Animal Production Resources
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Prevalence of mastitis in dairy goats ranges between 5% and 30%, with Staphylococcus spp., otherwise known as the coagulase-negative staphylococci, identified as the most frequent cause of infection. These staphylococci produce persistent subclinical mastitis with markedly elevated somatic cell counts (SCC), which may lead to clinical symptoms.
Prevention is the key to controlling staphylococcal mastitis in dairy goats, as once this disease becomes established, chronic inflammation of mammary tissues and elevated SCC will follow, resulting in reduced milk yield and quality. This publication discusses proper husbandry practices and sanitation methods that can be implemented by producers. The results of two vaccine trials as a potential means to control mastitis in ruminants are also presented and discussed.
Vaccination should only be included as part of the whole herd approach to mastitis control. Any vaccination program must be carried out in conjunction with other proper management practices.
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Proper fertilization and liming help maximize fish production in ponds. This resource describes how to effectively fertilize and apply lime to a pond for optimum fish production.
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Certain algae can cause serious problems when they become very abundant in drought, hot weather, unusual rainfall patterns, or after nutrient accumulation in pond water. Fortunately, most ponds do not experience toxin problems or dense algal blooms. Watching for the warning signs that lead to toxic algal bloom development is the best way to prevent toxin problems.
This publication describes how to effectively monitor for potential toxic conditions, control algae, and improve water quality in ponds.
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B 1161
Beef Management Calendar
This calendar contains a monthly listing of the common management practices needed for commercial beef herd production in Georgia. Some are recommended at a certain time of the year and others are recommended when calves are a certain age or at a certain point in their reproductive cycle.
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Water is a critical nutrient that receives little attention until a problem arises. Not only should producers make an effort to provide water in adequate quantity, they should also know what is in the water to be used in evaporative cooling systems and consumed by the birds.
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Reproductive management of dairy heifers is one area in which many dairy producers can improve. Heifers are the most fertile animals in a herd and should have the greatest genetic potential. Dairy producers need to pay more attention to getting heifers bred sooner and breeding them to genetically superior bulls. This publication describes methods for improving dairy heifer reproductive management.
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Producers need to be aware of the impacts that manure can have on water and air quality. However, management of manure and other byproducts of livestock and poultry production has important impacts on farm profitability, neighbor relations and protecting soil and water quality.
This publication covers: Farm and Homestead Maps; Manure Storage and Treatment; Nutrient Budgeting with Nitrogen and Phosphorus; Land Application of Manure and Fertilizers; Grazing Land; Pesticide and Chemical Management for Water Quality; Mortality Management; Record Keeping; Coexisting with Neighbors; Emergency Action Plans; and other resources.
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Vaccines are an integral part of a comprehensive herd health program. When used in conjunction with other management tools, vaccines can reduce both the risk and impact of disease in beef cattle herds. Nevertheless, when used inappropriately, vaccines can be virtually useless and, in some cases, result in impaired productivity and significant economic losses.
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Mastitis continues to be a major livestock disease afflicting the U.S. dairy industry. As the industry strives to improve milk quality to meet consumer as well as exportation demands, the legal limit for bulk tank sec will likely be reduced from 750,000/ml to 400,000/ml in the near future. It is estimated that between 10 and 20% of US dairy farms, mostly located in the Southeast, are currently at or above the 400,000/ml SCC limit and will have to adopt stricter methods for controlling mastitis in their milking herds, dry cows, and heifers.
This publication reviews the survey results of adoption rates for mastitis control measures and shows that there is much room for improvement.
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