HUMAN AND ANIMAL HEALTH

  Making your own chicken treats is a wonderful way to supplement their diet, reduce kitchen waste, and strengthen your bond with your flock. Here’s a practical guide to creating nutritious, safe, and fun treats. 🚫  First, The Golden Rules Treats in Moderation:  Treats should never exceed  10%  of their daily intake. The core of their diet (90%+) must be a  complete layer feed  to ensure proper nutrition. No Spoiled or Moldy Food:  This can cause serious illness. Avoid Harmful Foods:  Never give avocado, chocolate, dried beans, green potato skins, caffeine, or salty/processed foods. Always Provide Fresh Water:  Especially when giving treats. ✅  Safe & Healthy Base Ingredients Grains:  Oats, cooked rice, quinoa, pasta (cooked, unsalted). Proteins:  Mealworms (dried or live), scrambled eggs (shell included, crushed!), plain yogurt. Vegetables:  Leafy greens, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, squash, cooked sweet potato...

  Newcastle Disease (ND) is a highly contagious, often severe, viral disease affecting birds worldwide, especially poultry. It is caused by virulent strains of   Avian Orthoavulavirus 1   (formerly Avian Paramyxovirus type 1). It is a major threat to the poultry industry due to its potential for high mortality and trade restrictions. Symptoms Symptoms vary greatly depending on the virus strain ( pathotype ), bird species, age, immune status, and co-infections. The main pathotypes are: Velogenic (Viscerotropic)  - Very virulent, causes acute, lethal systemic disease. Sudden, high mortality  (can reach 100%). Severe depression, loss of appetite. Greenish, watery diarrhea . Facial edema (swelling)  around eyes and neck. Respiratory distress : gasping, coughing, gurgling, nasal discharge. Neurological signs  (also common in neurotropic strains): tremors, paralyzed wings/legs, twisted necks (torticollis), circling, paralysis. Hemorrhages at the tips of the ...

The best chicken coop designs seamlessly integrate   security   and   productivity , creating a stress-free environment where hens can thrive and lay consistently. Here’s a breakdown of key principles and specific designs that excel in both areas. Core Principles for Safety & Production Safety First (A Stressed Hen is a Non-Laying Hen): Predator-Proofing:  This is non-negotiable. Use  ½ inch hardware cloth  (not chicken wire) on all openings, including windows, vents, and runs. Bury it 12-18 inches around the perimeter or lay an apron to deter diggers. Secure Locking Systems:  Use  raccoon-proof locks  (spring-loaded or carabiner-style) on doors and nest boxes. Solid Floor & Walls:  Protect against rodents and burrowing predators. Proper Ventilation:  High vents (covered in hardware cloth) remove ammonia and moisture, preventing respiratory illness, which drastically reduces egg production. Egg Production Optimizers: Adequat...

  This is a fantastic foundation for anyone involved in dairy farming, from new hires to small-scale producers. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of   Dairy Cow Care 101 , covering the three critical pillars:   Nutrition, Housing, and Milking Hygiene . Pillar 1: Nutrition - The Foundation of Health & Production A cow’s diet directly impacts her milk yield, reproductive success, and overall health. 1. The Ruminant Digestive System: Cows have a four-chambered stomach (rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum). The  rumen  is a fermentation vat where microbes break down fibrous feed. The goal is to keep the rumen healthy and pH stable (~6.0-6.5). Sudden diet changes can cause acidosis (dangerous drop in pH). 2. Dietary Components: Forages (Roughage):  The cornerstone of the diet. Provides fiber for rumen function and health. Examples:  Hay (grass or legume like alfalfa), haylage, corn silage, pasture. Concentrates (Grains & Proteins):  Provide energ...