Skip to main content

Search

A closeup of a sheep's face. The sheep looks to be in pain.

Sore Mouth: A “Pox” Virus for Sheep

Just like in children or adults who contract the dreaded chicken pox, sheep and goats can catch their own similar “pox” virus called Sore Mouth, technically known as Contagious Ecthyma. This health problem is most recognizable by red blisters or thick brown scabs on the skin around the lips or muzzle area.

A young lamb standing in a barn stall.

Importance of Lamb Nutrition Management to Avoid Acidosis

Acidosis (also known as lactic acidosis, grain overload, over-eating or grain poisoning) is a metabolic condition that most commonly occurs with lambs offered grain based diets, but can affect mature sheep.

A mother sheep cleaning its newborn lamb in a pen.

Newborn Lamb Care Management

Proper newborn lamb care is a critical component of flock profitability. In the U.S. lamb mortality from all causes is approximately 20% with more than 80% of those losses occurring in the first two-weeks following lambing.

A flock of white sheep grazing in a small pasture.

Using Corn Silage in Sheep Diet Formulations

Many Midwest producers have limited options for their primary forage source this year and, must utilize ear-less corn stalks as silage for their in livestock feeding systems. Despite the lack of ears on stalks in some areas the resultant corn stover silage is still expected to contain 80% of expected level of energy under normal growing conditions.

A closeup shot of a sheep's eye.

Small Ruminant Abortions: Cleanup and facility considerations

Sheep and goat producers in the upper Midwest rely on annual lamb or kid crops to maintain economic viability. Reduction in the lamb or kid crop due to abortion (premature birth) and stillbirths are a common occurrence on many farms. Some of these problems have implications for human health as well as animal health.

an image showing beef cuts

Adding Value to the Beef Carcass: Getting to know the value cuts

New value cuts have provided value back to the beef supply chain. Alternative fabrication provides consumers with more options and increases per head carcass value.

an image showing beef cuts

Buying Beef at the Grocery Store

The tremendous number of choices available to beef consumers offers a cut for any meal, but can also leave the most confident consumer puzzled as to the proper cut that should be purchased. Use this guide to help you select the ideal beef cut for your occasion.

A downed rural power line following an ice storm.

Caring for Animals When the Power Goes Out

Power outages bring with them a different set of circumstances to every animal operation. Questions about animal care and animal health products in the midst of electricity loss should be directed to your veterinarian.

several cattle standing and sitting by a windbreak

Cold Weather Management Options

Winter weather conditions impact cattle as well as the cattle producers. Cold temperatures combined with wind creates more stress and increased management to achieve similar animal performance.

cattle out on a snowy white day

How Does Cold Stress Affect the Energy Needs of Cattle?

Most beef producers understand that when the weather gets colder their cattle need more energy for maintenance. The questions are when do cattle start experiencing cold stress and then how much more energy do they need? Both the actual temperature and the wind speed interact to determine the effective temperature.