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...]
Ask The Expert – Joanne Powell (part 2)
(Editor’s note: This is part two of a two-part series) Every day is a new adventure for Joanne Powell. As the Research Farm Supervisor for the large animal unit at Rutgers University, Joanne gets to do the things she loves, including being outside with animals! In addition to that, Joanne is a 4-H leader in Somerset County, a role she has had for nearly 30 years. In … [Read more...]
An Idea that Works: Managing Group Work During STEM Club Meetings
In 4-H we often strive to make everything we do “youth centered”, meaning we want the young people to drive the conversation, tasks, and goals of the club. This builds leadership skills in youth and helps them learn how to communicate effectively with each other. As a club leader, it can be challenging to figure out how to be the “guide on the side” and mentor as opposed to … [Read more...]
How to be a Herpetologist
If you don’t mind the idea that you will get bitten, scratched, and defecated on by almost every type of reptile and amphibian…then you can learn how to become a herpetologist! Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians, but many people asking “how” to become a herpetologist really mean, “How can I be involved in working with reptiles and amphibians,” rather … [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...]
Do you know when and how to deworm your horse?
Photo from eXtension 10280 (link below) It is a fact of life for most grazing animals - they get worms! They easily pick up worms because they eat off the ground that they and other animals (including domestic as well as wild) defecate or poop onto. Your own horse could re-infect itself by grazing in the same pasture for months (or longer), thus completing the life cycle of … [Read more...]