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Winter Demands for Your Hens by Nancy Jefferson, Ph.D. A lot is happening for your hens as winter approaches.  The natural decrease in daylight hours in the fall causes big changes for your hens.  Your birds are using a massive amount of their nutrition to molt and replace their feathers.  They are preparing for the winter ahead.  Today, we are going to talk about some of the nutrient demands that winter places on your flock. Winter Nutrient Demands As you can imagine, dropping and rebuilding an entire set of feathers can be a very nutrient-demanding process.  In many species of birds,...

As winter approaches, it's essential for farmers and livestock owners to ensure their animals are prepared for the cold months ahead. Proper feed, shelter, and health care are critical to keeping livestock healthy and productive during the harsh winter season. In this blog, we'll guide you through key feed and shelter essentials to keep your livestock safe, warm, and well-nourished throughout the winter. 1. Adjusting Feed for Winter Needs During the winter months, livestock requires additional energy to maintain their body heat and overall health. Here's how to adjust your feeding practices to meet the increased nutritional demands: Increase Caloric...

Precautions to Take Before Grazing and Cutting Johnson Grass Hay in the Fall Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) is a highly productive forage, often used for hay and grazing. However, it requires careful management in the fall due to potential toxicity risks that can endanger livestock. To ensure safety and maximize the forage value, here are essential precautions to follow before grazing or cutting Johnson grass hay in the fall. Beware of Prussic Acid (Cyanide) Poisoning Johnson grass contains compounds that can release prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid) under certain conditions. This toxin can be lethal to livestock, especially after events such...

As the vibrant colors of autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape, it’s a reminder that colder weather is on its way. For farmers and animal caretakers, this season brings unique challenges and opportunities to ensure their animals remain healthy and thriving. Here are some essential tips to keep your livestock in top condition as temperatures drop. 1. Adjust Feed Rations With the onset of cooler weather, animals require more energy to maintain their body temperature. This means adjusting their feed rations to include more energy-dense foods. Consider incorporating grains like corn and barley, which provide the necessary calories to...

As the vibrant days of summer give way to the cool, crisp air of fall, it's an important time for farmers and livestock managers to focus on pasture health. Effective pasture management during the fall can set the stage for a productive spring. This blog will explore two key components of fall pasture care: rotational grazing and soil care. Understanding Rotational Grazing What is Rotational Grazing? Rotational grazing is a livestock management practice where animals are moved between different pasture sections (or paddocks) to allow forage plants time to recover and regrow. This method contrasts with continuous grazing, where livestock...