tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90079666612097966502024-08-29T21:33:44.456-07:00A guide to Farm Animal Management; Health, Feeding, Housing and Routine ManagementUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-90101336512766964792011-03-07T11:40:00.000-08:002011-03-07T11:40:06.943-08:00

Monogastric (non-ruminant) animals cannot digest fibrous feed (cellulose, hemicellulose) and depend on high quality, low-fiber concentrate diets. Among the monogastrics, horses and rabbits, due to their well developed caecum is less efficient than in the rumen. Therefore, horses should be fed good quality forages. On the other hand, ruminants, because of efficient microbial fermentation in the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-23716474064396672042011-03-05T06:09:00.000-08:002011-03-05T06:09:10.551-08:00

The large intestine is the terminal part of the alimentary canal; it consists of the caecum (blind sac), colon, and rectum. The size of the large intestine varies considerably in farm animals. In horses it constitutes 46% of the total volume of the digestive tract. In ruminants, it represents only 10% of the total digestive tract capacity. The large intestine serves as a major site for the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-56901262863664842992011-02-16T10:26:00.000-08:002011-02-16T10:26:19.950-08:00

Pancreas: The pancreas is a lobulated organ located in the deodenal loop. It has both endocrine and exocrine functions. Exocrine tissue produces pancreatic juice, which is composed of the digestive enzymes amylase, lipase, and trypsin and sodium bicarbonate. Other salts including potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium are also present in relatively small quantities. The endocrine system

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-36044701487105703362011-02-08T13:48:00.000-08:002011-02-08T13:48:59.295-08:00

The small intestine is a long coiled tube divided into three parts; duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum is the upper part of the small intestine which starts from the stomach/abomasum. The bile duct from the liver and the pancreatic duct from the pancreas open into the duodenum. The second, middle part of the small intestine is the jejunum. The jejunum is a coiled tube. Along with the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-11857135924570001372011-02-04T06:56:00.000-08:002011-02-04T06:56:29.565-08:00

Earlier Post: Functions of various parts of the digestive tract: Stomach Omasum: The third compartment of the ruminant stomach is known as the omasum. It constitutes about 12.6% of the total volume of the stomach in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. The inner lining of the omasum is raised into longitudinal folds are pillars, which greatly increase the surface area. The principal function of

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-47313667934283270832011-02-03T03:51:00.000-08:002011-02-03T03:51:22.913-08:00

The stomach serves as a reservoir for feed where active digestion begins. The structure and function of the stomach vary greatly in ruminants and non-ruminants.Ruminants (Polygastrics): Compared to non-ruminants, ruminants have three additioonal stomach compartments and are therefore known as compund stomach animals. The different compartments of the uminant stomach are the rumen, reticulum,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-23475352680790949922010-08-10T14:35:00.000-07:002010-08-10T14:35:31.247-07:00

Mouth:The primary function of the mouth include prehension (grasping), mastication (chewing), and mixing of feed with saliva as preparatory steps for subsequent digestion in the remaining parts of the alimentary canal. The lips, tongue, and teeth are used to pick and hold feed while it is in the mouth. The teeth grind the feed, and the tongue mixes it with saliva. The lips of sheep, goats, and

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-14003958180127313682010-08-06T02:55:00.000-07:002010-08-06T02:55:10.245-07:00

The digestive tract, also known as the alimentary canal, is a tube like structure extending from the mouth to anus. The different parts of the digestive tracts of ruminants and non-ruminants are illustrated in figures. The alimentary canal is comprised of the following parts,Mouth (lips, tongue, gums and teeth) and pharynx Oesophagus Stomach (In ruminants, the stomach includes the rumen,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-67829532932316006872010-08-02T09:35:00.000-07:002010-08-02T09:35:53.350-07:00

Digestion in animals involves mechanical, enzymatic, and microbial processes in the gastrointestinal tract, which convert large feed particles to a size which can be absorbed, transported, and used by the animals. The digestive systems of all farm animals are not the same, rendering them less competitive and able to adapt to a wide range of available feed resource niches. Based on the structure

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-67688237606351420392010-07-30T10:59:00.000-07:002010-07-30T10:59:03.232-07:00

Artificial insemination (AI) is the deposition of semen in the cervix by the artificial means. It is a useful technique devised for the genetic improvement of farm animals. Artificial insemination is widely used for breeding cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, horses, dogs and a variety of laboratory animals.Advantages of artificial insemination The greatest advantage of artificial insemination is

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-80805478357746022522010-07-29T13:38:00.000-07:002010-07-29T13:38:15.925-07:00

Reproduction in female is a complicated process, and normal reproduction ivolves synchronization of many functions. It is subject to many adverse effects at certain stages. Different aspects of reproduction in cows and buffaloes along with the physiological mechanisms involved are discussed in the following paragraphs. Puberty or sexual maturity Puberty is defined as the age at which reproduction

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-8700745020779074752010-07-28T12:24:00.000-07:002010-07-28T12:24:34.938-07:00

Hormones are organic substances secreted by certain specialized cells (glands) in the body, which are diffused or transported to some other part of the body and bring about certain changes. A number of hormones are directly or indirectly involved in vaarious aspects of reproduction. The secretion of these hormones is essential for the maintenance of a proper internal environment to ensure

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-41934098626295501902010-07-27T11:21:00.000-07:002010-07-27T11:21:19.723-07:00

Female Reproductive Tract - Cow (Courtesy: fao.org) The female not only contributes the female sex cell (ovum) but also provides the necessary environment in which the new individual is nourished during the early days of its life. These functions are performed by the primary and secondary organs of the reproductive system. A pair of ovaries are the primary organs of reproduction and produce not

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-85364257394217928222010-07-26T04:59:00.000-07:002010-07-26T04:59:11.543-07:00

One of the fundamental laws of nature is that every species makes a vigorous attempt to reproduce its kind. The higher animals reproduce sexually. This involves the production of potentially differentiated sex cells by the male and female. In animals, this has led to the development of highly specialized body parts for the specific purpose of reproduction.Male Reproductive System: Male

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-64700277295231101022010-07-25T07:13:00.000-07:002010-07-25T07:13:24.070-07:00

FJ9U7ME3RAVMThe following methods are employed for casting horses: (a) the use of side lines (single as well as double)(b) the use of hobblesSingle side lines: Cotton web is ideal for a good side line. A slipping knot is made at the pastern. The side line is then passed between the forelegs, and the free end taken round the neck, brought up over the shoulder to the near side, and a knot

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-48866500774564472032010-07-24T13:56:00.000-07:002010-07-24T13:56:08.942-07:00

Precautions before casting:Fast an animal for up to 12 hours before casting. If the animal has a full stomach, it may rupture during casting. There should be sufficient labor available to complete the manoeuvre in the shortest time with the least distress to the animal. It is necessary to have a reliable person at the animal's head in order to control it. Depending upon the size of the animal

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-48359470911578226852010-07-24T00:50:00.000-07:002010-07-24T00:50:04.545-07:00

The head is the first and most important area to restrain as it can seriously injure the handler when it is violently tosset about. The animal is much more likely to be still with its head restrained. The heads of cattle and buffaloes may be restrained by:A self-locking neck clamp in the feeding passage Haltering Tying the neck to a fixture such as a stanchion or neck chain Clamping the neck in a

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-78366238673475094942010-07-22T13:32:00.000-07:002010-07-22T13:32:12.130-07:00

 Restraining Animals: Devices - 1 can be found here. Gags: A gag is a means for keeping the jaws apart for for probang use or examination of the mouth or teeth of horses, cattle, and buffaloes.Several types of gags are in use, most are made of metal. The one in common use with large animals is called Varnell's movable gag. The bars of the gag or mouth piece fit into the interdental space.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-74433893703217158272010-07-21T11:49:00.000-07:002010-07-21T11:49:19.040-07:00

Halters: Halters are one of the simplest controlling devices for horses, cattle and buffalo. To make a halter, lay about 3 m of rope on the floor. At about 1 , from the left hand end, untwist the strands sufficiently to enable the right hand end to be passed through it to make a loop of about 2.5 cm in diameter. Lay the rope down as before. Close to the loop, untwist some strands again on the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-67690351056924527482010-07-20T14:48:00.000-07:002010-07-20T14:48:08.062-07:00

Lifting a foot or leg: To lift the front foot of an animal like a cow, the animal must first be restrained. Tie its head so that it cannot move about. Then stand beside the animal facing backwards, reach down and lift the foot, and bend it at the knee. Be ready; the animal will probably lean its weight on you as the foot comes off the ground. Lifting the hind leg is difficult and should not be

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-58197542845295123162010-07-20T14:07:00.000-07:002010-07-20T14:07:38.542-07:00

Handling and restraining means controlling animals for various purposes such as: Giving them medical treatment or surgical operations Shoeing, drenching and checking ear tags or tattoos, taking blood samples, ringing, etc. Examining the buccal cavity, eyes, feet, or any other parts which are not otherwise clearly visible. Preventing biting of other animals or attendants. Restraint can be effected

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-74007290230517944492010-07-10T12:26:00.000-07:002010-07-10T12:26:51.859-07:00

Fencing: Almost any livestock operation will require fencing of some sort. Fences may be used for control and movement of livestock, to keep the stock off cultivated lands, or as an aid to pasture management. Moreover, fencing is of great importance in maintaining good relationships with the neighbours. Fences may be constructed from any materials which suffice to hold the stock including live

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-6482441489812060102010-07-08T11:41:00.000-07:002010-07-08T11:41:04.070-07:00

When horses are to be taken to a distant area, the train is considered to be the most effective mode of transportation. In Pakistan trains have special boxes or wagons reserved for horses. They can accommodate three to five horses and contain separate feeding and watering devices for each animal. There is a layer of bedding material on the floor for the animals' comfort. The horse, wearing a head

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-10084855090013127002010-07-08T11:25:00.000-07:002010-07-08T11:25:09.751-07:00

Transport facilities for livestock are grossly inadequate in Pakistan. The stock owner has to use one of five ways to transport: by ship, train, plane, vehicle, or hoof. Transport by plane or ship, of course, isi usually reserved for costly race horses, zoo animals, and imported pure bred exotic cattle, etc. For long distances, rail transport, affords a savings on maintenance and handling charges

Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007966661209796650.post-84634595633358532882010-07-07T12:12:00.000-07:002010-07-07T12:12:20.918-07:00

Even though horses are social animals, strange horses should not be allowed to get too close to the others. When leading or riding in a line, keep at least one horse's length between animals to avoid kicking. Horses being introduced nose-to-nose for the first time will often squeal and strike out with a front foot or even try to turn quickly and kick. When crossing a road, it is extremely

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