Month: December 2015

Diseases affecting dairy cows

Mshindo Media

There are a range of diseases affecting dairy cows with different impacts on welfare, productivity and profitability, so it makes sense to have a good understanding of common conditions. The list of potential diseases affecting dairy cows is almost endless with some diseases more significant than others. Diseases may compromise animal welfare, limit productivity or add additional costs to your business. The relative impact of different diseases depends on the health status of your herd so it is advisable to work with your vet to assess your own situation. Below…

Animal Breeding

Mshindo Media

Objective and Methods of Animal Breeding Animal breeding is when animals produce improved breeds of domesticated animals by improving their genotypes and physiology through selective mating by descent, similar in most characters like general appearance, features, size and configuration. Objectives of Animal Breeding Improved growth rate Increased production of milk, meat, egg, wool Superior quality of milk, meat, eggs, wool Improved resistance to various diseases Increased productive life Increased or, at least, acceptable reproduction rate Methods of Animal Breeding 1.Inbreeding Breeding that occurs between animals of the same breed for…

Mastitis Prevention and Treatment

Mshindo Media

Mastitis Prevention and Treatment The most costly dairy industry disease, mastitis, creates problems that affect the animal, finances, and food safety. When evaluating the expenses associated with mastitis, dairy clients need to keep in mind that the financial loss associated with treating the disease extends beyond the cost of prevention.Below is information you can give to your dairy clients to help: Calculating the Costs of Mastitis Running a dairy is a business. When balancing the cost of prevention versus the cost of treatment, the final decision has to be economically valid.…

INFECTIOUS CORYZA

Mshindo Media

INFECTIOUS CORYZA Coryza is the medical term for local cold.However its more serious in chicken.Its airbone disease,Can be passed from bird to bird,through infected droplets,contaminated feeds,water,beddings and dust particles.Birds are also highly susceptible at places such as poultry shows,swap meet and live birds market place or all places where they can be in contact with infected birds.It can also spread via wild birds so try to keep them out of the chicken area as much as possible.Poor unsanitary housing and overcrowding exacerbates the problem since the bacteria can proliferate in…

Bleeding calf syndrome

Mshindo Media

Bleeding calf syndrome (Bovine neonatal pancytopenia) results in unexplained bleeding or haemorrhaging from the skin, nares, mouth, rectum and injection sites and ear tags and with a raised temperature in some cases.  Clinical signs There have been different clinical manifestations seen, ranging from calves being found dead to unexpected excessive bleeding with secondary infection and malaise and on post mortem areas of bleeding or haemorrhage are seen throughout the carcase. The bone marrow also shows damage (aplasia) indicating that there is a problem with producing factors involved in blood clotting.…

Milking Procedures

Mshindo Media

Consistency in management and proper milking procedures are essential for profitable dairy production. Following correct procedures can lead to increased production along with quicker milk output and quality milk. The following procedures are suggested to increase quality and production while decreasing parlor or tie-stall milking times: Clean Teats as necessary ᵃ Completely coat each teat to the base of the udder with an effective teat disinfectant Observe the foremilk by stripping milk into a strip cup (not under the cow). This is known as fore-stripping (may be done before pre-…

Bluetongue

Mshindo Media

Bluetongue is a non-contagious, viral disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants (primarily sheep and including cattle and goats), that is transmitted by insects, particularly biting midges. The severity of disease varies among different species with symptoms being most severe in sheep resulting in death, weight loss and disruption in wool growth. In highly susceptible sheep, morbidity can be as high as 100%. Mortality averages from 2-30% but can be as high as 70%. Cattle often have a higher infection rate than sheep and demonstration and severity of clinical signs varies…

Broiler Management

Mshindo Media

BroilerIt is a bird of about 8 weeks of age of either sex (straight-run chicks) with an average body weight of 1.5 to 2.0 kg with a flexible breast bone cartilage, pliable and tender meat. Housing systemsBroilers can be housed on deep-litter, slatted or wire floor or cages.  However, cage, slat and wire floor rearing of broilers are not as popular as litter floor rearing, due to problems like breast blisters, leg weakness and higher initial investment. Rearing systemsThe systems of rearing refer to either single batch at a time…

Pig Management – Birth to Weaning

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Good care and management in the farrowing quarters has a major influence on the number of liveborn piglets that are weaned and on how well they perform in later stages of production. According to a 1995 survey of swine management practices in the United States, the average number of preweaning piglet deaths per litter on farms was .88 or 9.4% of those born alive. The two leading causes of preweaning deaths were laid on (48.7%) and starvation (20.5%). Other surveys have shown that over 50% of the deaths occur in…

Broiler Chickens

Mshindo Media

What Are They And How Are They Raised? Every year billions of chickens are intensively farmed, killed, and sold to people to eat. Every one of them is an individual with a distinct personality, preferences, and thoughts. And yet, they are crowded in their tens of thousands into vast sheds, their individual needs denied. At VFC, we have made it our mission to spare the lives of these poor birds. Not only do we find creative ways to publicise the reality of chicken farming, but we also create delicious Vegan…