Alpaca wool is just like sheep wool right? Well, not exactly. It is quite a misconception that the wool you get from an alpaca is the same as the wool you get from a sheep. Alpaca wool is usually called “fiber” or “fleece” instead of wool to help differentiate it from a sheep’s wool. So what’s the difference? In general, alpaca fleece is stronger, lighter, warmer, and … [Read more...]
Poisonous vs. Venomous – What’s the difference?
One of the most common questions asked to herp aficionados is, “Is that snake poisonous?” This is also one of the more frustrating questions, and the terminology “poisonous snake” is used all the time. With a few exceptions, the answer is emphatically NO. BUT – there are a number of venomous snakes! So, what’s the difference? VENOMOUS: It injects toxins … [Read more...]
Preparing for Show Season – Biosecurity
Now that spring is here, it is time to start preparing for the horse shows. One of the most important steps to prepare your horse is to schedule a spring health check and vaccinations with your veterinarian. There are several mandatory and recommended shots your horse must have to be able to compete in 4-H horse shows. For the most up to date information on these vaccination … [Read more...]
Ick! A New Tick in New Jersey
The weather is warm which means it's time to get outside with your dog! There is so much to do in the Garden State for dogs and their owners. Trips to dog-friendly beaches, hiking in state parks, and community festivals are just some of the many outdoor opportunities for you and your pup. While enjoying this season's outdoor activities, make sure you take proper precautions … [Read more...]
Pullorum-Typhoid Disease
Are your chickens and other birds Pullorum-Typhoid Disease free? As you are making plans to show or exhibit your poultry and fowl at County 4-H Fairs and other public venues this summer, be sure to make arrangements to have your chickens and other birds tested by a certified tester to document that they are Pullorum-Typhoid clean. What is Pullorum Disease and Fowl … [Read more...]
I’m Pining for the NJ Pine Barrens
The Garden State is known for corn, tomatoes and blueberries. New Jersey is the “Diner Capital of the World” and home of the famous Taylor Ham vs Pork Roll debate as well as the Jersey Shore. But, did you know that Southern New Jersey is home to a special habitat called the Pine Barrens? The Pine Barrens are so named because of the sandy soil. European settlers found it was … [Read more...]
Community Matters: Animal Projects and Community Service
Every 4-H club is expected to conduct community service projects, though sometimes the logistics of integrating volunteerism into animal science projects may feel daunting. How can 4-H members in animal project areas feel that they are contributing to their communities? Public libraries, senior centers or living facilities, daycares, and religious institutions often make … [Read more...]
Alpacas, Llamas and Bears? Oh My!
We live in bear country; so how do you keep your alpacas, llamas, farm property, and yourself safe? The black bear population in New Jersey has been on the rise over the last 50 years. The majority of the black bear population inhabits the northwestern part of the state; however, they have been documented in all 21 counties. According to the Rutgers University resource … [Read more...]
New Snake Species Hiding in Plain Sight
Samuel McDowell, the late herpetologist and professor at Rutgers-Newark, spent a good part of his life studying ground snakes in New Guinea. Forty years later, Sara Ruane – who joined the Department of Biological Sciences faculty last semester – was able to find evidence that the snakes McDowell studied were, in fact, a new species of reptiles that have been hiding in plain … [Read more...]
Cavy Lice
Cavy lice, sometimes referred to as running lice, are host specific and need a guinea pig to survive. These lice are considered chewing lice, not sucking lice, and actually abrade the skin to obtain fluid. The most common type of louse is Gliricola porcelli. This is a slender, flattened, light colored (white to pale) insect about 1 to 1.5 mm in size with no wings. The lice … [Read more...]