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Natural Horse Care and Hoof Care

Barefoot horses must be trimmed in 4-6 week intervals for optimum performance.

It's important to remember that "barefoot" doesn't simply mean "no shoes". Barefoot hooves require strict maintenance in order to be healthy. Frequent trimming simulates the natural wear a hoof would experience in the wild or natural terrain and lifestyle. Since most of our horses don't have access to thousands of rocky acres to meander on, we must simulate the wear nature would have ideally provided. By doing so we create a very strong hoof wall, strong laminea and prevent any chipping or cracks from weakening the structure.

Why must the trim be so frequent?

When we allow our horses to go too long between trims, the walls grow out too far.   This begins the process of “flares” and “mechanical separation” caused by leverage.    Since the walls are too long, every time the horse steps he is essentially pulling his hoof wall away from the inner hoof capsule, like pulling on your fingernail.   It is quite painful. The horse eventually gets a lowered coffin bone due lack of suspension and support inside the capsule. The sole then drops and becomes too low, causing the “ouchy” pain over rocks and gravel that we all know so well. Frequent trims stop this road to destruction. We must trim every 4 weeks to keep the walls in check, the heels and bars in check, and the toes rolled to allow for easier break over and to prevent and stop leverage in the toes.This allows all new hoof growth to grow straight down with good inner attachments. Once the walls grow back down straight with good lamellar attachment, the coffin bone and sole can pull back up into place.This is usually the point when horses become almost instantly sound over any and all terrain.   

My horse is going to by ouchy without shoes, how will I be able to ride?

Rubber hoof boots.

Today’s technology has provided us with many alternatives for metal shoes for horses that still need protection. I personally use Old Macs Hoof Boots, but there are many brands and styles to help you find a pair that both fit your budget and your horse. Most horses will only need one pair of boots to get them past the ouchy stage.    Boots are very tough, and most will last several hundred miles of riding. Boots have a rubber sole, which not only aids in shock absorption and traction, but also protects the still sensitive sole from stone bruises.

Why did my horse abscess right after pulling the shoes?

Most shod feet have necrotic (dead) tissue built up inside. Because of the decreased blood flow and temperature, the body is not able to remove and flush it out. That is what an abscess is: the body’s way of removing dead tissue and starting the healing process. Most abscesses will clear up within a week or two and do not require veterinary attention, but if lameness persists and the owner is concerned, a vet may be able to help dig out or apply medication to the site. The best treatment is to soak the hoof in epsom salts or diluted apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes once or twice a day to help clear out the infection.

Be warned: some veterinarians do not completely understand the barefoot movement. They may tell you what you are doing is cruel, and you need to put shoes back on. I can assure you:  You are not being cruel! Cruelty is nailing metal shoes on a horse for it’s lifetime and simply numbing it’s feet to the destruction going on inside.  It’s like putting a band aid on cancer, and saying it’s better because you can’t see it. The first month may be the hardest, but your horse will thank you in the long run and will be the happiest and most comfortable he’s ever been.

What are the benefits of a natural barefoot horse?

You’ll never have to cancel a trail ride for losing a shoe, first of all!

Barefoot horses, due to their improved blood flow, tend to live longer.There’s less strain on their heart.They have more energy and enthusiasm.Better joint movement and less strain on the joints. Many times arthritic pain and heel pain are greatly reduced. On horses started barefoot from a young age, many don’t ever develop the debilitating effects of arthritis.The benefits are endless.

Do some breeds do better barefoot than others?

A hoof is a hoof, regardless of breed or color. ANY hoof can be rehabbed barefoot, but the trim is critical. The trim is the same no matter what breed or discipline.    Whether a gaited horse or a barrel horse or a racehorse, the hoof must be individually shaped to match the inner structures to create soundness. If the proper trim is performed and maintained, any horse in the world can be rehabbed to rock crushing barefoot soundness.   

Farmer spends £2,000 converting Peugeot estate car into a SHEEPDOG

Farmer Dave Isaacs, Lad the dog and Floss the car.

After a farmer lost his beloved sheepdog, he decided to remember his loyal companion by spending £2000 on a dog makeover for the family car.

Dave Isaacs and his family, on losing Floss the sheepdog, decided to make a car-sized replica out of a Peugeot estate car.

Mr Isaacs lives on an 180 acre farm near Battle in East Sussex and spoke of this unique tribute: ‘I know it was a bit of a mad thing to do but it was a tribute to my old sheep dog Floss who passed away.

Floss the car can reach up to 40mph and has been found rather adept at herding sheep with lamplights for eyes and an exhaust for a tail.

Talking of its usage as a herder, Mr Isaacs said: ‘Sheep aren’t known for their intelligence and they didn’t seem to notice the difference so they were quite happy.’

Sadly, due to the space the car with is taking up too much barn space, the family are putting it on Ebay with a ‘heavy heart.’

‘As long as she goes to a good home I’ll be happy’ said the Sussex farmer.

Curing and Storing Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not very sweet or moist when first dug. It takes six to eight weeks of proper curing and storage before they have the sweet, moist taste and texture desired when baked.

Although freshly harvested roots won’t directly bake into a great product, they can be candied or used in sweetened pies or casseroles.

After the roots are dug, they should be cured to heal the cuts and trigger development of the sugar-creating enzymes. Cure by storing in a warm, humid room for five to 10 days. A temperature of 80 degrees to 85 degrees and a relative humidity of 80 percent to 90 percent are ideal. These exact conditions will be hard to establish around the home, so select a room or building that comes close to these conditions.

After curing, store roots at 55 degrees to 60 degrees for six to eight weeks. This storage further develops the sugars and maltose sugar-creating enzyme. This enzyme will really kick in while baking at 350 degrees to 375 degrees to develop the sweet, syrupy sugars that Louisiana yams are famous for. 

Stored cured roots may last several months or more. The length of time sweet potatoes can be held in storage without sacrificing quality will depend on the environment they are stored in. The conditions above are “ideal,” but sweet potatoes are held under a variety of environmental conditions, and quality and longevity in storage will vary accordingly.

Exposure to low storage temperatures for several days will cause the sweet potatoes to develop a hard center and reduce their eating quality.

When the roots are stored at high temperatures for a long time, they begin to sprout, shrivel and become dry, stringy and pithy.

Sweet potato roots, held over for use as seed potatoes for the next spring, should be dusted with 2 to 4 ounces of 5 percent Imidan per bushel to help control the sweet potato weevil.

Eight Ways to Preserve Grapes in Winter

Veraison is upon us, which means the grapes are coming into season. Here's eight ways to preserve grapes, from the traditional jelly to chutney, raisins and more. 

1. Grape Jelly
The ultimate taste of childhood, grape jelly captures the essence of the fruit. Stick it to Smucker's and make your own. (While you're at it, make your own peanut butter, too.)

2.Grape Jam
Less fussy than jelly, grape jam burst with the juicy flavor of grapes, especially if you have access to wild fruit.

3.Making Raisins
Jams and jellies are not the only way to save grapes. Dry them to make your own raisins. They'll be suppler and more flavorful than store bought, guaranteed.

4.Pickled Grapes
Tangy, sweet and tongue-tingling, pickled grapes are a revelation. They're delicious in salads, or just straight out of the jar.

5.Grape Juice
Treat your tomatoes like the fruit they are. Tomato jam is sweet, savory, tangy and Grape juice is very versatile. Make a zingy shrub, ferment it into fizzy soda, sweeten it into a luscious syrup or just can it straight up!

6.How to Make Verjus
This is what you do when life gives you unripe grapes. Made with wild or domestic grapes, verjus (verjuice) is just the strained juice of unripe grapes. You use it like a mild vinegar. Best part? Verjus plays well with wine, where vinegar does not. Hank Shaw shows you how.

7.Preserved Grape Leaves
There's more to grape vines than the fruit. My Pantry Shelf shows you how to pick the right size leaves, and how to put them up so you can make dolmades for months to come. (Also, fresh grape leaves are great for keeping your fermented cukes crisp!)

8.Grape Chutney
Drizzled over roasted vegetables, used as a glaze for roast pork, spread on a grilled cheese sandwich or incorporated in your next cheese plate, this seasonal chutney is sure to impress! (No need to tell anyone just how easy it is to make...) Courtesy of Philly Herbivore.

The Mysterious Albino Deer Herd

Throughout history people have been fascinated by rare sightings of albino whitetail deer. In fact, these mystical ghosts of the woods have been the center of many ancient Native American legends and folklore. Encounters with solid white deer were even documented in journal entries by early European explorers in the big woods country of present day Wisconsin. 

The natural intrigue with white deer can probably be best explained by their unusual appearance that catches both the eye and our imagination. According to biologists, the recessive gene that causes albinism in whitetail deer is very uncommon. The chances of an albino deer being born are only 1 in 20,000. 

In addition, the solid white coats of the deer make them more susceptible to attack from predators, which dramatically decrease the overall survival rate of these special whitetails. With that being said, very few people will ever have the opportunity to catch a mere glimpse of these white ghosts. However, there is a unique place in Wisconsin called Boulder Junction that is home to an unbelievable number of wild albino deer.

Preparing Your Property for Raising Goats

Bringing home goats requires some forethought on your part so that you can keep your goats safe and healthy and protect them from predators. Here’s a glimpse of the projects you need to undertake before you get your goats:

Build housing or get current housing ready. Goats need some kind of shelter from the elements and a safe place to bunk down. In addition, you might want a dedicated area for milking or kidding, if you decide to breed your goats.

Build a fence or check your fencing for security. Goats are smart and curious, and they will head out into the neighborhood if given the chance. Furthermore, wolves, wild dogs, and other predators would love to be able to get at your goats, and so you need to do your best to keep them out.

Buy feed and feeding equipment. Goats need hay, grain, minerals, and other supplemental feed, depending on the kind of goats you get, their stage of life, and the way you intend to use them. And of course, your goats need clean, fresh water every day. At a minimum, you need

Feed storage containers

Food bowls

Hay manger

Mineral feeder

Water buckets

Put together a first aid kit. Accidents and illnesses are inevitable, and so you need to be ready for common problems you’re likely to face as you raise goats, from stopping the bleeding from a hoof-trimming injury to giving injections to combat infections or illnesses.

Goat-proof your yard or pasture. Goats are grazers, which means that they move from plant to plant and tree to tree, eating all the way. Some of the common plants that homeowners use for landscaping can poison goats, and so you need to clear them out. You may also want to protect the trees that you can’t or don’t want to remove but adding some protection to their trunks.

Tips for Bringing New Goats Home

If you purchase your goats from a breeder who lives across the country, the breeder is responsible for getting the goats to a shipper, and all you have to do is find out where to pick them up. If you bought the goats from a neighbor and they are trained to lead, just put them on leashes and lead them home. If you’re buying goats in any other situation, you need to figure out in advance how to get them home.

Some of these methods won’t work for large goats, but you can transport goats in the following ways:

Pet carriers or crates with straw or wood shavings for bedding. If you’re moving the goat in an open truck bed in cold weather, cover the crate with a rug or tarp to keep the wind down and keep the goat warmer.

The back of an SUV, van, or the back seat of a car.

Cover the seat with a tarp and towels for those “accidents” that occur during transport.

On the towel-covered lap of a passenger. Goats that are being held and aren’t standing up will not pee on you, but they will poop.

The back of a truck with a canopy. Make sure to put down plenty of straw.

A horse trailer or another trailer with fencing or cattle panels to make it high enough to prevent escape. Cover an open trailer in extreme weather conditions to protect the goats from rain and wind.

Regardless of how you transport your new goats, to make the trip as stress-free as possible, do the following:

Load the goats carefully.

Make sure they have adequate bedding or padding.

Start, stop, and take turns or curves slowly and smoothly.

If your trip will take many hours or days, provide the goats with hay during the trip and stop every 3 to 4 hours to let them eat, drink, and regain their equilibrium.

If you’re getting your first goats, you don’t have anyone to quarantine your new goats from. You just get them situated in their new digs. But if you’re adding goats to an existing herd, you need to quarantine the new goats for at least 30 days.

Breeding Goats for Meat

 Rasing your own goats for meat can give you a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. A lot of people around the world eat goat meat, which is lean and delicious. Meat goats are generally not used for milking, and some even have traits that make them undesirable to milk.

If you're interested in goats to sell in the fast-growing market, to get rid of kudzu or blackberries, or just for your own freezer, you have a growing number of breeds to choose from.

Boer: Boer goats are white and reddish-brown (although some are all red), and many are horned. Their horns are short and curve back close to the head. Bucks can weigh from 260 to 380 pounds and does from 210 to 265 pounds.

Although expensive, Boers are adaptable, hardy, affectionate, and mild-mannered. Boers do have some fairly common genetic defects you need to watch for, including extra teats and abnormal testicles.

Tennessee fainting goat: Tennessee fainting goats are also known as myotonic or stiff-legged goats because of their tendency to go rigid and fall down when they're startled. This is a genetic defect in a recessive gene that probably started in just one goat and then was continued through breeding

Kiko: Kikos are most often white with long, scimitar-like horns and medium ears that stick out sideways. They can gain substantial weight without supplemental feeding. If you have a large range for these goats, they may be more economical than Boers.

Spanish goat: Spanish goats are usually medium-sized and lanky with long horns that often twist at the end. They come in all colors and mostly have short hair but can also have long hair.

Because meat goats are growing in popularity, breeders are crossbreeding the existing breeds to develop newer, better goats. Some of the better-known breeds are

Texmaster: A moderate-sized meat goat and a trademarked cross between Boers and Tennessee Fainters developed by Onion Creek Ranch in Texas.

Moneymaker: Developed by Bob and Dusty Copeland of California by first crossbreeding Saanens and Nubians and then adding Boers into the mix.

Savanna: A heat- and drought-resistant breed with excellent mothering abilities. Savannas are muscular, with long ears, thick black skin, and a short white coat that develops a nice fluffy cashmere undercoat for additional warmth during the winter.

Sheep and Goat Production in Moldova

According to U.N. statistics, there are approximately 1.3 million sheep and goats in the Republic of Moldova. The numbers of sheep and goats, as well as other livestock, does not seem to have declined with the transition to a new economy. In fact, sheep production has increased in some areas, as there seems to be profit potential in the dairy and livestock sectors in Moldova. This differs from other former Soviet states and is probably a result of the dairy emphasis.

Milking a sheepBoth sheep and goats are milked. Goats are milked to provide milk and cheese for the family. Sheep milk is used to make cheese that is either consumed by the family or sold in the open market. The sheep and goats are of mixed genetics. The goats resemble crosses of typical European breeds: Saanan, Toggenburg, Alpine, etc. The sheep are significantly different than the breeds found in the U.S. and Canada. They have a noticeable fat tail or rump. They show indications of Karakul and other Russian breeds.

Lambing typically occurs in February. Single births are most common. Lambs stay with their dams for about three months. Peak milk production usually occurs in May. Ewes are milked twice daily. Everyone in a village combines their sheep to form a larger flock of about 75 to 100 animals. Most farmers have a few sheep, as well as a cow, some goats, pigs and poultry.

Sheep are grazed on public pasture lands. They receive no grain and do not seem to experience many health problems. There are no fences for containing livestock. Everyone shares in the cost of hiring someone to watch over the flock. A fee is paid to the government for using the land. It is assessed per head of livestock. Sheep are usually grazed separately from cows and goats.

There are also flocks of geese which graze the public pasture lands. Geese are very common in Moldova. They have paint marks on them to differentiate ownership. The sheep are brought into a fold every night for milking and overnight housing. In fact, all animals are brought home at night for supplemental feeding and housing.

 There are no restrictions on the number of animals that graze the pasture lands, no restrictions on when the land is grazed, or for how long the animals are allowed to graze. The formation of grazing associations might be a way of managing this important land resource. Otherwise, animal agriculture will be limited by the availability of productive pasture land.

5 reasons goat milk is better than cow milk

65% of the milk consumption worldwide is from goat’s milk, and this popularity hasn’t come about due to high profile marketing campaigns or big-budget advertisements.

The reasons for the worldwide popularity of goat’s milk are multifaceted. First, we need to remind ourselves that “All milk is not created equal.” The differences between cow’s milk and goat’s milk may not seem apparent upon first examination. A closer look, however, reveals several key factors that play an integral part in how milk (from either cows or goats) matches up with the human body in its various stages. All humans have been created to be sustained entirely upon mothers’ milk for at least the first six months of life. There is no other food in the world better than mothers’ milk, and it truly shows both in the laboratory and the real world. But what about after these first few months are over, and one is faced with the rest of life? Why would someone choose goat’s milk products over the far more popular and accessible cow’s milk?

Here are 5 reasons goat milk is better than cow milk.

1. Goat’s milk is less allergenic.

2. Goat’s milk is naturally homogenized.

3. Goat’s milk is easier to digest.

4. Goat’s milk rarely causes lactose intolerance.

5. Goat’s milk matches up to the human body better than cow’s milk.

A new dairy farm in Republic of Moldova

In 2010, Sjack Snepvangers and his employee Jim Boet started to develop a plan for setting up a dairy farm in Moldova. Years of preparation have finally led in 2013 to the start of a dairy farm with the purpose to have 230 cows on average at full production.

In the village Goleni (in the region of Edinet in the north of Moldova) the yard and buildings of an old state farm was purchased (12 ha), with the objective to develop a modern dairy farm. For this purpose, a totally new dairy stable has been constructed with a local construction company. This new stable is based upon dutch design, machinery and equipment. Besides the farm and constructed buildings, Millstream Moldova has 250 ha of agricultural land at its disposal for growing crops to feed the cows.

The operations at the dairy farm are in the hands of a dutch manager Jim Boet who lives at the farm. Together with the employees, the local partners and the local population, the farm will run its operations. 

Main purpose for the dairy farm is to provide high quality milk during every month of the year. This high quality milk will be collected by one of the major dairy producers in Moldova: Lapmol. Lapmol is a innovative dairy manufacturer with strong needs for high quality milk. Lapmol is convinced that with the arrival of Millstream Moldova (with its knowledge, experiance and capital), the overall dairy sector in Moldova will improve and developed to a higher level.

Pets to Bring into Moldova

There are no regulations restricting importation of #cats and #dogs. Before arrival, #pet owners should ensure that their pets are properly immunised and that they have immunisation records (primarily rabies vaccine within one year prior to arrival in Moldova) and health certificate records, certified by a public health authority in the sending country. 

The health certificate should have been issued within one week prior to the #animal’s departure (though this is not strictly enforced.) Bring or ship any special needs such as worm medicine or particular #food. Properly documented #animals are cleared quickly through customs. Be sure all pet records are completely up-to-date before arrival. Do not send the pet as unaccompanied baggage, as local airlines may refuse to accept it. There is a small fee at the airport ($2-3 per pet) for veterinary services.

Since local veterinarians do not always have vaccines, make sure your #pet has all needed shots before you come. If you anticipate a need for particular medicines, ship a supply or make arrangements with a veterinarian to send additional supplies. Many local veterinarians are generally very inexpensive and pleasant , but few speak English.

Large geese farms proposed in Moldova/Russia

Moldovan company Senipal-V is planning the construction of a #goose #breeding #farm with 6,000 heads of #geese breeding stock and 22, 000 heads of commercial stock. The new enterprise will produce #meat with a total production capacity of 704 tonnes per year.

According to the preliminary report two complexes will be built. One will be built in the Bryansk region of Russia. “The project will involve the creation of a new modern #poultry #farm for the production of #goose #meat and other foods. The enterprise will use a new waste-free and ecologically friendly technology for growing #geese and accompanying vegetable production with the use of alternative energy resources” the report noted.

The project also includes the creation of a feed mill with the total production capacity of 30 tonnes of feed per day, as well as a facility for the production of canned #meat, pate and foie gras. Also the implementation of the project will provide the construction of a new biological station and greenhouses.

According to the preliminary information the geese farms in Moldova and Russia will be identical both in structure and production characteristics.