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As temperatures rise, proper hydration becomes one of the most important parts of summer animal care. Horses and livestock rely heavily on water to regulate body temperature, support digestion, and maintain overall health. During hot weather, dehydration and heat stress can happen quickly if animals don’t have enough access to clean, fresh water. Here are some important hydration tips to help keep your animals healthy and comfortable throughout the summer months. Understand How Much Water Animals Need Water intake increases significantly during hot weather. The amount varies depending on species, size, activity level, and temperature. On average: Horses may drink...

Nitrate Poisoning: What Livestock Producers Need to Know Submitted by: Gilbert Barrett   As we move through the growing season, livestock producers acrossNortheast Georgia and the Southeast should remain aware of the risk of nitratepoisoning in both grazed and harvested forages. While nitrate accumulation is oftenassociated with drought-stressed crops, several common forage species can developdangerous nitrate levels under a variety of growing conditions. Forages Most Commonly Associated with Nitrate AccumulationSeveral warm-season annual grasses are particularly prone to accumulating nitrates,including:SorghumSudangrassSorghum-Sudangrass HybridsJohnsongrassPearl MilletCrabgrassHowever, producers should not overlook perennial forages. Under certain conditions,nitrate levels can also become elevated in:Tall FescueBermudagrassAnnual RyegrassSmall Grains such as...

As pastures green up and temperatures rise, it’s important to reevaluate your livestock’s feed regimen. Whether you're raising cattle, goats, horses, chickens, or other farm animals, spring brings changes in forage availability, energy needs, and breeding cycles that should be reflected in your feed strategy. Here’s a quick guide to help you keep your animals healthy and productive this season: Cattle & Goats Grazing is in, hay is out – As pastures return, gradually transition livestock from hay to fresh forage to avoid digestive upset. Minerals matter – Provide free-choice mineral supplements to balance what fresh pasture may lack, especially...

Avian Influenza in Chickens and Why Biosecurity is Your Best Defense by Nancy Jefferson, Ph.D.   -- Poultry Nutritionist, Kalmbach Feeds Biosecurity is the only effective defense against avian influenza. There are no feed or water additives that prevent or treat the virus, so strict prevention practices are essential to protect your flock of poultry. What is Avian Influenza? Avian Influenza (AI) has been a major concern in the poultry industry for a number of years.  There are two primary strains of avian influenza – low pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI).  Birds infected with Low Pathogenic AI may become ill, but they...