutrients is important if cow herd productivity is to be maintained. Reductions in stocking rate will benefit plants by reducing stress and will also provide more forage for the remaining cattle. When stocking rates are reduced in accordance with production, only small effects on weaning weight may be noted. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Providing Supplemental Feeds During a Drought</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Minerals. Provide the same salt and mineral mixture during drought as you would during normal conditions. However, during drought phosphorus supplementation is critical. A mixture of 50 percent trace mineralized salt and 50 percent dicalcium phosphate supplied free choice to the cow herd will meet the phosphorus requirement. The salt mixture should be placed close to stock watering locations.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Vitamin A. Lack of vitamin A may be a problem during fall and winter for cows that grazed drought-affected pastures during summer. Vitamin A is lacking in forages during drought and hay produced from drought-affected forages. Cows should receive vitamin A and D booster shots approximately 30 days prior to calving and their calves should receive vitamin A and D at birth.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Protein. Pastures dormant due to drought conditions may be deficient in protein. If these conditions occur during the breeding season, reductions in pregnancy rate can occur. Provide dry cows with approximately 0.5 to 0.75 pounds of supplemental crude protein and lactating cows with 0.9 to 1.2 pounds of supplemental crude protein per day. This can be fed as approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds of soybean meal for dry cows and 2 to 2.5 pounds of soybean meal for lactating cows. Protein supplementation may be necessary for optimum breeding rates during drought conditions. Alfalfa hay, sunflower meal, safflower meal, as well as other protein meals may also be used as protein supplements.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Energy. Since forage production is generally limited during a drought, energy may be the most limiting nutrient for grazing cattle. Several options are available for supplying energy to cattle on drought-stressed pasture. Hay, grain, and crop processing byproducts can all be used to supply energy to grazing cattle. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Grain processing coproducts, such as wheat midds, soyhulls, barley malt sprouts, beet pulp, and corn gluten feed, which contain highly digestible fiber provide energy while alleviating much of the negative impact that grain supplementation has on fiber digestibility. In addition, these byproducts provide protein which may also be limiting in drought-stressed forages.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Drylot Feeding. If pasture conditions are extremely poor, producers may consider feeding cows in drylot. This may be more cost effective than supplementation if large amounts of supplement must be transported and fed to cows daily. In addition, it may allow pastures a much needed rest period to begin recovering from the drought.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-90354893332706487182011-08-03T14:06:00.001-04:002011-12-20T13:52:47.420-05:00Weaning Lambs and Kids<style>
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</span></div><i>submitted by </i> <br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Emily Herring- Livestock Agent, Pender County ,Adapted from Susan Schoenian, Weaning Primer http://www.sheepandgoat.com/articles/weaning.html </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Weaning is the act of taking milk away from an animal’s diet and is replaced by another form of feed that will become its main source of nutrition. A producer decides on whether to wean early which is less than 90 days or late which is longer than 90 days. Early or late weaning, either way, weaning is an important part of any farmer’s management plan. There is no magic time to wean, therefore weaning needs to be based on the circumstances and production system that is in place on the farm. The factors to consider when weaning is age, breeding season, parasite problems, the market, facilities, labor, and forage ability on the farm. It is better to wean kids when they are 2 to 2.5 times their birth weight, and lambs when they are 2.5 to 3 times their birth weight. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Late weaning is also referred to as the doe or ewe weaning the young naturally. An operation that is only kidding once a year with the lack of labor being a major problem then late weaning maybe the best option to employ for that farm. The lambs and kids will continue to keep nursing until the doe or ewe’s body slows down production of milk and then that forces the young to go elsewhere to find food to forage on. When the lambs/kids stop nursing then the doe/ewe will stop producing milk. The longer the kid/lamb is on the doe/ewe then in general the poorer the body condition of that mother will become over time due to the extra work she has to do maintain herself and a large, growing lamb/kid. <span style="color: black;">The risk of mastitis is much less. Late weaning usually allows producers to take advantage of their forage to finish their lambs and kids. Pasture is the cheapest form of feed much more economical than hay and grain diets. Management is simpler, as females and offspring can be maintained in a single group for a longer period of time. But there is an increased risk of infection of parasites to the kids/lambs and more of an increased competition for forages between the older mothers and their young.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;">Early weaning is a desired management practice for producers who are in the sheep and/or goats as a business with breeds who have a high genetic potential for growth. It takes the burden off of high-producing females making them less stressed and helps them return to a more ideal body condition for breeding sooner. It has been noted there is less risk of parasites when lambs/kids are weaned early and fed in a dry lot. When considering your pocket book, it is less expensive to feed lambs/kids than the dams with their offspring if you have to feed grain and hay. There is a greater risk of mastitis in the dams because they may still be in peak milking production time. Early weaning causes a higher stress level in both the young as well as he dams and requires a higher level of management from the farmer. Lambs and kids weaned early are usually finished on hay and or grain diets and are normally creep fed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"> Weaning is a stressful time for the animals; therefore, take special care to make the process easier for them. Creep feeding is a suggested practice to help reduce the stress level in the kids/lambs when they are weaned early. When weaning, keep the young within their groups in familiar surroundings to reduce their stress and remove the dams. Be sure not to change the diets of the young two weeks before or after weaning, this would upset their system and allow the incidence of disease to set in quicker when weaning. Cocciodiostats should be given to the kids/lambs in their feed, mineral, or water before and after weaning because coccidoiosis is a serious concern for the young during this stressful time. If the lambs are weaned early, their first vaccination for overeating disease and tetanus (CD-T) should be given two weeks before weaning and then again four weeks after the first initial vaccine. Early weaned does/ewes should be fed lower quality feeds and forages to help decrease her milking production before weaning time. This helps her prevent mastitis and it is a huge no-no to allow newly weaned mothers to graze or have access to a beautiful lush pasture, this increases their risk of getting mastitis in their udder.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-67893473276246994412011-08-03T14:04:00.001-04:002011-12-20T13:53:06.156-05:00Spring Planting Considerations<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">submitted by</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />
</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Margaret Bell, Extension Livestock Agent, Craven and Jones Counties</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Over the years, most livestock owners have acknowledged crabgrass as a weed. Now, however, we are realizing the great nutritional value it has to certain animals, especially horses. As for the new herbicide product labeled just this past year, Metsulfuron Methyl & Nicosulfuron (Pastora), brings about quite the mountain of questions as well. In this article, we will discuss a few of the common misconceptions about both and discuss good planting options for the spring season. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Crabgrass has a lot of advantages. Here are some facts you need to know if you want to plant crabgrass. It is very cheap and grows well in areas that drain appropriately. For crabgrass to get its optimum growth, air temperature needs to be between 85 and 95 degrees because it is a warm season grass. It will not grow very much when the temperature is below 60 degrees. Also, warm season grasses are more tolerant to moisture stress than cool season grasses. For the coastal plain, crabgrass needs to be planted from April to May 15. Make sure you plant only about ¼ of an inch deep as crabgrass is very sensitive to how deep or shallow it is planted. You will need about 3 – 4 pounds of seed per acre. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> As for Pastora, you need to do your research since it is such a new product. It is labeled for chemical weed control in hay crops and pastures in coastal bermudagrass (as found on the label): suppresses large crabgrass and goose grass, controls barnyard grass, broadleaf signal grass, foxtail species, Johnson grass up to 18 inches, panicum species, Italian ryegrass, sandbur, volunteer cereals, Pensacola Bahia grass, wild garlic, and many broadleaf weeds such as bitter sneezeweed, buttercup, geranium, chickweed, curly dock, dandelion, dog fennel, <u>henbit,</u> horseweed, jimsonweed, lambs quarters, morning-glory, pigweed, plantain, smartweed, and wild mustard. Consult with your local livestock agent for formulation amounts and how to properly apply these chemicals. Don’t forget to use a surfactant if the product calls for it. There are not any hay or grazing restrictions for Pastora use and it provides post emergent grass weed control. It also provides pre and post emergent broadleaf weed control. You should only apply it to established bermudagrass pastures and you could potentially injure your crop if you treat new growth more than two inches or after seven days following harvest. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Other spring planting considerations include taking a soil sample and sending it to North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s lab to be analyzed. Although right now is the busy time of the year for the lab, you can always take a sample and have the information to work with next year. They will send you an analysis and give you recommendations based on your soil type and what you want to plant. It is important to follow the recommendations of a soil analysis to ensure you are properly preparing your pastures for planting. If you would like to learn how to take a soil sample, like to pick up free soil sample kits, or would like to discuss the advantages / disadvantages of crabgrass and herbicides, or how to prepare your pasture for spring planting, please contact your local Extension agent. <style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal">*<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Chemical Disclaimer</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 3.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in your county.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-17238241093817490312011-08-03T14:01:00.002-04:002011-12-20T14:05:49.410-05:00Consider Beef Marketing Options<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">submitted by</span></i><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />
</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Eileen A. Coite,, Extension Livestock Agent,</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Wayne County</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, how do you market your beef? There are so many options today, and lately beef prices have been high enough that everyone has benefitted, but will that trend continue? Some say that prices have peaked and may not continue on this level. Let’s take a look at many of the options available to producers today, and give thought to which might be the best choice for your situation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Many producers don’t give much thought into strategic marketing. If its time to market a few calves or the bank account has dropped a bit, and its sale day at the weekly livestock auction, maybe its time to load up and head over there. This might not be a bad idea, but is it always the best choice? That is a decision all producers have to make, and having this flexible option is great, especially when prices are high. As I write this article, 5 weight steer calves brought on average 1.40 per pound this week. Heifers brought 1.26. Cull cows brought nearly 70 cents, and bulls brought 94 cents. So if you are marketing cattle things are looking good right now. What about when its not?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Marketing options increase for producers that follow a more stringent management system in their herd. Things like having a designated breeding and calving season to increase uniformity in calves, a vaccination and de-worming program to keep everyone healthy, and a calf development program to have them “bunk broke” so they will be on feed earlier once they get to their backgrounding destination. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The weekly livestock market is a great resource and probably the most used marketing option for beef producers. It gives flexibility of bringing small groups of cattle that might not be the same age, size or breed. There is also flexibility of being able to drop calves off on any given week. The downside of this is that producers must pay a commission fee to the market for this service, which is a small percent of the animal’s sale value. An understandable tradeoff for the convenient service the market provides. If your calves are not uniform, or are not on a healthcare/vaccination program they will still be sold. However, premium prices won’t be paid if your calves have been vaccinated. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another option is marketing at one of the NC graded feeder calf sales. These sales are coordinated by a combination of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, the NC Cattlemen’s Association, NC Cooperative Extension, and participating livestock markets. Producers still have the option of bringing any number of calves, mixed sexes, sizes, and breeds, but the sales are on designated dates throughout the spring and the fall. Calves are graded by a NCDA marketing specialist and sorted by sex, grade, and weight into pens of similar calves within 100 pounds of weight. Graded sales most often ask for consigners to notify ahead of time how many calves they will be bringing, and sometimes have other requirements, such as vaccinations, dehorning, castration, etc. The plus to the graded sale versus the weekly market is that calves often bring a few to several cents more per pound. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Direct farm sales and tele-auctions are another option. Producers with large numbers of like cattle most often benefit from this type of sale, as they must fill a semi-truck with calves from one location. Video and tele-actions often also offer a way for the buyer to see the cattle ahead of time, as representatives from NCDA, Extension, or otherwise qualified and trusted verifier can assist with visiting the farm and confirm the number, size, health and quality of the cattle for the buyer. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another option that has grown attention more recently are cattle marketing alliances. Many producers have increasingly become interested in learning more about these and deciding to participate. In alliances, several producers work together to market their calves, by having similar breeding season, health and nutrition program, as well as similar genetics. There are stricter guidelines for each producer to follow to become an alliance member, but there are advantages that come with the requirements. This is another appealing option to the buyer, knowing that the calves will be more uniform and knowing the history of these calves. Because of this, the cattle bring a premium price over the weekly auction market and graded sales. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, remember, things are looking great right now, but as in most years, prices that are high in the spring will drop off in the fall. This has been very predictable over the years with the basic rule of supply and demand. Studies have shown that cattle prices usually peak in the months of March to May, but then usually bottom out around October. As you enjoy the high cattle prices right now, keep in mind the many marketing options that might benefit you when prices drop off in the fall, because as well all know, history often repeats itself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-16996962306299906482011-08-03T13:59:00.003-04:002011-12-20T14:12:53.756-05:00Wastewater from On-farm Processing - HB 162 Approved<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Eve H. Honeycutt</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Extension Livestock Agent, Lenoir </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">and Greene Counties</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Farmers generating small quantities of waste water from on-farm processing activities such as making goat cheese or wine may now dispose of that water through land application so long as the application does not run into surface water or violate our ground or surface water standards. <br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources will be putting together information regarding best management practices. Cooperative Extension and NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will get that information out to farmers. <br />
<br />
Please note that HB 162 arose from comments from farmers across the <br />
state to NC Farm Bureau, to the North Carolina Sustainable Local Food <br />
Council, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, NCDA&CS folks, NCSU <br />
Extension agents, and more. NC Farm Bureau led the effort with support <br />
from the greater agricultural community.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607841477542615546.post-13113510862241841552011-08-03T13:58:00.002-04:002011-12-20T14:09:17.106-05:00Pasture Based Swine Management<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Submitted by Eve H. Honeycutt</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Extension Livestock Agent, Lenoir</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">and Greene Counties</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Adapted from an article by</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Dr. D.W. Kennedy, Arkansas State University</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"> Pasture-Based Swine management (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PBSM</b>) is an alternative approach for raising swine outdoors using pasture as a major source of nutrients, particularly for gestating sows. Compared with confinement or indoor systems for raising hogs, the PBSM approach can offer the producer lower initial costs, lower production costs, and a sustainable method for producing pork. Because these systems require no expensive buildings and waste handling equipment, farmers can feasibly </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">down-size or expand their operation depending on prevailing market conditions. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Environmental and Social Issues<br />
</b> There are environmental and social issues that will continue to have an impact on confinement operations. Compared with pigs raised indoors, pasture systems significantly reduce problems associated with animal-rights groups, health of operators, and environmental concerns associated with dust, odor, and waste disposal. Pasture-based systems have a "built-in" waste management system because hogs disperse their waste over the land as they graze. <br />
The main two ingredients in conventional swine diets are corn and soybean meal. Often, these crops are managed as continuous row-crop production using potentially ground-water contaminating pesticides and fertilizers. Pasturing hogs reduces the reliance on corn and soybean production because forage crops will meet a portion of their daily nutrient needs.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"> <br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Site Selection and Layout<br />
</b> One of the most important decisions to be made is where to locate a pasture-based system. An area of land should be chosen that is well-drained and large enough to accommodate herd size. A land requirement of four to six sows per acre is a good place to start, but if pasture is to be utilized as feed, this stocking rate may need to be decreased. The layout of paddocks will vary due to size of the herd, soil type, topography, and land area available. A minimum number of paddocks should be constructed to accommodate the different management phases (gestation, farrowing, nursery, etc.). If pastures are to be utilized, the number of paddocks will vary depending on frequency of pasture rotation. Pasture rotation will help maintain the pasture stand, nutrient quality of the pasture, and reduce damage of pasture due to rooting. Furthermore, the layout of the system will depend a lot on personal preference. A wagon-wheel design may fit the area and can lower labor needs because the distance traveled when rotating hogs among paddocks is reduced. <br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fencing Options<br />
</b> Power or electric fencing is a low-cost alternative to conventional fencing. The low-cost and ease of installation has contributed greatly to the increased popularity of producing hogs outdoors. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"> High-tensile, 12.5 gauge steel wire is widely used because of its affordability and durability. A two-strand fence will suffice for most situations. However, more strands or a netting may be needed for young pigs. <br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shelters and Shade<br />
</b> Some type of shelter should be provided during each stage of production. There are many designs available for each type of shelter. Factors to consider when selecting a shelter type include: cost, use, construction skills required, and personal preference. Adequate space for dry sows is 12 to 16 square feet per sow or boar. An individual hut should be provided for each sow during farrowing. Any of several designs can be used. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nutrition and Feeding<br />
</b> Over 50% of the total cost of producing hogs will be feed costs. Remember, no one feed ingredient can provide all the nutrients swine need on a daily basis. Although, most swine diets are based on corn and soybean meal, a wide variety of feeds exists that are suitable for hogs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Pasture-based swine systems take advantage of the sow's excellent grazing ability to lower the cost of feeding. However, not all pastures will be suitable for sows. Pastures should be young, tender, high in protein, and low in fiber. Clovers and annual grasses such as wheat, oats, rye, and ryegrass make excellent forages for sows during the cooler months of the year. Rotationally grazing these pastures will help ensure that maximum productivity of pastures is achieved. Rotationally grazing sows helps maintain pastures at a young, tender stage of growth and helps avoid excessive trampling and rooting of pastures. Good-quality pasture can be used to replace 50% of the grain and supplement needs during gestation.</div>Eve Honeycutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00010116669993014794noreply@blogger.com2