NEXRAD radar used to predict bird collisions

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahomans are familiar with tornado warnings, but what about bird warnings? New research conducted by Oklahoma State University scientists and published in the “Journal of Applied Ecology” indicates weather radars are effective tools for not only predicting weather but also bird collisions.  As many as 1 billion birds die each year from colliding with windows or buildings, but the casualties are not those of pigeons or other invasive species most commonly found…

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Getting an orphan foal to nurse an immediate need

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – An orphan foal still needs another mare or a person to provide milk and care, especially during the first vital days of life.  “The most immediate need for foals orphaned at birth is getting the animal colostrum within 24 hours after birth,” said Kris Hiney, Oklahoma State University Extension equine specialist. “Since antibody transfer normally occurs when a foal nurses on its dam’s colostrum, another source must be found.” …

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Cattle producers should know signs of foot rot in livestock

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Excessive rain is a signal for cattle producers to keep an eye out for lameness in their animals, the first sign of foot rot.  Foot rot is a painful condition that can become chronic if treatment is not provided, allowing for other aspects of the animal’s health to be affected as well, said Dr. Barry Whitworth, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian and food animal quality and health specialist. To…

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Preparation helps foaling go smoother for both mares and horse managers

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Horse owners who take a few steps to prepare for foaling can promote a smoother birthing process for their broodmares, according to Oklahoma State University Extension recommendations.  “A foaling mare should be as relaxed as possible and settled into a routine – stalled at night and turned out during the day, weather permitting,” said Kris Hiney, OSU Extension equine specialist with the university’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences. “Nighttime…

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Free environmental law enforcement training available April 1

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – A Sunday drive down the backroads of Oklahoma to enjoy the countryside can be a relaxing adventure – at least until the route crosses an unsightly, illegal and dangerous dumpsite. To help reclaim the rural environment, Oklahoma State University Extension is joining forces with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development to host the Oklahoma Environmental Law Enforcement Training Seminar. The free event will take place…

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Cattle breeders should check bull fertility after recent snowstorms

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – The extreme winter weather that hit the southern Plains States in mid-February may have reduced bull fertility in herd sires – potentially bad news for the economic well-being of cow-calf operations.  Cattle breeders should have a veterinarian check their bulls for frostbite to the animal’s scrotum and testicles as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made to protect the herd’s reproductive efficiency, said Dr. Rosslyn…

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Sub-zero temperature won’t have big effect on insect pests

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Although recent subzero temperatures put the big chill on the human population, the insect population fared better. “While some insects leave the area in the winter and return in the spring, there are others that make their own antifreeze,” said Tom Royer, Oklahoma State University Extension entomology specialist. “The greenbug, for example, can withstand temperatures of up to minus 9 degrees Fahrenheit, so they often survive the kind of…

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Basics of horse hay explained

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – The need for quality horse hay – shorthand for attributes desirable in hay fed to equines – has not quite lifted yet.  “We’re still in hay feeding season as pastures have not greened up as yet; now is not the time to cut back on horses having ready access to hay to meet their nutritional needs,” said Kris Hiney, Oklahoma State University Extension equine specialist.  Attributes of desirable horse…

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Cattle needs rise as temperatures drop

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Cattle producers need to follow recommended livestock-care checklists to mitigate significant dangers that arctic blasts bring to animal health and production, said Oklahoma State University experts.  Ranchers might not typically think about frozen water sources during a mild winter, for example.  So it’s important to remember that cattle in southern Great Plains states are relatively naïve when it comes to the presence of ice in the field,…

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Horse owners need to be watchful for signs of colic

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Horse owners need to take steps to ensure colic does not become a problem for their animals as temperatures drop, said Oklahoma State University experts.  “Horses need more feed to replace energy loss brought about by harsher wintertime weather conditions,” said Kris Hiney, OSU Extension equine specialist with the university’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences. “A good first step is to maximize forage intake. Give them as…

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