When a caller says “My steer quit eating.” there is a short checklist of things I’ll go through with the customer. 1. Water: While water isn’t the number one cause of show cattle going off feed it is one that’s easy to check. Water doesn’t just need to be available it needs to be fresh,…
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This time of year, we get questions about farrowing show gilts. My first reaction is to suggest you don’t or at least to ask “Are you sure?” Real Talk Let’s start with some real talk. farrowing show gilts isn’t for the faint of heart. Show gilts are too fat, level hips are not ideal for…
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Recognizing Staph Infections in Show Goats Goathead thorns create tiny punctures that can allow ordinary skin bacteria to set up a painful staph infection. A scabby follicle may start as a single red papule or “pimple” that exudes pus when pressed. Other early signs include raised hair, localized swelling, crusty scabs, hair loss and an…
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Understanding Mange Mites & Their Lifecycle Mange in swine is almost always caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var suis. These gray‑white pests are under 1/32 inch long and can be seen with the naked eye against a dark background. They tunnel through the skin and lay eggs, completing their life cycle on the host…
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