small ruminants

  • Internal parasites are often the #1 health issue producers face with ruminant herds such as cattle, sheep, and goats. It can cause economic loss in many segments of production. Infestations of internal parasites can cause low weight gain, reduced pregnancy rates, reduced weaning weights, reduced milk production, diarrhea, anemia, dull coats, immune suppression, and in severe cases death.  Dewormers are often used…

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  • With feed being the highest cost in livestock production, farmers use pasture as a natural way to meet the nutritional needs of their animals. Animals allow agriculturalists to utilize land that may be unsuitable for traditional cropping in a way that benefits the property itself. Cattle, sheep, horses, or goats can use grass to produce…

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  • If you do a Google search for Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), you will see results ranging from articles about controlling it as a weed, touting it as a highly invasive forb that creates a tremendous seed bank; to articles that praise its ability to help fight internal parasites in small ruminants.  Determination of whether it…

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  • By Adam Speir Madison County CEC Goats have the perception of being able to survive on just about anything, including the occasional tin can. While goats do have a unique capability of grazing plant species that other livestock may not prefer, good management and planning are critical for a successful and efficiently productive goat herd.…

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