Month: January 2025

Vaginal and Cervical Prolapse in Ruminants

Dr. Jennifer N. Roberts, DVM, DACT, Michigan State University
(Previously published online with Merck Manual Veterinary Manual: September, 2024)

(Image Source: Dr. Robert M. Lofstedt)

Eversion and prolapse of the vagina, with or without prolapse of the cervix, occurs most commonly in cattle and sheep (cows and ewes) and usually occurs in mature animals in the last trimester of pregnancy. A form of vaginal prolapse also occurs in dogs.

Predisposing factors include increased intra-abdominal pressure associated with the gravid uterus, intra-abdominal fat, and rumen distention plus relaxation and softening of the pelvic girdle and associated soft-tissue structures of the pelvic canal and perineum mediated by increased circulating concentrations of estrogens and relaxin during late pregnancy. Increased intra-abdominal pressure in recumbent animals may contribute to eversion of the vaginal tissue. Continue reading Vaginal and Cervical Prolapse in Ruminants →

Frost Seeding Clover: A Recipe for Success

Chris D. Teutsch, S. Ray Smith, and Jimmy Henning, University of Kentucky

Figure 1. Clover and other legumes are an important part of sustainable grassland ecosystems. They form a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in which nitrogen from the air into a plant available form, improve nutritive value, and help to alleviate tall fescue toxicosis. (Photo by Chris Teutsch)

Legumes are an essential part of a strong and healthy grassland ecosystems (Figure 1). They form a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in which the bacteria fix nitrogen from the air into a plant available form and share it with the legume. Clover also increases forage quality and quantity and helps to manage tall fescue toxicosis. In the past, the positive impact of clover on tall fescue toxicosis has always been thought to simply be a dilution effect, but new research from the USDA’s Forage Animal Production Unit in Lexington shows that compounds found in red clover can reverse vasoconstriction that is caused by the ergot alkaloids in toxic tall fescue. The primary compound found in red clover is a vasodilator called Biochanin A.

Clover stands in pastures thin overtime due to various factors and require reseeding every three to four years. There are several techniques for reintroducing clover into pastures including no-till seeding, minimum tillage, and frost seeding. Of these techniques, frost seeding requires the least amount of equipment and is the simplest to implement. Frost seeding is accomplished Continue reading Frost Seeding Clover: A Recipe for Success →

Working in Cold Temperatures

Wayne Dellinger, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Union County

(Image Source: weather.gov/safety)

With snow covering much of the landscape for over a week now, we will now get arctic cold temperatures and windchills with daily high temperatures that will be the coldest in roughly ten years. It is interesting to note that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) documents that there are more deaths in the United States due to cold weather exposure (hypothermia) than hot weather exposure (hyperthermia) each year. The CDC has also tracked an average of 1,300 deaths per year in the US due to excessive cold or hypothermia.

Many jobs are affected little with the change in temperature outside, but others do not have that luxury. Occupations such as agriculture (and others) work outside a great deal no matter what the conditions. Helpful reminders are often beneficial to keep safe while accomplishing these tasks.

Everyone responds to Continue reading Working in Cold Temperatures →

‘Solar Shepherds’ Earn Big by Grazing Sheep on Solar Farms

Dr. Joshua M. Pearce, John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation and Professor, Western University
(Previously published online with Morning Agclips: January 17, 2025)

(Image Source: American Lamb Board)

Sheep-based agrivoltaics is a particularly good symbiotic system where every participant benefits, states Western University’s Joshua M. Pearce.

In today’s volatile economy, job stability can often be found in unexpected places — like returning to the traditional role of shepherding. Solar shepherds, who manage sheep grazing under solar panels, are part of a growing movement that combines agriculture and renewable energy — and offers high incomes in the process.

My recent study, conducted with Ivey Business School alum Adam Gasch and professional shepherd Rafael Lara from The Lara Costa, found that modern solar shepherding businesses in places like Ontario can pull incomes equivalent to doctors, senior engineers, or even lawyers.

These solar shepherds are the vanguard of a new type of farming called Continue reading ‘Solar Shepherds’ Earn Big by Grazing Sheep on Solar Farms →

Preparing Small Ruminants for Kidding and Lambing

Michael Metzger, Michigan State University Extension Educator
(Previously published on MSU Extension, Sheep & Goat: December 09, 2024)

With kidding and lambing season upon us or right around the corner, owners should prepare their animals to get the best outcome.

Kidding and lambing season is here again and there are steps that owners should take to make sure their herd or flock is prepared. By taking the time to prepare, owners will mitigate issues that could arise, and they will be set up for the best possible outcome. With proper care and planning problems can be kept to a minimum as animals give birth.

Implement a vaccination program for your herd or flock
Four to six weeks before the animals are due to deliver, they should receive a booster with CDT vaccine and Bo-Se if not providing selenium through feed or mineral mix.

Monitor your feeding program to meet nutritional needs of the gestating animals
Does and ewes in the last trimester of pregnancy should have their feed intake monitored. As

Continue reading Preparing Small Ruminants for Kidding and Lambing →

Preventing Metabolic Diseases in Pregnant Goats

Michael Metzger, Michigan State University Extension Educator
(Previously published on MSU Extension, Sheep & Goat: December 10, 2024)

(Image Source: Michael Metzger, MSU Extension)

Meeting the nutritional requirements of the pregnant doe can prevent serious problems at the time of delivery and support subsequent milk production.

Nutrition is important during all phases of production in all classes of livestock and is particularly important during the breeding season and the resulting pregnancy. Goats need a balanced diet to be healthy and productive, and water is a crucial nutrient that is often overlooked. During the winter months, it is important to maintain a supply of fresh water that is not frozen for the animals. This article will describe the nutritional needs of gestating and lactating goats and some common metabolic diseases in gestating females.

Nutrition and vaccinations during gestation
The average gestation period for goats is 150 days. During the first two-thirds of gestation, there is Continue reading Preventing Metabolic Diseases in Pregnant Goats →

Recipes for Keeping Trough Water Running in Winter

Haley Campbell, Lecturer, The Ohio State University ATI

I’ve gotten the question a few times – ‘How can I prevent water troughs from freezing without electricity?’ Well, what a very good question indeed. First, let’s talk a little bit of chemistry. Adding salt to water when you’re boiling noodles increases the boiling point of the water, meaning the water is hotter than 212 degrees. This is the same concept with salt water and freezing point; salt water will freeze at a lower temperature than 32 degrees.

Soda bottle and salt or burying the trough are a couple of solutions 
Now that the chemistry is out of the way, it brings us to our first option – making a saltwater float. Using a 2-liter soda bottle, fill it two-thirds of the way with water and add 2 cups of salt, making sure it dissolves. After tightening the cap, place it in your trough. It should float (if it doesn’t, empty a bit of the solution) and break the surface tension of the water without freezing itself. Additionally, if the trough begins to freeze, the stock may learn to press on the bottle to expose fluid water. You also can use a soccer or basketball for the same effect. Continue reading Recipes for Keeping Trough Water Running in Winter →

Moldy Hay or Baleage Poses Risks

Mike Rankin, Senior Editor, Hay & Forage Grower
(Previously published online with Hay & Forage Grower: December 24, 2024)

Hopefully, no haymaker puts up a crop that they know will mold; however, many haymakers have pushed the moisture limit and hoped the mold fairy wouldn’t pay a visit. Sometimes, she just comes uninvited.

“Most hay can become moldy when it is baled too wet, left in the field for too long, or stored outside in shaded areas where rain or humidity can slow down the drying process and increase the risk of mold,” notes Rocky Lemus, an extension forage specialist with Mississippi State University. “Hay that is cut and baled with a high amount of dirt, or hay where the plant shows signs of fungal diseases, could also contain spores that will germinate if exposed to moisture during storage.” Continue reading Moldy Hay or Baleage Poses Risks →