In recent months, the University of Kentucky Department of Animal and Food Sciences has been offering biweekly, 20-minute webinars on very specific topics in animal care and animal science. These livecasts are an effective educational tool because they are interactive. The hosts issue a call for questions at the end of each session and give answers in real time and incorporate … [Read more...]
What is the Coggins Test for?
The Coggins test is named for Leroy Coggins. He is the veterinarian who developed the test to detect antibodies against the equine infectious anemia virus (EIA) in 1970. It is important to note that once infected with EIA, an animal remains infected for life. Infections in horses are rare but incurable, and there is no available vaccine. That is why identifying the animals who … [Read more...]
Tick Season and Your Horse
Ticks - they seem to be everywhere this year, in your pastures and on your horse. What do you need to know to protect your horse? Why do I need to be concerned? One of the most common tick-borne diseases in this area is Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is a bacterial, tick-transmitted disease of animals and people. Areas of the country most commonly infected are the northeast … [Read more...]
“Don’t Root For That!” – Why All Aren’t Fans of Swine Rooting Behavior
There’s something about that nose of a pig that stands out. In addition to its unique shape, it also serves some important functions. Though smell is a given, there are some other utilities employed by pigs that make their nose stand out. One behavior in particular that seems to stand out is rooting. But why? What is it about sticking their noses in dirt that is so … [Read more...]
Understanding and Treating Sheep Hoof Ailments
Lameness in sheep is not uncommon and can be caused by a range of issues in the hoof. A sheep may favor a hoof due to a small injury or improperly trimmed hooves, but in most cases, lameness indicates an infection. Animals with hoof infections such as footrot suffer from lameness, decreased weight gain, and poor wool growth. Many hoof ailments are contagious and require quick … [Read more...]
Rabbit Ear Mites and Canker
Rabbit ear mites are a common parasitic problem responsible for the condition known as ear canker. Considered one of the most common mites of rabbits, it also causes infection in cavies, horses, goats, sheep, and cattle. Left untreated, canker can lead to secondary bacterial infections of the skin or invade the middle and inner ear leading to neurological disorders and fatal … [Read more...]
It’s Shearing Time!
Alpacas are often raised for their soft and luxurious fleece (sometimes called fiber to differentiate it from the fleece of a sheep). Each shearing produces roughly five to ten pounds of fleece per animal, per year. This fleece, often compared to cashmere, can be turned into a wide variety of products from tapestries and blankets to yarn and apparel. Alpaca fleece is recognized … [Read more...]
Common Viral Diseases of Cattle
As you prepare for County Fair and show season, it is important to be sure that your animals are healthy before and after the show. Knowing some signs of common diseases can be extremely helpful to keeping your whole herd healthy. Warts are caused by a contagious bovine virus (papillomavirus). Four types of the virus are known to produce warts in cattle. Two of the viral … [Read more...]
Putting Your Best Foot Forward! Trimming Hooves
Proper hoof care is essential for healthy sheep. Hooves are literally the foundation on which your sheep stands. Preventative care and maintenance can reduce costly and detrimental health issues in your flock. Hoof health problems lead to lameness, decreased weight gain, reduced milk production and reduced wool production. Lame animals spend more time lying down, and do not … [Read more...]
Good Nutrition – the Key to Lambing Success
Investing in proper nutrition for pregnant and lactating ewes saves both time and money in the long run. Ewes in good body condition prior to delivery have healthier lambs and fewer complications than underweight or overweight ewes. As 70% of fetal lamb growth occurs in the last five weeks of pregnancy, it is important to increase feed for ewes at this time. After lambing, it … [Read more...]