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Farm dogs are the unsung heroes of the agricultural world, and they require a diet that meets their high energy and nutrient demands to keep them performing at their best. The Role of Farm Dogs: More Than Just Companions Farm dogs are indispensable members of agricultural and other operations, performing a variety of tasks that go beyond simply providing companionship. These hardworking canines assist with herding and protecting livestock, guarding property, and even helping with day-to-day chores and daily life. Their roles are multifaceted, requiring both physical endurance and mental sharpness. Unlike other dogs, farm dogs are often on the...

We are often asked “how many acres of pasture do I need for my horses?”. In today’s blog we are using one owner’s experience to review how to determine the carrying capacity of your horse pasture to ensure optimal grazing conditions. Expanding Your Herd We’ve finally purchased a horse property! It’s 7 acres with about 5 acres in pasture. We have 2 horses, but are looking to expand our herd. However, we do not want more horses than what our pasture can hold since we do not want to feed hay (or much hay) during the summer. How many horses...

Flock expansion can be an exciting endeavor, especially when you are looking to add a new species or two. It can be a fun and challenging task to meet the needs of a multi-species flock of chickens. Here are a few tips and recommendations to consider if you plan to take your flock to the next level. There are three main areas of focus before caring for a multi-species flock: Coop Cleanliness Living Space Management Techniques Coop cleanliness Providing your multi-species flock with a clean home is of the utmost importance in preventing sickness. Keep the coop clean and dry,...

It seems we hear more and more about the danger of ticks every year and the havoc they wreak on humans and pets alike. Ticks are not insects. Having eight legs, they are arachnids, more closely related to scorpions and spiders than insects. Ticks are ectoparasites (parasites that live on the outside of its host) and live by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Lifecycle of a Tick Ticks have a four-stage lifecycle. They begin as eggs in a cool, moist environment. The eggs hatch into six-legged larva that congregate in groups around vegetation...

Overview of Immune System As humans, we rely on our immune systems every day to protect us from viruses, bacteria, toxins, and fungi. When this network of organs, cells, and proteins defeats a threat to our body, it makes a record of how to defend against the invader. The next time the body is faced with this particular attacker, the immune system can defeat it swiftly and efficiently. The chicken’s immune system functions in a similar way. It is also complex. Its main defenses are lymphoid organs, which produce, store, and carry cells that fight infection. The primary lymphoid organs...