1. UNCE, Reno, Nev. Caring for Your Animals Developed by: Holly George and Susie Kocher University of California Extension Bob Hamblen, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Bruce Miller, Utah State University Melody Hefner, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

2. Animal Ownership We’ll be covering Animal digestive systems Animal nutritional needs Hay quality Feed and forage production versus animal needs Health care and safety issues Manure management

3. Animal Ownership The four digestive systems The four digestive systems Ruminant Pseudo-ruminants Nonruminant herbivore Monogastric servicemeansnet/pukite www.usda.gov UNCE

4. Animal Ownership Ruminants (cows, goats, sheep, elk, deer and bison) Have no upper incisors or canine teeth Have four stomach compartments Stomach has more space and microorganisms Can synthesize essential amino acids Can break down cellulose into volatile fatty acids (VFAs) Beginning Sheperd’s Manual by Barbara Smith

5. Animal Ownership Ruminant biology Complex, multi- chambered stomach ferments feed Microorganisms in stomach convert plant cells into usable energy

6. Animal Ownership The rumen advantage Animals with rumens can obtain more energy from plant materials than those without rumens because of the fermentation process. www.usda.gov

7. Animal Ownership Pseudo-ruminants Llamas, alpacas Three-chambered stomach system No rumen, but chew their cud and digest feedstuffs via fermentation and microbial action. alpacainfo.com

8. Nonruminant herbivores: horse, rabbit, guinea pig and hamster UNCE, Reno, Nev.

9. Animal Ownership Horses Digestive system and nutrient requirements are more similar to a pig than to a cow Compared to cows, horses need less roughage, more and higher quality protein and added B vitamins Where no pasture is available, a 1,000-pound horse will consume about 25 lbs/day of hay and grain, or about 4.6 tons per year UNCE UNCE, Reno, Nev.

10. Special challenges of horses Formation of bones Irregular use and/or strenuous exercise UNCE, Reno, Nev.

11. Special challenges of horses For increased energy requirements, decrease roughage and increase grain Limited protein synthesis and poor absorption means that they must be fed high quality protein www.holisticvetpetcare.com

12. Monogastric (simple-stomached) www.usda.gov Simplest of all digestive systems Limited capacity, limited microbial action and fiber digestion Better adapted to concentrated feeds such as grains and meats than to roughages Single-stomached animals include pigs, birds, fish, dogs, and humans A. Miller

13. Animal Ownership Swine facts Pigs are the cleanest domestic farm animal Given a reasonable amount of space in their pen or pasture, they will select a particular area for manure and not foul their own nest servicemeansnet/pukite

14. Animal Ownership Avian digestive system The digestive system of poultry differs considerably from other monogastrics as they have no teeth Digestion in the fowl is rapid  2½ hours in laying hens  8 to 12 hours in non- laying hens www.usda.gov

15. Animal Ownership Exotic birds Ratites  Ostrich, emu, rhea Game birds  Pheasant, sagehen, quail, chukkar, doves Nutritional needs similar to poultry UNCE, Reno, Nev.

16. Animal Ownership Digestive tract capacities AnimalGallons Cattle94 Sheep or goat12 Horse56 Pig7.2 Humans1.6

17. Animal Ownership Nutritional needs of animals Water Energy Protein Minerals Vitamins NRCS, Bozeman, Mont.

18. Water needs Vary by animal size, reproductive status and weather Average amounts:  Beef cow or horse: 12 gallons/day  Pig: 8 gallons/day  Llama: 5 gallons/day  Sheep or goat: 4 gallons/day Amounts needed may double on hot days USDA NRCS

19. Animal Ownership Energy: carbohydrates and fats Grains Alfalfa hay Silage Pasture and grass hay NRCS, Bozeman, Mont.

20. Animal Ownership Energy from feed Depends on digestive tract Total digestible nutrients (TDN) is a measure of usable energy in a feed for a given species www.farmphoto.com

21. Digestibility of feedstuff by species FeedstuffNonruminantRuminant Alfalfa20-30%40-60% Grass0-20%48-90% Straw (non- ammoniated) Negligible40-60% Soybean meal40%90-95% Cottonseed meal0-10%50%

22. Animal OwnershipProtein Most expensive nutrient Proteins contain amino acids, the building blocks for muscle, hair, etc. Quantity of protein fed is more important than quality for ruminants Nonruminants require higher- quality protein sources

23. Crude protein and stage of growth CropStage of Growth Crude Protein (percent) AlfalfaEarly bloom18 AlfalfaFull bloom14 Oat hay9.2 Oat straw4.4 Wheat hayBoot18 Wheat hayFull bloom8.5 Timothy hayMid-bloom8.5 SagebrushMature6

24. Animal OwnershipMinerals Supplement choices:  Mineral block  Feed additive  Water additive www.cgiar.org USDA NRCS

25. Mineral requirements vary by: Species Breed Age, sex and growth rate Nature and rate of reproduction Lactation Level and chemical form ingested Overall balance and adequacy of diet Hormonal and other physiological activities within the animal Climate www.ewe.uk.com

26. Animal OwnershipVitamins Required in small amounts Essential for metabolism NOT normally synthesized by the body Two types:  Fat soluble – A, D, E, K  Water soluble – B, C

27. Animal Ownership Vitamins for ruminants Vitamins for ruminants Ruminants produce some, but not all, of their own vitamins Most ruminants make B, K, and C Ruminants need A, D, and E in their diet  Can convert A from beta carotene if provided with good quality feed  Can store enough A for four to six months on a vitamin A-deficient diet  Can make enough vitamin D if kept in the sun  A and E are found in leafy green forages

28. Animal Ownership www.ewe.uk.com http://services.means.net/pukite/pig Nutrient requirements depend on: Animal’s digestive system Climate and season of year Desired gain Work performance Production stage (breeding, pregnant, lactating, growing, dry) Breed

29. What do your animals need? http://servicemeansnet and www.usda.gov

30. Nutrient requirements Animal Species Water (gal/day) Protein (percent) Energy (Mcal/day) Beef Cow128-1610.25 Swine1 gal/100 lbs12-180.69/lb Horse127-1316 Sheep1-310-142.68 Goats1-310-143.3 Poultry0.116-221.3/lb Rabbits0.06-0.1212-18954 cal/lb

31. Specific needs: horses Water12 gallons/day Protein7 to 13% of their diet Energy 1.5 to 3.0% of body weight; at least 1% of body weight as forage (roughage) Vitamins Supplemental A and E if fed a hay diet for an extended period Minerals Ca to P ratios of 1.5:1 to 2:1; salt with trace minerals; check with local producers and consumers to identify any local mineral deficiencies in your area

32. Beef cattle Water 1.5 gallons per each 100 pounds of body weight Protein8 to 16% of their diet Energy 22 to 28 pounds of dry matter per day (or equivalent fresh material) with a fiber level of 30 to 70% VitaminsGenerally must supplement A and E Minerals Ca to P ratios of 1.5:1 to 2:1; salt with trace minerals Fats Less than 5%; fats interfere with rumen function

33. Dairy cattle Water 1.5 gallons per each 100 pounds of body weight Protein8 to 16% of their diet Energy 1.4% to 2.4% of body weight, dry matter forage VitaminsGenerally must supplement A and E Minerals Ca to P ratios of 1.5:1 to 2:1; salt with trace minerals; monitor copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt and iodine levels Fats Less than 5%; fats interfere with rumen function

34. Meat goats Water 1 to 1.5 gallons per day average, double for lactating females Protein10 to 14% of their diet Energy 2 to 4% of body weight. Need a minimum of 0.5 to 1.0 pound of roughage per day to keep rumen functioning. Can add grain as supplement. VitaminsMay need to supplement A and E Minerals Ca to P ratios of 2:1; copper, zinc, and selenium are likely to be low Fats Less than 5%; fats interfere with rumen function

35. Dairy goats Water 1 to 1.5 gallons per day average, double for lactating females Protein10 to 14% of their diet Energy 2 to 4% of body weight. Need a minimum of 0.5 to 1.0 pound of roughage per day to keep rumen functioning. Can add grain as supplement. VitaminsMay need to supplement A and E Minerals Ca to P ratios of 2:1; copper, zinc, and selenium are likely to be low Fats Less than 5%; fats interfere with rumen function

36. Sheep Water 1 to 1.5 gallons per day average, double for lactating females Protein10 to 14% of their diet Energy 2 to 4% of body weight. Need a minimum of 0.5 to 1.0 pound of roughage per day to keep rumen functioning. Can add grain as supplement. VitaminsMay need to supplement A and E Minerals Ca to P ratios of 2:1; zinc and selenium are likely to be low. Copper levels must be monitored as sheep are susceptible to copper toxicity. Fats Less than 5%; fats interfere with rumen function

37. Llamas and alpacas Water 1 gallon per 100 lbs of body weight per day Protein 8 to 14% of their diet; depends on life stage Energy1.5 to 2.2% of body weight per day Vitamins Need to supplement E; may also need to supplement A Minerals Ca:P ratio of 1.5:1 to 2:1; zinc and selenium are likely to be needed; susceptible to copper toxicity, like sheep UNCE, Reno, Nev.

38. Swine Water1 to 5 gallons per day Protein12 to 18% of their diet Energy3 to 6% of body weight per day Vitamins Make vitamin C and some of the B vitamins; will need to supplement A, D, E, K, B-series, and other water soluble vitamins Minerals Sodium & chloride (salt), calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium USDA NRCS

39. Poultry Water1 gallon per 10 chickens per day Protein16 to 22% of their diet Energy Needs vary with age; layer hens require 1/4 pound of complete ration per day. Chickens can not digest cellulose. Vitamins Need A, E, K, B series, C, choline, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid; most are included in balanced ration. Vitamin D is produced in the skin if the birds have access to sunlight. Minerals Ca:P ratios of 2:1 for meat birds and 8:1 for laying hens; also require salt and trace amounts of iodine, iron, manganese and zinc

40. Poultry: for meat or eggs? A laying ration provides two times more vitamin A, 2½ times more vitamin D and at least 3 times more calcium A mature, lightweight bird will eat about 1/4 pound of feed daily, or 90 lbs/year, while producing about 240+ eggs each year Broilers can gain 2 pounds for each pound of feed eaten L. Allen, Nev.

41. Exotic birds Water1 to 3 gallons per day Protein16 to 22% of their diet Energy 1 to 2.5% of body weight in dry forage per day; 16% fiber Vitamins All but C probably need to be supplemented Minerals Ca:P ratios of 2:1, layers need more calcium. Sodium, copper, zinc, manganese, iron and iodine are also required.

42. Rabbits Water8 to 16 ounces per day Protein12 to 18% of their diet Energy Varies by breed, age, and gender; feed must contain 16% fiber for proper intestinal system function Vitamins Generally, none required if using a complete formulated feed Minerals Generally, none required if using a complete formulated feed www.flicker.com

43. Let’s talk hay

44. Animal Ownership What determines hay quality? Type of hay (alfalfa vs. grass) Stage of plant maturity and leafiness How well it dried after being cut Foreign material present (weeds, wire, etc.) Storage & handling

45. Animal Ownership You be the judge! Color Leafiness Maturity Texture Odor Foreign material

46. Hay judging notes Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Color Leafiness Odor Maturity Texture Foreign Material Ranking

47. Animal Ownership Your land’s feed/forage potential Depends on whether you plan to graze animals or produce crops to feed animals NRCS, Bozeman, Mont. www.usda.gov

48. Animal Ownership Learn the terms Feed: provided to animals  Measured in tons per acre Forage: consumed by grazing  Measured by Animal Unit Month (AUM)  1 AUM = the amount consumed by a 1,000-pound animal in one month

49. Animal Ownership How much feed do you need? FEED (Hay) Tons/ Month FORAGE AUMS / month 1 cow0.41.0 1 horse0.51.25 1 sheep0.10.2 1 llama0.150.3 1 goat0.10.2

50. Animal Ownership Calculating forage production Amount produced depends on:  Soil fertility  Irrigation  Grazing management  Length of growing season www.farmpicture.com www.usda.gov

51. Annual feed and forage production FERTILE SOILSPOOR SOILS FEED (Hay in tons/acre / year) FORAGE (AUMs/ acre/year) FEED (Hay in tons/acre/ year) FORAGE (AUMs/ acre/year) Irrigated2-43-4< 21-2 Non- irrigated 1-2 0.5 or less 0.5 Range/ Woodland 10.5 0.5 or less 0.25

52. Animal Ownership Balancing feed and forage requirements with your land productivity

53. Seasonal forage availability Jan Feb March April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec UCCE

54. Cow seasonal energy requirements UCCE Late Lactation (180 days) Birth Peak Lactation (45 days) Breeding Lactation (145 days) Weaning Begin Last Trimester 45 days to Birth

55. Forage quality versus quantity High quality pasture Low quality pasture Daily requirement of high quality forage Daily requirement of low quality forage Nutrient intake of low quality forage Half the quality X half the consumption = one-quarter the nutrition UCCE

56. Animal Ownership Providing nutrition year-round Purchase feed Improve pasture production Grow feed instead of, or in addition to, forage USDA NRCS

57. The “normal” animal Attitude and behavior are the first and most- visible indicators of an animal’s health. Be observant!

58. Animal Ownership Nutrition and health Well-fed animals in good condition are healthier and more resistant to disease Two categories of disease:  Infectious (“to put into”)- caused by parasites, fungi, bacteria, viruses, protozoa  Noninfectious – results from issues such as nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, trauma, congenital defects & toxic materials

59. Animal Ownership Preventive healthcare for animals Preventive healthcare for animals Consult a local veterinarian Maintain schedules of vaccinations Keep complete records Quarantine new animals

60. Animal Ownership What about vaccinations? Consult a local veterinarian for advice Follow state or local regulations Take into account the prevalence of disease in your area Consider the effectiveness of the vaccine or bacterin Cost of the vaccine Adverse reactions

61. Animal Ownership Adherence to drug labels Follow veterinarian recommendations Follow label requirements Make sure drug is species-specific Keep records

62. Animal Ownership Additional preventive care Parasites  Internal  External USDA-ARS

63. Parasites…beef as an example WormsLiceGrubs Symptoms Diarrhea Blood in urine Weight loss Scratching Loss of blood Look like marbles under the skin on animal’s back How it spreads to other animals Eggs in manure spread to grass or eggs in drinking water Direct contact with other animals Heel fly lays eggs on lower legs Treatment or control measures Dewormers: bolus, paste, drenches and injectables Spray, clips, liquid pour-on dusts, rubbers, injectables Sprays, dips, liquid pour-on, injections

64. Animal Ownership Do your animals have access to any of these? Toxic plants Toxic bedding Moldy hay or grain Trash Lawn clippings Pesticides www.aphis.usda.gov

65. Animal Ownership Some plants may be toxic Some are poisonous in some seasons only Some affect certain species and not others Most cause specific physiological symptoms Poison hemlock http://cal.vet.upenn.edu

66. Animal Ownership Symptoms caused by toxic plants Gastrointestinal Nervous system Respiratory system Skin Reproductive system

67. Animal Ownership Cause nervousness or excitability Arrowgrass Bracken fern (horses) Chokecherry Larkspur Locoweed Lupine Poison hemlock Lupine Locoweed cal.vet.upenn.edu

68. Animal Ownership Other tips for animal safety Toxic plants Toxic bedding Moldy hay or grain Trash Lawn clippings Pesticides www.farmphoto.com

69. Other tips for animal safety Toxic plants Toxic bedding Moldy hay or grain Trash Lawn clippings Pesticides USDA NRCS

70. Animal Ownership Other tips for animal safety Toxic plants Toxic bedding Moldy hay or grain Trash Lawn clippings Pesticides www.farmpicture.com

71. Animal Ownership Other tips for animal safety Toxic plants Toxic bedding Moldy hay or grain Trash Lawn clippings Pesticides USDA NRCS

72. Animal Ownership Other tips for animal safety Toxic plants Toxic bedding Moldy hay or grain Trash Lawn clippings Pesticides www.farmpicture.com

73. Dispose of dead animals properly http://defendingfarmanimals

74. Animal Ownership Caring for your animals Provide good quality nutrients year-round Establish a preventive healthcare program Implement health care and safety measures www.ars.usda.gov

75. Animal Ownership UNCE, Reno, Nev. What impacts can animals cause?

76. manure What parts of animals cause impacts? hooves A. Miller mouths bodies

77. Animal Ownership Impacts from hooves On pastures  Compaction  Trails  Reduced productivity On stream banks  Trampling  Erosion  Pollution UNCE, Reno, Nev.

78. Impacts from mouths Overgrazing plants can weaken their root structure; plants don’t recover Pasture productivity decreases Soil erosion increases www.farmphoto.com UNCE, Reno, Nev.

79. Animal Ownership Impacts from bodies Objects in the pasture are damaged  Trees, posts, irrigation works, fences Weed seeds and pests are transported UCCE UNCE, Reno, Nev.

80. Animal Ownership Impacts from manure Polluted runoff Odor Dust Insects and parasites UNCE, Reno, Nev.

81. Animal Ownership How to avoid impacts? Good grazing management avoids hoof and mouth impacts Good facility design avoids animal body impacts www.usda.gov

82. Animal Ownership Good manure management Keeps livestock healthy Returns nutrients to the soil Improves pastures and gardens Protects the environment OSU Extension Service

83. Animal Ownership Poor manure management Livestock become sick Conditions are unsanitary Neighbors complain Insect and parasite populations increase Environment is harmed USU, Logan, UT

84. Animal Ownership How much manure do animals produce? How much manure do you think two horses kept in a small stable for three months in the winter will produce? www.usda.gov

85. Animal Ownership Tons of horse manure! 2 horses, 1,000 pounds each  WEIGHT: 50 lbs/day X 2 = 100 pounds  VOLUME: 0.81 cubic feet/day WEIGHT: 50 lbs/day X 30 days/month x 3 months = 4,500 pounds of manure VOLUME: 0.81 cu ft/day X 30 days/month x 3 months = 73 cubic feet of manure

86. How much manure will your animals produce? Animal Volume (cu ft/day) Weight (lbs/day) Moisture (percent) Beef 1.026388 Ducks 0.734675 Goats 0.634075 Horse 0.815078 Sheep 0.634075 Amounts produced per 1,000 pounds of each type of animal

87. Nutrient value of manures Animal N (lbs/ton) P 2 O 5 (lbs/ton) K 2 O (lbs/ton) Beef 11.38.49.5 Chicken 27.323.513.2 Goat 22.05.415.1 Horse 12.14.69.0 Sheep 22.57.619.5

88. Animal Ownership Manure can be a resource Livestock remove nutrients from land while grazing Returning manure to soil promotes soil fertility and plant growth Important nutrients  Nitrogen (N)  Potassium (K or K 2 O)  Phosphorus (P 2 O 5 ) USDA NRCS

89. Animal Ownership Can I use all my manure? How much will you have? Where can you safely store or compost it? Where can you safely incorporate it in or on your property? whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost

90. How much manure is enough? To provide annual phosphorus needs for a one-acre pasture:  one 1000-pound cow  one 1400-pound horse  three market (150- pounds) hogs  twelve 100-pound sheep  225 laying hens USDA NRCS

91. Animal Ownership Effective management depends on: Collection Storage Application Removal www.farmphoto.com

92. Manure collects in: Pastures Cages Bedded stalls or barn Dry lots/confinement areas, paddocks, corrals or other “sacrifice areas” UNCE, Reno, Nev.

93. Animal Ownership Pasture collection Requires the least amount of effort Natural weathering reduces volume by up to 60 % Nutrients are directly recycled May require occasional dragging of pasture to break up and distribute the manure www.farmphoto.com

94. Animal Ownership Cage collection Small animals such as rabbits or fur animals and poultry or birds Manure drops through the cage and is removed Waste may include bedding material such as straw or wood shavings www.rockingranch.com

95. Animal Ownership Bedded stall or barn Horses, cattle, swine and poultry Manure and soiled bedding are removed by manual cleaning www.nationalhorsestalls.com

96. UNCE, Reno, Nev. Dry lots, corrals or other confinement areas

97. Animal Ownership Manure storage considerations Distance from streams, ponds and wells Prevailing wind direction Slope of ground Soil type www.milfordanimalhospital

98. Animal Ownership Manure storage - avoiding runoff Install buffer strips  Vegetated areas between storage and stream Install berms or ditches  Prevents water from entering or leaving storage area Cover manure www.milfordanimalhospital WSU Extension

99. Animal Ownership Composting Reduces volume Kills parasites Reduces weed seeds Reduces odor Provides slow- release fertilizer Provides soil amendment www.farmphoto.com

100. Animal Ownership Composting requirements Oxygen Moisture Correct carbon-to- nitrogen ratio (30:1) Temperature (120 to 160 F) www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov

101. Animal Ownership What do I do with the manure? Apply it to your property Arrange with gardeners, landscapers, or farmers to remove it  Prefer composted manure Haul it yourself  Most expensive Landfilling (bury on your property)  Not recommended; expensive and potential for runoff increases

102. Animal Ownership Tips for safe manure or compost application Maintain a minimum separation distance of 100 feet from water sources on flat ground Greater distances are needed for sloping ground Keep away from natural drainages Incorporate as soon as possible www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov

103. Animal Ownership Tips for safe manure or compost application Monitor the soil’s nitrogen content to avoid overapplication Complete the composting process to prevent spreading weed seeds Consider seasonal conditions – winter, wet conditions, etc.

104. Animal Ownership The bottom line (no pun intended) Manage manure to maintain healthy animals and healthy land Applying manure to your property increases the nutrient value and organic content of your soil Managing the impacts caused by animals will improve your land, your neighbor’s land and wildlife habitat

105. Animal OwnershipSummary Animal water and feed needs vary depending on species, breed, age and reproductive cycle Animals require preventive health care; individual requirements vary Balancing the production of food with animal needs requires adjustments throughout the year Develop management plans for animal impacts before they become a problem

106. Animal OwnershipHomework Finish the Feeding Requirements Activity Sheet. Check your property for any of the safety issues discussed in this lesson. Develop a manure management plan for your property. Monitor the wildlife present on your property and make a list of nuisance wildlife that cause problems and beneficial wildlife you would like to encourage.