Farm Animals

The signs of imminent labor in animals are basically the same as in humans. Animals normally go through a nesting phase, where they are looking for a place to have their young, and they experience...

Lice often infect cattle in the winter months. During the summer environment, self-grooming as well as shorter and thinner hair keep louse numbers low. Physically, lice are small but they can...

If you have an outside pet or your indoor pet ventures outside, they are at risk for ticks to attach themselves onto your pet. Ticks are bloodsucking creatures that thrive on your pet until they...

Livestock often have their ears tagged as a way to distinguish the animals. The numbers on the tag are registered and can help to identify stolen or lost animals. Ear tags may need to be removed...

Numerous studies have shown that the easier animals are handled, the better quality of meat they produce. This makes sense when you consider how adrenaline and tightened muscles would adversely...

Sticktight fleas are parasites that have been known to attach themselves to dogs, cats, chicken and other birds. A sexually mature female will mate and then attach herself to her host, dropping...

When the weather heats up, or your pet's hair gets too long, sometimes a little trim is necessary to keep him cool. People have been shearing their animals for centuries, and in some cases, as...

Although the U.S. is tightening regulations for using animal byproducts in cattle feed, critics contend there are too many opportunities for error. The culprit appears to be diseased organs and...

BVD, or bovine virus diarrhea, is a disease found in cattle. This disease can affect animals quickly, leading to sickness or death. Two different vaccines are available to combat the disease....

If your chickens are plucking each others feathers out, there are several things you can do. If the behavior is not stopped it can lead to serious damage or even death.

Castration has many benefits. If the animal being castrated is for meat purposes the animal will gain weight faster. Castration is also beneficial if you are trying to limit and control the herd...

Preventing and treating mycotoxicosis is a concern being addressed by scientists and farmers. Mycotoxicosis is a condition brought on by toxins produced by molds in grain-based feed. When mold is...

The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is a voluntary program under development to protect livestock during major animal disease outbreaks. It also seeks to uphold consumer confidence...

Developing antibodies in an animal should be done as soon as possible to keep it healthy and allow it to safely socialize with other animals. Which vaccines to use will depend on the risks in...

Minerals are essential for animal health, production and reproduction. Trace minerals are only needed in small amounts. Minerals needed in larger quantities are often referred to as...

Animal health is big business and keeping animals fit and well is a major issue for pet owners and veterinarians nationwide. Quality equipment and supplies are required in order to take care of...

If you’re a cattle herder at heart--yet lack the wherewithal to head west to rustle up some steer--fear not. There is a scaled down version of ranching available just for you. With food costs...

A cow, calf, steer, or bull can get bovine bloat, a medical condition where gases have built up in the animal's first stomach. As the gases continue to build up the animal becomes increasingly...

Everyone who has ever cut wood has created sawdust and wood chips as waste. There is no need to throw all that sawdust away. Instead, recycle it into animal bedding. Sawdust is a comfortable,...

A veterinarian should always check your alpaca before a show to make sure the animal is healthy. Learn more about vet checks for alpaca shows in this free show animal video.

At an alpaca show, some last minute grooming will help your alpaca look sharp. Learn how to do alpaca show grooming in this free show animal video.

A judge will look at several things during an alpaca show. Learn about alpaca show qualities in this free show animal video.

Alpaca shows are similar to dog shows where the animal is evaluated by a judge. Learn more about the basics of alpaca shows in this free animal show video.

Alpacas mostly eat hay, but learn more about the alpaca diet with expert tips in this free animal care video.

Alpaca feeders are important for keeping the hay off of the ground. Learn how to pick out and use alpaca feeders in this free animal care video.

Alpacas need sunlight to be happy and healthy. Learn more about the importance of sunshine for alpacas in this free animal care video.

Alpacas are one of the few animals that like to go to the bathroom together. Learn more about the excrement habits of alpacas in this free animal care video.

Finding an alpaca veterinarian is important. Learn more about alpaca vets in this free animal care video.

It's important to keep alpacas clean, including their living space. Learn about how and why to keep alpacas clean in this free animal care video.

Cold weather can be harmful to alpacas. Learn how to protect your alpaca from the weather and possible side effects in this free animal care video.

Vaccinating your alpaca is important to keep it happy and healthy. Learn more about alpaca vaccinations in this free animal care video.

Checking your alpaca's health is important. Learn how to do monthly health checks for an alpaca in this free animal care video.

While a pet pig may not be as eager to learn tricks as your average family dog, you may be surprised at how intelligent this animal can be when properly motivated. Pigs are known for being...

When purchasing a pig or any type of livestock, it's important to know how the animal was raised. Before you choose a pig dealer, you should visit the facilities and ask appropriate questions,...

This article will teach a person the basics on how to save a furry loved one, the family pet.

When looking at a mule packing a load for camping or hiking trips, you may think the mule was born with this ability. It actually takes a lot of instruction to teach a mule to pack a load on his...

Whether you are judging for the 4-H, the FFA or just trying to pick the right cow to bid on at an auction, the more you know about what the professionals look for, the better off you'll be.

Donkeys are usually mistaken for being an ill-tempered animal although its temperament is determined by the owner's treatment. A lot of care, foresight and knowledge are required in grooming this...

The selection of an Easter pet for your family requires careful consideration of what will be needed to care for it when it reaches adulthood. Read the information below before you commit to the...

This is the fun part of entering your pet pig in a show. Enjoy yourself, and remember to smile.

Work with your pig a few weeks before the show to save your animal from excess stress during the event.