Thursday, November 1, 2012

Four Critical Starting To Raise Cattle Considerations When Buying Cattle Breed

By Tim R Smith


As with any purchase it is important that you get value for your money. If you are uncertain about how to purchase a beef animal then it would be best to deal with someone who is ethical and understands this side of the business. This could include a family member, friend, neighbor, local farmer or County Agent. The idea is to not go into a purchase with little or no information or background. Here are 4 important considerations when buying cattle breed for your cattle farming venture:

1) Breed - In most situations frame and conformation are more important than breed in relation to cattle performance. However, there are some things to consider. Holsteins will work well in a feeder or finishing enterprise. They require different management and sell in a different market category. Animals with a high percentage of Brahman genetics do poorly in cold winter conditions. The disposition of the cattle can be an important factor which can be a breed characteristic. Avoid cattle that are high-strung or aggressive.

2) Condition - If you are purchasing cattle to put on pasture avoid cattle with excess fat as they gain poorly for the first month. Cattle should be healthy but lean and avoid cattle that may not have performed well elsewhere. You may be able to purchase them for less money but they probably won't achieve an acceptable performance.

3) Frame Size - Cattle with a small frame will finish at a light weight while cattle with a large frame will finish at a heavy weight. Cattle with different frame sizes require different feeding programs. Since you will want to manage your cattle as a group, purchase cattle that are uniform in frame size.

4) Health - Does the animal look healthy? Are there any symptoms of cattle diseases? Is its breathing normal and does it move about vigorously? Is it alert and bright eyed? Does it have a dull hair coat and look emaciated? What has it been vaccinated for and when?

You should also consider the location of your farm. Does your farm have good pasture where your cattle can graze and eat regularly? Is the location suitable for cattle farm? You should also consider the neighbor in the location of your farm so that you will not have any problems in the future. Your cattle need to move and not just stay in one area. Your farm should have shelter for your beef cattle. Your farm should also be large enough so that your cattle can graze around. As a starter, you don't need a big barn for your cattle. A good windbreaker will be enough to protect your calves since they are strong enough to stand different weather conditions.




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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Things To Think About When Looking At Lab Puppies For Sale In Iowa

By Tonia Michael


A puppy can turn into a wonderful family dog. Proper care and training are needed to help this happen, though. To help ensure the positive temperament and good health of your new pet, there are certain details to examine when shopping for lab puppies for sale in Iowa.

Good puppies tend to come from good homes, so it is important that you get information about where your new family member comes from. Meet the breeder. Reputable breeders are, first and foremost, concerned about the welfare of their animals. They will ask you lots of questions about your life to make sure you are taking home the puppy that fits best into your family. Avoid any breeder who seems indifferent or who is just concerned about getting a check from you.

If you are in the market for a purebred puppy, expect to drop a decent amount of money on the animal. Everyone is suspicious of expensive things, but you should also be cautious of price tags that seem too low. A low price tag could be an indicator of an unethical breeder attempting to unload an unhealthy, or even aggressive, animal on you. As long as you do your research, finding a great pet should not be an issue.

Always make sure your pup comes from a good home. The dogs should be kept in a roomy, clean, and comfortable space. Puppies need to have plenty of food, fresh water, and space to play. Kennels are not a bad sign. Just make sure the kennels are big enough and that the dogs are allowed plenty of time outside their cages.

When visiting the breeder, be sure to meet the mom and dad of your new family member. Make sure these animals are happy and healthy. Be sure to remember that the mom may not look her best. She did, after all, just give birth. Be aware that many reputable breeders partake in stud services, so the litter's dad may not belong to the breeder you are purchasing a puppy from. This does not mean you should not get details about him, though.

Most breeders have a contract that needs to be signed by all puppy buyers. This is a way for breeders to protect their investment. Expect the contract to include general stipulations regarding the upbringing of the puppy. Regular veterinarian care is a must. The animal should never be given over to a rescue group. The contract may also state that the dog must be an indoor pet, must be fed a quality food, and has to be treated for heart worms and fleas.

Breeders are expected to stand behind the quality of their litters. For this reason most breeders offer a health guarantee. These documents are usually very simple. They assure puppy buyers that the animal has been checked by a vet and is in good health.

The final step when shopping for lab puppies for sale in Iowa is to make sure your new pet is properly introduced to its new family. Many animals are confused and frightened when first arrive at their new home, but you can help make this transition easier. Provide the puppy with food, toys, love, and even a little bit of space and he or she should warm up to you in no time.




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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Choosing the Right Dog

By Allyson Westcot


Odds are good that there are certain dog breeds that you like. Many individuals fall in love with a breed and choose that sort of dog when they want a new pet or a rescue dog. But there are many more things to consider when getting a new dog than breed and appearance. That favourite breed might possibly not be the proper one for your home or lifestyle.

When choosing a new dog, you'll no doubt be won over by the individual dog's character. But it is a superb idea to understand your limits prior to starting looking. Decide on the age of the dog you need, the size that's best for you and the temperament and energy level before you start looking. This will help make sure you get a dog that's truly compatible with you.

Everybody loves cute puppies, but there are a few advantages to adopting an older dog, as well. Puppies are high-energy and high upkeep. They have never walked with a dog leash or been trained, and will take a great deal of time to teach these things. Older dogs have most likely been walked with a dog harness, they may be potty-trained and they might have already lost all the bad habits that will form in puppies like barking and chewing. Click here for a variety of harnesses and products to help train your dog.

There's also the possibility an older dog never learned these things, but in spite of the common belief that older dogs can't learn new tricks, they're frequently much easier to train. They'd like to please you, and are commonly so happy to have a home that they settle in very easily. If you live a high-energy way of life, a puppy or young dog could be best. If you lead a rather more sedentary life, it could be simpler to adjust with an older dog.

Size is also important. If you live in a tiny residence or an especially restricted living space, a Great Dane probably isn't the very best choice. In a heavy traffic household, a toy dog might actually be prone to getting stepped on. Think of these problems when choosing a dog.




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Monday, October 29, 2012

Top Tips To Keep Your Animals Flea Free

By Peter J Medcalf


Flea infestations are very common and your dog will more than likely suffer at some point during its life. The parasite is most troublesome during the warmer months of the year. However due to central heating, your home will provide the ideal environment for fleas to breed all year round. For this reason it is recommended that you treat your dog for fleas during the course of the whole year.

The first sign that something is wrong is usually a pet's incessant scratching and biting the skin. There are many types of fleas so understanding the life cycle of the parasite is the best way to effectively rid the animal and the environment of the infestation. Different products attack the problem in different ways.

The good news is that fleas have a relatively short life. The bad news is that they reproduce very quickly. The unsuspecting animal is the perfect breeding ground providing both food and shelter for the parasite. Adults lay eggs on the pet which then are spread through the home environment. The eggs hatch and the cycle repeats itself as the newbies eventually land on the pet. And so it continues.

A two-pronged attack is necessary for success in controlling the parasites. One must treat the animal and the environment to break the flea cycle. Vacuum frequently. Carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding can be treated with both chemical and natural products. Be sure it is not toxic to the pet. Shampooing, collars, and topical spot-treatments are top notch for your furry friends.

Whatever regimen the pet owner chooses, consistent use is vitally important to effective pest control. Read the directions and follow them exactly. This will insure success in the safest way possible.

A responsible pet owner is a loving pet owner. A little due diligence with a commitment to continued treatment will keep the animal and the home environment pest free.




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Sunday, October 28, 2012

Cat Sitting is Simple

By Sam Davis


Pets are known to give company to many loners. They are a source of joy to most households and soon become an integral part of the family. Recent surveys have revealed that most citizens of United States prefer to have cats as pets. But for people who are including these creatures for the first time, the initial phase is not very smooth sailing as cats are known to be very complicated creatures to understand and therefore the masters may face some kind of confusion regarding the best approach to deal with them.

This is because cats are very independent in nature. They do not look at their owners or other people as the figure of authority. Dogs are loyal and obedient in the sense that they recognise their owners as the one to be obeyed. Cats, however, are just not born that way.

The cats do not always follow what is told to them. They are their own masters. They seem very ungrateful and troublesome sometimes. They have their own mood swings, for example if they are not in a mood to be cuddled then they will not come near you or let you come near them to be cuddled. If they are in a mood to be petted or played with then you can expect them to come close to you. Unlike dogs, who easily get familiar with an unknown person, cats are of a different nature and take time to take on you. Do not expect to be taken on quickly by a cat. You cannot force a cat to get friendly with you. You have to ensure that you are taking good care of them by giving them food and medicines as prescribed and keeping their spot clean. It will take time for them to grow use to you. Once they are use to you, you will see them coming to you on their own.

It does not help to force an interaction with the cats. You must make sure that you look after them well. Give food and any prescribed medicines on time and keep their spot clean. Let them become used to you and they'll come to you on their own.

You should get the owner to treat the cat if it is having too much hairball or is self grooming too much. Ask for medication. The remedies for hairball enable the hairball to pass through the digestive system of the cat - they are incapable of removing the hairballs. But they do prevent choking due to hairball.

A good example of the same is the temperamental behavior exhibited by the cats in their food habits. This temperamental behavior may make them skip a meal they have been having all this while but there is no need to worry, as this is very normal. The cats are very moody and eat food only when they feel they are hungry.

For example, cats are very temperamental in their food habits. They might skip food they have always been having! However, it is no cause of worry as it is normal for them to skip meals at times. Cats eat their food when they get hungry. But, if they miss their meals for over a day, there might be some issue needing investigation. The difference is very clear. Even though skipping a meal everyday is normal for the cat, skipping all the meals for a day or over implies special attention. It's the time interval that is important.

The cats have been showing a strange imperceptible pattern of sleep. They will sleep only they feel like and their love for exploring the world is immense. A cat that is more free willed will go explore the world and come back home all tired and exhausted. It is advised to take up with the cat owner if you feel the cat indulges in no physical activity and sleeps all day long.




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Saturday, October 27, 2012

Fast Guide for pet sitting at home

By Johnny Chan


If you are one of those who enjoy nurturing pets then you can make this ability into a lucrative money making endeavor. But in order to become successful you need to have an inborn love and an eagerness to take care of the pets who are under your care. Sticking to it will open up new avenues of revenue for you. In fact, this business is rapidly gaining momentum in the United States and pet sitters are adding more and more services in order to draw the masses towards them.

Nowadays, there are pet care workers that take up customers at distances requiring commuting. This serves better as, compared to a localised appointment that would pay approximately $20, a far-out customer also reimburses the travelling expenses - which turns out to be a great deal in the end! On the other hand, you may want to carefully calculate all the expenses involved before taking up a job that requires daily transit.

The following equipments are the best sellers in the market for the pet care range, according to a recent study. This list can be of great help to you when you start out the process of preparing for your first pet sitting task.

1. Rawhide chews 2. Leather leashes 3. Nylon leashes 4. Dog fetch toys 5. Flea remedy 6. Tick remedy 7. Cat/Dog food 8. Cat/ Dog treats

All the things that have been mentioned above will be of great use to you and will make you ready for any task concerned with pet sitting. Having a toolkit for this purpose improves professionalism creating a better impact on the customer. With this, you have all the equipments ready with you to perform the job to the utmost satisfaction level even if you will be provided with all of it. A little modification may be done to match the purpose and to set standards that are high to achieve and will create a reputation of yours in the market.

Leading the market It is important to publicize your services in order to be successful in your pet sitting business. Many of the people in the pet sitting business call it unnecessary but it is an important part that helps the business flourish. The market men may help you achieve this as there is high degree of reliability on the market for the publicity and they form an integral part of the market. With contacts, you can get started easily and gain exposure.

The conventional means of advertising are here to remain. However, social media has seen a huge boom and relying on Facebook, Twitter and other such social media platforms can really serve your purpose with great effectiveness. Not only can you make great new contacts on a regular basis, these services are absolutely free! You can save a lot of expenses as well as hard work.

Word of mouth and other traditional ways to promote and advertise will be ever green. But digital media such as social networking sites help to spread word rapidly. They overcome the limitation of numbers and also break the geographical barrier. They are also very cost efficient and simple to use. Therefore these tools should be exploited and made use of to the optimum.

Facebook provides a provision of creating community pages and fan pages. This can become a place where customer testimonials can be posted. Feedback from the end users has the most impact on future clients and therefore it is very useful. You can even promote your services and inform the clients about the free time you have available in order to take up the care of a new pet. This will also be useful to your work.

Twitter helps in achieving direct communication with your customers. The number of followers would rise slowly and with the rise in numbers, there will be a rise in the popularity status as well. It is a good form of publicity. The updates on your profile go to all your followers. You can even offer discounts on your services through coupons that can be made available through Twitter.

Even though the entire population of your followers may not try your services, they will be crucial in getting you referral clients, as they will more often than not mention you to any people around them that may need your service.




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Friday, October 26, 2012

Top 3 Ways To Cure Swim Bladder Disease In Cichlid Fish

By Boh Chang Min


Every Cichlid keeper who desires to be successful must take time to understand the anatomy of the pets. This will help them understand the probable body part that is affected in case of any abnormal behavior by the livestock. When mobility of fishes is impossible in an upright position, it is an indication that the swim bladder is affected. For you to use the top 3 ways to cure swim bladder disease in Cichlid fish, you need to know the cause of the condition.

It is normal for aggressive fishes to fight over territorial supremacy. This happens when different vicious species occupy the same territory. Things get worse when such fishes are kept in the same aquarium. Some Cichlids can get serious injuries on the swim bladders during such fights and may die if not taken care of. They will exhibit difficulties in swimming by floating or remaining at the bottom of the tank.

Another thing that causes complications on the swim bladders of fishes is ingestion of dry food. It is common for pet owners to feed them with floating foods. While this may be easy to do, it has serious implications on the digestive tract of Cichlids. The intestines easily get blocked and become irritable. This encourages bacteria and viruses to attack the pets. Unfortunately such infections are identified at a later stage when the pathogens have greatly affected the organism and thus requires quick action.

Sometimes this disease may be genetically instigated. The desire for breeders to produce colorful breeds can result to species with deformed swim bladders. Such Cichlids appear normal but are adversely affected by mild problems like constipation which other fishes can easily overcome. Also, egg bound females are susceptible to this condition.

When you identify Cichlids that have been physically injured, it is advisable to keep them in a separate tank to facilitate recovery. If this is the only cause of the condition, the pet is expected to heal normally provided special care is administered. Make sure that the tank is monitored closely and any abnormalities on the fish attended to immediately.

When your fishes are suffering from bacterial infection or have been infested with worms, changing the diet might be what you need to do to control the disease. If you have been feeding your pets with floating food, you need to stop and start soaking it first. This will solve issues of blocked intestines and resultant ailments. It has also been found that if you feed the affected Cichlids with peas, they will recover from the condition.

Among the top 3 ways to cure swim bladder disease in Cichlid fish, surgery serves to rectify serious complications that cannot be treated with medicines. Cases related to deformities and egg impaction can be surgically rectified by a qualified surgeon. The air trapped in the bladder can also be released periodically by sucking it with a needle to ease the pressure on the fish.




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