Cattle
Why Raise Miniature Cattle?
Add to Favorites By Professor Richard Gradwohl Washington – As 100-500-acre family farms continue to disappear, the small acreage family homestead farm is becoming more common. Miniature cattle breeds are particularly …
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Belfair Miniature Cattle: A Small, All-Around Breed
Belfair miniature cattle are the first dual-purpose miniature cattle developed in America. Developed by Tracy Teed of Conway, Washington, Belfair cattle are 50% Jersey, from high test Jersey cows bred to a small 35” Dexter bull, developed for the small acreage farmer who wants a small family milk cow which will also produce a good beef calf for the locker.
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Dealing with Diphtheria in Calves
Diphtheria in calves is generally more serious — and more noticeable — than in adult cattle. Diphtheria is an upper respiratory disease and is an infection and/ or inflammation of the vocal folds of the larynx (voice box) at the back of the throat.
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Feeding Dairy Calves
The most important thing for feeding dairy calves is to get colostrum as soon as possible into a newborn calf. After that, the calf needs adequate milk or milk replacer until weaning age.
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Selecting the Best Dairy Cow Breed
When selecting a family milk cow or choosing from the best dairy cow breeds to start a small dairy, there are a number of options. The most “ideal” breed will be one that best suits your own situation and purpose.
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Detecting and Treating Lump Jaw in Cattle
Lump jaw in cattle is a bacterial infection of the jawbone. Bacteria are often present in the mouth of cattle, so anything that punctures the mouth tissues may open the way for infection, which can lead to lump jaw.
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All About Ankole Watusi Cattle
Ankole Watusi are known as the “Cattle of Kings.” Their unmistakably large horns can spear a lion. The tribes of Africa that rely on them for survival call them sacred.
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Safely Castrating Calves
The best age and method for castrating calves may vary, depending on your situation. Some stockmen feel that a calf should be allowed to grow all summer before being castrated, since calves grow faster as bulls.
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The Best Cattle Waterers for Winter
In some climates, keeping stock water ice-free can be frustrating during colder months. Tank heaters work well if a person has access to electricity, but some pastures are far from a power source.
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How to Treat Colicky Calf Bloat
Some calves develop calf bloat, an acute enterotoxemia (toxic gut infection), caused by bacterial toxins. These calves are usually about a month old but may be as young as a few days of age or as old as two to three months.
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Burdock Slivers Can Cause Eye Irritations
Eye problems in livestock and horses can be caused by foreign material in the eye, and one of the most challenging problems is burdock slivers. Burrs from this invasive weed stick to hair or clothing.
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Removing Porcupine Quills From Cattle
Removing porcupine quills from pets, cattle, and other livestock is an unpleasant task for everyone involved.
The porcupine is a peaceful, timid rodent whose unique method of self-defense often causes grief to inquisitive animals.
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Your Guide to Dairy and Beef Cattle Breeds
Add to Favorites By Heather Smith Thomas – There are so many cattle breeds and crosses that it’s hard to know which ones to choose when researching how to start …
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The Joy of Raising Highland Cattle
Add to Favorites Story & Photos By Tom Fuller – Cattle have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and Highland cattle are by far …
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Best Beef Cattle Breeds
Every beef cattle breed has pluses and minuses, and what might be a plus for one farmer could be a drawback in another situation. For instance, a breed that does well in a hot climate may not do well in a cold one, and vice versa.
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