The growth in Wisconsin (as well as California, which is No. 2 in goat and sheep milk sales) is due to both existing infrastructure and growing appreciation for goat milk. In the U.S., chefs are using it more frequently, consumers are seeking out its unique taste. Growing immigrant populations from places like East Africa and Latin America are looking for the familiar products, … [Read more...]
Sheep view of Faroa Islands
One of our friends at AAHA sent this to us. We’re passing it along for fun! Enjoy the views. Source: Innovations and business of veterinary practice, July 13, 2016. Cameras are being fitted on sheep in Faroe Islands to create Google Street View. The project dubbed Sheep View 360 ,a team with the help of a local shepherd and engineer to build a harness, have been capturing … [Read more...]
Diet reduces the chance of milk fever in goats
After birth, goats must provide large amounts of calcium with their milk. Does normally have enough calcium reserves in their bones. But, if a doe has been on a high-calcium diet during her dry period, her body may “forget” how to mobilize those reserves. If that happens, blood calcium levels may drop and result in milk fever. Source: Purina Mills. You can help address milk … [Read more...]
Meat Institute releases Temple Grandin-narrated ‘Glass Walls’ video
The North American Meat Institute released a new Dr. Temple Grandin-narrated "Glass Walls" video shot in a lamb processing plant. The video is the latest in a series of videos that seeks to shine a light on animal care and handling processes used in meat packing plants. Other "Glass Walls" videos focus on beef, pork and turkey plants. The series has generated more than a 1.2 … [Read more...]
Shearing 101
This article provides a do-it-yourself guide for those who struggle to hire a shearing crew. Meat, not wool demand, is currently driving U.S. sheep numbers higher. Producers must still deal with the wool and a shearing routine. Source: On Pasture, March 28, 2016. While I’ve never sheared a sheep myself, I feel like these three videos give me what I need to know if I were … [Read more...]