Summer vacation can take us to new places where we can discover towns, cities, and states that we haven't seen before. Summer can also be a perfect time to do some discovering with our favorite four legged friend or to see things that relate to our interest in dogs. Here are some ideas. Planning a trip to New York City? Be sure to check out the American Kennel Club's (AKC) … [Read more...]
I’m All Ears – Understanding the Universal Ear-Notching System for Swine
The Universal Ear-Notching System used to identify individual pigs in a litter has been around for.., a while.., but finding the actual historical roots of the how and why this system originated has proven elusive. What was found is not altogether that informative, nor does it come from any legitimate primary source. As of this writing, the best guess at the history of the … [Read more...]
How Cool Are These? Extinct Reptiles!
Although we have thousands of extant (currently living) reptiles around the globe, there are many interesting extinct ones as well! Here are just a sampling of some of the amazing fossils that have been found of extinct reptiles! Titanoboa model on display. See the humans in the background for a comparison in size. Photo from Ryan Sommma/flickr. Titanoboa The 50-Foot … [Read more...]
Webinars as Tools for Animal Science Education
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...]
How Cool Are These? Extinct Amphibians!
Although we have thousands of extant (currently living) amphibians around the globe, there are many interesting extinct ones as well! Here are just a sampling of some of the amazing fossils that have been found of extinct amphibians! Beelzebufo ampinga - The devil frog! Article from https://www.popsci.com/beelzebufo-devil-frog-bite-force-dinosaur/ Beelzebufo … [Read more...]
Farm to Fork – What We Get From Pork
When one thinks of a nutrient rich meal, pork products aren’t generally the first food that comes to mind for most. That written, compared to values from a decade ago, pork today is on average leaner, contains less fat (up to 31%), and also has fewer calories (up to 14%). In fact, according to The Ohio State University, it has been estimated that pigs are about 23% leaner … [Read more...]
Dogs in Cars: What do the laws say?
Part of the fun in having a dog is being able to go places together. Most dogs love any excuse for a car ride, even if it is just down the street to the local shops. In their mind, it's an adventure with their best friend (you!). But, what happens when your destination does not allow dogs? How many of us have left Fido in the car for just a quick minute? It's a common … [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...]