Archive for November, 2024

Cattle Corral Designs for Efficiency, Safety, and Economy

Nov 30

Posted by admin in Cattle Handling | No Comments

Here is a video put together by Dickinson Cattle co. It provides practical insights into designing cattle corrals that prioritize safety, animal welfare, and economic viability. It highlights the significance of curved chutes and alleys to encourage cattle movement by taking advantage of their natural instincts, reducing stress and injuries. Proper gate placement and adjustable panels are emphasized for facilitating efficient sorting and handling. They mostly have Texas Longhorn cattle, but all the principles here should work with every breed.

The design principles discussed aim to minimize labor requirements and ensure smooth operations, using durable materials and cost-effective solutions. These strategies improve workflow and animal behavior management, benefiting both small-scale and large-scale cattle operations. For detailed design guidance, you can watch the video

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Death By Plastic

Nov 14

Posted by admin in Amish In The News | No Comments

Amish are losing milk cows due to loose plastic.

When a cow eats plastic, it can lead to serious health problems. Here’s what typically happens:

  • Blockage in the Digestive System: Plastic is not biodegradable, so it accumulates in the cow’s stomachs (cows have a complex stomach system with four compartments). This can cause blockages, preventing the proper digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.
  • Indigestion and Reduced Appetite: The accumulation of plastic can make the cow feel full, which reduces its appetite and leads to malnutrition.
  • Toxic Effects: Some plastics contain toxic substances that can leach into the animal’s system. These chemicals can cause organ damage, hormonal imbalances, and other long-term health issues.
  • Internal Injuries: Sharp pieces of plastic can puncture or damage the lining of the stomach or intestines, leading to internal injuries or infections.
  • Bloat and Gas Buildup: Cows rely on fermentation in their rumen to digest food. When plastic obstructs this process, it can lead to a buildup of gas, which can cause painful and potentially fatal bloat.
  • Death: In severe cases, the ingestion of plastic can lead to death, either due to starvation, severe internal damage, or toxic exposure.

Prevention and proper waste management practices, like keeping pastures and feeding areas free of plastic waste, are crucial to protecting livestock from these dangers.

Here is a good article that discusses the severe consequences of plastic ingestion in cattle, a problem often overlooked and difficult to diagnose. Plastic can block the digestive system, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and eventually death. Diagnosis is challenging, and many cases go undetected or misattributed to other diseases. Prevention measures include diligent removal of plastic from grazing areas. Unlike diseases, no vaccine or specific treatment exists, making proactive management essential. Owners may never know the true cause of unexplained cattle deaths due to plastic ingestion.:
https://www.texaslonghorn.com/longhorn_info/management_tips/index.cfm?con=plastic