Effective Grazing Management for Optimal Livestock Health

Effective Grazing Management for Optimal Livestock Health

Grazing management is crucial for maintaining healthy livestock and sustainable pastures. Proper grazing techniques can improve animal health, increase productivity, and enhance pasture quality. In this blog, we’ll explore effective grazing management practices and how they can benefit your livestock and farm.

Rotational Grazing: Rotational grazing involves dividing pasture into smaller sections and rotating livestock through them. This practice allows pastures to rest and recover, promoting healthier and more productive grass growth. Benefits of rotational grazing include:

  • Improved Pasture Utilization: Livestock graze more evenly, reducing overgrazing and undergrazing.
  • Enhanced Soil Health: Rest periods allow for better root development and soil structure.
  • Increased Forage Production: Healthier pastures produce more forage, supporting higher stocking rates.

Grazing Plans: Creating a grazing plan is essential for effective grazing management. A well-designed plan helps you allocate pasture resources efficiently and monitor livestock performance. Key components of a grazing plan include:

  • Stocking Rates: Determine the appropriate number of animals per acre to prevent overgrazing.
  • Grazing Duration: Set the duration livestock will graze each section to allow for adequate recovery.
  • Pasture Monitoring: Regularly assess pasture conditions and adjust the plan as needed.

Pasture Monitoring: Monitoring pasture conditions is vital for successful grazing management. Regular assessments help you identify issues early and make informed decisions. Techniques for pasture monitoring include:

  • Visual Inspections: Walk through pastures to observe grass height, density, and health.
  • Forage Measurements: Use tools like a rising plate meter to measure forage availability.
  • Soil Testing: Conduct soil tests to monitor nutrient levels and soil health.

Effective grazing management is essential for the health of your livestock and the sustainability of your pastures. Implementing rotational grazing, creating a grazing plan, and monitoring pasture conditions can help you achieve optimal results. By adopting these practices, you can improve animal health, increase productivity, and enhance pasture quality.

TRANSPORT, STORAGE, AND HANDING OF VACCINES

TRANSPORT, STORAGE, AND HANDING OF VACCINES

Vaccination is one of the most essential strategies in the chicken industry for avoiding infections and decreasing economic losses. To achieve maximum vaccination safety and efficacy, vaccines must be transported, stored, and handled properly.

 

Transport

Vaccines are normally delivered in a cooler box or bag that is insulated. It’s a good idea to refrigerate the box or bag before putting the vaccination inside. When the ice packs are removed from the freezer, they must be covered in a cloth, paper, or bubble wrap to keep the vaccine from coming into direct contact with the frozen icepacks and freezing.

When the vaccination arrives on the farm, the temperature should be checked first. This temperature should be between +2° C and +8° C. This ensures that the potency is still present. Keep track of the type of vaccination, the number of doses, and the expiration dates. If the immunizations come heated or damaged, contact the manufacturer or distributor and follow their instructions.

 

Storage

Fridge

The majority of live vaccinations must be stored between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. The vaccination should never be kept in the refrigerator doors, where the temperature is greater, or in the back of the refrigerator, where it might get too cold. Keeping vaccinations of the same type together is a good idea to avoid accidentally using the wrong vaccine. Refrigerator temperatures may be regularly monitored with maximum/minimum digital thermometers, and a number of auditing organizations require that temperatures be documented daily.

Nitrogen Storage Tank

Liquid nitrogen storage may be required for cell-associated live virus vaccinations. Prior to delivery in any form, these vaccinations must be properly frozen and combined. To keep the vaccinations at a steady temperature, the nitrogen tanks must be regularly maintained. Check for seal leaks and make sure there’s enough liquid nitrogen in the tank to sustain the required frigid temperatures. A dipstick, ruler, or anything else that can prove a sufficient volume of liquid nitrogen is present to keep the vaccine frozen can be used to measure the level of nitrogen in the tank.

Handling

The vaccination should be taken out of the fridge no more than 30 minutes before usage. Only make enough vaccination to use right away. Vaccine mixing should be done on a clean surface free of sanitizer or disinfectant residues, and only clean, authorized vaccine mixing equipment should be used. UV radiation, heat, chlorine, and organic matter must all be avoided when using the vaccination (including dust, litter or feed). In your farm medications book, make a note of the vaccine’s name, batch number, expiration date, and administration date. The vaccinations should only be handled and mixed by trained personnel.

For further information please contact please contact LMS:

+234(0)803-307-0278, +234(0)909-888-9997.

No 36, Osun Crescent, Along BPE (Bureau of Public Enterprise), Off Ibrahim Babangida Boulevard, Maitama, Abuja.