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Heat stress can be dangerous for any animal. In horses, heat stress can lead to more severe reactions such as colic or heat stroke, which can be fatal. By recognizing heat stress and its impact, horse owners can more easily protect their equine companions and keep them comfortable when temperatures rise. When Horses Are at Risk From Heat Summer is the obvious time when horses are most at risk of heat stress, but it isn’t the only time when heat may impact a horse. Traveling can exacerbate heat stress as sunlight reflects mercilessly off asphalt and a horse trailer can...

Suet is an ideal food for wild birds, rich in fat and calories to provide exceptional energy just when birds need it most as temperatures drop. But what exactly is suet, and how can it be offered to backyard birds? About Suet Suet is the rendered fat from cattle and sheep, generally fat found around the animals’ kidneys. Rendering is the process of melting, straining, and cooling the fat to remove leftover bits of tendon, cartilage, bone, and muscle, to create a pure product that will stay firm at higher temperatures. Suet for birds is often mixed with birdseed, dried...

Goats can be profitable additions to any farm or urban homestead, but parasites can dramatically reduce any goat’s productivity. Fortunately, there are many ways to boost goat parasite control to improve the health and production of any herd of goats. About Goat Parasites Small ruminants like goats are susceptible to a wide range of internal and external parasites. A variety of internal worms can affect a goat’s productivity, while external pests like flies and lice can also be a problem. A small amount of parasites are normal, both inside and out, but if a goat’s parasite load becomes unbalanced and...

Chickens can be a valuable addition to any urban homestead, hobby farm, or budget-friendly household. But to keep chickens safe and comfortable, a coop is essential. Knowing how to build a chicken coop can help you provide a proper home for your flock. Why Chickens Need a Coop A chicken coop is more than just a quaint decoration or kitschy structure. A chicken coop provides… Shelter from inclement or stressful weather, including rain, snow, wind, or sun Protection from predators and nest raiders like raccoons, hawks, rats, and snakes Comfort and privacy for nesting or roosting hens to improve their...

Grass tetany can be a serious and even fatal problem for different types of livestock. Understanding and recognizing the condition, however, can help you keep your animals healthy and prevent grass tetany from taking a toll on your livestock. About Grass Tetany Grass tetany is a magnesium deficiency in an animal’s blood and is often more common in lactating females or older animals that have more difficulty absorbing magnesium. Ruminants are susceptible to grass tetany, including cattle, sheep, and goats, and the disease is most common in spring and fall when pasture may not have as much new growth rich...