CCE Livestock Program Workteam
News, Updates & Recent Publications
Managing Predation in Poultry Flocks
Finally, spring is in the air! It's the time of year where everything is waking up, including predators. Foxes are having their kits, coyotes are having their pups, and birds of prey are migrating to their northern breeding grounds. The lean winter season coupled with the fact that most prey species have not yet had their young means that predatory species are hungry… and poultry are the prefect meal.
Grazing Small Ruminants to Avoid High Spring Parasite Loads
Getting our sheep and goats out on pasture is something that we all look forward to this time of year. Having the animals outside makes it easier to get the barns cleaned and helps decrease our feed bills. Plus, there's nothing more serene than watching our charges walking in the lush green grass, heads down, thoroughly enjoying the buffet after a winter of stored forage.
Lambing/Kidding Management Calendar and Supplies Needed
Check off which supplies your mentor usually has on hand. Record their suggestions of other supplies to have on hand or particular brands they like to use, etc.
Screening for Diseases when Buying Goats and Sheep
The contagious diseases you initially introduce into your herd or flock will haunt you for years to come. The following are common infectious diseases found in US herds. Be sure to ask sellers directly about the status of these diseases in their herds. People are often more honest when asked directly about specific diseases rather than simply asked “is your herd healthy?”