Farm & Ranch
Defending Livestock Against Ticks
By Jessica Crabtree and Dr. Jered Harlan
Livestock owners may have noticed an increase in external parasites this year. Farmers, ranchers and veterinarians agree we were blessed with a steady rain supply which aided populations, and, in turn, equaled no consistent, long dry spell. Some even speculate the vast difference in seasons as a contributing factor. In all, the population of external parasites such as flies, fleas and ticks has been on the rise.Livestock owners may have noticed an increase in external parasites this year.
Farmers, ranchers and veterinarians agree we were blessed with a steady rain supply which aided populations, and, in turn, equaled no consistent, long dry spell. Some even speculate the vast difference in seasons as a contributing factor. In all, the population of external parasites such as flies, fleas and ticks has been on the rise.Defined, a tick is a small arachnid that is part of the order Parasitiformes.
Ticks, along with mites, constitute the subclass Acari and are ectoparasites, meaning that it lives by feeding on the blood of its host, such as a mammal, bird, even reptiles and amphibians. That notion being understood, ticks act as a serious vector for disease transmitted to both humans and animals. The tick is known for transferring more, and a larger variety of infectious organisms, than any other blood sucking arthropod.
To read more pick up a copy of the November 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call us at 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.
By: Tony Dean
There are a handful of grasses on North Texas grazing lands ranchers need to know, not because they are highly desirable, but rather because they are not of much value. I call them “decom” plants, which is am acronym for “Don’t Ever Count On Me.” Silver bluestem is a “decom” grass.
Silver bluestem is a perennial which grows in all areas of Texas. It can survive in almost all soil types, and in full sun conditions or in semi shade. It grows up to three feet tall and is easily recognized with the presence of the white fuzzy seed head. Also, one of the identifying characteristics of Silver bluestem is a bend in the stems at each node, causing the plants to take on a rounded shape as they mature.
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: Rayford Pullen
Fall is here which means winter is closing in on us and before we officially get into winter, we need to make sure our factories are either producing or will be producing in a few months.
We have been pregnancy testing our cows this fall and if they are not bred or nursing a calf, we are bidding them adios. With annual costs somewhere between $900.00 and $1,000.00 per cow, those cows not producing a live weaned calf are costing us quite a bit.
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.
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