Friday, August 31, 2012

Goat Parasite Problem Worsening with Wet and Warm Weather

Introduction


After a long drought, southeast US is getting some rainfall and making the pastures green. Livestock producers are happy, so are animals because of having access to something to graze on. However, there are couple of things producers need to be aware of and manage grazing properly to minimize potential parasite problem, especially gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants such as sheep and goats (more so in goats than in sheep). Additionally, when animals are suddenly exposed to young, lush pasture, various digestive and metabolic problems may develop. To avoid this situation, animals should be gradually exposed to the lush pasture, and they should have access to a good quality hay and mineral mixture before allowed to graze the lush pasture and while in the lush pasture field. When lush pasture is wet, it will be more problematic. So, let it dry before letting the animals graze such pastures. Read the Full article and take an appropriate action on time to prevent any loss from parasites.

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