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...]
Dairy Cattle Judging
The spring of the year is when 4-H Dairy clubs should be working on Dairy Cattle Judging. The New Jersey State 4-H Dairy Judging contest is traditionally held in April. Even if your members are not participating in that contest, it is a great club meeting topic. Members preparing for a judging event should know the parts of the dairy cow (January 2018 Blog post) and can then … [Read more...]
Can you tell the age of your horse?
You are about to purchase your first horse. Just like any other big investment, you want to be sure you are getting what you are paying for. The seller claims that the horse you are interested in is just 5 years old. But how do you know for sure? You can tell the approximate age of any horse by looking at its’ teeth if you educate yourself (or your 4-H members) on how to … [Read more...]
Parts of the Dairy Cow Activity – Club Meeting Idea
Need an idea for a winter Dairy Club meeting? Learning the parts of the dairy cow is a great club meeting topic for this time of year. Every 4-H dairy club member should know the anatomical parts of the dairy cow. Members who want to participate in Dairy Quiz Bowl or Dairy Judging in the spring will especially benefit from knowing the parts of the dairy cow. There are some … [Read more...]