Land and Livestock Post

June 2018 – Issue II

Annual Equine Edition

PARASITES

How to control them in your horses.

PAGE 5

GOT HORSE QUESTIONS? Management symposium will have the answers.

PAGE 11

BITING NEWS

Dealing with mosquitos and ticks on your ranch.

PAGE 17

ADDING CATFISH

What you need to know about stocking your pond.

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June 2018 — Issue II

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The Land & Livestock Post

A

Equine Edition From the General Manager

nother year has gone by, during which I have not been on a horse.

I did use a saw horse at one point this past year, and I’m almost certain I hit my thumb a time or two, so my negative association with horses continues.

But, I am aware that for many, horses go hand-in-hand with happiness. Of course, many people find happiness in many different ways.

Some enjoy yachting, others enjoy champagne and caviar. While these JESSE WRIGHT things may be less expensive than owning a horse, I’ve been told they do not provide the overall joy and kindred bond that a horse can.

I’ve also been told that if you run a long, long way, you get a euphoric feeling. I’ll have to take these people at their

word, because I do not plan on getting to know a horse, or run a long way any time soon.

I just have one question for people who love horses, and then I will get on with the rest of the issue: Have you ever ridden a Jet Ski? If I had the choice between a Jet Ski and a horse, I would pick Jet Ski every single time. If it came down to being stranded in the middle of nowhere, with no body of water near, and I was given the option of horse or Jet Ski — but I had to pull the Jet Ski trailer by hand — I would ask for two Jet Skis. Two, so when I got to a body of water, I wouldn’t have to share when someone else wanted to ride my Jet Ski. For all you people who would miss the constant pitfalls of horse ownership, rest assured, Jet Skis break a lot. I broke one a few weeks ago. Heck, during that same trip, another guy broke the same

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June 2018 — Issue II

Jet Ski I broke, but in a different way — yet another good reason to ask for two.

I’m just saying, think about it, horse lovers. Sure, a Jet Ski doesn’t have big brown eyes, or a soft nose, or a mane you can brush. But a Jet Ski can go fast, and if you fall off, you fall in water.

If necessary, you can throw carrots at the Jet Ski, and call it a good boy, if that’s what it takes. But, do not run over those carrots, they will get sucked into the air intake and totally break the Jet Ski. OK, in case you have not figured it out by now, this is our annual Equine Edition. Hopefully, if I’ve won enough hearts and minds with my words, it will soon become the Jet Ski edition, but for now, we are focusing on horses.

We have two great feature articles on horses as well as some information on equine events and news. We also have

our regular features, along with the latest from around the ag industry. Hope you enjoy it, and please do not try to sway me by inviting me to ride horses or do horse-related activities.

But, if you have a Jet Ski you want me to ride, I promise to be careful this time.

Thanks for reading. ’Til next time,

z For more information about content or advertising, contact Jesse Wright at jesse.wright@ theeagle.com.

3

Equine Edition Texas A&M Summer Horsemanship Schools enter 46th year Service horse program specialist in College Station. “Our goal was to bring back those who have been a part of this storied program for several decades and bring together new and old to celebrate this important educational program, which continues to contribute greatly to the equine industry in Texas.”

The weekend included tailgating and a Texas A&M baseball game. Attendees also toured the Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56 Equine Complex and attended a Kentucky Derby Run for the Roses banquet. The banquet program included a welcome

by Parr Rosson, AgriLife Extension interim director, as well as historical perspectives on the horsemanship schools by Yeates and Potter, along with an overview of the current Summer

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

More than 100 former Texas A&M University Summer Horsemanship School instructors gathered as part of a reunion weekend to celebrate 46 consecutive years of the program at Texas A&M University.

The event was held on the university campus and included guests of honor B.F. Yeates, Pete Gibbs and Gary Potter, all former founders/directors of the program that began in the 1970s.

“This was the first-ever instructor reunion for the Summer Horsemanship School Program and a wonderful opportunity to reconnect 46 years of instructors,” said Chelsie Huseman, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Texas A&M AgriLife photo

More than 100 formerTexasA&M University Summer Horsemanship School instructors gathered as part of a reunion weekend to celebrate 46 consecutive years of the program atTexasA&M University.Pictured, from left, front, Doug Householder, Pete Gibbs, B.F. Yeates and Gary Potter. Back, Chelsie Huseman, Dennis Sigler and Jennifer Zoller.

Horsemanship School Program

by Huseman and Gibbs.

Huseman also announced the start of a new program, Texas A&M International Horsemanship, which offers Summer Horsemanship School student instructors the opportunity to teach horsemanship internationally. The program’s first trip was to Beijing in March. Zach Hay-

See SCHOOLS, Page 9

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The Land & Livestock Post

Equine Edition

Controlling internal parasites in your horses

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

Control of internal parasites is an important part of horse health management programs because the animals easily acquire heavy infections. Few horses are completely free of parasites and the animals vary greatly in their innate susceptibility.

It is estimated that horses are susceptible to 150 different species of internal parasites.

Dr. Jeremy Powell of the University of Arkansas put the normal parasite burden of horses in perspective in relation to other domestic animals and man: “If man has one worm, that’s probably one too many,” said Powell.

“Worm totals in chickens rarely exceed 300 and turkeys host average worm burdens of approximately 1,000, all of one

Photo by Robert Fears

It is important to control internal parasites as part of horse health management programs because the animals easily acquire heavy infections. species.

“Cats and dogs harbor 10 or more species with total worm loads averaging about 500. Sheep, cattle and horses graze pastures and as a result, they consume parasites on a continuous basis leading to extremely large worm burdens.

“Horses usually harbor the largest worm burdens with more than 40 species well represented.”

“Parasites are organisms that live off other organisms at the expense of their host,” said Jennifer Zoller of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension during her presentation at the 56th Blackland Income Growth

See PARASITES, Page 6

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June 2018 — Issue II

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Equine Edition Parasites, from Page 5 Conference.

“Internal parasites can cause severe complications in horses including weight loss, poor hair coat, reduced growth, digestive tract destruction and colic.”

Types of internal parasites

“One of the common types of internal parasites that infect horses are stronglyes, both large and small. Within this type, the most common is the small stronglyes because they are in every horse and on every farm and ranch. They are regarded by all equine parasitologists as the most important group of horse parasites,” Powell said.

“Adult forms of all stronglyes live in the horse’s large intestine,” said Craig Wood of the University of Kentucky. “The adults produce eggs that are passed from the animal in feces.

These eggs hatch into larvae that exist on pasture vegetation or in stalls. The horse is infected when it consumes grass, feed or water containing larvae.”

“Stronglye larvae are very resistant to harsh environmental conditions due to a protective sheath,” said Zoller. “They can survive in a freezing temperature up to 31 weeks, but only for up to seven weeks in a hot, dry environment.”

Roundworms (ascarids) occur most commonly in horses less than two years old. Horses start developing an immunity

Photo by Robert Fears

Few horses are completely free of parasites and the animals vary greatly in their innate susceptibility.

to roundworms at about 6 to 8 months old. The horse roundworm is yellowish white in color and is very large, with females up to 15 inches long.

“The life cycle of the roundworm begins when a susceptible horse consumes grass, feed or water contaminated with eggs,” said Wood. “Larvae hatch from the eggs, burrow into the small intestine and then migrate through veins to the liver, heart and eventually into the lungs.

After migrating into the air spaces of the lungs, the larvae are coughed up and swallowed.

They are returned to the small intestine where they mature to egg-producing adults, completing the life cycle. The life cycle takes about three months to complete.”

“Horse bots are bot fly larvae and are internal parasites of horses,” said Phillip Kaufman of the University of Florida IFAS Extension. “There is one generation of bot flies per year. Eggs are laid primarily on the inside knees of the horse and hatch within seven to 10 days after ovulation.

When the horse licks or bites its legs, the bot larvae enter the horse’s mouth. They burrow into the mucous lining of the mouth and tongue and remain three or four weeks. From the mouth, larvae pass into the stomach and intestine where the second and

See PINWORMS, Page 7

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June 2018 — Issue II

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Equine Edition Pinworms, from Page 6 third instars remain attached to the linings. They remain in these areas until the following summer.

“When fully mature, third stage larvae detach from the stomach, pass through the intestines and from the animal in the feces. They migrate out of the droppings and burrow into the soil. The larvae pupate and the pupae remain in the soil for one to two months. The adult fly emerges throughout the spring, summer and fall with most of the activity in early spring and late fall.”

“Infections of pinworms in horses cause itching of the tail head, but do not threaten the animal’s health,” said Zoller.

“Pinworm eggs are orally ingested and mature in the intestine. Adult females migrate to the horse’s rectum, lay eggs in a sticky substance on the exte-

Photo by Robert Fears

Whether a horse is used for work or pleasure, their performance will ebb if their internal parasite loads become too high. rior area around the anus, and then crawl back into the rectum.

When horses scratch their rears to relieve the itching, residues of the sticky goo adhere to surfaces that are rubbed. Pinworm eggs are ingested orally and once in the colon, they develop through various stages to become sexually mature.”

Three species of tapeworms are found in horses and vary in length from about three to 10 inches. Horses are infected through ingestion of mites that carry immature tapeworms. Infections usually occur during grazing in low-lying, wet areas.

Immature tapeworms emerge from the mite and to the horse’s

See TREAT, Page 9

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June 2018 — Issue II

7

News 25 business professionals selected for Texas agricultural leadership program

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Twenty-five agriculture professionals have been selected for the Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership, or TALL, Program as Cohort XVI. The two-year program, led by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, is an intensive study of agriculture worldwide that equips agriculture industry professionals to lead their fields, according to Jim Mazurkiewicz, program director.

“The program is a competitive leadership development program

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo

Jim Mazurkiewicz, Regents Fellow and director of the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Program for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

that includes seminars with experts, on-site tours, meetings with business and government leaders, international study and personal skills improvement,” Mazurkiewicz said.

Surveys from past participants consistently rank the TALL experience higher than experiences in their previous professional activities and collegiate engagements.

TALL XVI 2018-2020 participants by county are: Stephanie Bradley-Fryer, Jones; Travis Britt, Bastrop; Casey Crabtree, Randall; Jessica Escobar, Travis;

Sarah Franklin, Atascosa; Steven Hayes, Parker; DeLinda Hicklen, Terry; Colt Hoffmann, Falls; Rob Hughes, Angelina; Preston Ingram, Hopkins; Kristen Lambrecht, Montgomery; Michael Lawrence, Lamb; Sara Lemoine Knox, Coleman; Kassidy Martin, Jones; Matthew Okeson, Dallas; Liza Parker, Bell; James Plyler, Travis; Katy Slough, Hansford; Seth Sowder, Lamb; Matt Thomas, Hill; James Uhl, Schleicher.; Joh Van de Pol, Lamb;Robert Ward, Fort Bend; Leanne Wiley, Austin; and Travis Wilson, Wise.

For more information about the TALL program, go to tall. tamu.edu.

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June 2018 — Issue II

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Treat, from Page 7 intestinal lining where they reach maturity in approximately five weeks.

Mature tapeworms shed off sections of their bodies that are full of eggs. The sections and eggs are passed through the horse’s body exiting in manure.

Mites then eat the eggs and larva hatch in the mites.

Internal parasite management

“Before treating horses for internal parasites, perform fecal exams to determine the species that are present and the extent of the infection. Twenty percent of the horses in a herd shed 80 percent of the parasites; so, identify individual animals with the higher parasite loads. Deworm horses that shed more than 500 parasite eggs per gram of feces,” Zoller said.

As shown in Table 1, resistance of internal parasites to dewormers (anthelmintics) is rapidly becoming a problem. Proper use of de-wormers will help prevent further development of resistance. If anthelmintic use is necessary, rotate treatments among active ingredients when acceptable parasite control can be obtained with more than one type of chemical. Always select de-wormers according to active drugs listed on the labels, not by brand name. Many de-wormers contain more than one class of drug.

Table 2 lists some de-wormers, their trade names and action.

Use fecal egg count reduction tests to detect parasite resistance.

The test simply is conducting fecal exams two weeks after deworming to determine effects of the anthelmintic on the parasite load.

“It is important to use the correct dose of anthelmintics, both for health of the horse and to avoid development of parasite resistance. Dosage is recommended on product labels as ounces per pounds of body weight,” said Zoller.

“Horse body weight is estimated by measuring its height and length and then calculating weight using this formula: Weight (lbs) = [Height2 (ins) X Body Length (ins)] ÷330 For instance, a horse had a measured height of 69 inches and length of 65 inches. The horse’s weight was calculated as: 69 X 69 = 4,761 X 65 = 309,465 ÷ 330 = 937.8 pounds This particular horse was weighed when the measurements were taken and the scale gave an actual weight of 935 pounds. A second horse was measured and weighed as well. His height was 78 inches, length was 67 inches and had a calculated weight of 1,235.2 pounds. The horse’s actual weight was 1,255 pounds. These two comparisons show that calculated weights are accurate enough for determining anthelmintic dosage.”

Sanitation and management of the horse’s environment are also good internal parasite control practices. Clean and compost manure from stables and pens on a daily basis. Frequent mowing and harrowing of pastures breaks manure into small particles for accelerated decomposition by microbes and other biological processes. Avoid overstocking to deter buildup of internal parasite populations and rotate grazing among several pastures to disrupt internal parasite life cycles. Graze young animals separate from older horses because yearlings and 2-year-old animals normally shed more worms than older horses.

“Provide mangers, bunks or

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feed pans for hay and grain,” recommended Zoller. “Lessen the opportunity for horses to ingest parasites by feeding off the ground. Supply clean water and avoid letting horses drink from manure contaminated sources.

Employ biosecurity practices for new arrivals.”

Whether a horse is used for work or pleasure, their performance will ebb if their internal parasite loads become too high.

A suggested parasite management program is shown in Table 3. Employed control measures, however, must fit the ranch environment, animal susceptibility and management style.

June 2018 — Issue II

Schools, from Page 4 don, ag systems management major, was the first Summer Horsemanship School instructor to participate in this new initiative.

The weekend activities also included celebrating and honoring the retirement of Martha Vogelsang, longtime equine faculty member in the department of animal science.

Now entering its 46th year of offering Summer Horsemanship Schools in Texas, the series offers both fun and educational opportunities to strengthen the foundation of horsemanship and develop advanced riding skills in

youth and adults alike. Summer Horsemanship Schools can be hosted by any group in the state of Texas, including county programs, 4-H clubs, and horse associations. The schools are designed to deliver relevant and helpful information to all levels and ages of horseman. Participants gain valuable riding and horse management knowledge, Huseman said.

For more information about hosting a Summer Horsemanship School or about becoming a student instructor for the program, go to animalscience. tamu.edu/livestock-species/ equine/summer-horsemanship/.

9

News

Annual Stiles Farm Field Day set for June 19 in Thrall

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

THRALL — Feral hog trapping, soybean performance in the Blacklands, pecan tree management and the latest farm bill information will be discussed at the Stiles Farm Field Day scheduled June 19 in Thrall.

The field day is hosted by the Stiles Farm Foundation and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. There is no registration fee, courtesy of the Williamson County Farm Bureau. Lunch and door prizes will be provided to field day participants, courtesy of local agribusiness sponsors.

Two continuing education units will be given for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license holders: one general and one integrated pest management.

“This year’s field day will feature topics of interest to a variety of producers and landowners in the Blacklands,” said Ryan Collett, farm manager and AgriLife Extension specialist. “The program is geared towards helping Blackland producers stay current with new technology and learn more about operating efficiencies during times of low commodity prices.

“But, with pecan management, fence building and feral hog trapping presentations, we think there is something of interest for everyone.”

Morning session topics and AgriLife Extension speakers include: • Tips For Success with Feral Hog Trapping — John Tomecek, wildlife specialist, San Angelo.

• Cotton Pest Management Update — David Kerns, statewide integrated pest management coordinator, College Station.

• Can Soybeans Work in the Blacklands? — Ronnie Schnell, cropping system specialist, College Station.

• Cotton Fertility and Cover Crop Management — Jake

10

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

The Stiles Farm Field Day is set for June 19 at the Stiles Farm inThrall.The program features a number of crop updates affecting Blacklands producers.

Mower, soil specialist, College Station.

• Row Crop Weed Identification and Management — Scott Nolte, state weed specialist, College Station.

Afternoon sessions will include: • Farm Bill Update at KC Hall — Joe Outlaw, AgriLife Extension economist, College Station.

• Pecan Production in the Blacklands — Monte Nesbitt, horticultural specialist, College Station.

• Stay Tuff fence building demonstration.

The noon meal and program will feature the presentation of the Agriculturalist of the Year and Stiles Farm Foundation scholarships.

The Stiles Farm Foundation was established by the Stiles family at Thrall in Williamson County. According to the foundation, J.V. and H.A. Stiles wanted to commemorate their father, James E. Stiles, and the land he worked. They also wanted to help neighboring farmers and others throughout the Central Texas Blacklands region learn new farming practices.

In 1961, the Stiles Farm Foundation was established and became part of the Texas A&M University System. The farm is used by AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, which conduct field experiments and use the facility as a teaching platform.

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June 2018 — Issue II

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The Land & Livestock Post

Equine Edition Horse questions to be addressed at ranch management symposium Special to The Post

Kingsville— The 15th Annual Holt Cat Symposium on Excellence in Ranch Management will bring together ranch owners, managers, and veterinarians from the most successful ranching operations to discuss the symposium topic, Horse Program Success on Working Ranches: Strategic and Operational Decision Making.

Hosted by the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, the symposium will be held in Kingsville Oct. 18-19. A variety of topics on managing horses on a working ranch will be presented by ranch owners and managers, ranch management consultants, practicing veterinarians, and professionals in the ranching industry. Speakers will offer expertise on how they strategically use and manage horses to sup-

port cattle operations.

“The ranch horse is a mainstay of ranching operations. While at the same time, they can be expensive to manage, a challenge to keep sound, and a source of inherent safety risk,” said King Ranch Institute Director Clay Mathis.

“This symposium has been designed to address the most pressing issues regarding ranch horses for today’s ranch managers.

“From managing brood mares to purchasing replacement saddle horses, you will learn from the most experienced managers and industry experts on nutrition, reproduction, health, ranch economics, employee safety and legal risks.”

The event will begin with a keynote address by John Welch of Welch Cattle Company in

Wolfforth. Welch, who is among the most respected ranchers in the horse industry, will describe the characteristics of a successful ranch horse program. Bob Kilmer of Matador Cattle Co. will offer a perspective on big decisions about ranch horse safety, which will lead into a presentation by agriculture attorney James Decker about the legal risks of horseback guests, dayworkers and children.

After a break in the industry trade show, a manger panel featuring representatives from Parker Ranch in Hawaii, Singleton Ranches in New Mexico, and Sooner Cattle Company in Oklahoma will delve into horse strategies and policies on the respective ranches.

The second day of the symposium will focus on nutrition, health, reproduction, and eco-

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nomics. Equine nutritionist Dennis Sigler will present guidelines for keeping a string in working condition, and Dr. Glen Blodgett of 6666 Ranch will discuss preventive health care guidelines for mares and saddle horses.

Ranch Management Consultant and Economist Stan Bevers will explain the financial implication of raising versus purchasing replacement saddle horses. King Ranch equine veterinarian and private practitioner Dr. Ben Espy will discuss mare reproduction and the application of reproductive technology in ranch horse management.

A King Ranch demonstration and equine tour will conclude the symposium. Attendees will travel to King Ranch to participate in two sessions. During the first session, attendees will learn about the rich history behind

the King Ranch horse program, where it stands today, and its outlook for the future. The second session will include a demonstration on lameness diagnosis and treatment by ambulatory equine veterinarians Ben Espy and Kurt Heite.

Registration is $150, which includes admission to the industry trade show during the symposium and a steak dinner on Oct. 18 during which the Texas Farm Credit Certificate in Advanced Ranch Management awards are presented. A special address will be made by American Quarter Horse Association President Jim Heird.

For more information about the symposium, to download the agenda, and to register, go to krirm.tamuk.edu/symposium or call 361-593-5401. Space for the event is limited.

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11

Equine Edition

Horse play Horse maintenance on a budget

P

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

eople love to own horses, but they often don’t research maintenance costs prior to purchasing their “dream” animal. The expense of keeping a horse can come as an awful surprise which sometimes results in the horse not getting the proper care.

Horses are big animals and require a lot of feed plus a health maintenance program, hoof care and exercise.

Morgan Moreno, a graduate student at Texas A&M University, discussed horse maintenance on a budget and preventive care during the 56th Blackland Income Growth Conference in Waco. Most of this article is taken from Moreno’s presentation.

The budget

An example budget for maintaining a horse is shown in Table 1. Since prices vary between regions, vendors and periods of time, use the example only as a format for budget preparation. Substitute local costs for the provided figures.

A good diet for an adult horse is approximately six pounds of grain per day and 10 pounds of good quality hay. Based on the prices in Table 1, it costs $100 per day just to feed a horse.

Boarding fees range from $250 to $500 per month. Even if the horse is kept on the ranch, boarding is an incurred cost. Horses occupy pasture space and consume forage that could support additional cows, sheep or goats.

Bedding is listed at zero to $100 per month. These prices vary depending upon the amount of time that the horse spends in a stall. If the horse is in a pasture full time, there is no cost for bed-

12

Photo by Robert Fears

Horses are big animals and require a lot of feed plus a health maintenance program, hoof care and exercise. Keeping a horse can cost thousands of dollars a year. ding. Farrier costs are estimated at $25 to $100 per month and deworming at $10.

injuries further can increase expenses.

Based on the figures in Table 1, minimal costs to maintain a horse for a month is $385 — $4,620 for a year. If the budget is for a performance horse, add estimated costs of supplements, insurance, travel/fuel, training/lessons, entry fees and equipment. Unexpected major

Nutrition

Nutrition is all about meeting the individual needs of a horse. Nutritional requirements depend on the animal’s age, weight, body condition score and workload. Some horses require less feed to maintain body condition than others.

June 2018 — Issue II

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These animals are called easy keepers.

Those that need a large amount of feed to maintain body condition are referred to as hard keepers. Pregnant mares require a different feed ration than those that are open. Breeding horses have different nutritional needs than animals

See MAINTAIN, Page 13

The Land & Livestock Post

Equine Edition MAINTAIN, from Page 12 used for work or pleasure.

Body condition scoring is a good way to monitor adequacy of horse nutrition and is based on the amount of fat at the following locations on the animal’s body: A. Along the neck B. Along the withers C. Crease of back D. Tailhead E. Ribs F. Behind shoulder A scale of one to nine is used for body condition scoring (Table 2) with a five to six rating considered ideal.

The National Research Council has software available at nrc88.nas.edu/nrh/ that calculates nutritional requirements based on the horse’s age and use. Age/work categories in the program include maintenance, light work, moderate work,

Photo by Robert Fears

People love to own horses, but they often don’t research maintenance costs prior to purchasing their “dream” animal. heavy work, growing and pregnancy/lactation.

When the website is opened, the user is asked to acknowledge the following warning statement: “Knowledge of nutritional constraints and limitations is essential for proper use of nutrient requirements in tables and especially those generated by computer programs.

Because of the many variables involved and judgments that must be made in choosing inputs and interpreting outputs, the [National Research Council] makes no claim for accuracy of this software and the user is solely responsible for risk of use.”

In essence, the National Re-

See OWNERSHIP, Page 14

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June 2018 — Issue II

13

Equine Edition Ownership, from Page 13 search Council recommends using its software for general planning purposes only and avoiding its use for calculating feed rations. Due to the involved variables, it is wise to consult with a trained equine nutritionist on establishing a feeding program.

Once the software warning statement is accepted, click on “animal specification” in the tool bar at the top of the page.

As an example, we will look at nutritional requirements for an adult horse in light work (Figure 1). When the “animal specification” screen appears, click

on “working/training” at the bottom of the left-hand column.

On the right-hand column, select “light” for work load.

At the top of the page, the mature weight of the horse is entered. Since the horse is grown, the estimated actual weight is the same as the mature weight.

If the horse is growing, the expected mature weight is different from the current actual weight. The user has an opportunity to change the intake level in the program as well. Normal feed intake for a horse is two percent of their body weight.

Once the inputs are made, the computer program enters the horse’s nutrient requirements as amounts per day in the table at the bottom of the screen.

Listed nutrient requirements include digestible energy (DE), crude protein (CP), lysine (Lys), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl) and

Photo by Robert Fears

Negative Coggins tests are required for horses that travel. potassium (K). Energy is measured in milli-calories (Mcal) and the other nutrients are measured in grams (g).

Dietary supply of the listed nutrients in amounts per day are listed below the requirements. Nutrient content estimates can be obtained from the software by selecting various feedstuffs in the dietary supply section shown in the toolbar at the top of the page. More accurate numbers are obtained through nutrient analysis of standing pasture forage and hay. For concentrates, the information is obtained on the feed tag.

The software program calculates balance between nutrients required and those in

See FEED, Page 15

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Equine Edition

Feed, from Page 14 the available dietary supply.

These calculations indicate whether certain nutrients need to be increased or decreased in a ration. The program also calculates nutrient densities per kilogram (kg) of dry matter (DM) based on a specific level of intake chosen by the user.

Protein is the most expensive nutrient in a horse’s diet; so, you don’t want to overfeed it. Growing and performance horses need 12 to 14 percent crude protein in their diet.

Mature horses require 10 to 12 percent and lactating mares need 14 to 16 percent. Alfalfa hay containing 15 to 18 percent crude protein and one milli-calorie of energy per pound will meet the horse’s energy and protein requirements. Coastal bermudagrass hay containing 7 to 10 percent crude protein and 0.77 milli-calorie of energy

may require supplementation, however.

A bag of feed at the local coop with 14 percent crude protein listed on the tag contains 0.14 pounds of protein in one pound of feed (1 X 0.14 = 0.14).

The same pound of feed has 2.24 ounces of crude protein (0.14 lb X 16 oz/lb = 2.24). Nutrient requirements provided in the National Research Council software are given in grams.

Since there are 453.6 grams per pound, this particular feed contains 63.5 grams of crude protein per pound of feed (453.6 X 0.14 = 63.5). Feeding five pounds of this feed per day results in an intake of 0.7 pounds, 11.2 ounces or 317.5 grams of crude protein per day provided all the feed is eaten.

diet. These oils are available in 35-pound tubs for approximately $20 to $25. Feed is top dressed at one cup per day or more and provides 10 percent of the horse’s daily energy requirement at more than 2,000 calories or 20 Mcal. Cost is about $0.07 per cup.

Most commercial feeds are well balanced in vitamins and minerals and contain electrolytes which are critical for

If the feed ration is deficient in energy, an option is to add corn oil or vegetable oil at an amount up to 30 percent of the

controlling and maintaining muscle activity, nerve conduction and fluid balance. Primary electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Most feeds contain the required 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus.

equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, West Nile virus and rabies. Also vaccinate for equine herpesvirus, flu and strangles, if they occur in areas where your horse resides or visits. Horse owners can administer vaccines, but less risk occurs when a veterinarian does it. Negative Coggins tests are required for horses that travel.

Owning a horse is a rewarding experience if money and time are available to give it the proper care.

Preventive health

Core vaccines recommended for horses are tetanus, eastern

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News LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Anderson Results of the Mid Tex Livestock Commission’s May 31 sale.

Head: 878 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $155$210; 300-400 lbs., $145-$178; 400-500 lbs., $140-$165; 500-600 lbs., $125-$153; 600-700 lbs., $115-$140; 700-800 lbs., $110-$133 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $130$200; 300-400 lbs., $130-$170; 400-500 lbs., $135-$160; 500-600 lbs., $120-$150; 600-700 lbs., $115-$150; 700-800 lbs., $105-$130 Slaughter bulls: $60-$74 Slaughter cows: $35-$65 Bred cows: $600-$1,000 Cow/calf pairs: $750-$1,110

Brazos Valley Results of the Brazos Valley Livestock Commission’s May 29 sale.

Head: 781 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $160$220; 300-400 lbs., $150-$175; 400-500 lbs., $140-$169; 500-600 lbs., $135-$158; 600-700 lbs., $124-$146; 700-800 lbs., $130-$136 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $145$167; 300-400 lbs., $140-$158; 400-500 lbs., $130-$151; 500-600 lbs., $122-$142; 600-700 lbs., $116-$122; 700-800 lbs., $122-$126 Slaughter bulls: $70-$84.50 Slaughter cows: $45-$68.50 Bred cows: $750-$1,200 Cow/calf pairs: $825-$1,325

Brenham Results of the Cattleman’s Brenham Livestock Auction’s May 25 sale.

Head: 1,162 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $145$217; 300-400 lbs., $150-$172; 400-500 lbs., $143-$160; 500-600 lbs., $139-$157; 600-700 lbs.,

16

$123-$145; 700-800 lbs., $115-$138 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $140$220; 300-400 lbs., $145-$167; 400-500 lbs., $135-$202; 500-600 lbs., $120-$160; 600-700 lbs., $115-$147; 700-800 lbs., $107-$118 Slaughter bulls: $59-$89 Slaughter cows: $29-$64 Bred cows: $650-$2,300 Cow/calf pairs: $1,000-$2,800

Buffalo Results of the Buffalo Livestock Commission’s May 26 sale.

Head: 1,135 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $160$202; 300-400 lbs., $145-$200; 400-500 lbs., $140-$165; 500-600 lbs., $135-$160; 600-700 lbs., $130-$151; 700-800 lbs., $115-$130 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $130$190; 300-400 lbs., $130-$157; 400-500 lbs., $125-$150; 500-600 lbs., $120-$145; 600-700 lbs.,$115-$140; 700-800 lbs., $105-$120 Slaughter bulls: $65-$100 Slaughter cows: $35-$61 Bred cows: $750-$1,300 Cow/calf pairs: $950-$1,275

Caldwell

Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s May 30 sale.

Head: 557 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $175$190; 300-400 lbs., $165-$177; 400-500 lbs., $156-$172; 500-600 lbs., $143-$157; 600-700 lbs., $136-$142; 700-800 lbs., $128-$130 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $166$200; 300-400 lbs., $156-$185; 400-500 lbs., $147-$170; 500-600 lbs., $138-$172; 600-700 lbs., $127-$140; 700-800 lbs., $120-$125 Slaughter bulls: $70-$84 Slaughter cows: $40-$65 Bred cows: $650-$1,100 Cow/calf pairs: $675-$1,300

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Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Company’s May 31 sale.

Head: 598 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $150$197; 400-500 lbs., $145-$187; 500-600 lbs., $133-$168; 600-700 lbs., $130-$139 Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $130$160; 400-500 lbs., $125-$152; 500-600 lbs., $120-$138; 600-700 lbs., $110-$130 Slaughter bulls: $70-$82 Slaughter cows: $36-$65 Bred cows: $900-$1,300 Cow/calf pairs: $900-$1,200

Results of the Jordan Cattle Auction’s May 31 sale.

Head: 1,203 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $170$202; 300-400 lbs., $160-$202; 400-500 lbs., $148-$160; 500-600 lbs., $140-$161; 600-700 lbs., $130-$149; 700-800 lbs., $125-$142 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $150$165; 300-400 lbs., $145-$160; 400-500 lbs., $135-$148; 500-600 lbs., $130-$143; 600-700 lbs., $120-$131; 700-800 lbs., $108-$126 Slaughter bulls: $65-$90 Slaughter cows: $40-$64 Bred cows: $700-$1,100 Cow/calf pairs: $900-$1,225

Results of the Navasota Livestock Commission’s May 26 sale.

Head: 1,037 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $115$185; 300-400 lbs., $115-$185; 400-500 lbs., $115-$170; 500-600 lbs., $110-$155; 600-700 lbs., $110-$145 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $115$175; 300-400 lbs., $115-$170; 400-500 lbs., $115-$165; 500-600 lbs., $110-$142.50; 600-700 lbs., $105-$133 Slaughter bulls: $55-$77.50 Slaughter cows: $35-$63 Bred cows: $700-$1,100 Cow/calf pairs: $1,000-$1,300 — Special to The Post

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The Land & Livestock Post

Equine Edition

Tackling mosquito and tick problems in Texas

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

WESLACO—Withticksposing an ongoing threat to Texas’ cattle industry and mosquitoes causing challenging human health diseases such as Zika virus, a consortium of public health experts met recently at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Weslaco to hear the latest research and offer potential solutions.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston are leading a collaboration to solve threats from the pests as members of the Western Gulf Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases.

The consortium has received $10 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over five years to carry out applied research and implement communities of practice across Texas to respond better to mosquito and tick-borne diseases, according to organizers.

“The Center of Excellence shows the true value of partnerships in confronting significant public health issues such as Zika and West Nile virus,” said Craig Nessler, AgriLife Research director in College Station. “The center combines the strengths of cutting edge research with public health surveillance and control, along with Extension education programs on how to lower mosquito numbers. Talented individuals from each of these areas form a strong team working together with the common goal of reducing disease.”

“The goal of this meeting was to gather the scientists and the public health officials in South Texas where we all could report progress on the research projects,” said David Ragsdale, head of the department of entomology at Texas A&M University in College Station.

“It also was where we could exchange information to inform

the center members where there may be areas we can help either with our expertise or where further research is needed,” Ragsdale said.

The funding is being used to: • Support applied research to create new methods of vector and disease control.

• Translate scientific advances into real-world tools to benefit the public.

• Facilitate communication and collaboration between academic institutions, public health agencies, federal institutions and communities, vital for controlling vector-borne diseases.

• Create an ongoing feedback loop between community needs and translational research results.

• Train the next generation of leaders in public health entomology.

Attending the meeting were health officials representing the cities of Laredo, McAllen, Harlingen, Brownsville and Corpus Christi and Hildalgo, Cameron and Nueces counties, as well medical entomologists and vector control specialists from the Texas Department of State Health Services, and AgriLife Research scientists.

Other key partners in Valley research activities include faculty at the AgriLife center at Weslaco and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Ragsdale said the CDC’s Vital Signs website released information on how vectored diseases

The Land & Livestock Post

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo

A consortium of public health experts met at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Weslaco to hear the latest research and offer potential solutions to tick and mosquito-borne diseases. are on the rise throughout the country. These include tickborne diseases in the Northeast and outbreaks of Zika and other mosquito-borne viruses in Florida, Puerto Rico and Texas.

For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/vectorborne/index.html.

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June 2018 — Issue II

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News It pays to know the differences in bermudagrass varieties

By AdAm Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

OVERTON — Not all bermudagrasses are created equal, but varieties often are confused as their own separate species, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

Vanessa Corriher-Olson, AgriLife Extension forage specialist in Overton, said she receives numerous calls each year regarding bermudagrasses from producers who are confused about warmseason grass species and looking for the right fit to their location.

Bermudagrass is a warm-season perennial grass that spreads mainly via underground stems, or rhizomes, and horizontal above-ground stems, or stolons, she said. The grass tolerates a wide range of soil types and soil

pH levels, which makes it adapted to most of the Southern U.S. “Most people think these bermudagrass varieties are a species of their own, but they are not,” Corriher-Olson said. “They are hybrid varieties of bermudagrass.”

Here are some of the grasses she said are commonly confused, along with a description of them: • Coastal — Modern Coastal bermudagrass is a result of an extensive breeding program by Glenn Burton, a U.S. Department of Agriculture plant geneticist and grass breeder at the University of Georgia Coastal Plains Experiment Station at Tifton.

Coastal, the most widely planted variety in Texas, is a highly productive bermudagrass producing both rhizomes and sto-

See VARIETIES, Page 19

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Adam Russell

A Coastal bermudagrass field in East Texas. There are differences in bermudagrass varieties and it pays to know them.

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News Varieties, from Page 18 lons and is adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions, Corriher-Olson said. The variety has exceptional longevity, readily responds to fertilizer and irrigation, and possesses better drought tolerance than common bermudagrass. Coastal is also tolerant of continuous grazing or frequent and close defoliation.

• Tifton 85 — This variety was developed by Burton in cooperation with the Tifton station in 1991. Tifton 85 is a hybrid between Coastal and Tifton 68. Tifton 85 has large stems, long stolons and a reduced number of rhizomes compared with Coastal. It can be established either by planting sprigs or vegetative tops, Corriher-Olson said.

In a three-year trial in Georgia, Tifton 85 produced 26 percent more dry matter and was 11 percent more digestible than Coastal. Animal gains were approximately 10 percent better on Tifton 85 than Coastal due to the higher digestibility.

During trials at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton, Tifton 85 has remained green longer into the season than Coastal, she said.

“During the 2011 drought, we visually saw Coastal go dormant before Tifton 85,” she said. “But overall, bermudagrasses are more drought tolerant than bahia grass.”

• Jiggs — This variety is a private release of a bermudagrass found growing along the Texas Gulf Coast. Jiggs establishes rapidly and is generally planted using tops, Corriher-Olson said.

The naturalized ecotype is productive and anecdotal evidence suggests Jiggs may perform better on poorly draining tighter soils than other bermudagrass varieties.

“There is no difference in dry matter yields between Jiggs and Coastal,” she said.

“There is very little information available regarding Jiggs, but the variety has generated a good following where it is used.”

Corriher-Olson said choosing a bermudagrass variety based on location is the most important consideration.

“For the most part, a producer’s choice is personal preference because bermudagrasses are so well adapted to conditions in Texas for grazing and hay production,” she said. “But some hybrid varieties are better suited for specific regional conditions.”

For more information about bermudagrass varieties and other forage-related topics, go to foragefax.tamu.edu/.

Producers who are not sure which variety is best for their location and production system can visit with a local AgriLife Extension agent for region-specific recommendations.

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June 2018 — Issue II

19

Equine Edition 64th Beef Cattle Short Course set for Aug. 6-8 in College Station

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The 64th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Aug. 6-8 at Texas A&M University in College Station will highlight a cattle market outlook as well as issues affecting beef producers.

The short course is the largest beef cattle educational event in the country and attracts more than 1,600 beef cattle producers from Texas and abroad, according to organizers.

The short course is hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the department of animal science at Texas A&M. “Several factors are impacting our cattle producers across Texas including dry conditions over many of the regions,” said Jason Cleere, coordinator and AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in College Station. “We will have a weather outlook, plus a comprehensive cattle market outlook that producers can use to determine their marketing plans for the next year.”

An added component to the front of this year’s short course is the Ranch Horse workshop on

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

A fence-building demonstration will be held as part of the 64th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Aug. 6-8 in College Station.

Aug. 5 for beef short course registrants. Cost is $50 at the door for those not registered for the beef short course.

The day-long program will feature AgriLife Extension experts and topics that include equine nutrition, hay and pasture management, and routine health

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The short course also features 22 sessions covering basic practices, new technologies and other important industry topics. These

sessions provide participants with an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch.

“Concurrent workshops will feature information on forage and beef cattle management, health, nutrition and reproduction, record keeping, genetics, purebred cattle and much more,” Cleere said.

In addition to classroom instruction, participants can attend one of the program’s popular demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 8, he said.

“There will be demonstrations on live cattle handling, chuteside calf working, brush management, fence building, tractor safety and beef carcass value determination,” Cleere said.

“The goal of the short course each year is to provide the most

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cutting-edge information needed by beef cattle producers. We have information everyone can take home and apply to their operations.”

Participants can earn at least nine Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide continuing education units if they are already licensed, Cleere added.

An industry trade show, featuring more than 130 agricultural businesses and service exhibits, will also be held during the event.

“And the famous Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner is always a highlight of the short course,” Cleere said.

Registration is $210 and covers all meals, including the prime rib dinner, breaks and printed materials.

To register, go to beefcattleshortcourse.com/.

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June 2018 — Issue II

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News

Some things to consider when stocking catfish

By Mike Porter Noble Research Institute

Channel catfish is one of the three most commonly stocked fish species in the Southern Great Plains (largemouth bass and bluegill are the others).

Channel catfish is the primary target fish species in some ponds and one of several sport fish species in other ponds. In ponds where channel catfish is the primary focus, management strategy varies depending whether a pond permanently holds water or is periodically drained. This article focuses on ponds with permanent water because this type of catfish pond is more common in the Southern Great Plains.

Prevent overpopulation

Ponds with permanent water require largemouth bass to prevent catfish overpopulation and stunting. A single female channel catfish can spawn 2,000 to 50,000 young per year. Each pond supports a limited number of catfish per acre, so channel catfish commonly becomes overpopulated without bass.

Stocking only channel catfish and largemouth bass is a great option for managing ponds smaller than one-half acre where bass-bluegill management can be difficult. This also is an option for larger ponds when a pond manager primarily wants a channel catfish fishery.

Stocking rates

Photos by the Noble Research Institute

Above, channel catfish is one of the three most commonly stocked fish species in the Southern Great Plains. Left, channel catfish grow fine without feeding in most ponds when stocked at 100 or fewer per acre.

can range from 100 to 1,000 fish per acre in sport fishing ponds that are consistently fed an appropriate floating pelleted catfish feed. However, feeding fish, especially at higher catfish stocking rates dramatically increases the risk of a low-dissolved oxygen fish kill.

Largemouth bass fingerlings should be stocked at approximately 40 per surface acre into such ponds. Largemouth bass tend to remain relatively small (e.g., 8-14 inches) in catfish fisheries without other fish prey species, which is typically not a problem because bass are present as a management tool rather than a focal sport fishery. When stocked at the same time, channel catfish fingerlings should be larger than bass fingerlings. When same-size catfish and bass fingerlings are

stocked, channel catfish should be stocked six to eight months prior to bass.

In ponds larger than one-half acre without fish, where channel catfish is not the focal species but one of several sport fish species, typically small fingerling channel catfish and bream species (e.g., bluegill, redear sunfish or hybrid sunfish) initially are stocked at approximately 100 and 500 per acre, respectively, during late summer or early fall. Then depending on bass goals, 40 to 100 small fingerling largemouth bass per acre are stocked during the following spring.

mouth bass exist. Catfish may spawn in such ponds, but adult bass consume most, if not all, catfish fry and fingerlings. Thus, advanced fingerling channel catfish must be periodically stocked to maintain catfish fisheries in

Supplemental stocking

When stocking channel catfish into a pond with an established largemouth bass population, advanced fingerling catfish longer than 8 inches should be stocked to avoid significant depredation

The initial channel catfish stocking rate usually is 100 fingerlings per surface acre (i.e., 10 per 1/10 acre) in ponds that are not fed or fed inconsistently.

Channel catfish grow fine without feeding in most ponds when stocked at 100 or fewer per acre.

Stocking more than 100 channel catfish per acre in unfed or inconsistently fed ponds typically results in somewhat stunted catfish.

Channel catfish stocking rate

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of supplementally stocked catfish. Such advanced fingerling catfish generally grow to edible size after one growing season.

Channel catfish fry do not recruit well in ponds where significant numbers of adult large-

3390 Winbrook Dr. Memphis, TN 38116

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June 2018 — Issue II

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SPILLMAN & SONS RANCH Tommy and Ruth Spillman Registered Line One Herefords

To adverTise ConTaCT:

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The Land & Livestock Post

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June 2018 — Issue II

1) 0% Annual Percentage Rates (APR) for 60 months. AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED CUSTOMERS who finance a new 2018 Tundra Special Edition (TB Package) through Toyota Financial Services. Higher rates apply for customers with lower credit ratings. Specific vehicles are subject to availability. APR may not be combined with any other Customer Cash or lease offers. Monthly payment for every $1,000 financed is $16.67. Must take retail delivery from dealer stock. Dealer sets final actual price. Offer valid 06-05-2018 through 07-09-2018 in AR, LA, MS, OK, TX only. Contact participating dealer for details. PLUS $2000 Customer Cash from TMS, GST on a new 2018 Tundra. Customer Cash is not available with Special APR or Lease offers. Must take delivery from dealer stock. Dealer sets final price. Offer valid 06-05-2018 through 07-09-2018 in AR, LA, MS, OK, TX. Contact participating Dealer for details. Plus $2000 Special Edition Customer Cash from GST on a new 2018 Special Edition (TB Package) Tundra. Customer Cash is not available with Special APR or Lease offers. Must take delivery from dealer stock. Dealer sets final price. Offer valid 06-05-2018 through 07-09- 2018 in AR, LA, MS, OK, TX. Contact participating Dealer for details. 2) $2000 Customer Cash from TMS, GST on a new 2018 Tundra. Customer Cash is not available with Special APR or Lease offers. Must take delivery from dealer stock. Dealer sets final price. Offer valid 06-05-2018 through 07-09-2018 in AR, LA, MS, OK, TX. Contact participating Dealer for details.

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June 2018 — Issue II

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The Land & Livestock Post