| Western Milling | O H Kruse |
|---|---|
| Moormans | Natural Glo |
Providing fresh clean water to any animal, is the first mineral required by the body for good nutrient, health and weight gain. Providing salt and quality ruffage free from mold and dust are recommended at all times.
For fattening cattle, required energy in the form of a high quality grower ration formulated for steers, need to be started around 350lbs. Start any feed changes or additions slowly to allow the rumin to acclimate.
A good external and internal parasite program will help with weight gaining, thriftiness and overall health.
Feeds vary in digestibility of their protein fraction. The protein of common grain rations can have 75% or more. Alfalfa at 70% and grass hays about 35% or more.
Lack of protein in the ration also affects adversely, the bacterial population in the rumin. This in turn, reduces the digestibility of low-protein feeds.
There is no storage in the body of protein and must be taken in daily for best results.
Pigs having free access to water is best for health and growth. A high quality, free choice swine ration is recommended as well. Free choice means that the pig eats when it wants and needs the energy. A self-feeding feeder is recommended. Check the feed left daily for any mold build up. Clean the feeder out from leftover feed at least weekly.
Growing pigs 25lbs - 50 lbs should have a 18% protein level in their daily diet. 50lbs and over need about 16% protein levels in feeds.
A good external and internal program should be in place for weight gain and healthier pigs.
A worming program for internal parasites and clean fresh water daily is recommended for good growth and weight gain.
Lambs and sheep should be vaccinated for tetanus and Overeater's C & D (Enteroxemia). In our area Coccidiosis should be a preventive treatment upon arrival of any lambs in the area.
Make any feed changes very slowly and in small amounts. A rumin takes at least 10 days to adjust to any changes or increases in your feeding program. Weight your feed and monitor the lambs growth for good results.
Goats do not do well eating tin cans and shoe laces like the cartoons show. Feeding good quality alfalfa, rations mixed for goats and a good worming program are the first steps to a good healthy goat.
Slow changes in diets give best results. The goat is a rumin and it takes at least 10 days for any changes to be adjusted to in the stomach.
Goats need to be vaccinated for Overeaters C & D (Enterotoxmia) and Tetanus. A coccidate should be in the feed, drinking water, or used as a drench for prevention.
Goats require the following: (1).Protein for muscle and tissue growth and condition. (2). Minerals for skeleton and internal functions. (3)> Vitamins in small amounts. The fat soluble A, D, E, and K. (4). Fats for energy. (5)Fiber for digestive tract functions. (6)Carbohydrates, Sugars & Starch for energy. (7) Water.
Horses are kept for a longer period of time than other farm animals, and feeding programs must support the development of sound hooves and legs which will sustain a long, useful and highly athletic life.
Horses utilize hay and other ruffages very efficient. Their stomach is nonruminant and the feed is fermented in the large intestine and cecum. They are more dependant on good quality diets.
Water is dependant on the amount of work, environmental, nature of the feed, and physiological status of the horse. A working horse needs to be cooled down before offering water in large amounts as this can cause foundering in the hooves and a disability or even death can occur.
Metabolism plays a very important part in the feeding program. Sometimes a horse is considered and "Easy Keeper". This means that the metabolism does not need as much TDN's (Total Digestable Nutrient) as another horse that requires huge amounts of feed.
A dog is a carnivore in nature, but can and does utilize a variety of cereals and grains efficiently. Dogs have a wide range of body types, haircoats, and energy expenditures. But the ratio of various nutrient requirements are uniform in all dogs.
Nutritional requirements of average dogs for protein can be met by good commercial dog foods. Growing puppies, pregnant, or nursing dogs need at least a 20% protein level calories.
A good vaccination program along with internal and external parasite control should be scheduled with your veterinary service.
Cats often develop a marked preference for a particular food and can easily form a strong dietary habit that is hard to change. Start the cat on a good nutritious diet.
Cats are naturally a intermittent feeders and well-nourished healthy adults can go without food for several days.
The total feed required by a healthy growing chicken depends on the age, bred, sex and genetic makeup.
Different feeds are used for laying hens, ducks, turkeys and other game birds.
Always consult your vet for any diet changes or problems. They are the best sourse for new medications, diet needs and vaccinations needed for the good health and life changes of your animal.
Here are a few normal average body temperatures, taken from the Merck Veterinary Manual
| 99-101 Degrees | Horse |
| 102.5 Degrees | Swine |
| 103-104 Degress | Sheep and Goats |
| 103 Degrees | Dogs |
| 101.5 Degrees | Cats |
| 101.8 Degrees | Cattle |
| 105 - 106 Degrees | Chickens and Turkeys |
