Judging dairy cattle is not something most people have the opportunity to do during their lives. However, some individuals choose to make it their life’s work by traveling around the dairy shows across the globe and judging the cows they see. You...
Through stories, cartoons, movies, stuffed animals and even clothing, even city children have become familiar with cows, chickens and sheeps. If you have a chance to visit a dairy farm, don't miss the opportunity. Aside from seeing the adorable animals...
Minimize the risk that your dairy animals become associated with contamination. Reduce cost and increase the money making life of your machinery through proper maintenance. Take care of your dairy farm, so your farm can take care of you.
The Holstein is one of the most popular breeds of cattle in the United States. Known for its coloring patterns and outstanding milk production, the Holstein cow is often what comes to mind when one thinks of the typical cow. If you're unfamiliar with...
Whether you are judging for the 4-H, the FFA or just trying to pick the right cow to bid on at an auction, the more you know about what the professionals look for, the better off you'll be.
Originating from the British Isle of Jersey in the English Channel off the French coast, the Jersey cow has been purebred since 1763. Settlers brought to breed to the United States in the 1850s. Ranchers raise Jerseys around the world, from Denmark to...
Brucellosis is an infection caused by bacteria in the Brucella genus that are primarily found in animals and transmitted to humans through contaminated animal products, especially milk. Brucellosis is rare in the United States but continues to be a...
A good breeding program is essential to any dairy farm for the simple reason that milk production is dependent on how many cows you have lactating at one time. Remember, too, that although people buy milk year-round, it's unnatural for cows to calve in...
So once you've been smitten with the goat bug, you need to decide what kind, and how many. So there are numerous varieties of goats, and they come from different places, and they've been adapted for different purposes. We started out with the Nubians...
Humans are the only species to drink the milk another species produces for their offspring. It's kind of silly when you think of it. Calves are meant to grow into large creatures, and milk is their nutrient for this growth. We, as humans, intake that...
Whether you're a junior competitor showing your dairy goat for the first time, an amateur goat enthusiast or a professional breeder, taking your goat to show is an exciting way to evaluate the quality of your animal and test your showmanship skills...
If you're going to keep goats, one of the most interesting and exciting parts is breeding. So, how do you breed the goats? Well, you need a buck. Your first two choices are whether you're going to keep a buck on site or import a buck for the breeding...
Brown Swiss cows are a breed of dairy cattle. They are the second-greatest milk producers in the world, and their milk makes excellent cheese. The Brown Swiss was bred in the harsh climate of the Swiss Alps and was imported to the United States in the...
For centuries, dogs have eaten from the tables of their owners, making modern dog food a new introduction to the dog species' diets. Store-bought dog food isn't a whole food and contains many preservatives. So there's a strong push to return to feeding a...
So today, we're going to talk about housing needs for your goats. Now, some people will keep their goats in just a three sided lean-to, and they are extraordinarily hardy animals, and they can survive, however if you can, a secure barn or shed is really...
Ayrshire cows, also known as Dunlop or Cunninghame cows, are a breed of dairy cattle originating from Ayrshire, Scotland. Dunlops from the Cunninghame were bred with cattle from Holland to produce this line. Ayrshire cows have been exported throughout...
One of the most valuable uses for the goats is their milk, and today we're going to show you basically, how a goat gets milked. This girl's feet are hurting, so she's not jumping up into her normal milking stanchion, but I can milk her on the ground...
Good herd management will provide years of companionship, dairy products, and meat. Goats make good pets and show animals for smaller children.
Cattle exhibit many noticeably distinct characteristics. Paying attention to certain features aids in spotting cattle breeds. Cattle demonstrate different traits depending on their purpose. Dairy cattle are milk producers and Beef cattle produce beef...
Veal calves are a by-product of the dairy industry. Dairy cows must be pregnant annually in order to give milk. Dairy cows live for five to seven years before their milk production decreases. When production decreases, the cow is no longer valuable to...
Okay, today we're going to talk about keeping your goats healthy in reference to intestinal parasites. Now it's not a real pleasant topic, but it's an important one if you're going to keep goats. Goats do get worms. In fact, they all have them. It's not...
When choosing a goat, decide how you'll be using the goat - for milk, meat or just to show.
Keeping a pet skunk may not sound appealing because of the stink factor. However, skunks are great pets provided you have the scent gland removed. They are highly intelligent animals that can be very loving and loyal if treated properly.
Nubian goats, also known as Anglo-Nubians, are a breed of goat that was developed in England but was bred from goats native to the Middle East and North Africa. These goats can tolerate hot climates and are considered to be a dual-purpose breed, raised...