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As the vibrant colors of autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape, it’s a reminder that colder weather is on its way. For farmers and animal caretakers, this season brings unique challenges and opportunities to ensure their animals remain healthy and thriving. Here are some essential tips to keep your livestock in top condition as temperatures drop. 1. Adjust Feed Rations With the onset of cooler weather, animals require more energy to maintain their body temperature. This means adjusting their feed rations to include more energy-dense foods. Consider incorporating grains like corn and barley, which provide the necessary calories to...

As the vibrant days of summer give way to the cool, crisp air of fall, it's an important time for farmers and livestock managers to focus on pasture health. Effective pasture management during the fall can set the stage for a productive spring. This blog will explore two key components of fall pasture care: rotational grazing and soil care. Understanding Rotational Grazing What is Rotational Grazing? Rotational grazing is a livestock management practice where animals are moved between different pasture sections (or paddocks) to allow forage plants time to recover and regrow. This method contrasts with continuous grazing, where livestock...

Most pet owners are diligent about feeding their pets a healthy, nutritious diet. It can be tempting, however, to offer a pet a tasty treat, especially on a special day such as a holiday or the pet's birthday, or even as a reward for mastering a new trick or obeying a command. There are some foods, however, that can be toxic to pets and should never be offered, even in small quantities. The Effects of Toxic Foods on Pets Giving a pet inappropriate foods can have many possible consequences, from mildly uncomfortable side effects to dangerous, even deadly results. The...

Cats and dogs are naturally meat-eaters, and grain-free treats are all the rage to offer your pets. But how appropriate are grains, really, in your pet's diet? What types of treats are suitable and how can you find the best options to meet your pet's nutritional needs? Grain and Your Pets Naturally carnivorous pets such as cats and dogs require diets high in protein and made of mostly meat for strong, healthy muscles and overall nutritional balance. While it is true that carnivores cannot easily digest grains, modern domesticated dogs and cats can usually eat small amounts of grain without...

Understanding the basic dietary needs of your equine friend is an essential part of ownership. Horses are foragers, meaning they graze. Meeting this natural characteristic is imperative.• Hay: Hay is commonly the preferred source of forage. A safe calculation is 1 pound of hay to every 100 pounds of a horse’s body weight. Allowing a horse to have access to hay all day helps promote a healthy digestive process.• Best Practice for Feeding: The amount of feed given on a daily basis should be determined by the horse’s size and work load. A normal leisure walking horse might have a...