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Minerals are an important part of the total ration for cows and calves. They are necessary for reproduction, health, growth and milk production. In most areas, minerals are not adequate in the forage or concentrate and must be provided. Many times, that is in the form of a free-choice product in a mineral feeder. It’s a common thought that cows will regulate themselves on mineral and will eat the amount they need, but there are so many factors impacting intake that you can’t depend on the cow to balance her own needs. Two factors that can be easily adjusted are...

When hiking alone or with friends, the Boy Scout motto “be prepared” could not be more relevant. In the wilderness, anything can potentially go wrong - from unexpected injuries to severe changes in weather conditions. For those who like to hike with their dogs, planning ahead and being is a necessity. Whether you are a day hiker, or a multi-day, extreme terrain hiker, here are some guidelines to help make hiking with your dog safe and enjoyable. 1. Health and Stamina: Prior to deciding to hike with your dog it is important to consider his ability to handle physical exertion....

Cattle need only minimal shelter. During calving it is nice to have a place where the cow and newborn calf can get out of the elements for a day or two. It is good to have a place where they can find shade in hot weather and wind break from the cold. A corral or dry lot must be available to keep the animals in when irrigating and when the pasture needs a rest from grazing. Good fences are important to ensure safety and good relation-ships with neighbors. Electric fences are useful for managing your pasture and should be sufficiently...

What is grass tetany? Grass tetany, also known as “grass staggers”, “wheat pasture poisoning” & “winter tetany”, is a fatal metabolic disease caused by a low levels of magnesium in the blood serum of ruminant livestock including beef cattle, dairy cattle and sheep. Grass tetany primarily affects mature cows nursing calves two months or younger, but can also occur in young cows and growing calves. Grass tetany is a serious, often fatal metabolic disorder characterized by low levels of magnesium in the blood serum of cattle. It is also called grass staggers and wheat pasture poisoning. It primarily affects older...

It can be quite alarming when a poultry owner gets a consistent five eggs, daily, from five hens, only to find just one egg for a few days. This sudden drop in egg laying takes us all into detective mode – are they hiding the eggs? Are they sick? Below you’ll find some of the most common reasons for decreased egg production to put your mind at ease and hopefully get your girls laying consistently again. Why do hens stop laying eggs? Molt. At 15-18 months of age, and every year thereafter, chickens will replace their feathers. Feathers will fall out to make...