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Blue-Green Algae Poisoning

“Scums” of blue-green algae may occur in stagnant ponds or dugouts following hot, dry, calm days. Animals may die suddenly (within minutes) after drinking water heavily contaminated with this scum. Blue-green algae (also called Cyanobacteria) occur naturally in many ponds. There are a number of different species: some are harmless; some form toxins that affect the nervous system; others produce toxins that affect mainly the liver. This publication from South Dakota State University covers diagnosis, prevention, and control.

Bill Epperson | Jan 2006 | Online resource

Rotational Grazing

Rotational grazing is periodically moving livestock to fresh paddocks, to allow pastures to regrow. Rotational grazing requires skillful decisions and close monitoring of their consequences. Modern electric fencing and innovative water-delivery devices are important tools. Feed costs decline and animal health improves when animals harvest their own feed in a well-managed rotational grazing system.

Alice Beetz | Nov 2004 | Online resource

Integrated Parasite Management for Livestock

Internal parasites can be a major problem for producers. With parasites developing resistance to all dewormers and more farmers producing livestock by 'natural' methods, there is interest in looking for alternative ways to managing parasite problems. This ATTRA (1999) publication covers aspects of the whole system affecting internal parasites, including nutrition, pasture management, soil organisms, and strategic deworming.

Ann Wells | Apr 1999 | Online resource

Training American Bison (Bison bison) Calves

Bison, like cattle, are routinely handled to maintain herd health and meet the requirements of various regulatory agencies for diseases such as tuberculosis and brucellosis. Injuries and death during handling are more frequent in bison than in cattle, which have been bred for calm temperaments. Bison often break off a horn cap, gore one another, attempt to jump out or smash through a holding pen, and even die due to excessive stress caused by handling. These bison are termed "self-culling" for if they manage to survive the experience, their owners are likely to sell them. Calm handling of bison, an excitable animal, requires attention to detail and strategies that differ greatly from traditional animal handling, including cattle handling.

Jennifer L. Lanier, Temple Grandin, A. Chaffin, T. Chaffin | Apr 1999 | Online resource