Cattle belong to the bovine family, while sheep belong to the ovine family. Cattle are primarily farmed for meat and milk, while sheep are farmed for meat and wool, and occasionally milk. Both cattle and sheep are domesticated livestock animals that have been raised by humans for centuries. While they share similarities in being hoofed…
Drench mature cows once a year before calving; consider twice a year for heavy parasite loads. Deworming once a year is sufficient for most mature cows in New Zealand. Cows should ideally be treated before calving to support their health during this stressful period. However, in cases with a high parasite burden, a twice-yearly drenching…
Keeping cattle is important for various reasons, as they provide meat, milk, labor, leather, and many other products that are widely used in everyday life. Domesticated cows are descendants of aurochs, a wild cattle species that is now extinct. Cattle farming can provide numerous benefits, including food such as milk, meat, and hides, which are…
The best way to load cattle in a stock trailer is to use doors, gates, and cattle panels to guide them onto the trailer, and then carefully close the trailer doors. Loading cattle into a stock trailer requires careful handling to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals. By using doors, gates, and cattle…
Livestock farming can provide food security but leads to deforestation and water depletion. Livestock farming is a vital industry contributing to food production and economic growth. It helps in providing essential protein sources and supporting livelihoods in rural areas. However, it also has negative impacts on the environment, such as deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse…
When cows bloat, rumen motility decreases, leading to potential collapse and death if untreated. Bloat is a serious condition in cattle caused by the accumulation of excessive gas in the rumen. This condition can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Cows experiencing bloat may exhibit symptoms such as a distended left abdomen, difficulty breathing, and…
Cattle should be vaccinated annually to protect against diseases and ensure herd health. The frequency of vaccination is determined by the risk of exposure and disease prevalence. Vaccination is essential for cattle producers to safeguard their herds and prevent outbreaks. It is recommended to administer core vaccines annually, with additional vaccines used in high-risk situations….
Cattle should not be allowed to graze immediately after fertilizing. It is recommended to wait for at least a half inch of rain to wash the fertilizer off the grass, or to withhold grazing for three weeks after topdressing with phosphorus fertilizers. This is to prevent fertilizer-related nitrate poisoning in cattle and ensure their safety….
The best cattle feed formula includes a mix of alfalfa and grass hay for optimal nutrition. Alfalfa hay is recommended for dairy cattle but not for beef cattle due to bloating risks. Legume hay is a protein-rich alternative for cattle. When formulating cattle feed, it’s crucial to consider the nutritional needs of the specific type…
Cows can eat grass because it contains all the necessary nutrients that a cow needs. Additionally, cows have a unique digestive system that allows them to break down the cellulose in grass. Unlike humans, cows have four stomachs that enable them to ferment and digest the tough fibers of grass. This process is aided by…
During pregnancy, it is safe to drink pasteurized or UHT cow milk to prevent food poisoning. Avoid unpasteurized or raw milk to lower the risk of bacterial infections. Pregnancy is a crucial time when maintaining a healthy diet is essential for both the mother and the baby’s well-being. One common query that often arises is…
Cows don’t wear shoes because they don’t need them; their hooves don’t undergo as much stress as horses’. Cows, especially domestic ones, spend most of their time grazing in fields, unlike horses, which require shoes due to the stress on their hooves from various activities. This difference in lifestyle and hoof stress levels explains why…