Tag: Swine

An Introduction to Heritage Breeds
The Farm

An Introduction to Heritage Breeds

Thinking about starting a farm with heritage breeds? If you are new to this topic, you may enjoy An Introduction to Heritage Breeds: Saving and Raising Rare-Breed Livestock and Poultry by The Livestock Conservancy. This excellent beginner’s resource starts with the basics—defining breeds in general and heritage breeds in particular. It discusses the plight and importance of rare breeds, as well as the necessity to … Continue reading An Introduction to Heritage Breeds

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How to Cook With Bacon
The Lifestyle

How to Cook With Bacon

Bacon has long been a staple of the American farm family’s diet, and now modern cooking techniques have given it greater versatility than ever before. How to Cook With Bacon: Delicious and Mouthwatering Bacon Recipes by Tony James Miller shares some of these new and interesting ideas in three categories: Appetizers and salads. Main courses. Desserts. The recipes range from simple to complex, standard to … Continue reading How to Cook With Bacon

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Breeds of Livestock
The Farm

Breeds of Livestock

The varied livestock breeds of the world have fascinating histories and characteristics.  Many country living enthusiasts have spent enjoyable hours researching their favorite breeds. One good source of information is the Breeds of Livestock site put together by Oklahoma State University.  This is a handy online encyclopedia-type reference packed with facts about both popular and rare livestock breeds: Cattle. Goats. Horses. Sheep. Swine. Poultry. Exotic … Continue reading Breeds of Livestock

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Waterers and Watering Systems
The Farm

Waterers and Watering Systems

Thinking about raising livestock this year? Do you have a watering system planned? If not, or if you want to improve an existing system, this is one book you must read: Waterers and Watering Systems: A Handbook for Livestock Producers and Landowners from K-State. This free PDF download is packed with pros, cons, and design considerations for a number of water sources, power sources, and … Continue reading Waterers and Watering Systems

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Veterinary Guide for Animal Owners
The Farm

Veterinary Guide for Animal Owners

If you keep animals long enough, you will eventually become acquainted with some basic veterinary first aid.  Here’s a book that can make the learning process a little smoother. Veterinary Guide for Animal Owners by C. E. Spaulding, DVM, and Jackie Clay contains information on all common farm animals: Cattle. Goats. Sheep. Horses. Pigs. Poultry. Rabbits. Dogs. Cats. Each chapter starts with tips on basic … Continue reading Veterinary Guide for Animal Owners

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Body Condition Scoring: Swine
The Farm

Body Condition Scoring: Swine

The body condition scoring (BCS) system for swine is very simple and is based on a five-point scale: Emaciated. Ribs, spine, and backbone prominent. Thin. Hips and backbone noticeable to the eye. Ribs can easily be felt with only slight pressure. Normal. Animal’s body is tube-shaped. Hips and backbone can only be felt with firm pressure. Fat. Bulging body. Hips and backbone cannot be felt … Continue reading Body Condition Scoring: Swine

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Diatomaceous Earth and Parasite Control
The Farm

Diatomaceous Earth and Parasite Control

Both internal and external parasites can be the bane of a livestock owner’s existence. They make your animals’ lives miserable, increase the risk of disease, reduce performance, and just look nasty. Unfortunately, drugs are proving to be increasingly ineffective as parasites adapt to modern chemicals. Isn’t there some natural remedy out there that will consistently work to eliminate parasites? There is! This natural marvel is … Continue reading Diatomaceous Earth and Parasite Control

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