Farm & Ranch
Livestock Euthenasia
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
When a farm animal (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs) comes to the end of their productive life, producers have to decide if the animal should be sent to slaughter or be euthanized.
According to Beef Quality Assurance guidelines, slaughter should be a consideration for animals that are not in severe pain, freely able to stand and walk, capable of being transported, and free of disease and drug residues. When these conditions cannot be met, the animal should be euthanized. Euthanasia is defined as a good death (“eu” which means well + “thanatos” which means death). It is the responsibility of all livestock producers to either have the skills and equipment to accomplish this or to know someone who does in a manner that is stress free and painless.
The decision to euthanize an animal should be based on the welfare of the animal. Euthanasia should be used to relieve suffering and pain. Also, it should be used when there is no hope for improvement in the animal’s condition or when additional treatments will not change the outcome.
To read more, pick up a copy of the August issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Tony Dean
In volume 1 of “Old World Bluestems”, Tony Dean addressed issues surrounding the Old World Bluestem family, including the invasive nature of these grasses. In this issue, he examines OWBs as a forage for livestock.
OWBs were intially brought to the US as foragr for livestock and for erosion control capability. Ironically, some of the characteristics that make these species invasive also cause them to be desirable grass for grazing.
One of the primary survival characteristics of OWBs is their ability to withstand heavy grazing. OWBs are genetically prone to grow upright like our native bluestems; however, with heavy grazing pressure, plants begin to take a sod growth form.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Tressa Lawrence
It has been a hot, dry summer across northeastern Wyoming. Many ranchers are weaning and shipping early due to the dry conditions and lack of grass.
By: Lindsey Monk
The Four Mile Fire was 2,082 acres and very close to three other fires all started by lightning the same night. Together, the four fires burned a total of approximately 47,827 acres. That is a lot of feed for cattle, and ranchers were moving the cattle out of the way. They are mostly contained now, but it has been a very hot and dry summer.
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