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
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
We’ll be covering
Living n
Animal digestive systems
Animal nutritional needs
Hay quality
Feed and forage production
versus animal needs
Health care and safety issues
Manure management
the Land
Animal Ownership
The four digestive systems
Living n
Ruminant
Pseudo-ruminants
Nonruminant herbivore
Monogastric
www.usda.gov
servicemeansnet/pukite
the Land
Animal Ownership
www.usda.gov
UNCE
Ruminants
(cows, goats, sheep, elk, deer and bison)
Living n
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)
the Land
Animal Ownership
Beginning Sheperd’s Manual by
Barbara Smith
Ruminant biology
Living n
Complex, multichambered
stomach ferments
feed
Microorganisms in
stomach convert
plant cells into
usable energy
the Land
Animal Ownership
The rumen advantage
Living n
Animals with rumens can
obtain more energy from
plant materials than those
without rumens because
of the fermentation
process.
www.usda.gov
the Land
Animal Ownership
Pseudo-ruminants
Living n
Llamas, alpacas
Three-chambered
stomach system
No rumen, but
chew their cud
and digest
feedstuffs via
fermentation and
microbial action.
the Land
Animal Ownership
alpacainfo.com
Nonruminant
herbivores:
horse, rabbit, guinea
pig and hamster
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
Horses
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
UNCE
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
Special challenges of horses
Formation of bones
Irregular use and/or
strenuous exercise
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
Special challenges of horses
www.holisticvetpetcare.com
For increased energy
requirements, decrease
roughage and increase
grain
Limited protein
synthesis and poor
absorption means that
they must be fed high
quality protein
Monogastric (simple-stomached)
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
www.usda.gov
Swine facts
Living n
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
the Land
servicemeansnet/pukite
Animal Ownership
Avian digestive system
Living n
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

www.usda.gov
the Land
Animal Ownership
hens
8 to 12 hours in nonlaying hens
Exotic birds
Ratites
 Ostrich, emu,
rhea
Living n
Game birds
 Pheasant,
sagehen, quail,
chukkar, doves
Nutritional needs
similar to poultry
the Land
Animal Ownership
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
Digestive tract capacities
Living n
Animal
Gallons
Cattle
94
Sheep or goat
12
Horse
56
Pig
7.2
Humans
1.6
the Land
Animal Ownership
Nutritional needs of animals
Living n
Water
Energy
Protein
Minerals
Vitamins
NRCS, Bozeman, Mont.
the Land
Animal Ownership
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
Energy:
carbohydrates and fats
Living n
Grains
Alfalfa hay
Silage
Pasture and
grass hay
NRCS, Bozeman, Mont.
the Land
Animal Ownership
Energy from feed
Living n
Depends on
digestive tract
Total digestible
nutrients (TDN) is a
measure of usable
energy in a feed for
a given species
the Land
www.farmphoto.com
Animal Ownership
Digestibility of feedstuff by species
Feedstuff
Nonruminant
Alfalfa
20-30%
Grass
0-20%
Straw (nonNegligible
ammoniated)
Soybean meal
40%
Cottonseed meal
0-10%
Ruminant
40-60%
48-90%
40-60%
90-95%
50%
Protein
Living n
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 higherquality protein sources
the Land
Animal Ownership
Crude protein and stage of growth
Crop
Alfalfa
Alfalfa
Oat hay
Oat straw
Wheat hay
Wheat hay
Timothy hay
Sagebrush
Stage of Growth
Early bloom
Full bloom
Boot
Full bloom
Mid-bloom
Mature
Crude Protein
(percent)
18
14
9.2
4.4
18
8.5
8.5
6
Minerals
Supplement choices:
Living n
 Mineral block
 Feed additive
 Water additive
www.cgiar.org
USDA NRCS
the Land
Animal Ownership
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
Vitamins
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
Vitamins for ruminants
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
Nutrient requirements depend on:
Animal’s digestive system
Climate and season of year
Desired gain
Living n
www.ewe.uk.com
Work performance
Production stage (breeding,
pregnant, lactating,
growing, dry)
Breed
http://services.means.net/pukite/pig
the Land
Animal Ownership
What do your animals need?
http://servicemeansnet and www.usda.gov
Nutrient requirements
Animal
Species
Beef Cow
Swine
Horse
Sheep
Goats
Poultry
Rabbits
Water
(gal/day)
12
Protein
Energy
(percent) (Mcal/day)
8-16
10.25
1 gal/100 lbs
12-18
0.69/lb
12
1-3
1-3
0.1
0.06-0.12
7-13
10-14
10-14
16-22
12-18
16
2.68
3.3
1.3/lb
954 cal/lb
Specific needs: horses
Water
12 gallons/day
Protein
7 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
Beef cattle
Water
1.5 gallons per each 100 pounds of body
weight
Protein
8 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%
Vitamins Generally must supplement A and E
Ca to P ratios of 1.5:1 to 2:1; salt with
Minerals
trace minerals
Fats
Less than 5%; fats interfere with rumen
function
Dairy cattle
Water
Protein
Energy
1.5 gallons per each 100 pounds of body
weight
8 to 16% of their diet
1.4% to 2.4% of body weight, dry matter
forage
Vitamins Generally must supplement A and E
Ca to P ratios of 1.5:1 to 2:1; salt with trace
Minerals minerals; monitor copper, zinc, selenium,
cobalt and iodine levels
Less than 5%; fats interfere with rumen
Fats
function
Meat goats
Water
Protein
Energy
Vitamins
Minerals
Fats
1 to 1.5 gallons per day average, double
for lactating females
10 to 14% of their diet
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.
May need to supplement A and E
Ca to P ratios of 2:1; copper, zinc, and
selenium are likely to be low
Less than 5%; fats interfere with rumen
function
Dairy goats
Water
Protein
Energy
Vitamins
Minerals
Fats
1 to 1.5 gallons per day average, double
for lactating females
10 to 14% of their diet
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.
May need to supplement A and E
Ca to P ratios of 2:1; copper, zinc, and
selenium are likely to be low
Less than 5%; fats interfere with rumen
function
Sheep
Water
1 to 1.5 gallons per day average, double for
lactating females
Protein
10 to 14% of their diet
Energy
Vitamins
Minerals
Fats
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.
May need to supplement A and E
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.
Less than 5%; fats interfere with rumen
function
Llamas and alpacas
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
Water
Protein
Energy
1 gallon per 100 lbs of body weight per
day
8 to 14% of their diet; depends on life
stage
1.5 to 2.2% of body weight per day
Need to supplement E; may also need to
Vitamins
supplement A
Ca:P ratio of 1.5:1 to 2:1; zinc and
Minerals selenium are likely to be needed;
susceptible to copper toxicity, like sheep
Swine
Water
1 to 5 gallons per day
Protein
12 to 18% of their diet
Energy
3 to 6% of body weight per day
USDA NRCS
Make vitamin C and some of the B
vitamins; will need to supplement A, D,
Vitamins
E, K, B-series, and other water soluble
vitamins
Sodium & chloride (salt), calcium,
Minerals phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, iodine,
selenium
Poultry
Water
1 gallon per 10 chickens per day
Protein
16 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
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.
Exotic birds
Water
1 to 3 gallons per day
Protein
16 to 22% of their diet
1 to 2.5% of body weight in dry forage per
day; 16% fiber
All but C probably need to be
supplemented
Ca:P ratios of 2:1, layers need more
calcium. Sodium, copper, zinc,
manganese, iron and iodine are also
required.
Energy
Vitamins
Minerals
Rabbits
Water
8 to 16 ounces per day
Protein
12 to 18% of their diet
Varies by breed, age, and gender; feed
must contain 16% fiber for proper
intestinal system function
Generally, none required if using a
complete formulated feed
Generally, none required if using a
complete formulated feed
Energy
Vitamins
Minerals
www.flicker.com
Let’s talk hay
What determines hay quality?
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
You be the judge!
Living n
Color
Leafiness
Maturity
Texture
Odor
Foreign material
the Land
Animal Ownership
Hay judging notes
Sample
1
Color
Leafiness
Odor
Maturity
Texture
Foreign
Material
Ranking
Sample
2
Sample
3
Sample
4
Your land’s feed/forage potential
Depends on whether you plan to
graze animals or produce crops to
feed animals
Living n
the Land
NRCS, Bozeman, Mont.
Animal Ownership
www.usda.gov
Learn the terms
Feed: provided to animals
 Measured in tons per acre
Living n
Forage: consumed by grazing
 Measured by Animal Unit Month (AUM)
 1 AUM = the amount consumed by a
1,000-pound animal in one month
the Land
Animal Ownership
How much feed do you need?
FEED (Hay)
FORAGE
Tons/ Month AUMS / month
Living n
1 cow
0.4
1.0
1 horse
0.5
1.25
1 sheep
0.1
0.2
1 llama
0.15
0.3
1 goat
0.1
0.2
the Land
Animal Ownership
Calculating forage production
Amount produced
depends on:
Living n




Soil fertility
Irrigation
Grazing management
Length of growing
season
the Land
www.farmpicture.com
www.usda.gov
Animal Ownership
Annual feed and forage production
FERTILE SOILS
FEED
FORAGE
(AUMs/
(Hay in
tons/acre acre/year)
/ year)
Irrigated
Nonirrigated
Range/
Woodland
POOR SOILS
FEED
(Hay in
tons/acre/
year)
FORAGE
(AUMs/
acre/year)
3-4
<2
1-2
1-2
1-2
0.5 or
less
0.5
1
0.5
0.5 or
less
0.25
2-4
Balancing feed and forage
requirements with your land
productivity
Living n
the Land
Animal Ownership
Seasonal forage availability
Dec
Jan
Feb
Nov
March
April
Oct
Sept
May
August
July
June
UCCE
Cow seasonal energy requirements
Birth
Peak Lactation
(45 days)
45 days
to Birth
Begin
Last
Trimester
Weaning
Breeding
Late Lactation
(180 days)
Lactation
(145 days)
UCCE
Forage quality versus quantity
High quality
pasture
Daily requirement
of high quality
forage
Low quality
pasture
Daily requirement
of low quality
forage
Nutrient intake
of low quality
forage
Half the quality X half the consumption =
one-quarter the nutrition
UCCE
Providing nutrition year-round
Living n
Purchase feed
Improve
pasture
production
Grow feed
instead of, or in
addition to,
forage
the Land
Animal Ownership
USDA NRCS
The “normal” animal
Attitude and
behavior are the
first and mostvisible indicators
of an animal’s
health. Be
observant!
Nutrition and health
Well-fed animals in good condition are
healthier and more resistant to disease
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
Preventive healthcare for animals
Living n
Consult a local
veterinarian
Maintain schedules
of vaccinations
Keep complete
records
Quarantine new
animals
the Land
Animal Ownership
What about vaccinations?
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
Adherence to drug labels
Living n
Follow veterinarian
recommendations
Follow label
requirements
Make sure drug is
species-specific
Keep records
the Land
Animal Ownership
Additional preventive care
Parasites
Living n
 Internal
 External
the Land
USDA-ARS
Animal Ownership
Parasites…beef as an example
Worms
Lice
Grubs
Look like
marbles under
the skin on
animal’s back
Symptoms
Diarrhea
Blood in urine
Weight loss
Scratching
Loss of blood
How it
spreads to
other
animals
Eggs in manure
spread to grass
or eggs in
drinking water
Direct contact Heel fly lays
with other
eggs on lower
animals
legs
Treatment
or control
measures
Dewormers:
bolus, paste,
drenches and
injectables
Spray, clips,
liquid pour-on Sprays, dips,
dusts,
liquid pour-on,
rubbers,
injections
injectables
Do your animals have access
to any of these?
Living n
Toxic plants
Toxic bedding
Moldy hay or
grain
Trash
Lawn clippings
Pesticides
the Land
Animal Ownership
www.aphis.usda.gov
Some plants may be toxic
Living n
Some are
poisonous in
some seasons
only
Some affect
certain species
and not others
Most cause
specific
physiological
symptoms
the Land
Poison
hemlock
http://cal.vet.upenn.edu
Animal Ownership
Symptoms caused by toxic
plants
Living n
Gastrointestinal
Nervous system
Respiratory system
Skin
Reproductive system
the Land
Animal Ownership
Cause nervousness or
excitability
Living n
Arrowgrass
Bracken fern (horses)
Chokecherry
Larkspur
Locoweed
Lupine
Poison hemlock
the Land
Locoweed
Animal Ownership
Lupine
cal.vet.upenn.edu
Other tips for animal safety
Living n
Toxic plants
Toxic bedding
Moldy hay or
grain
Trash
Lawn clippings
Pesticides
the Land
Animal Ownership
www.farmphoto.com
Other tips for animal safety
Toxic plants
Toxic bedding
Moldy hay or grain
Trash
Lawn clippings
Pesticides
USDA NRCS
Other tips for animal safety
Living n
Toxic plants
Toxic bedding
Moldy hay or
grain
Trash
Lawn clippings
Pesticides
the Land
www.farmpicture.com
Animal Ownership
Other tips for animal safety
Living n
Toxic plants
Toxic bedding
Moldy hay or
grain
Trash
Lawn clippings
Pesticides
USDA NRCS
the Land
Animal Ownership
Other tips for animal safety
Living n
Toxic plants
Toxic bedding
Moldy hay or
grain
Trash
Lawn clippings
Pesticides
the Land
Animal Ownership
www.farmpicture.com
Dispose of dead
animals properly
Caring for your animals
Living n
Provide good
quality nutrients
year-round
Establish a
preventive
healthcare
program
Implement health
care and safety
measures
the Land
Animal Ownership
www.ars.usda.gov
Living n
What impacts
can animals
cause?
the Land
Animal Ownership
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
mouths
What
parts of
animals
cause
impacts?
bodies
hooves
manure
A. Miller
Impacts from hooves
On pastures
Living n
 Compaction
 Trails
 Reduced
productivity
On stream banks
 Trampling
 Erosion
 Pollution
the Land
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
Animal Ownership
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.
Impacts from bodies
Objects in the pasture are damaged
 Trees, posts, irrigation works, fences
Weed seeds and pests are transported
Living n
the Land
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
Animal Ownership
UCCE
Impacts from manure
Living n
Polluted
runoff
Odor
Dust
Insects and
parasites
the Land
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
Animal Ownership
How to avoid impacts?
Living n
Good grazing
management
avoids hoof and
mouth impacts
Good facility
design avoids
animal body
impacts
the Land
www.usda.gov
Animal Ownership
Good manure management
Living n
Keeps livestock
healthy
Returns nutrients
to the soil
Improves pastures
and gardens
Protects the
environment
the Land
Animal Ownership
OSU Extension Service
Poor manure management
Living n
Livestock
become sick
Conditions are
unsanitary
Neighbors
complain
Insect and
parasite
populations
increase
Environment is
harmed
the Land
Animal Ownership
USU, Logan, UT
How much manure do
animals produce?
Living n
How much
manure do you
think two horses
kept in a small
stable for three
months in the
winter will
produce?
www.usda.gov
the Land
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
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
How much manure will
your animals produce?
Animal
Volume
Weight Moisture
(cu ft/day) (lbs/day) (percent)
Beef
1.02
63
88
Ducks
0.73
46
75
Goats
0.63
40
75
Horse
0.81
50
78
Sheep
0.63
40
75
Amounts produced per 1,000 pounds of each type of animal
Nutrient value of manures
Animal
Beef
Chicken
Goat
Horse
Sheep
N
(lbs/ton)
11.3
P2O5
K 2O
(lbs/ton) (lbs/ton)
8.4
9.5
27.3
23.5
13.2
22.0
5.4
15.1
12.1
4.6
9.0
22.5
7.6
19.5
Manure can be a resource
Living n
Livestock remove nutrients
from land while grazing
Returning manure to soil
promotes soil fertility and
plant growth
Important nutrients
 Nitrogen (N)
 Potassium (K or K2O)
 Phosphorus (P2O5)
the Land
USDA NRCS
Animal Ownership
Can I use all my manure?
Living n
How much will you
have?
Where can you
safely store or
compost it?
Where can you
safely incorporate
it in or on your
property?
the Land
Animal Ownership
whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost
How much manure is enough?
To provide annual
phosphorus needs
for a one-acre
pasture:
USDA NRCS
 one 1000-pound cow
 one 1400-pound horse
 three market (150pounds) hogs
 twelve 100-pound
sheep
 225 laying hens
Effective management
depends on:
Living n
Collection
Storage
Application
Removal
the Land
www.farmphoto.com
Animal Ownership
Manure collects in:
Pastures
Cages
Bedded stalls or barn
Dry lots/confinement areas,
paddocks, corrals or other
“sacrifice areas”
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
Pasture collection
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
www.farmphoto.com
Cage collection
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
www.rockingranch.com
Bedded stall or barn
Living n
Horses, cattle,
swine and poultry
Manure and soiled
bedding are
removed by manual
cleaning
the Land
www.nationalhorsestalls.com
Animal Ownership
Dry lots, corrals or other
confinement areas
UNCE, Reno, Nev.
Manure storage considerations
Living n
Distance from
streams, ponds
and wells
Prevailing wind
direction
Slope of ground
Soil type
the Land
Animal Ownership
www.milfordanimalhospital
Manure storage - avoiding runoff
Install buffer
strips
 Vegetated areas
between storage
and stream
Living n
Install berms or
ditches
www.milfordanimalhospital
 Prevents water
from entering or
leaving storage
area
Cover manure
the Land
WSU Extension
Animal Ownership
Composting
Living n
Reduces volume
Kills parasites
Reduces weed
seeds
Reduces odor
Provides slowrelease fertilizer
Provides soil
amendment
the Land
Animal Ownership
www.farmphoto.com
Composting requirements
Living n
Oxygen
Moisture
Correct
carbon-tonitrogen ratio
(30:1)
Temperature
(120 to 160 F)
the Land
Animal Ownership
www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov
What do I do with the manure?
Apply it to your property
Arrange with gardeners, landscapers, or
farmers to remove it
Living n
 Prefer composted manure
Haul it yourself
 Most expensive
Landfilling (bury on your property)
 Not recommended; expensive and potential
for runoff increases
the Land
Animal Ownership
Tips for safe manure or
compost application
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov
Tips for safe manure or
compost application
Living n
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.
the Land
Animal Ownership
The bottom line
(no pun intended)
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
Summary
Animal water and feed needs vary
depending on species, breed, age and
reproductive cycle
Living n
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
the Land
Animal Ownership
Homework
Living n
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.
the Land
Animal Ownership