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Poor Hay Doesn’t Have to Equal Poor Livestock Performance

By Garth Ruff

We know that hay quality across much of Ohio is poor this year. Out of 180 samples submitted as part of an OSU eBarns program from 29 counties, only one of those samples met the energy or TDN requirements for a 1200 pound lactating beef cow. For sheep and goats, that means that the forage is poorer yet. As we head towards winter having a plan in place to maintain animals on pasture will be key.

I have these types of discussions with producers fairly often, and usually (not always) supplementing additional energy into the diet seems to aid in rectifying the situation.

As managers we must remember that livestock utilize nutrients in waste not, want not hierarchy. Think of an order of operations where Maintenance > Development > Growth > Lactation > Reproduction > Fattening.

Source : osu.edu

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Cold Weather Farming: Tough Week On The Farm!

Video: Cold Weather Farming: Tough Week On The Farm!

Cold weather has officially arrived at Ewetopia Farms, and this week gave us everything November in Canada can throw at a sheep farm! In today’s episode, Cold Weather Farming, we take you through a full week of real, raw, and unpredictable conditions that define life on a Canadian sheep farm this time of year.

From pouring rain to heavy winds, mud, freezing temperatures, and finally snow, we experienced just about every type of weather Mother Nature could deliver in a matter of days. With winter arriving early, it's all hands on deck to keep the farm running smoothly and to make sure our Suffolk and Poll Dorset sheep stay warm, dry, and comfortable.