Farm & Ranch

Meanwhile back at the ranch…

Published

6 years ago

January 25, 2018

NTFR

By Rayford Pullen

Spring calving in the middle of winter has advantages and disadvantages, and in my opinion the advantages are worth dealing with in this unpredictable weather. Here are the tools we keep on hand during spring calving to ensure the health of our first calf heifers and their soon-to-be babies. Not all of these are a requirement, but they are things we have needed at one time or another if dystocia occurs or the weather deals the new born an extremely frigid beginning.
Powdered Colostrum
No matter the reason, if a calf does not get mother’s milk soon after birth, we will use an esophageal feeder to get this down them quickly. We feel this buys the calf much needed time before he starts nursing. A bottle will also work if the calf is cooperating but will certainly try your patience.
OB chains
I prefer the 60-inch version. See the website below on how best to attach them. (wikihow.com)
OB chain handles
This is used when a heifer only needs a little help. It simply hooks onto the OB chains, and you use your body weight to help the heifer out.

To read more pick up a copy of the February 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.

Farm & Ranch

Hazards of Backyard Poultry

Published

1 week 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.