Farm & Ranch
Bull Breeding soundness exams are vital
By Jessica Crabtree and Dr. Jered Harlan, DVM
Bull breeding soundness exams are a vital part of any cattle reproduction program, but is sometimes ignored. BSE is an evaluation put in place to test bulls’ fertility, give producers an assessment of their breeding value and ultimately tell producers whether or not their bull is economical. A BSE can be performed by your veterinarian. Most veterinarians insist producers have bulls checked annually, for it is the only assurance they will have going into the next breeding season. Also, prior to buying a bull, a BSE should be done to ensure the bull’s value rather than taking the word of the seller, and to prove him a producer. Because bulls are selected for genetic potential and to improve your overall cow herd, why not be sure you are getting your money’s worth?
To read more pick up the June 2015 issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch.
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.
By Tressa Lawrence
Babies are tucked away in every nook and cranny. Many ranchers across Wyoming have baby animals popping up all over this time of year.
By Lindsey Monk
Another load of grain in to keep feeding the calves until the green grass can really start popping.
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