Farm & Ranch
Learning the ins and outs of Leptospirosis
By Jessica Crabtree & Dr. Jered Harlan
The term Leptospirosis was applied to the aspiral-shaped bacterium known as Leptospira interrogans of animals and humans caused by numerous distinct serovars.
Such serovars are harbored by a wide range of animals. Leptospira serovars Pomona and Harjo are particularly important in livestock; however, the number of other serovars detected in domestic animals and in humans is growing and causing slight concern to experts.
Leptospirosis sounds like a large, scary word. There are actually two different kinds of Leptospirosis Harjo, called lepto by producers. The two kinds are Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Harjo and Leptospiria interrogans serovar Hardjo. The bacteria infects through urine and the aftermath of abortion contamination in water sources as well as through infected wildlife.
Moisture is seen as a factor in survival of the bacteria. Lepto typically occurs during spring and summer months while animals prosper in pastures. Vermin or wildlife carry Leptospira Hardjo; however, sheep may carry it and excrete the bacteria, resulting in risk during mixed grazing.
Bovine risk
There are several scenarios as to why animals become infected. As for cattle, producers must be aware during mixed grazing of cattle with sheep, sharing bulls, in open herds and sharing water sources.
To read more pick up a copy of the April 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Heather Welper
Husband and wife duo, Heather and Calvin Welper, are the Co-Owners and Operators or Two C Livestock, located in Valley View, Texas.
The pair’s operation has a show cattle focus where they raise and sell purebred heifers of all breeds and club calf Hereford steers.
When it comes to show cattle, the Welpers know a thing or two including how to prepare for the cold winter months and the Texas major show season run.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Hannah Claxton, Editor
As the sun rises each day, so do the dozens of mouths that Meghan McGovern is responsible for getting fed. Rather than the sounds of a rooster crowing, McGovern hears the bellows and bleats of a variety of exotic deer, the chortle of kangaroos, the grunts of water buffaloes, and the chirps of a lemur.
Nestled against the banks of the Red River, the Double M Ranch and Rescue, with its high game fences and deer sprinkling the landscape,s its in stark contrast to the surrounding ranches.
“Having deer is kind of like eating potato chips- you can never actually have just one,” said McGovern with a laugh.
McGovern has several herds to take care of- fallow deer, axis deer, water buffalo, goats, and bison. In smaller numbers, there’s also a few kangaroos, a lemur, a potbelly pig, a pair of zebras, a watusi, and a few horses.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH
With the prolonged drought, most pastures in Oklahoma end up in poor condition. With the lack of available forage, animals may go in search of alternative foods.
If oak trees are in the pastures, acorns may be a favorite meal for some livestock in the fall. This may result in oak poisoning.
Oak leaves, twigs, buds, and acorns may be toxic to some animals when consumed.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
-
Country Lifestyles2 years agoScott & Stacey Schumacher: A Growth Mindset
-
Country Lifestyles8 years agoStyle Your Profile – What your style cowboy hat says about you and new trends in 2017
-
HOME8 years agoGrazing North Texas – Wilman Lovegrass
-
Equine1 year agoThe Will to Win
-
Country Lifestyles5 years agoAmber Crawford, Breakaway Roper
-
Outdoor10 years agoButtercup or Primrose?
-
Country Lifestyles9 years agoJune 2016 Profile – The man behind the mic: Bob Tallman
-
Country Lifestyles8 years agoDecember 2016 Profile, Rusty Riddle – The Riddle Way