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Cows eat grass and hay. On a dry matter basis a cow will eat 4 to 5 tons of forage per year. As long as there is pasture for the cows to eat it is most economical to let them graze. When cattle are on grass the amount of forage consumed will determine how well they will perform, usually expressed in average daily gain (ADG). Growing beef cattle will consume approximately 2.5 percent of their body weight each day depending on forage conditions. It requires approximately 8 to 10 pounds of roughage for every pound of gain. If possible, the...

Last weekend we had the first snow of the season in northern New York. It did not last more than 24 hours, but it was a reminder that winter and cold weather are on the way, and we need to think about cold-weather precautions for our pets. Here are some safety tips: Know your pet’s limits: Pets, like people, vary in their ability to tolerate the cold based on breed, age, activity level and health. Dense-coated breeds such as Huskies, Malamutes and Chows have better cold tolerance than do short or long haired breeds. Short leg breeds may become chilled...

Throughout the year, tending to your horse’s needs requires you to be prepared for a variety of conditions. When the temperature falls and the winds grow colder, you should be prepared with the proper gear, supplies and accessories to keep your horse healthy and happy during the upcoming months. Learn more about caring for your horse during the winter so you can be prepared well before the first frost. Water and Food Food for Health and Warmth. Food digestion is a primary source of warmth for your horse, which means your horse’s caloric needs can increase during the colder months....

Tis the season to be jolly! It is also the season to be more diligent at keeping our pets safe and healthy over the holidays. With holiday parties, trees, tinsel, candles and presents, our pets are at a greater risk to get into trouble. Here are a few holiday safety tips to keep them safe. The tree: With pets in the house, it is safest to place the tree in the corner. This will make it easier to anchor the top of the tree so climbing cats don't knock it over. Also, use a tree stand that is one size...

While your dog or cat's quality and length of life depend on various factors like age, disease, and breed, one often overlooked component is weight. If your cat or dog is overweight, it could potentially raise the risk of various diseases and injuries, and overall, make it harder for your pet to live a long and healthy life. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can be difficult, but you can start implementing some best practices with these tips. Check if Your Pet is Overweight Though some fat on your pet is normal, too much could interfere with their health....