PR-651: 2012 Cool-Season Grass Grazing Tolerance Report

Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Tim Phillips, Ray Smith | Dec. 14, 2012 (New)

Cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and orchardgrass are the primary pasture grasses in Kentucky. Other species such as perennial ryegrass, festulolium, and prairie brome can be used in pasture systems. The purpose of this report is to summarize current research on the grazing tolerance of varieties of tall fescue, orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, and other species when they are subjected to continuous, heavy grazing pressure by cattle within the grazing season. The main focus will be on plant stand survival.

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ASC-193: Poultry Producer Liability

Jacquie Jacob, Tony Pescatore | Dec. 10, 2012 (New)

As more and more producers begin to have small- or medium-sized poultry operations the issue of liability and responsibility has become a concern. It is important producers are aware of what is expected of them by consumers and society as a whole.

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ASC-190: Selecting the Right Chicken Breed

Jacquie Jacob, Tony Pescatore | Dec. 10, 2012 (New)

Many factors should be considered before selecting a chicken breed for your flock, whether you are planning to start a new flock or to add to an existing one. You might be looking for a meat breed, an egg breed, or perhaps a breed that performs reasonably well at both (referred to as a dual-purpose breed). Perhaps you just want a pet or chickens to show at exhibitions.

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ASC-191: How Much Will My Chickens Eat?

Jacquie Jacob, Tony Pescatore | Dec. 10, 2012 (New)

Before purchasing chicks (or chickens) it is important to consider the cost of keeping them. Much of this cost is in the feed they consume. So the key question is, "How much will my chickens eat?" Chickens need a complete feed that contains protein (with the right balance of amino acids), energy, vitamins, and minerals. Today we know more about the nutritional requirements of chickens than any other animal. The amount of feed they need will depend on several factors.

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ASC-189: Making a Hoop Pen for Pasture Poultry

Jacquie Jacob, Tony Pescatore | Dec. 10, 2012 (New)

Interest in pasture poultry production has been on the rise. This kind of poultry production typically involves housing the birds in a bottomless pen that is placed on pasture and moved at regular intervals. The flock has access to the pasture (plants and any associated insects) while providing them some protection from predators.

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PR-649: 2012 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith | Dec. 5, 2012 (New)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the highest-yielding, highest-quality forage legume grown in Kentucky. It forms the basis of Kentucky's cash hay enterprise and is an important component in dairy, horse, beef, and sheep diets. Recent emphasis on its use as a grazing crop and the release of grazing-tolerant varieties have raised the following question: Do varieties differ in tolerance to grazing? We have chosen to use the standard tolerance test recommended by the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. This test uses continuous heavy grazing to sort out differences in grazing tolerance in a relatively short period of time.

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PR-650: 2012 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith | Dec. 5, 2012 (New)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a high-quality, short-lived perennial legume that is used in mixed or pure stands for pasture, hay, silage, green chop, soil improvement, and wildlife habitat. This species is adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. Stands of improved varieties are generally productive for two and a half to three years, with the highest yields occurring in the year following establishment. Red clover is used primarily as a renovation legume for grass pastures. It is a dominant forage legume in Kentucky because it is relatively easy to establish and has high forage quality, high yield, and animal acceptance.

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ID-208: Recommended Milking Procedures for Maximum Milk Quality

Michelle Arnold, Jeffrey Bewley | Nov. 30, 2012 (New)

When it comes to minimizing mastitis and lowering somatic cell counts, the area where you have the most control is your milking procedures. Understanding and following proper milking procedures is a critical step to maintaining maximum milk quality.

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ID-209: Management of the Dry Cow to Prevent Mastitis

Michelle Arnold, Jeffrey Bewley | Nov. 30, 2012 (New)

As we move into a new era of lower acceptable somatic cell count levels, the prevention and control of mastitis takes on increased importance. For many years, the contagious mastitis pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Mycoplasma bovis were the focus of control measures primarily implemented in the milking parlor to stop the spread of these organisms from cow to cow. These contagious organisms often cause high individual somatic cell counts and ultimately high bulk tank somatic cell counts. As these high somatic cell count cows have been culled due to milk marketing regulations and more dairymen have adopted NMC recommended milking procedures, the contagious pathogens are decreasing.

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ASC-192: Why Have My Hens Stopped Laying?

Jacquie Jacob, Tony Pescatore | Nov. 27, 2012 (New)

Egg production in a chicken flock follows a typical curve. While the curve is similar for most breeds of chickens, the specific numbers can vary significantly, especially with regards to age at first egg, peak production rate, and egg weight.