The building blocks of plant health and yield don’t start at the ground level; they actually begin underground, in the very material that ends up becoming soil. All healthy soils have three essential components: optimal nutrient availability; good biodiversity; and a balanced structure, with higher levels of organic content.

Plentiful and available nutrients

Healthy soils have a plentiful supply of minerals and other essential nutrients, as well as a balanced pH, making them readily available for uptake by the plant and offsetting mineral depletion by returning minerals to the soil though fertilization and decomposition. Factors like temperature and pH can greatly vary and reduce nutrient availability. In highly acidic soils, for example, phosphorus and calcium availability is poor, while nutrients like iron and copper are less available in soils with high alkaline levels. 

Maintaining biodiversity and building a strong biome

High-performing soils have a vibrant population of insects, worms and microbes. A strong microbiome is a miniature environment that harbors little to no pathogens and, instead, is rich in beneficial organisms that promote root and plant growth. Certain crop practices — such as heavy tilling, depending on soil needs — can have a harmful effect on soil biodiversity, resulting in the loss of these organisms and their myriad benefits and potentially allowing pathogens to get a foothold. 

Balanced soil profile

Balanced, silty soils with high organic content combine good aeration with excellent nutrient and water retention, requiring fewer costly inputs. Sandy soils may be well-aerated but can find it more difficult to retain water or nutrients. Clay soils, on the other hand, may be able to store more water and nutrients but are poorly aerated. Generally, a low organic content means that the soil is, overall, less fertile.

Healthy soils are beneficial to growers and lead to more efficiently grown crops. During the growing season, plants are susceptible to disease pressure and encounter various environmental stressors, such as heat, frost and drought — all of which could reduce plant potential and yield. Healthy soils, however, can minimize the effects of these stresses and mitigate potential stress-induced losses. These well-balanced soils are rich in organic matter and can provide much of the nutrition the plant needs, limiting inputs and their associated costs while increasing sustainability and profitability for the grower. 

Healthy soils are more environmentally sustainable, and they also represent a valuable revenue-generating asset — not only for current growers, but also for their successors. 

If your soil isn’t meeting this criteria for optimization, learn more about improving your soil health at www.alltech.com/crop-science.

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Traditionally, meat has been considered a commodity — that is, a mass-produced good with a low level of differentiation. One of the most important characteristics of commodities is the high volatility of their price because, by their nature, they are very sensitive to changes in production and demand. In the search for better prices for meat, some brands are trying to differentiate and add value to their products.

Globally, consumers are increasingly more aware that better nutrition represents one of the main pillars of good health — which has led to a trend of new lifestyle choices in recent years. This new way of understanding what we choose for our tables brings with it greater expectations regarding the food supply.

Therefore, the challenge for producers — and the food industry in general — is to have tools on hand to help them cope with and anticipate the new eating habits of consumers seeking a better quality of life.

Inspired by this new global trend, the Wong supermarket chain in Peru — owned by the multinational business consortium Cencosud — saw the opportunity to serve a segment of the Peruvian market that seeks a healthy, balanced and natural diet. In addition, they understood that it was necessary to find and become allies with a national producer who raised top-quality cattle that would meet the needs of this new market.

The Finca Nueva Farm, located south of Lima, is a family business, established almost half a century ago. Since its founding, its vision has been to produce high-quality cattle to satisfy a demanding market. For Ricardo Heredia, son of the founder of the business, being passionate about livestock is essential in order to innovate and grow. Heredia knows that animal welfare is key, since it is reflected in the quality of the meat. Therefore, he does not neglect the important aspects of livestock care, such as offering comfort to animals — by providing good feeders, drinking troughs with clean and fresh water and adequate shade areas for the animals' rest, as well as a well-balanced diet.

Heredia is aware that consumers are passionate about nutrition, sustainability and traceability, so he continually seeks to adapt and develop new products, while meeting the international certification standards. When he and his farm decided to focus on producing premium-quality meat, to achieve certification of good livestock practices, they looked for hormone-free solutions that would leave no residues of antibiotics in the meat, and they were also interested in implementing a good traceability system.

The Wong supermarkets and the Finca Nueva Farm were also interested in feeding an organic form of selenium. Including selenium in an animal’s diet can be beneficial in that it contributes to:

• Maintenance of animal health by supporting the animal’s natural defenses
• Superior meat quality, with differentiated parameters such as better color, texture and juiciness
• Perhaps most importantly, the meat on carcasses supplemented with organic selenium will contain that antioxidant. Thus, the consumer who buys, cooks and consumes this meat will benefit not only from the nutrients of the meat, but also from the benefits of selenium.

Functional food

In the field of nutrition, functional foods are those foods or food products that, in addition to their inherent nutritive substances (i.e., proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins or minerals), also contain a specific substance added for health benefits. Thus, a processed food such as milk will become functional if it is enriched with some type of additional vitamin, such as Complex B. Besides having its traditional characteristics of proteins, calcium and more, the milk now also has the added benefits that come from Complex B, making it a functional food.

Selenium is an essential nutrient for both animals and humans as it plays an important role in metabolism, supports growth, helps improve reproductive functions, improves the body's defense mechanism against infections and neutralizes free radicals, given its antioxidant function.

Alliance in favor of the consumer Alltech Sel-Plex® is the only organic selenium in the form of selenium yeast that has been reviewed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Wong, in alliance with the Finca Nueva Farm, decided to feed Sel-Plex® to their Fleckvieh cattle, a breed of European origin. Subsequently, they carried out tests in the slaughterhouse, where they made the cuts and packed the meat vacuum. These cuts, which matured for more than 10 days, showed results that helped differentiate this meat from the other meats on the supermarket shelf, thus allowing for decommoditization.

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It’s completely natural to assign human traits and emotions to our animals. After all, anthropomorphism is considered an innate tendency of human psychology. But what happens when this desire to humanize our four-legged friends goes too far? Take laminitis, for instance: a common cause of this highly painful, debilitating and potentially life-threatening disease is overfeeding — so could we actually be killing our horses with kindness?

Laminitis: What is it?

The literal definition of laminitis is inflammation of the laminae — the non-sensitive, outer epidermal tissue, as well as the sensitive, inner dermal tissue between the hoof wall and coffin bone — on a horse’s foot. These tissues mesh together to hold the hoof wall to the coffin bone (also known as the pedal bone). If the blood flow to these tissues is interrupted, inflammation can set in and weaken the laminae structures, thereby interfering with the connection between the hoof wall and coffin bone. This condition can affect just one foot or all four, but it most commonly affects the front feet at the same time and does not discriminate — it can impact any horse or pony.

Unless the cause of the inflammation is removed and treatment begins immediately at the first signs of laminitis, the dermal laminae will begin to die. Since they are responsible for significant support in the hoof, which bears the horse’s weight, the coffin bone may begin to sink and rotate due to the inability of the damaged laminae to support both the bone and the pull of the digital flexor tendon. The bone may even sink far enough to protrude from the sole of the foot. This is often irreversible but can occasionally be cured with a great deal of time and patience, along with a significant financial investment.

What causes it?

Several factors can play a role, but animals who are overweight or have previously suffered from laminitis are especially at risk. Common causes include:

• An excess intake of carbohydrates, either from overfeeding of grain, grain overload from a horse or pony getting into a feed room, or unrestricted access to lush pasture grasses
• The stress of a change in environment, frequent travel or foaling in broodmares
• Septicemic conditions, severe infections or retained placenta in mares post-foaling
• Obesity, particularly in ponies
• Lameness, which prevents the bearing of weight in one leg, leading to overloading of another limb
• Concussion to the hoof from working unshod on hard ground or from an overzealous hoof trim
• Metabolic disorders, such as Cushing’s disease

What are the signs?

The symptoms of acute laminitis are typically sudden and severe and include:

• Inability or reluctance to walk
• Lying down, combined with an unwillingness to stand
• Readily apparent lameness, especially when moving in a circle or walking on a hard surface
• Increased digital pulse
• Leaning back onto hind feet in an attempt to relieve the pressure on front feet
• Pain at the point of the frog and walking heel-first instead of toe-first

Chronic laminitis, also known as founder, can instead come on gradually and is often the result of either a sustained diet rich in carbohydrates or a metabolic disorder. It can also manifest in horses whose feet are severely compromised as the result of a previous, non-fatal, acute episode. Horses afflicted with chronic laminitis will typically exhibit the following symptoms:

• Lameness that ranges from mild to moderate
• A willingness to stand and walk, despite obvious foot pain
• Irregular bands of growth in the hoof wall
• Heels that grow faster than toes
• White line widening
• A noticeable crest running along the neckline
• Changed foot shape, often becoming narrow and elongated

Treatment

If you witness any of the above symptoms in your horse, contact both your veterinarian and farrier immediately. You will need to develop and administer a treatment plan as quickly as possible to prevent any lasting damage and to relieve any associated pain. When not treated quickly or correctly, permanent damage from laminitis can result in euthanasia.

• Horses who have been overfed must immediately be separated from their feed source; consult with your vet on a revised feeding regimen
• Move the horse or pony to a small pen or stall and bed deeply with shavings so they can dig their hooves into a comfortable position
• Avoid exercise, as it may initially contribute to further rotation of the coffin bone
• Have your farrier consult with your vet and trim the hoof according to the degree of rotation of the coffin bone
• Provide the horse with a companion to help minimize stress

Prevention

• Monitor your horse’s diet and weight very carefully
• Feed small amounts frequently to mimic a horse’s natural feeding patterns
• Restrict grass intake and avoid turning out on lush grasses, particularly in early spring or after heavy rains
• Maintain a consistent exercise regimen to aid in weight management
• Regularly schedule visits with a reputable farrier
• Support hoof strength and growth by offering high-quality nutrition and premium equine supplements, such as Lifeforce Hoof

This disease is very painful and incapacitating for horses. Remember that prevention is always better than a cure. As Albert Einstein said, “A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it.”

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While the northern hemisphere has been experiencing the wrath of the polar vortex and record cold temperatures, the southern hemisphere has been on the opposite end of the spectrum, dealing with sweltering heat. Fortunately, there are generally simple ways for humans to escape the uncomfortable effects of extreme weather — but the same cannot be said for horses, who must expend substantial energy in an effort to keep cool as temperatures rise.

While you can still enjoy equestrian pursuits on relatively warm days, you will want to take extra precautions to ensure that your horse stays healthy and safe in the heat. Equine heat stress is a serious concern, and although it may first manifest in seemingly minor ways, such as poor performance, it can quickly escalate to potentially fatal heat exhaustion and stroke. As such, it is highly important to develop an understanding of the stages and signs of heat stress so that you can take immediate action if you observe them in your horses.

Stage 1:

• The horse may sweat profusely and exhibit a heightened body temperature (the normal equine body temperature ranges from 99–101° Fahrenheit or 37.2–38.3° Celsius).
• The heart rate elevates significantly. A horse’s normal resting heart rate is within 30–50 beats per minute, and a pulse rate of 50 or higher is generally a cause for concern.
• You can also check for signs of dehydration by grasping a fold of skin at the point of the shoulder and releasing it. If the horse is well-hydrated, the skin should snap back quickly (in under one second). Generally, the longer the skin takes to flatten, the more dehydrated the horse. However, it’s important to already know what your horse’s normal skin elasticity is, as this can vary.
• Capillary refill time can also be used to measure hydration. To check this, press lightly on the horse’s gum just above an upper incisor and observe how long it takes for its normal pink color to return; two seconds or less is normal.

Stage 2:

• Rapid, shallow breathing may be apparent. For reference, the normal respiratory rate for a resting adult horse is between eight and 15 breaths per minute. 
• The horse’s behavior can become uncooperative; it may frequently kick or randomly shake its head. Minor gait abnormalities may also be observed.
• You may also detect an irregular, fluttery heartbeat or witness tying-up (i.e., muscle cramping as the result of the massive contraction of the muscle groups along the horse’s back and rump).
• Sweating has likely ceased, but the skin remains hot to the touch as body temperature rises. A body temperature between 104–108° Fahrenheit (or 40–42.2° Celsius) indicates a heightened risk of danger for the horse, as heat exhaustion is beginning to set in.

Stage 3:

• The horse will hang its head low and appear extremely unhappy. It may also clearly be struggling to breathe normally, taking slower and deeper breaths, which is known as second-phase panting.
• The pulse will remain heightened but also weak and potentially irregular.
• Gut sounds are reduced or absent.
• The horse may appear confused and make increasingly clumsy movements.

Stage 4:

• The consequences and effects of prolonged heightened body temperature (in excess of 106–108° Fahrenheit, or 41.1–42.2° Celsius) may lead to heat stroke.
• The central nervous system will begin to shut down, which can lead to:
  • Severe stumbling or difficulty moving
  • Volatile behavior
  • Increasingly confused mannerisms
  • Collapse
  • Convulsions
  • Unconsciousness or comatose state
  • Death

So, what can you do if your horse appears to be suffering from the ill effects of heat stress?

• Walk the horse out to encourage circulation and to bring heated blood to the surface of the skin for cooling.
• Let the horse drink its fill. A hot horse should take in as much water as it needs to replace what is being sweated out. Cold water is fine — the idea that letting a hot horse drink cold water can cause colic and muscle cramping is simply a myth.
• Splash or spray cold water directly onto the horse to aid with evaporative cooling. Despite what you may have heard, putting cold water on hot muscles does not constrict blood vessels and lead to cramping. Do make sure to frequently scrape off the water, because it will warm up quickly on the horse’s body. Repeat this process until the skin feels cool to the touch and the horse’s breathing appears to have returned to normal.

If the horse’s behavior and drinking habits have not returned to normal within one hour, or if you witness more dramatic signs of heat stress within that window of time, call your veterinarian immediately. Intravenous hydration and other medical measures may be required to prevent potentially irreversible effects or loss of life.

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Raising healthy heifers is a key component to making sure that future herds are high-production. Poor growth in young calves strongly impacts subsequent milk production. As such, even during a busy calving period, calves should not be forgotten. There are four crucial areas to look at when rearing healthy heifers:

• Colostrum
• Early nutrition
• Rumen development
• Environment

Colostrum

Colostrum is the first source of nutrients, vitamins and antibodies (immunoglobulins) the calf will ingest. The colostrum immunoglobulins protect the calf against pathogens and disease during the critical time when the young ruminant’s own immune system is evolving. The ability to absorb colostrum is at its highest in the first hour after birth, after which, it begins to decline and continues to do so through the calf’s first 24 hours.

A rule of thumb is to feed 10 percent of body weight (i.e., 3-4 litres) of good-quality colostrum within the first two hours, as a delay in the first feeding will reduce the absorption rate — and a failure to absorb enough immunoglobulins from colostrum leaves a calf susceptible to disease. A second feed should be given eight hours later, before transitioning to milk or calf milk replacer.

Early nutrition

Early nutrition is important for the pre-ruminant calf to successfully transform into a ruminating, high-producing cow, as well as for providing the calf with the energy and nutrients its immune system needs in order to develop.

The golden rule is to double birth weight before weaning (at 8-10 weeks), and this is best done during the few months when feed efficiency is at its greatest. Therefore, a 40-kilogram calf should gain 0.6 kilograms per day. To achieve this, aim to feed 15 percent of body weight (i.e., 6 litres for a 40-kilogram animal). Keep in mind that, at this stage, the calf abomasum is not large enough to deal with 6 litres of milk at once.

Calves require around 325 grams of milk solids for maintenance. Milk powder contains 12.5 percent DM, which translates to 2.6 litres. Calves weighing 40 kilograms being fed four litres per day (i.e., 10 percent of their body weight) can achieve 200 grams of growth per day. However, calves weighing more than 40 kilograms will struggle to maintain on this level. Milk replacer has a lower fat and energy content than whole milk, and as such, a higher rate is necessary.

When mixing milk powder, always remember that 125 grams of milk powder makes up to one litre — not 125 grams added to one litre of water. Milk replacer should match growth targets.

Rumen development

The rumen needs to be fully functioning to successfully perform later in life. The development of the rumen is aided by the starch content in concentrate feeds, which should be made available within 2–3 weeks of birth.

To strengthen the rumen wall, calves should have access to straw. However, avoid feeding a diet with a high hay content; there is a greater risk of overeating hay, which can lead to pot belly — that is, filling the rumen with hay that cannot be properly digested. This can lower concentrate intake.

Environment

After birth, a calf should be dried off as quickly as possible and placed in a clean, dry, draught-free environment. Alternative bedding, such as wood chip and peat, is adequate but may need to be topped up regularly to ensure it stays consistently dry.

Cleaning all feeding equipment is necessary for maintaining healthy animals, and prioritizing younger animals first, along with rinsing before feeding the other batches, will help mitigate the spread of disease. Clean, fresh water should always be available, as consumed milk goes into the abomasum, leaving no liquid in the rumen to digest the concentrates.

Changes within groups should be kept to a minimum, and calves of similar sizes or ages should be kept together.

Conclusion

Along with good management practices, you can build a healthy herd with a strong rumen and robust immunity by focusing on:

• Colostrum — quality and quantity are both important, and there is only one chance to get it right.
• Early nutrition — monitor body condition and weight gain during this period to ensure that feed is meeting the calves’ needs.
• Rumen development — use starch and fiber to grow a healthy rumen.
• Environment — keep their living quarters clean, dry and stress-free.

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This article originally appeared on hubbardfeeds.com.

For those closely associated with the swine industry, it comes as no surprise that a recent monitoring project done by the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has shown an increased incidence of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), signaling the start of the annually dreaded season when the disease is most prevalent. 

PRRS costs the industry an average of US$664 million per year. On a farrow-to-finish operation, financial losses can amount to approximately $75 to $150 per sow in inventory, depending on severity, previous exposure and how long the virus persists in the herd. This cost is an accumulation of reproductive losses, diagnostic costs and increased mortality across pre-wean, nursery and finisher pigs, as well as increased treatment costs. 

The virus is a small enveloped RNA virus whose make-up gives it the ability to rapidly mutate and bypass any previous immunity to it a pig may once have had. The virus specifically infects pulmonary alveolar macrophages, also known as PAM cells, which are the white blood cells found in the lungs. A PRRS infection results in a compromised respiratory immune system, which can lead to the increased severity of any secondary infections. Coupled with other infections, such as Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (a species of bacteria known to cause porcine enzootic pneumonia, a highly contagious and chronic disease), severe respiratory infections that are very difficult to treat can flourish. 

Abortions can also occur, either from the fever induced by infection of the dam or by the actual infection of the PAM cells within the fetus itself. Piglets begin developing PAM cells in approximately the third trimester of gestation and depend on colostrum intake to give their immune system a head start — but when infected in utero, the piglet has little to no defense of their own against infection. 

Many diagnostic options exist, since the PRRS virus can be found in blood, saliva, semen, milk, urine and feces. The key is to focus on the goal of the investigation. One common test is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which is used to evaluate the presence of the virus but will not determine if the virus is alive or viable. Another test, called Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), looks for antibodies, which show that the animal has been exposed to the virus for more than two weeks. Virus Isolation (VI) tests can be used to determine if there is any viable virus present in the sample. Histopathology tests look at the tissues on a cellular level in order to understand any damage that may exist relative to the diagnosed pathogens. 

A number of control strategies have developed over the nearly 30 years that the PRRS virus has been present in the industry. Among those strategies are a number of tools that veterinarians and producers can utilize to control infection and accomplish their goals, whether they are looking either to control the disease or they intend to fully eradicate the virus from the herd. The following is a list of the tools available to accomplish the goal of controlling a PRRS break, which is exposure to the PRRS virus to build herd immunity. These various options can be mixed and matched to develop a program suited to each individual farm. Be sure to discuss any changes with your primary veterinarian before implementation.

Live Virus Inoculation (LVI), also known as “serum therapy” or “mass exposure”

• Involves exposing the entire sow herd to a serum prepared from samples from infected animals. Farms will typically quantify the amount of virus per milliliter of serum to gain some exposure control. The serum can be given intranasally or injected. The advantage to this process is that it can be rapidly applied to the whole herd simultaneously, meaning the resident virus cannot continue to move and mutate within the sows. If done well, it can give a rapid clearance time. However, following exposure to the serum, farms sometimes experience high reproductive losses and even increased sow mortality. This essentially compresses the exposure window within the herd. Piglet quality seems to start to improve as the animals exposed in their second trimester of pregnancy begin farrowing, but this will vary depending on the previous exposure of the virus to the herd and by controlling the virus’ movement throughout the farm.

Modified Live Virus (MLV) vaccination with a commercial product

• Advantages to using commercially produced MLV vaccines are that they are usually readily available; they have been prepared in a safe manner, so as not to contain other contaminants; and they can be safely implemented in multiple farms simultaneously.
• One thing to remember with MLV vaccines is that they are stimulating the body’s innate immunity. There are non-specific components of the body that can recognize a problem and give some early response, but they will not be able to clear the infection nearly as effectively as acquired immunity, which includes antibody production. Think of MLV vaccines as a first responder, triaging the problem until the body has had time to identify and produce specific antibodies against the virus, which typically takes around two weeks.
• These products work best when used in conjunction with a larger control strategy; reversion to virulence has been experienced on farms leaving portions of their herds unvaccinated (i.e., vaccinating piglets but not sows, or vice-versa). A planned step-down process is required to take a farm negative from the modified live vaccines, since they are still live viruses, albeit in a weakened state.
• Successful strategies for use of MLV include periodic (e.g., quarterly) whole-herd vaccination with ongoing piglet vaccination, or vaccination of piglets post-weaning.
• Five products presently exist in the U.S. market. Before implementing or switching between any of these vaccines, take careful consideration and do some planning with your herd’s veterinarian, as these are all uniquely different live viruses that have been modified to be safely used within your herd. Each has its own unique advantage, such as the ability to mix with other vaccinations to ease labor needs or a reportedly lower reversion to virulence. You may even be interested in utilizing the same program within a “neighborhood” of farms to build a stronger regional immunity profile. Talk with your veterinarian if you’d like to learn more about these products.

Killed virus vaccination with an autogenous product

• These vaccines generally take 2-3 months to produce after identification of the virus, but this waiting period is justified, as the antibodies stimulated by this vaccine are exactly what is needed to fight off the existing infection in the herd. They are good for maintaining immunity within a herd against chronic infections, especially if there is reason to keep the live virus out of the control program. Ongoing surveillance is necessary to evaluate the herd’s PRRS status, however, since this vaccine type will give poor protection against a new strain of PRRS entering the farm.
• Within the industry, there exist a number of different technologies to develop these vaccines. These include a traditional killed vaccine, which utilizes the specific virus to the herd; a “grouped” vaccine, which looks at strain similarities to allow for a faster turnaround time; and, most recently, vector-type vaccines, which utilize DNA sequences to artificially replicate the surface antigens of the targeted PRRS virus.

It is not uncommon to use a killed product in conjunction with LVI or MLV herd stability strategies. However, herd-level control strategies must be implemented along with these options to truly gain some control over the virus.

Antibiotics and ancillary therapy

Since PRRS is a virus, antibiotics are generally considered unsuccessful in treating the primary infection. However, using antibiotics correctly can reduce the presence of other pathogens in the herd. Recent research utilizing oral or injectable antibiotics from the Macrolide class has shown a reduction in the severity of a PRRS break, during either primary or serum exposure. There are theories as to why this may occur, but what is already known is that macrolide-class antibiotics concentrate in PAM cells in the lungs. The common practice of running anti-inflammatories like aspirin or ibuprofen in the drinking water does carry some merit, given the high fevers that typically result from a PRRS break, but these should be used judiciously.

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The start of a new year means a new generation of spindly-legged foals are making their debut. In just a few short months, these youngsters will have grown significantly, and it will be time for them to leave their mothers — and their mothers’ milk supplies — behind. Not surprisingly, this can be an incredibly stressful time for both parties, but it doesn’t have to be so bad.

Here are five suggestions for reducing weaning-related upset:

1. Introduce creep feeding:

By the time a foal is two to three months old, its mother’s milk production is often starting to decrease, no longer fulfilling the foal’s nutritional needs. Creep feeding with a fortified feed designed specifically for young, growing horses can ensure that these nutritional needs are being met. In addition, it helps prospective weanlings get used to eating grain, providing for a less stressful feeding experience once they are separated from their mothers. You should also be providing free access to good-quality forage and fresh, clean water during this time.

2. Plan ahead:

Decide which method you are going to use for weaning — abrupt or gradual — and then formulate a strategy for when and how you are going to execute this process. Some prefer abrupt weaning in order to get the experience over with quickly, but, if possible, a gradual method through group pasture weaning is considered the least stressful option. This works best when there are multiple pairs to be weaned and horses have been turned out together long enough to form a bond. Determine which foal will be weaned first and remove its mother, taking her to a distant paddock out of sight and earshot (off-property if necessary), while her foal remains in a comfortable setting with friends. Over the next few weeks, the other mares will gradually be taken to join the other newly-weaned mothers until all foals are successfully weaned. Both mares and foals get to stay with horses they know, thereby reducing any related trauma.

3. Give your foal some company:

Horses are herd animals who thrive on the company of others. Proper socialization is critical to a young horse’s development. As mentioned above, if you have more than one foal, you can turn mares and foals out together prior to removing the mares so they can grow accustomed to one another. However, owners with just one broodmare may wonder how to approach finding a suitable companion. Suggested options include a quiet gelding, a retired pony or even a donkey who can effectively serve as a nanny. Older mares who have previously had foals are often good companions for single foals because they can help teach them acceptable horse manners.

4. Provide lots of human interaction:

Weaning is a great opportunity to build trust with a young horse simply by providing companionship. It is also an ideal time to halter break and extensively handle foals. Visit weanlings often to build a rapport and introduce the halter and lead slowly. Whether or not you consider yourself a trainer, you should remember that you are effectively training your young horse to be properly handled and teaching them what is considered appropriate behavior. Do your best to make these interactions positive.

5. Practice safety first:

Despite your best efforts, mother and offspring may still panic a bit at the prospect of being separated. Prior to weaning, check fences and the general environment of the area where the mare(s) and foal(s) will be moving. Remove anything that could potentially cause injuries and, if necessary, repair fencing. Don’t combine weaning with other stressful situations, such as visits from the farrier or vet, vaccinations, extreme weather or an introduction to a new turnout group. Make sure your schedule will allow enough time for you to check mares and foals often, especially in the first couple of days. It is also recommended that, at least for a time, you monitor body temperatures daily, since stress can weaken a foal’s immunity.

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As a general rule, when people think about getting a new puppy, they tend to idealize what it might be like. After all, puppies are often incomparably adorable — and, as a lifelong dog owner, I can attest to the fact that life with a dog really is better. Still, I think it’s important to remember that this change in lifestyle can be complicated. Raising a puppy is typically not for the faint of heart.

Much like small children, young dogs are incredibly demanding of your time and attention, and they are often prone to bouts of sheer willfulness. Your patience will be tested, and you may find yourself occasionally feeling unsure about the added responsibility — but if you put in the time and effort, you will almost certainly be rewarded with an enjoyable companion for many years to come.

Below are six tips to help you and your new puppy get started on the path to a long and happy life together:

1. Practice good nutrition:

Puppies mature rapidly and have twice the daily nutritional requirements of adult dogs. Their muscles, joints, bones, internal organs and immune system are just a few of the major components still developing in their first one to two years of life. A complete and balanced puppy food designed for your dog’s mature size (i.e., small, medium or large) will contain specific nutrients tailored to meet their critical needs. I specifically elaborate on puppy nutrition in this previous article but feel it is also worth noting that you should resist the urge to feed your dog table scraps or “people food” of any kind. Begging is an incredibly difficult habit to break, and human food is typically unhealthy for dogs, as it can lead to digestive issues and increase the potential for obesity.

2. Provide proper veterinary care:

Your pup will need more regular visits to the vet in his or her first year of life in order to complete the necessary vaccinations and check-ups to make sure he or she is progressing normally. Spaying or neutering should also be completed within the first year, unless you intend to use your dog for breeding purposes. Along with preventing unwanted litters, getting your dog “fixed” provides many health and behavioral benefits, including a decreased risk for certain infections and cancers and a reduced breeding instinct, which can make them less inclined to roam. If you’re feeling unsure about spaying or neutering, this article from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is very informative.

3. Establish a routine:

Much like humans, dogs are creatures of habit who tend to thrive on a routine, which helps them feel more secure and comfortable in their environment. Feeding, walking, training and playtime should all be incorporated, and housetraining will go much more smoothly if your puppy knows when to expect potty breaks. Dogs who feel well-established in their day-to-day lives will find it much easier to weather the changes that will inevitably come along from time to time.

4. Start training straightaway:

It really is never too early to start teaching your new dog the basics (e.g., sit, stay, down, come — and, as an aside, I think proper crate training is also very wise), but it is also important to remember not to expect too much from them too fast. As mentioned above, housetraining is aided by routine, but it is important to note that young dogs can typically only hold their bladders for one hour or so per every month of age; don’t expect them to “hold it” for longer and then get upset when they have an accident. In any case, your dog will be unlikely to associate their “mistake” with your frustration. It is also worth noting that positive reinforcement of good behaviors is critical. You should discourage any behaviors that might seem fine now but that will prove problematic down the road when your dog reaches its mature size, such as jumping. It can be rather difficult to curb bad behaviors that are essentially enforced during a dog’s youth.

5. Socialize and supervise:

Proper socialization is critical to a dog’s future behaviors, but you should supervise all interactions — and, for that matter, you should supervise your puppy as much as possible, since a young dog left to his or her own devices will most likely end up finding some sort of mischief. Enrolling in a puppy class is a great way to advance your training, develop your bond and get your dog accustomed to being around other puppies and people (note that reputable training academies will require current vaccinations for all canine participants). Take your dog along with you as often as you can so that you can expose him or her to all sorts of novel things but be careful not to overwhelm them; recall that patience is a virtue, one that new pet parents must have in spades. A young dog who learns to be comfortable in a variety of settings and situations will be far less likely to exhibit fearfulness and unwanted behaviors, such as aloofness and aggression, later in life. This is particularly important if you wish to do any advanced training or participate in activities like therapy dog work.

6. Be realistic:

This might be the most important advice of all. Puppies are young, and they are going through a lot of big changes. Recall that they have just been separated from their mother and siblings and taken to a new home, a new family and a whole host of new expectations. It can be incredibly easy to become frustrated with them but remember: they may not know any better at this stage — and that’s where you come in! You play a huge role in shaping your dog’s behaviors and ensuring that he or she stays healthy. You must also realize that, while puppies can be difficult to deal with, adolescent dogs can be far worse. Much like teenagers (which they essentially are), they will test boundaries, want to explore their environment more, experience selective hearing and crave more independence. Your patience will almost certainly be tested the most during this stage of life (which will last between 6 months to 2 years of age, depending on your dog’s size), but hold firm, stay positive and be consistent — remember: this too shall pass.

I would like to learn more about canine health and nutrition.

Molds and mycotoxins can be detrimental to both crops and livestock feed. Toxin-producing molds may invade plant material in the field before harvest, during post-harvest handling and storage, and during processing into food and feed products. Prevention through sound management practices is essential, since there are limited ways to completely overcome problems once mycotoxins are present. 

1. Understanding contamination:

Plants are infected with mold and mycotoxins when spores of certain diseases are released and blown onto plants and soil. Spores can overwinter in the soil, leading to infection in the following years. 

2. Prevention:

Three steps can aid in the prevention of mycotoxin infestations. The first step should be to act before any infection has occurred. If that is not possible, you should act during the period of fungal invasion of the plant material and mycotoxin production. If, unfortunately, you should miss either of those opportunities, action should instead be initiated when the agricultural products have been identified as heavily contaminated. Most of your efforts should be concentrated on the two first steps because once mycotoxins are present, they are difficult to eliminate. 

• A list of recommendations for attempting to limit mycotoxin presence in corn has been released by the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The suggested steps include:

  • Early planting

  • Reducing drought stress

  • Minimizing insect damage

  • Early harvest

  • Avoiding kernel damage during harvest

  • Drying and storing corn properly

  • Disposing of corn screenings instead of feeding them to animals

3. Seed hybrids:

If mycotoxins or diseases have been present in previous years, selecting seed hybrids that are resistant to them can reduce the risk and/or the severity of the infection. Some diseases can also be seed-borne, so it is important to be selective with the seed hybrids chosen for upcoming years.

4. Crop rotation and tillage:

Due to the cycle of fungi and spores wintering in the soil and on crop residues, increased tillage and crop rotation are recommended to help control crop residues and potential mycotoxin contamination. Removal, burning or burial of crop residues aids in the reduction of Fusarium inoculum, which could affect the subsequent crop. 

5. Planting date:

The date when seeds or seedlings are planted can also affect the contamination of your crop. Ideally, the flowering stage of the crop and spore release would not occur at the same time, in order to reduce the chances of infection. However, weather changes could challenge any advantages manifested by appropriately timing your planting.

6. Plant nutrition:

Well-nourished plants have more effective defenses. A proactive fertilizer program, accompanied by the best practices listed above, can help reduce the need for chemical pesticide intervention later in the season. 

7. Managing the problem:

Sound management practices in the field won’t eliminate the need for a mycotoxin management plan during storage or at the feed mill — they can help make an unmanageable problem manageable, but no approach is 100-percent effective, and new contamination can occur at multiple points, including during transport and storage. Consequently, mycotoxin risk should be evaluated and addressed throughout the feed chain. 

I want to learn more about recommended crop management practices.

Over the last decade, the study of how nutrition can impact immune function — known as immuno-nutrition — has been examined as an alternative approach to treating or preventing chronic diseases. Many pet owners consider their pets part of the family. As a result, they are choosing higher quality, more nutritious diets for their pets and asking how the right nutrients can prolong their pet’s well-being.

Oxidation and inflammation are the main culprits that can jeopardize the immune system. Making sure that the nutrients delivered as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories are biologically available and absorbable helps ensure that pets are prepared for the excess stress that comes with the aging process.

In our recent webinar, “Immuno-nutrition: Structure function benefits and well-being for pets,” Dr. Rebecca Delles explored how oxidation and inflammation, when left unchecked, can result in damage to important biomolecules in the body.  

1. Older and/or sick pets may have increased needs for certain biomolecules due to lower GI absorption rates.
2. Many of the most common diseases in pets are caused by inflammation and oxidation of the tissues.
3. Better absorbability of bioactive components can help fortify the immune system and prolong pet well-being.

I want to learn more about pet nutrition.