Goats are ruminant animals who eat plants and digest them through a four-compartment stomach. Goats are herbivores which means they only eat vegetation and they forage on anything from fresh grass to woody shrubs which makes it easier for farmers to select the types of hay for goats. Hay This is the grass, legumes or …
Lamb feeding is an essential aspect of livestock farming. Lambs require a highly nutritious dietary plan in order to grow and develop a strong immune system. In fact, their survival is dependent on the type of feed offered. Ewe mortality is sometimes experienced by farmers, leaving lambs in need of colostrum. Colostrum is the thick …
Pygmy goats are small goats of African origin also known as the dwarf goats. They are usually an average height of 38cm to 50cm at the shoulder and as such, they weigh less than the average sized goat. Their smaller size make them greatly advantageous show pets but can also be reared to produce milk …
Rabbit snuffles is one of the most popular illnesses in animals. In fact, it is found in up to 10% of rabbits which appear normal. Snuffles is a bacterial infection in rabbits caused by more than one sort of bacteria but the most common one being Pasteurella multocida. Other common bacteria for rabbit snuffles are …
Sheep and chickens can live together and this is because chickens get along with most farm animals, even though they have a dominant pecking order within their own flocks. Free range chickens go about their business happily foraging as long as the farm animals that are around do not tramp down or harm them. Benefits …
Scientific evidence shows that giving chicken feed to pigs is a safe and common practice all over the world because there is very little difference between the contents of chicken feed and pig feed. However, in as much as it is safe, it can not be used as the main source of food for pigs …
Lambing is the process of giving birth to lambs. It usually takes place after 5 months of pregnancy. A healthy ewe is characterised by a normal, unaided birth. Difficulty during the birthing process is often a sign of high stress or abortion. Abortion occurs due to a variety of reasons including infection and poor dietary …
Lambs can be bottle fed due a number of reasons, the common one being due to loss of mothers. Orphan lambs are often bottle fed as a means to ensure that they consume sufficient colostrum for growth and development. After a certain period of time, they are introduced to solid feedstuff usually comprising of forage, …
Lambing is a crucial process in sheep farming as it determines the success of the entire agricultural venture. The process requires skill and knowledge about the signs of lambing. This is necessary in the efficient management of lambing to ensure minimal mortality. In fact, higher lambing percentages have been proven to be positive for productivity …
Milk plays a crucial role in the life of all animal species, right from birth. It is rich in nutrients necessary for health, development and production. Although this is not a popular practise, cows drink their own milk for a number of reasons. In fact, due to its higher nutritional profile, some farmers provide it …
