Farm & Ranch

The Italian Breed – Chianina Cattle

Published

7 years ago

February 16, 2017

NTFR

By Jessica Crabtree

The breed Chianina isn’t a modern breed, but in fact has been around centuries as one of the oldest cattle breeds. Chianina cattle have very distinct characteristics that make them stand out from others. What gives these creatures away? Maybe it is their unusually long legs, white color and muscular body.

To understand the breed, one must understand where and how they originated. The Chianina received its name from the Chiana Valley in the province of Tuscany in Central Italy. That is where the breed primarily originated; however, according to an article titled, “Chianina” from the Cattle

Exchange website, the largest representatives of the breed originated from the plains of Arezzo and Siena, Italy.

In ancient times the breed was known as a draft breed used to assist in farming practices, even being the object of Roman sculptures. Today, through modernization in agriculture, the breed is better utilized for beef. According to the Cattle Exchange website, Chianina were first discovered by U.S. servicemen while stationed in Italy during World War II. It wasn’t until ’71 that the first Chianina semen was imported to the U.S., introducing the genetics.

To read more pick up a copy of the February 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.

Keith and Dana Schrick receiving an award for their 40 years of membership to the American Chianina Association during the national show in Louisville, Ky. (Photo courtesy of the Schrick family)

Farm & Ranch

Hazards of Backyard Poultry

Published

4 days ago

April 21, 2024

NTFR

By Barry Whitworth, DVM

Having backyard poultry is a popular agriculture enterprise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 0.8 percent of all households in the United States have chickens. People keep chickens for a variety of reasons with table eggs being one of the more common reasons.

Unfortunately, some of these poultry producers are not aware of the hazards that come with keeping poultry because many times they carry pathogens but appear healthy.
Chickens are carriers of several zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. According to a recent survey in Pennsylvania, a majority of backyard poultry producers were aware of the dangers of avian influenza. However, this study also revealed that far fewer producers were aware of the risk of possible exposure to Salmonella and Campylobacter.

The lack of knowledge about the hazards of raising poultry likely contributes to the continued issues of Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard poultry. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,072 illnesses of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, and 272 of those patients required hospitalization. Oklahoma reported 43 individuals with the disease.

To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.