Archive for the ‘News & Updates’ Category

Preparing Your Animals for Breeding Season

Saturday, April 5th, 2025

Preparing Your Animals for Breeding Season: photo of a baby goat peering over a fence.Preparing Your Animals for Breeding Season: Breeding season is a crucial time for animal owners, full of possibilities and excitement. However, it can also be a challenging period, especially if you are new to the process. Getting your animals ready for breeding takes careful planning and consideration. Ensuring your animals are healthy and in top condition is vital to a successful breeding season. Whether you’re a seasoned breeder or a newcomer, we have put together a guide to help you prepare for the breeding season ahead. We also carry feeds for all animals, small and large; livestock or pets.

Schedule a Pre-Breeding Checkup

The first and foremost step to begin preparing your animals for breeding season is to schedule a pre-breeding checkup with a reliable veterinarian. The vet will examine your animals, perform any necessary tests, and give you a clean bill of health for them. Ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date and administer any necessary medications under the vet’s guidance. Also, while you’re at it, ask the veterinarian for advice on how to prepare your animals for the coming breeding period.

Ensure Proper Nutrition

A well-balanced and nutritious diet is critical to success during breeding season. Ensure your animals are fed high-quality forage, plenty of clean water, and a complete and balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Feed them food rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals as it will help to maintain their body condition and boost their reproductive health.

Maintain Optimum Health

Maintaining optimum health is key to the preparation of your animals for breeding season. Ensure that the living environment is suitable and clean for your animals. Any external parasites such as lice and flies can lead to health issues. Take the appropriate measures to eliminate these parasites. Additionally, be sure to give your animals exercise to strengthen their stamina and maintain their physical health.

Plan for Newborns Arrival

Breeding is the start of a new life, and it should be a planned event. You need to plan for the newborn animals’ arrival, including space, food, and other necessary items. Ensure that a designated area or pen is prepared, and it has all needed supplies and equipment, such as heat lamps, colostrum replacers, resuscitation equipment, or foaling kits on hand. Plan for transportation and have a backup plan in place.

Keep Accurate Breeding Records

Keeping accurate breeding records is crucial to the success of any breeding program. You should track breeding dates, gestation periods, births, and any offspring’s health. Accurate records will help you identify patterns, identify any potential issues or trends, and make improvements in your breeding program.

Breeding season can be an exciting and challenging time for animal owners. However, with careful planning and consideration, you can ensure that your animals are healthy and prepared to create offspring that will be productive and generous in the future. Work with a vet, maintain proper nutrition, keep optimum health, plan for the newborn’s arrival, and track accurate records for a successful breeding season.

Cattle Mineral Tips for Spring

Thursday, March 20th, 2025

Cattle Mineral Tips for SpringCattle Mineral Tips for Spring: As winter shifts to spring, it’s time to take a look at cattle management. Specifically, your cattle mineral program. Make sure cattle management, and cattle mineral, reflect the season to help keep cattle performing year-round.

Quick, timely considerations for your Purina cattle mineral program:

  • It can be tough getting cattle to eat mineral when grass is green and lush. Have one cattle mineral feeder for every 20 to 30 head. You can also use a complete cattle mineral or mineral tub to encourage consumption.
  • Ensure cattle receive enough magnesium to prevent grass tetany. Consider using Wind and Rain® Storm® Hi Mag Cattle Mineral.
  • Spring grass typically has the highest phosphorus level of the growing season. Mineral sources of phosphorus and magnesium are bitter and can reduce palatability. Consider using a high-magnesium cattle mineral with a lower phosphorus level to improve intake.
  • Global vitamin A production issues have caused prices to rise considerably over the past few months. However, vitamin A is very important for reproduction, so it’s critical to avoid a deficiency. Green, leafy forages tend to be a good source of vitamin A. Wind and Rain® Storm® Hi Mag Cattle Mineral contains a low level of vitamin A to complement lush grass.
  • Get a jump start on fly control. Start using Wind and Rain® Storm® Fly Control Cattle Mineral 30 days before the last frost and continue through fly season.

Check out Kissimmee Valley Feed’s full Cattle Feed and Supplies Selection. In addition, Try Purina® minerals today through the Feed Greatness Challenge.

Article Source: Kent Tjardes, Ph.D., Field Cattle Consultant for Purina Mills

Planning Spring Pasture Management

Saturday, March 15th, 2025

Spring Pasture ManagementThe arrival of spring presents a prime opportunity for farmers and livestock owners to improve the health of their pastures through proper pasture management. Not only does this help to regenerate growth, but it also ensures that the animals are well-fed and healthy. There are a few steps you can take to improve your pasture management including planning rotations, avoiding overgrazing, and looking out for poisonous plants.

Plan Your Rotation

Rotational grazing is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy pastures. This practice involves splitting a pasture into smaller paddocks and allowing the animals to graze on each paddock for a set period of time before moving onto the next. Giving the grass time to recover before it’s grazed again is crucial for its health. In addition, rotational grazing provides an opportunity for livestock to graze on nutrient-rich grass as it regenerates. This practice encourages animal movement and even distribution of fertilizer, ultimately resulting in a better-quality pasture.

Avoid Overgrazing

It’s important to resist the temptation to leave all the animals in one area for an extended period. This can lead to overgrazing, a process where livestock consume too much grass, and it is unable to recover. This can harm the overall health of your pasture and reduce its productivity. Overgrazing can increase the presence of weeds, soil compaction, and decreased water infiltration. The best way to prevent overgrazing is to manage your grazing schedule correctly. It’s important not to leave your livestock in any one area for too long.

Beware of Poisonous Plants

It’s essential to be aware of the different poisonous plants that can be present in your pastures. These plants can adversely affect the health of your livestock if ingested, and some can even be fatal. Such plants include poison ivy and poison oak. Be sure to remove these plants from your pastures, and observe closely whether they are growing back. Consider fencing off any areas in which these plants are known to grow, or uprooting and replanting any areas where they may be present.

Spring pasture management is crucial when it comes to keeping pastures healthy and robust. Proper rotational grazing, grazing management, and attention to poisonous plants will ensure your pasture remains healthy, providing sufficient and nutritious feed for your livestock. Whether it’s your private collection of animals, or livestock that provides for your livelihood, it’s important to prioritize their health and well-being by maintaining healthy pastures. Take these three factors into account to ensure the health and longevity of your pasture and in turn your livestock.

Keeping Dogs Healthy in the Spring and Summer

Monday, March 10th, 2025

Keeping Dogs HealthyKeeping Dogs Healthy in the Spring and Summer: Spring and summer months are a great time for you and your dog to enjoy the outdoors. However, the spring and summer months can also present unique dangers and health risks for your dog. Here are some dog health care tips that will help ensure that your dog remains safe in the heat.

In the Spring, check with your veterinarian to see what they recommend in terms of Heartworm Prevention. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be fatal. Heartworm disease is truly a silent killer and you can ensure that your dog stays heartworm free with just minimal prevention.

Dog Food:

Spring and summer time is the perfect time to transition your dog to all natural, premium dog food. Transition to the new dog food slowly, by mixing in the new dog food over time. Start by mixing 10% of the new into the old dog food. Add more of the premium dog food every day. Transitioning to a premium, all natural dog food can provide long lasting health benefits for your dog, and may provide them with more energy through the summer months.

Sun Exposure:

Monitor your dog’s tolerance of the direct sun very closely. Never leave your dog out in the sun too long. Dogs can get sunburned just like people. Provide lots of shade for your pet. Dogs can become dehydrated in the sun, so provide plenty of cool, clean water. Older dogs and dogs with thick coats need special attention. Limit their exposure to the heat during hot summer days and exercise them in the morning or evening hours, when temperatures are cooler.

Fleas and Ticks:

Keep your dog free from fleas and ticks during the summer by using all-natural flea and tick treatments. Some of the flea and tick products that are sold over the counter are actually toxic and should be avoided at all costs. Speak with your veterinarian about holistic flea and tick solutions.

Noise:

Protect your dog’s emotional health by avoiding large, noisy events such as rock concerts or fireworks displays. For many dogs, this type of event is stressful and can cause anxiety. Fireworks can be dangerous for humans and pets alike, so never allow your pet to be near fireworks displays. Many pet owners find the Anxiety Wrap effective in helping their pet cope with fireworks and thunder.

Car Rides:

It is extremely dangerous to drive a truck with a dog in the back. In fact, in many states it is illegal. Dogs can be injured from flying debris and can also be thrown from the pick-up bed during the ride. Dogs should always ride in the cab, preferably confined in a crate or by using a seat belt safety harness.

Tags:

Make sure that your dog always wears a dog collar and current dog tags including your phone number. Safety dog collars, such as reflective collars and illuminated dog collars also can keep your dog safe.

Dogs love spring and summer because it means lots of time outdoors. By keeping tabs on your dog’s health, you can make this a fantastic season for you and your dog.

Source: PupLife

Spring Garden Hazards

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

Spring Garden HazardsSpring Garden Hazards: As spring arrives and the first buds appear, gardening can be a relaxing and healthy way to pass the time.  But it can also pose some potential risks to our cat and dog friends. With care and some knowledge, these risks can be avoided.  Here is a list of potential spring garden hazards.

Fertilizers and Pesticides:

Fertilizers containing blood meal, bone meal, feather meal or iron can be tasty for dogs and particularly dangerous. Ingestion of large amounts of meal containing products can form concretions in the stomach resulting in obstruction and severe pancreatitis.  Likewise, those containing iron can lead to iron poisoning causing vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, shock, tremors, and potential cardiac and liver effects.  Consider using natural fertilizers available many garden supply stores or local farms.  Ingestion of pesticides or insecticides containing organophosphates can be life threatening even in small amounts.

Mulch:

Cocoa mulch is made from the discarded shells and hulls of the cocoa bean.  Its chocolate like smell can be particularly attractive to dogs. Similarly, like chocolate, this mulch contains theobromine and caffeine.  The amount of toxin present can vary from product to product.  Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and in extreme cases, death.  Keep pets safe by closely supervising them or using safer alternatives to cocoa mulch.  They include rubber mulch, cedar mulch, leaves, pine needles or untreated wood chips.  While these are safer alternatives, please remember these can still be ingested and cause an obstruction.

Compost:

Gardeners love compost for its nutrient value and many have their own pile.  Compost can be toxic to pets and wildlife and should always be fenced off.  As organic matter decomposes in the compost pile, molds can grow.  Consequently, these molds can produce tremorgenic mycotoxins.  As a result, when ingested symptoms can occur within 30 minutes and include agitation, panting, drooling, vomiting, tremors, and seizures.  However, with supportive care the prognosis is good.

Snail and Slug Bates:

These are available in pellets, granules, powder or liquid.  Most contain metaldehyde which is very dangerous to dogs and cats.  As a result, symptoms can occur within 1-2 hours of ingestion and include salivation, restlessness, vomiting, tremors, seizures and increase body temperature.  Without veterinary care the symptoms can last for days and be fatal, for instance.  Gopher, mole and other vermin bates contain strychnine and are highly toxic.

Flowers and Plants: 

Many plants can be toxic to pets.  Some can have only mild symptoms of gastrointestinal upset to severe liver or kidney failure and death.  For example, the following is an incomplete list of common plants.

  • Severe toxicity:  Sego palm, Azalea/Rhododendron, Caster bean, Cyclamen, Oleander and Yew.
  • Moderate Toxicity:  Aloe Vera, Amaryllis, Begonia, Chrysanthemum, Daffodil, Hosta, Morning glory and Poinsettia.
  • Mild toxicity:  Baby’s breath, Carnation, Gladiola and Tomato plant.

Citronella candles:

Ingestion of citronella candles, used to deter mosquitos, can cause gastrointestinal inflammation including vomiting and diarrhea.

Above all, if you think your pet has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian for advice and treatment.  Additionally, you can contact the ASPCA Hotline at 1-888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Hotline at 1-800-213-6680.  Both charge a fee for their service.  Several pet poison apps are available, as well.

In conclusion, contact or visit Kissimmee Valley Feed for natural lawn and garden products.

Article provided by Nutrena.

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