But they can't claim all the credit; their rumen - the enormous (50-gallon) fermentation vat that breaks down what they eat - houses billions of bacteria, yeast and protozoa. These microbes are the real workhorses of digestion, using unique chemical reactions to turn tough cellulose into volatile fatty acids that the cow uses for energy. Talk about teamwork!
When a cow becomes sick, these precious rumen microbes can get sick, too, and even die. Understandably, this has a negative impact on the cow's digestion. One remedy to help a sick cow get back on track is a ruminal transplant. This is where new, healthy microbes from another cow are given to the sick one. This happens with the help of an animal called a fistulated cow.
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Bu hikaye Hobby Farms dergisinin Best of Hobby Farms 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Spot & Treat
Parasites happen, but proper management keeps things under control.
Parasite PATROL
Keep your worm treatments effective with these three valuable tools.
HEALTHY GOAT, Happy FARMER
Goats may be hearty, but they still need their keeper's care in order to live long and be healthy.
Notes ON NUTRITION
Dairy and meat goats have specific feed needs, and they're not the same.
milking how to
Goat milk is liquid gold, but you have to get milking right to get it.
BREEDING BASICS
The traditional goat breeding season in the U.S. is between late August and the early part of January, according to Angela McKenzie-Jakes, extension animal science specialist at Florida A&M University.
GIVE ME Shelter
When Kathryn Spann started raising dairy goats in 2008, she thought wooden sheds built on skids would be the ideal housing for her herd. The shelters could be attached to a tractor and moved, ensuring the herd had a safe space to escape the elements and allowing Spann to practice pasture rotation without building individual shelters in each pasture.
Natural FIBERS
When visitors drive up to our Northern California foothill farm, they immediately notice the fluffy, long-horned beasties dotted all over our pastures. If they have never met us before, these visitors will always tell us how they love seeing our beautiful \"sheep\" and ask what we do with their wool.
Choosing a DAIRY GOAT
A number of considerations will determine your ideal dairy goat breed.
CHOOSING A Meat Goat
Once you've mastered the basics, keeping goats for meat is pretty easy.
