Livestock
Other Livestock
The purpose of this publication is to make workers and students who handle animals aware of the associated risks with handling, feeding, cleaning, or exposure to animal wastes. There should be methods for monitoring expo...
Animal Welfare and Animal Rights: Ethics, Science and Explanations
Animal welfare is more than the treatment an animal receives. In this publication, a Purdue University professor explains the terms associated with this increasingly relevant topic and shows how understanding what animal...
This information sheet provides an overview of goat well-being including how to provide appropriate care, interpret goat behavior, and identify signs of poor well-being.
Format: PDF
Breeding Soundness Examinations of Rams and Bucks
For optimal farm productivity, producers should select rams or bucks that are able to settle a large portion of females early in the breeding season and sire offspring with the genetic potential for rapid, efficient grow...
Bull Breeding Soundness Exams: More than a Wiggle Test
Sub-fertile bulls are an economic liability to a cattle operation. In this publication, a Purdue University researcher explains the importance of annual bull breeding soundness (BBSE) exams, the steps taken during such e...
Common Diseases and Health Problems in Sheep and Goats
A sound management program to keep animals healthy is basic to production of both sheep and goats. Producers must observe animals closely to keep individual animals and the whole herd or flock healthy and productive. Thi...
Composting of dead poultry is a natural process where beneficial bacteria and fungi convert organic material into a useful end product called compost. If properly done, no offensive odor is created from the process, an...
Digestive System and Nutrient Needs of Meat Goats
Meat goats are ruminants and get the nutrients they need through a wide variety of feedstuffs. Because of this, producers must thoroughly understand digestive physiology and nutrition before they can develop an effici...
Learn USDA AMS inspection guidelines for sanitation of egg processing equipment in this video series. In this module, you will learn about the guidelines for the egg coolers.
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Egg Sanitation: Egg Drying Equipment
Learn USDA AMS inspection guidelines for sanitation of egg processing equipment in this video series. In this module, you will learn about the guidelines for the egg drying equipment.
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Egg Sanitation: Employee Areas and Outdoor Spaces
Learn USDA AMS inspection guidelines for sanitation of egg processing equipment in this video series. In this module, you will learn about the guidelines for the employee areas and outdoor areas.
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Egg Sanitation: Pack and Stack
Learn USDA AMS inspection guidelines for sanitation of egg processing equipment in this video series. In this module, you will learn about the guidelines for the pack and stack areas.
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Egg Sanitation: Sanitizer Systems
Learn USDA AMS inspection guidelines for sanitation of egg processing equipment in this video series. In this module, you will learn about the guidelines for sanitizer systems.
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Learn USDA AMS inspection guidelines for sanitation of egg processing equipment in this video series. In this module, you will learn about the guidelines for the storage areas.
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Estrus Detection in Farm Animals
Estrus or "heat" is a period during the reproductive cycle when female animals become sexually receptive, signaling they are ready for mating. This publication provides information about the estrous cycles for various an...
This is an extension video intended for small ruminant producers. It shows a few simple ways to correctly select animals to deworm, proper drenching techniques, and how to obtain fecal samples. Famacha Scoring of your ma...
Footrot is a costly disease in the sheep and goat industry. Countless producers lose time and money each year in an attempt to control it in their flock or herd. This publication describes the disease's causes and sympto...
Hoof Anatomy, Care and Management in Livestock
This publication discusses the complex hoof structure and the role that it plays in the overall health of an animal. A lame animal is not only in pain, but it is an extra expense that most producers cannot afford. This p...
How to Conduct a Fecal Egg Count in Sheep and Goats
This video is about conducting a fecal egg count in sheep and goats.
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Is Restraint with a Lip Twitch Aversive to Horses?
Using a twitch, especially on the upper lip, to restrain a horse is common. However, relatively little scientific evidence exists on whether it has a calming effect or is aversive to horses. In this publication, research...
Managing Internal Parasitism in Sheep and Goats
This paper will be used to give producers a general understanding of the parasites that affect their animals, how they live, and methods that can be used to lower their costs and losses due to parasite infestations....
Managing Prussic Acid in Sorghum
Prussic acid poisoning can be a concern if livestock consume freeze-damaged sorghum plants. This concern can be minimized if management strategies are utilized. This video discusses ways to manage sorghum so prussic acid...
Managing the Prussic Acid Hazard in Sorghum
Sorghum is a valuable forage crop but can produce prussic acid (also known as hydrogen cyanide, HCN), which can be toxic to livestock. In this publication, Purdue and Kansas State researchers discuss characteristics affe...
Methods of Livestock Identification
Animal identification is the basis for keeping accurate production records of the herd/flock. This publication provides information about numbering systems and identification methods such as ear tagging, freeze branding,...
Nutritional Biotechnologies: Ionophores
Ionophores are a nutritional biotechnology that are commonly added to beef cattle and poultry diets. In this video, learn how this antibiotic is used, how it works and why there is no concern for antibiotic resistance.
Nutritional Biotechnologies: Phytase
Phytase is a nutritional biotechnology that is commonly added to swine and poultry diets. In this video, learn how this enzyme is used to enhance production efficiency while also helping to alleviate environmental concer...
Obtaining A Blood Sample From Your Small Ruminant
If you ever need to take a blood sample from your small ruminant, this video shows you the step-by-step process. Materials, preparation, and how to draw blood are all covered.
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This publication covers parturition—the process of giving birth—in livestock. It covers the anatomy of the reproductive tract, fertilization and pregnancy, as well as specifi information related to each speci...
Small-Scale Livestock Enterprises: Cow-Calf Enterprise Budget
This 4-page publication explains how to use the Purdue Comparative Decision Support (PCDS) matrix and the PCDS2 profit/loss analysis tool to generate an enterprise budget for a small-scale cow-calf operation....
Small-Scale Livestock Enterprises: Dairy Steer Enterprise Budget
This 4-page publication explains how to use the Purdue Comparative Decision Support (PCDS) matrix and the PCDS2 profit/loss analysis tool to generate an enterprise budget for a small-scale dairy steer operation....
Small-Scale Livestock Enterprises: Goat Enterprise Budget
This 4-page publication explains how to use the Purdue Comparative Decision Support (PCDS) matrix and the PCDS2 profit/loss analysis tool to generate an enterprise budget for a small-scale goat operation....
Small-Scale Livestock Enterprises: Sheep Enterprise Budget
This 4-page publication explains how to use the Purdue Comparative Decision Support (PCDS) matrix and the PCDS2 profit/loss analysis tool to generate an enterprise budget for a small-scale sheep operation....
Small-Scale Livestock Enterprises: Tools for Choosing the Right Enterprise for You
This 5-page publication introduces the Purdue Comparative Decision Support (PCDS) matrix and the PCDS2 profit/loss analysis tool, two interactive electronic tools that help aspiring livestock producers choose the right e...
Small-Scale Livestock Enterprises: Turkey Enterprise Budget
This 4-page publication explains how to use the Purdue Comparative Decision Support (PCDS) matrix and the PCDS2 profit/loss analysis tool to generate an enterprise budget for a small-scale turkey operation....
Understanding the Horse Trailer Rig: Steps for Transporting Horses Safely on the Highway
This publication provides information about what it takes to safely attach a livestock trailer to a truck. It provides examples of maintenance issues you need address as part of "the rig." While we emphasize safely tr...
Vaccination is a key part of a successful poultry health program. Misapplication can occur with any vaccine and any equipment. Without the correct technique, the immune response in the flock is impaired. In this publicat...
Weed Management in Pastures: Beefsteak Plant (Perilla Mint)
Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton is known by many names, including beefsteak plant, perilla mint, Chinese basil, purple mint, and rattlesnake weed. Due to its toxicity, it is important to control the plant. This ...
Weed Management in Pastures: Spiny Pigweed
Spiny pigweed can often be found in pastures that are heavily grazed and in need of some attention. In pastures, spiny pigweed is a competitive weed and has been associated with nitrate accumulation in livestock. This pu...
What to Expect When: Preparing for Calving Season
Calving difficulty is the most common reason for calf loss in the beef cattle industry. In this publication, part of the "What to Expect When:" series, a Purdue University veterinarian discusses the stages of labor and e...
What to Expect When: Preparing for Lambing or Kidding Season
Lambing or kidding season is an exciting, but stressful, time. Proper preparation is important. In this publication, part of the "What to expect when series" by Purdue University veterinarians, nutrition, pregnancy, vacc...
What To Expect When: Your Mare is Expecting
This publication, the first in a series by Purdue Veterinarians, discusses routine health care for mares successfully confirmed in foal. The average gestation length is about 340 days, and advice is given for what to exp...
