Showing posts with label Diseases. Show all posts
Trace Mineral Deficiencies Can Cause Problems in Herd
Posted by Unknown in Diseases on Monday, 28 January 2013
by: Heather Smith Thomas
(Cattle Today)
Some minerals, like calcium and phosphorus, are required in fairly
large amounts by the body, but deficiency is generally not a problem
because these macro-minerals are often present in high levels in many
feeds. Other minerals are needed in very tiny amounts and are thus
called trace minerals, but they are also very important to the health of
the animal. Serious problems can occur if diet is deficient in these
crucial minerals.
If several
animals in a herd experience health problems, poor fertility, poor
response to vaccination, low weight gains or other signs of poor
performance, a trace mineral deficiency may be to blame. A good way to
find out is to have your vet take blood samples, liver biopsies or urine
samples from live animals. This type of sampling is usually adequate to
measure the level of most minerals in the body, though illness may skew
the results. Diarrhea, acidosis, stress, fever, trauma, etc. can alter
the concentrations of certain minerals in body fluids and tissues.
If you are
testing for mineral deficiencies it is important to test several animals
in the herd and not just a sick one or one that died. Traditional
recommendations were to check 10 animals or 10 percent of the herd,
whichever is the most logical number for your herd size. But if you only
have 20 cows, 10 percent (2 cows) is not an adequate number; you'd need
to test at least 5 or 6 cows. At the other end of the spectrum, if you
can get a good sampling of 10 cows from a 300-cow herd, this might be
enough animals to test. There can be a lot of individual variation in
cattle, so you need to make sure you have enough samples to get a true
picture of the herd's mineral status.
Selenium Deficiency
– The soils (and therefore the feeds) in many regions are low in
selenium, and a few areas have too much. Selenium is a tricky element in
the diet, since cattle can be unhealthy if they don't have enough, and
unhealthy if they get too much. Selenium is vital for proper body
function, reproduction and a healthy immune system, but in excess it is
toxic—causing loss of tail hair or even loss of hooves.
Selenium, along
with vitamin E, is crucial for producing an enzyme that protects muscle
cells from damage during exercise, and is important for muscle
function. Much of the U.S. and Canada is deficient in this important
metalloid, and selenium leaches out of pastures and hayfields that have
been irrigated for many years, making the deficiency more pronounced.
Soils in valleys with irrigation or heavy rainfall are often short on
selenium, whereas foothills and uplands in the same region may have
adequate amounts.
Selenium
deficiencies are common in parts of 42 states, including the Northwest
and northern California. Some soils are so deficient that
supplementation is always needed, while other areas have adequate
amounts, and some others have areas with toxic concentrations. In these
regions livestock may be poisoned when they eat plants that are selenium
accumulators.
Lack of
selenium is much more common than toxicity, however. Selenium deficiency
can lead to a wide variety of muscle diseases and weakness,
reproductive problems, decrease in fertility, increased susceptibility
to disease, and impaired heart function in young animals—especially if
their dams have inadequate selenium during pregnancy. Calves may be
stillborn or die within a few days of birth. In some regions, white
muscle disease can occur unless the dam, was supplemented or the calf is
given an injection of selenium at birth. Calves with white muscle
disease may be weak, or die suddenly because the heart muscle is
impaired.
Selenium
deficiency may sometimes develop if sulfur or zinc inhibits proper
utilization of selenium. Stockmen need to be careful when adding zinc to
trace mineral supplements, and not overdo it.
Clover and
alfalfa don't pick up selenium as readily as some other plants. Cattle
grazing legume pastures or feeds grown in soils that contains sulfur may
develop deficiency. Fields with high crop yield, intensive irrigation
(that leaches selenium out of soil) and fertilization (which stimulates
plants to grow faster, with less time to accumulate as much mineral from
the soil) may contribute to selenium deficiency in some crops. The
higher the crop yield, the smaller the concentration of selenium in each
plant. Slower growing plants with less yield per acre or less hay
cuttings per season have time to accumulate more minerals. When in
doubt, have feeds tested.
Copper Deficiency –
Low copper levels in cattle can result in many problems—everything from
poor hair coat to reduced weight gains, impaired immune system, broken
bones, or lower reproduction rates. Often it's a subtle problem you
don't suspect unless you check the copper levels in your animals. When
the deficiency is corrected, they do better and have fewer problems.
One of the most
visible signs of copper deficiency is change in hair color. Black
animals develop a red or gray tint and red animals become more bleached
and light colored. The coat becomes dull instead of shiny, and the
animals may be slow to shed in the spring. In young animals, copper
deficiency can result in diarrhea and more incidence of calfhood
diseases, lameness and poor response to vaccination. Affected animals
may have a stiff gait and the ends of the cannon bones may be enlarged
and painful, with sore fetlock joints. Pasterns may be upright and the
calf seems to be walking on its toes. Bones may be weak and brittle, and
easily broken. Heifers may be late reaching puberty and their fertility
may be impaired, and cows may be slow to cycle after calving.
Cattle may
develop severe copper deficiency due to excess of other trace minerals
such as molybdenum or sulfur. Deficiency may be primary (when there's
not enough copper in the soil or in plants grown on those soils) or
secondary when other factors prevent utilization of copper. Some of the
elements that bind with copper to prevent its absorption by the body
include molybdenum, iron, zinc, sulfur, lead and calcium carbonate. In
the West, many regions have problems due to presence of molybdenum. Red
clover and other legumes are some of the plants that seem to accumulate
molybdenum, and this may add to the problem in certain pastures. This is
most common with alkaline soils, since molybdenum uptake is influenced
by the pH of the soil.
Molybdenum
is often an issue in valley bottoms since there's more of this element
in low areas than on uplands. Copper deficiency is more likely to occur
in animals that graze the valley floor (or eat legume hay) than in
animals grazing high ground or range pastures. When evaluating a forage
sample for copper, always look at the copper to molybdenum ratio. If
forages contains less than 8 to 10 parts per million of copper, they are
borderline deficient. The problem is compounded when molybdenum levels
are in excess of 1 to 3 parts per million or when the copper to
molybdenum ratio falls below 3 (or 4) to 1.
Even if you
don't think you have a copper problem, it pays to check. Many people
think that if they keep cattle well fed and healthy, they won't have
this problem. But copper levels in forages can vary from year to year,
depending on weather conditions, soil factors, fertilization of fields
and pastures, etc. Another thing that makes it difficult to recognize a
copper problem is that you often don't see any obvious signs (like
discolored hair). Cattle may have subtle symptoms such as more incidence
of disease, increased numbers of animals that develop respiratory
problems, or calves with diarrhea or disappointing weight gains.
Forage samples,
blood tests or liver biopsies can help determine whether there's a
problem. There are several strategies that can be used to correct a
problem. You can supplement with extra copper in a loose salt/mineral
mix, or individually dose each animal with oral drenching, copper
boluses or injections. Some of the early copper injection products were
notorious for injection site swellings, but newer products such as
Multimin (providing copper, selenium, zinc and manganese) are less
irritating.
Trace mineral
blocks, which some ranchers rely on, generally do not contain enough
copper to correct any deficiencies. Even a salt/mineral mix is not 100
percent effective because cattle have variable salt intake. Some animals
will consume enough of it but others won't eat enough, and some will
eat too much and risk poisoning. There's always some risk of copper
toxicity with long-term over-supplementation.
It can be a
challenge to get calves to eat enough mineral. Some stockmen think that
if the cows are eating it the calves will be ok, but minerals are not
transferred through the milk very well. Zinc levels in calves, for
instance, often drop dramatically after they are born. To make sure all
calves have adequate trace minerals, some stockmen give each calf an
injectable product before the grazing season.
Even if calves
have adequate levels of copper, zinc and selenium, stress (such as
weaning) may still cause problems. If calves are short on these
important elements they are even more at risk when stressed. This is
often the cause of big “wrecks” at weaning. Even if they don't get sick,
they may not gain as well as they should. They may also be at risk for
“silent pneumonia” which will lower weight gains.
Iodine Deficiency –
Iodine is another trace mineral that is very important, yet toxic if
consumed in large amounts. Most of the iodine in the body is in the
thyroid gland; it regulates metabolism and the rate at which the body
converts simple compounds from food into energy and building blocks for
body cells, and the rate at which the body breaks down and eliminates
waste materials. Iodine-containing hormones influence metabolism, the
birth process, and ability of newborn calves to withstand cold stress.
Iodine
deficiency results in enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), seen as a lump on
the underside of the neck. Iodine deficient cows may be infertile or
give birth to hairless, weak or stillborn calves. Bulls may have lower
fertility. Many areas of the U.S are deficient in iodine, so this
important trace mineral is often added to protein supplements, salt
mixes and salt blocks.
Trace minerals
are the very important but unsung heroes in keeping cattle healthy and
performing optimally. Working with a cattle nutritionist to develop a
mineral program specifically tailored to your region and ranch and your
own herd's needs—and working with a veterinarian if you suspect that
health issues may be due to deficiency problems—can have a huge impact
on your profit or loss when raising cattle.
Complications of Pregnancy in Cattle
Posted by Unknown in Breeding and Pregnancy, Cattle and Livestock, Diseases, Goat, Sheep on Sunday, 27 January 2013
Suzanne W. Gasparotto
COMPLICATIONS OF PREGNANCY
There
are many health problems that can impact a pregnant doe. Below are some
of the most common ones. The Articles page at
www.tennesseemeatgoats.com contains articles detailing diagnosis and
treatment for most of these conditions.
Congenital
and Developmental Defects: Many birth defects are never seen by the
producer because the doe's body either reabsorbs the embryo in early
gestation or aborts the fetus.Visible birth defects appearing at
parturition (birthing) include cleft palate, atresi ani, and
mummification.
Cleft
palate is a lengthwise split in the roof of the mouth. Atresi ani is no
rectal opening. Mummification is a kid whose limbs are *frozen* in
place and unmoveable. A dead mummified kid may have to be taken apart in
pieces to get its body out of the doe. A live mummified kid may be born
but will be unable to move.
Cleft
palate, atresi ani, and live mummification are conditions requiring
immediate humane euthanasia. All three conditions may or may not recur
if the same doe and buck are bred again.
Ringwomb:
Incomplete dilation of the cervix. Manual manipulation of the cervical
opening should be done by an experienced person -- preferably a vet. The
tissue involved is very easy to damage. Ringwomb may be the result of
inadequate levels of minerals or hormones.
Uterine Rupture:
This condition can occur at any time during pregnancy and is usually
the result of being hit. Impossible to diagnose without veterinarian
assistance. Uterine rupture can also occur when assistance in kidding is
needed and the pushing-pulling-rearranging of kids inside the uterus
results in tearing it. Uterine rupture is often not repairable
surgically and the dam will die within 24 to 72 hours.
Uterine Torsion:
A twisted uterus is very difficult to fix but repositioning it is the
only solution.If uterine torsion is suspected, vet help is necessary.
Periparturient Edema: Swelling
of lower legs in long-bred does. Often but not always associated with
worm load. Usually occurs when multiple fetuses are taking more
nutrition than dam can replace, putting her in a nutritional deficit.
Pregnancy Toxemia and Ketosis:
Nutritionally-related metabolic diseases occuring at the end of
pregnancy and early during lactation. An improper level of nutrition is
the cause. As the dam draws upon her own body's reserves and her tissues
begin to starve, deadly ketones are produced. Oral administration of
high-energy products such as propylene glycol, molasses, or Karo syrup
given orally are necessary.
Abortions and Vaginal Discharges:
Red, brown, or very foul-smelling discharges are not normal and may
indicate early termination of pregnancy. Examples of conditions causing
abortions include interruption of the fetal blood supply when injured,
poor nutrition (insufficient energy), stress (moving, changing feed,
illness), abortion diseases, toxicity (ingestion of poisonous plants or
other substances), surgery, malformation of the fetus during
development, and labor-inducing drugs (dexamethasone). The usual drug of
choice is oxytetracycline 200 mg/ml (LA 200 or generic equivalent).
Hypocalcemia:
Commonly but improperly called "milk fever," hypocalcemia is an
imbalance of calcium occuring just prior to kidding. The first
recognizable physical symptom is usually cold and dragging rear legs.
This nutritionally based illness involves hormonal changes that occur in
the mobilization of calcium when the doe begins to produce milk.
Calcium-rich feeds/hays need to be cut back during the last 30 days of
gestation to prevent excess calcium from being deposited in her bones.
The dam's body needs to be releasing calcium already stored in her bones
for use in milk production. Oral administration of CMPK or MFO solution
are recommended.
Prolapses.
Prolapses of the vagina or the rectum can occur in a doe heavy with
kids. Purse-string stitches and prolapse retainers may help. Prolapses
recurring in multiple pregnancies means that the doe should be culled.
Cloudburst Pregnancy:
False pregnancy, pseudo-pregnancy, more specifically
hydrometra.Everything about a cloudburst pregnancy is normal except that
no kid was formed and a "cloudburst" of liquid comes out of the dam's
body at delivery. Infectious diseases like toxoplasmosis and border
disease may be the cause, as may certain plant materials that contain
phytoestrogens. A more common cause is the chemical alteration of estrus
through artificial induction into heat of does by producers who use
gonadotrophin-releasing hormones.
Mastitis:
The infected udder becomes swollen, hard, and hot from bacteria
entering through the teats. The milk, if any, is stringy, bloody, and
unuseable. Cleanliness of pens and feeding areas is critical. Because
the udder is an interwoven mass of fibrous tissue that is walled off
from the rest of the doe's body, injectable antibiotics cannot get to
the source of the infection. Because mastitis organisms can become
systemic and infect the doe's entire body, a broad-spectrum antibiotic
like prescription Nuflor is recommended. Cai-Pan Peppermint Oil Cream
applied externally to the udder can provide relief from discomfort to
the doe. In some breeds mastitis may occur in certain genetic lines.
Mastitis is usually chronic and therefore a *cull* factor in a meat-goat
herd.
Congested Udder:
Unlike mastitis, congested udder is readily treatable by applying hot
compresses to the udder until the over-filled tight udder softens enough
to get useable milk out.
Retained Placenta: Placental
tissue (afterbirth) should be expelled by the doe's body within 12 to
24 hours after parturition. Retained placenta can be caused by abortion
diseases such as toxoplasmosis or chlamydiosis or can be the result of
selenium deficiency in the doe's diet. Tall fescue grass or hay can be
the culprit. A prescription oxytocin injection may be needed if the
placenta has not passed within the normal timeframe. Do not pull the
placental tissue out, even if it is dragging behind the doe; doing this
can kill her. After a difficult birth, the uterus should be flushed with
a solution of Nolvasan or Chlorhexidine antibacterials to prevent
infection (metritis).
Metritis: Infection of the uterus that can occur with retained placenta or dead kids inside the dam.
No Milk.
If the doe has been a good milk producer previously, then the problem
is either mastitis or nutritional. Feeding tall fescue grass or hay can
cause poor milk production. A non-mastitic freshened doe who is not
producing enough milk should be fed a diet high in legume hay (alfalfa
or peanut hay) and extra grain rations. Occasionally an injection of
dexamethasone can bring a doe into milk. In some breeds, certain genetic
lines are poor milk producers.
After
any abnormal or difficult kidding, the producer should glove up and
manually go inside the doe to check for undelivered live or dead kids.
Be careful not to disturb the tissues attached to the inside of the
doe's uterus. Pregnancy in goats is accompanied by great risks,
occurring outside under a wide variety of dangerous conditions and
usually occurs unassisted. It is remarkable that more pregnancy-related
deaths do not occur. There are many things that producers can do
themselves to assist their goats but there are times when vet help is
essential.
Important! Please Read This Notice!
All
information provided in these articles is based either on personal
experience or information provided by others whose treatments and
practices have been discussed fully with a vet for accuracy and
effectiveness before passing them on to readers.
In
all cases, it is your responsibility to obtain veterinary services and
advice before using any of the information provided in these articles.
Suzanne Gasparotto is not a veterinarian.Neither tennesseemeatgoats.com
nor any of the contributors to this website will be held responsible for
the use of any information contained herein.
The Art Of Farming | Livestock Diseases Limit Zambia’s Export Potential
Posted by Unknown in Africa, Cattle and Livestock, Diseases on Saturday, 26 January 2013
By STANSLOUS NGOSA
(Times of Zambia) Livestock diseases have been a major hindrance to the growth of the sector over the years in Zambia.
For
individual farmers and households, the reduced growth leads to reduced
food security directly from a loss of source of protein and indirectly
from a loss of income from sales of livestock and reduced crop
production due to loss of draft power.
The
poor economic status at household level caused by animal diseases has
continued to make families unable to send their children to school and
meet medical fees or even have a balanced diet.
These
combined losses have led to a reduced quality of life for most
households that have depended heavily on livestock production.
At
national level, the disease situation has led to limited export
opportunities and thereby reducing the potential contribution to Gross
Domestic Product.
In
recent years there has been a lot of illegal movement of animals,
especially cattle as more people have gotten involved in the trade of
livestock as a source of livelihood.
The
challenge for the veterinary services has been to curb this vice but it
is increasingly difficult given a shortage of staff and logistic
support.
Bob
van Bijl, who recently led a Dutch investment team in the country, said
Zambia had so much potential to grow the meat and dairy industry to
high export levels.
He, however, said the stigma of the country being a disease-prone area was hurting the industry.
Mr
Van Bijl said Netherlands is a large exporter of meat, milk and other
dairy products and several investors would like to invest in Zambia
because of the suitable weather and economic conditions.
Mr
Van Bijl regretted that Zambia’s meat and dairy products were shunned
because of the perception that there is too much livestock diseases.
Mr
Van Bijl said the efforts to rid the country of livestock diseases
should be stepped up so that the country takes its right place as net
exporters of meat and dairy products.
Netherlands,
with the knowhow in livestock rearing and export, could help Zambia
better manage its animal wealth and push it up to compete with South
Africa in the region.
Luanshya’s
Kampelembe Camp Agriculture Committee chairperson Pythias Timba said
the revision of the Livestock and Animal Act to strengthen veterinary
health services is one of the serious commitments the Government should
show to improve the livestock industry,
"Doing
so will improve the quality of livestock products and probably help
Zambia satisfy the EU standards and break into that market," Mr Timba
said.
He
said the establishment of new ministries of Livestock and Fisheries
with a strengthened legal framework would significantly contribute to
the effective operation of the sector.
Mr
Timba, who is specialised in artificial insemination which entails
breeding of cattle, said there is need for the Government to pay
attention to livestock diseases.
"Since
the population of cattle is handsome, the Government should also
consider subsidising chemicals so that the majority of livestock
small-scale farmers can protect their animals," Mr Timba said.
Mr
Timba said there is need for the Government to create incentives in the
livestock industry like it has done with maize because the benefits
from livestock are many.
He
said he appreciated that maize is a staple food, but there was need to
improve other sectors like livestock sub-sector because of its huge
benefits.
Mr
Timba said there is also need to adapt relevant and sustainable
diagnostic techniques to support and control the eradication of
diseases.
"As
a country we need to develop and improve disease surveillance and
outbreak investigation methodologies in order to mitigate diseases," Mr
Timba said.
He
said conducting regular investigations on the nutritional status of
livestock in the traditional sector and recommend appropriate mitigation
measures and use of crop residues and agro-industrial by-products is
also good for enhanced crop production.
Elina
Moyo of Kafwaka in Kapiri Mposhi said it is good to provide and
harmonise an efficient livestock extension system as a means of
transferring proven technologies and empowering small-scale farmers with
better management skills.
She
said there is also need to design, develop, and transfer improved
livestock housing and handling facilities to small-scale farmers after a
research has been conducted.
"It is also important to conduct characterisation of indigenous livestock breeds and promote their conservation," Ms Moyo said.
Therefore
in order to address this situation the Government will undertake a
baseline and subsequent annual livestock audits for planning purposes.
According
to the Patriotic Front (PF) manifesto, the Government will undertake a
livestock restocking programme coupled with appropriate training for
cattle farmers.
Prioritise
dipping, vaccination and treatment of diseases of all domestic animals,
rehabilitate existing and construct new dip tanks and make cattle
dipping compulsory in order to ensure that the discipline that is
implied on the actions of farmers and traders – regarding stock
movements or regular dipping is enforced and becomes routine, as in past
years.
The
Government also wants to establish joint livestock disease control
commissions with relevant neighbouring countries in order to curb
illegal movement of livestock.
Carrying
out regular vaccinations and other livestock disease control programmes
simultaneously with neighbouring countries are some of the measures the
Government wants to implement.
Intensifying
tsetse-fly eradication programmes simultaneously with neighbouring
countries, assessing the methods of managing grazing land for better
yield of meat per hectare are other measures the Government wants to put
in place.
Currently, these issues are being pursued by some NGOs and aid projects and render support where appropriate.
The
Government also wants to promote small livestock development involving
poultry through intensive vaccination programmes against various small
livestock diseases as well as upgrades training and deploys adequate
numbers of front line veterinary extension officers.
It
is therefore important to improve productive efficiency of the
livestock sector in a sustainable manner and support the marketing of
both livestock and livestock products and contribute to food security
and income.
Disease Prevention and Control in Broiler Poultry Farm
Posted by Unknown in Animal Health, Diseases, Poultry Farming on Monday, 10 September 2012
Remember following points to prevent diseases in broilers.
Hygiene
A hygiene program is fundamental to successful broiler production. Following control and preventive measure should be taken for healthy broiler production.
- Start with disease-free chicks.
- Vaccine chicks against Ranikhet and Marek’s disease at the hatchery.
- Use effective drugs in the feed, or a vaccination program to prevent coccidiosi.
- Keep feed free from aflatoxin.
- Do not allow visitors or attendants inside the broiler house unless they wear disinfected boots and clean clothing.
- When there are several age groups on the farm, always care for the youngest birds first while performing daily routine works.
- Rework built-up litter. When built-up litter is used, all caked and wet litter should be removed and replaced with fresh, clean litter before chicks arrive.
- Cover floor with clean litter at least 3 in. deep after each clean out, Wood shavings, rice hulls, straws cut into small pieces are suitable litter materials.
For keeping good hygienic condition in broiler housing following managemantal practices are followed
Poultry house temperature
On the first week 95o F is quite comfortable. This may be reduced at the rate of 5o F weekly until 7 o F is reached on the sixth week. When chicks circle, wide, it is too hot. If they tend to crowd, under the hover it is too cool. In either case, adjustment is needed immediately.
Ventilation of Broiler house
The main functions of ventilation are to maintain Oxygen, keep CO2 at low level, remove dust or moisture and ammonia from the house and maintain required temperature. Air movement requirements are best determined by observing bird comfort, litter condition, and odour build up. If necessary exhaust fan may be used.
Lighting for Broilers
Use of night lights, about 15 watts to each 200 square feet of floor area during early growing period. Growing chicks in semi-darkness by using red bulb keeps the chicks quiet, prevents cannibalism, and may have a slight effect on feed efficiency. Most broiler growers provide light in the brooder 24 hours a day throughout the entire growing period. One 60 watt bulb for each 200 square feet of floor space.
Floor space requirement
Broilers will require from 0.8 to 1.0 square of floor space per bird.
Debeaking
In addition to preventing cannibalism, debeaking usually lessens mash feed wastage. Electric debeakers are now available and chicks are debeakers when only one day old.
