The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Cooperative Extension Service

Livestock Newsletter

October, 1997
AS1 - Newsletter

• Upcoming Livestock Dates & Junior State Livestock Shows Entry Deadlines
• 1997 Georgia State Market Lamb and Breeding Ewe Show Results (Ronnie Silcox)
• 1997 Superior Sheep Exhibitor Award (Ronnie Silcox)
• Implanting Calves (Ronnie Silcox)
• Poets Needed for Cattleman's Convention (Ronnie Silcox)
• Simmental's EPDs Change (Dan T. Brown)
• Supplements for Winter Feeding (Robert L. Stewart)
• On-Farm Bull Testing (Calvin Alford & Sarah Simpson)
• The Elusive Mineral Requirements of the Goat (Calvin Alford & Sarah Simpson)
• Is Alfalfa All Its "Stacked" Up to be for Horses? (Gary Heusner)
• Horse Happenings (Gary Heusner)

Please give credit to the author if you use an article in a non-Extension publication and please send a copy of the article to the author. Thank you!

Upcoming Livestock Dates

Junior State Livestock Shows Entry Deadlines

1997 Georgia State Market Lamb Show Results

1997 Georgia State Breeding Ewe Show Results

1997 Superior Sheep Exhibitor Award

Implanting Calves

Ronnie Silcox, Extension Animal Scientist

Last week I had the opportunity of trying to teach 24 college students, most of whom had never worked cattle, how to implant calves. This experience reminded me that some of the things you take for granted are not quite as straight forward as you think they are.

Growth implants are a good investment for commercial cattlemen. Implants cost from $1-$2 each. Under typical conditions calves that are implanted pre-weaning or at the beginning of a stocker program will gain 10-30 pounds more than non-implanted calves.

There are several brands on the market with names like Synovex, Ralgro, Revalor and Compudose. Some implants can be used in day-old calves while some are specifically made for weaned steers or weaned heifers. New products are introduced and directions change, so check the label for proper use.

If used properly, all of these implants will work. Improper implanting techniques can reduce the effectiveness of implants. Following are a few of the common mistakes that need to be avoided when using implants.

All implants should be placed in the middle third of the ear just beneath the skin. No other location is currently approved. In inserting the implant needle be sure to go just under the skin and not into the cartilage underneath. Implants placed in the cartilage will not be absorbed properly and performance will be reduced.

Infections or abscesses around the implant also prevent proper absorption. Using a clean, sharp needle is important. Dull needles or needles with burrs tend to do more damage and carry dirt or hair into the injection site. A knife sharpening stone will help. One good way to keep needles clean is to put disinfectant into a shallow tray (a paint roller pan works great). Set a sponge in the disinfectant and wipe the needle across the sponge between calves.

Implants like Ralgro, Synovex and Revalor are several small pellets. If these pellets are bunched or crushed they will not be absorbed uniformly. To prevent crushing pellets, the implant needle needs to be inserted fully, then withdrawn as the implant is deposited. There is a Synovex gun that has a rebounding needle to solve this problem. A version of Revalor guns have a bar that pushes the ear off the needle as implants are deposited. The simple solution with a plain gun like the Ralgro gun is to withdraw the needle about 1/2 inch before you squeeze the trigger and continue to withdraw the needle as the implant is deposited.

The final major problem is no implant.When several things are being done it is easy to let a calf out of the chute without completing everything. One way to avoid this is to develop a routine and do each step in order on every calf. If more than one person is working assign specific tasks to each person. There are other ways a calf can leave the chute with no implant. If you stick the needle through the ear or pull the needle out too fast, the implant can end up on the ground. Depending on the type of gun you are using, it is also easy to not have an implant aligned in the gun. It is a good practice to run your finger over the implant site before you release the calf. You should be able to feel the implant under the skin.

It is easy to implant calves, but as with many other things it is also easy to make simple mistakes. A little extra care can help you get the most from your investment. As with any product, begin by reading the label and following the instructions.

Poets Needed for Cattleman's Convention

A special event is being planned for the 1998 Georgia Cattleman's Convention on Thursday, February 12 in Athens.

On Thursday night immediately following the annual President's Gala a Catch-Pen Poets Gathering will be held. It is hoped that our own talents and no-talents will join in presenting original poetic compositions.

The rules are fairly simple. Any GCA member or family member who has written a poem can participate. No experience is required. Poems need to be original and preferably, but not necessarily, of a cowish nature. Poems may be serious, funny, said or downright silly. Finally, those who do not wish to have fun should not attend the Catch-Pen Poets Gathering.

We need 12-15 would-be poets to share their work. On the night of Thursday, February 12 these Catch-Pen Poets will take turns reciting their works for the audience.

If you have a local would-be poet who might be interested, please have them contact Ronnie Silcox at (706) 542-7023.

Simmental's EPDs Change

Dan T. Brown, Extension Animal Scientist

The Simmental and Simbrah breeds have changed the way their EPDs are calculated. This was done in order to address two concerns that the breeders had:

1. Why can't the EPDs reflect differences between Simmental and the other breeds? and
2. Why are the EPDs on the same bulls different in Canada and the United Stares?

The new Fall 1997 Simmental Sire Summary answered these questions by introducing the Multiple-Breed International Cattle Evaluation System method of computing the EPDs. This system is suppose to:

1. More accurately describe differences in breeding values among animals with different genetic backgrounds,
2. Compare all animals in the data base regardless of their fraction of Simmental breeding,
3. Include the differences between Simmental genes and genes coming from other breeds, adjust for heterosis and factors out age of dam effect of cows from different breed backgrounds,
4. Reflect differences between Simmental and other breeds, and
5. Combine U. S. and Canadian data.

This new method (MB-ICE) of computing EPDs has changed all of the previous listed ones. Basically, all EPDs for all traits were adjusted upward except for calving ease and maternal calving ease. A comparison is in the table below.

What does all this mean to you? The bottom line is that this greatly boosted the growth numbers (WWT, YWT, MWW) and milk (MMK) -- looks much more comparable to sire summaries for some other breeds. However, the down side is what the birth weight EPD looks like now. Birth weight EPD on all bulls is 3.5 pounds larger now. This probably is going to confuse and back off some commercial bull buyers. You need to remember that the animal did not change -- just the numbers.

Supplements for Winter Feeding

Robert L. Stewart, Extension Animal Scientist

Winter is approaching and now is the time to plan your feeding program. The majority of your annual cash cost of keeping a brood cow will be spent during the next four to five months. Most of this cost is spent on hay and supplemental feed. Your income for 1989 and 1990 will be influenced to a great degree by how you feed your brood cows this winter. Your goals should be to maximize performance at minimum cost. Get the newborn calves off to a good start and get the mamas rebred.

The first question you might ask is whether to provide supplemental protein. The importance of proper supplementation is demonstrated by a trial run some years ago. The results are given in Table 1. Lactating cows fed average quality hay for 90 days after calving with no supplement produced lighter calves (406 lbs. vs. 464 lbs.) and fewer bred back (66% vs. 83%) than those receiving protein.

You might ask, Does it pay? I figured it this way for 100 cows:

I realize this is cowboy math, but the return to proper supplementation in this case was over $6,300. Most of you have more than a 66% calf crop to start with and your goal should be much higher than the 83% in this particular trial. The point is the cows need adequate protein if you expect them to perform. If your hay is not good enough, then you had better feed extra protein.

The next question you might ask is what form of protein to feed. First, look at cost. Table 2 lists various protein sources at prices quoted locally. Yours may vary somewhat from these. Feeds contain differing amounts of protein and are priced per bag, per hundred weight (cwt.), per block and per ton. It can be very confusing when you are trying to decide which is the best buy. The table also lists the cost per pound of actual protein. This is the bottom line. Protein blocks and range cubes are most expensive. Is this premium worth the convenience they provide? Of course, the bargains are broiler litter and winter grazing. The relatively low cost of litter is deceiving because you must add on the cost of storage, mixing and handling. However, if you are equipped to handle broiler litter, you still can't beat the price. In any case, shop around and try to decide on the cost of protein actually delivered instead of the price per bag or ton of feed.

The third question should be how much protein should be fed. If you tell me you have average quality hay, my answer is approximately 2 lbs. of actual protein per day. That converts to over 4 lbs. of soybean meal or 8 lbs. of a protein block per day. Good quality hay requires less and with excellent quality hay, you will need no supplemental protein. The only way to know is to sample your hay and have it tested. Your county extension agent has the sample identification forms and the information on how to balance your hay. It may cost a little, but it is the first step in maximizing performance at minimum cost.

Feeding brood cows during the winter is always a chore. Once you realize the impact it has on profitability, you should take the steps necessary to feed a balanced ration. Test your forage, find out how much supplement is needed and decide the cheapest source of protein. A 90% calf crop and 58 lbs. more weaning weight will make you money.

On-Farm Bull Testing

An interview with Dr. Dan Brown and Dr. Robert Stewart

Calvin Alford & Sarah Simpson

We get quite a few calls this time of year regarding on-farm testing of bulls. Drs. Brown and Stewart were called and posed the following questions and noted responses.

How do you start these young bulls on feed?

Both Dr. Brown and Dr. Stewart start their bulls on feed at 1% of their body weight and free choice hay. From there, Dr. Brown increases feed by 0.5 lbs/head/day, taking the level to 1.5% body weight by the end of the first week. He also feeds his animals twice daily, splitting the amount evenly for a morning and nightly portion. He suggests slowing up after the first week and then continuing to raise the feed at 0.5 lbs/head/day until you have reached your desired level. Dr. Stewart follows a similar plan; on day 3 of the program, he increases feed by 1.0 lb/head/day and continues to do this every other day, bringing the bulls up to full feed in three weeks.

Do you feed the same ration from the beginning until the end of the test? What is your roughage:concentrate ratio?

Both Stewart and Brown feed the same ration from the beginning to the end of the test with a 25-30% roughage to 70-75% concentrate ratio and around 12% protein.

What would be an average feed efficiency? And what percent of your total feed cost is the cost of feeding bulls?

Average feed efficiency for Dr. Stewart's program is between 6.5 and 7.0 lbs of feed/lb of gain, and Dr. Brown, though he does not collect data on this value, agrees that below 7.0 lbs of feed/lb of gain is what a producer should maintain. Feed costs are variable, of course, but an average range is from $165-185/ton. This value makes up about 65% of the total cost of feeding bulls, and 70% if the cost of hay is included.

If feeding bulls on-farm, would you feed a cooler, cheaper feed?

When asked if they would use a cheaper, cooler feed if feeding bulls on-farm, Brown and Stewart disagree. Dr. Brown would feed the same hot ration, only a smaller amount. For example, if 3.5% body weight is full feed in a test station situation, in an on-farm situation, he would feed 2.0% body weight as grain in addition to pasture or hay. Dr. Stewart, however, would use a cheaper, cooler feed if feeding bulls on-farm.

What is the highest ADG you have ever attained?

When asked their highest average daily gain recorded, Dr. Brown remembered 5.5 lbs as approximately his highest ADG value. Dr. Stewart quoted 6.08 lbs as his most impressive gain.

Over the years, what percent of the bulls are treated? What has been your average death loss? What has been the major feed-related health problem?

Concerning health, Dr. Brown treats around 10% of his animals for health problems with an average death loss of 0.5%. Dr. Stewart treats a larger percentage of his bulls, around 20%, and his death loss average is slightly higher as well, coming to around 1.5%. Both agree, however, that their major feed-related health problem is bloat.

What is the secret to feeding bulls at the test station? At the farm?

When asked the secret to feeding bulls at the test station, Dr. Stewart keeps his opinion to himself. Dr. Brown, however, believes good management is the answer to productive bulls. Being able to spot sickness before it happens, keeping feed and water fresh, and basically maintaining the health of the animals is Dr. Brown's main advice. He gives the same answer for the secrets to on-farm bull testing. Having a good ration and keeping the bulls healthy and happy are top priorities. Dr. Stewart advises on-farm testers to maintain a minimum gain of over 2.5 lbs/day as their goal. Falling below that, he warns, gives a more arbitrary measurement of growth and not a clear assessment of each animal's genetic potential.

The Elusive Mineral Requirements of the Goat

Calvin Alford and Sarah Simpson

For years, most goat mineral and cow mineral came in the same bag, same writing, same picture, same mineral. However, as the interest in meat goat production has increased, many producers are interested in a mineral mix designed specifically for the meat goat. Some mineral companies have responded with a special mix; but how does one compare mixes, and what does the meat goat require?

Scientific information regarding mineral supplementation in the meat goat is woefully lacking. The cornerstone of ration balancing, the NRC for goats, was last published (updated) in 1981. Many of the requirements are best guesses, extrapolated from cattle or sheep research, or simply listed as not known. It is our aim to develop some basic guidelines for assuring acceptable mineral availability for your animals, and with the help of the National Academy Press's Nutrient Requirements of Goats (1981), we have taken each of the seven major and nine minor required minerals and calculated their concentration in a standard mineral mix. By comparing this value to the daily required amounts for goats, it can then be determined what amount should be supplied by your feeding/foraging program.*

[*All calculations based on 75 lb (34.09 kg) goats eating 1.7 kg feed/day in addition to 14 g mineral mix/day unless otherwise specified.]

Beginning with calcium, the Nutrient Requirement handbook tells us that for a low activity (meaning "25% increment, intensive management, tropical range, and early pregnancy"), 40 kg goat (88 lbs), 3.0 grams/day should be sufficient for normal life. A deficiency in this mineral could produce such adverse effects as decreased growth, rickets, decreased lactation, and parturient paresis. In the standard mineral mix we sampled, it was determined that a goat eating 14 grams (1/2 oz) of mineral mix per day at 19.40% Ca would ingest 2.7 g of Ca/day. This almost meets the daily requirement for Ca without any outside feeding. The feed/forage should make up the remaining 0.3 g Ca/d, and there have even been indications that as much as 14 g Ca/d in lactating goats can increase their milk production.

When discussing calcium, one cannot avoid mention of phosphorous as well. Phosphorous and calcium are important in many bodily functions, and their ratio in the body is crucial as well. The Ca:P ration should stay at or above 1.2:1 in goat diets. Problems such as urinary calculi can arise if it is lowered. Phosphorous deficiencies alone cause symptoms such as decreased tissue and bone development, overall poor appearance and appetite, and also decreased milk production. Nutrient Requirements suggests 2.1 g P/day for a low activity, 40 kg goat, and 6.0 g P/day for increased milk production. In our standard mineral mix, only 0.932 g P was supplied through daily intake. Therefore, 1.1368 g must be supplied otherwise in the diet which should not be a problem as browse and pasture grasses are high in phosphorous.

Sodium and chlorine are two other minerals that are often discussed together due to the fact that they can both be supplied in the form of common table salt (sodium chloride). Without sufficient salt, goats may exhibit decreased appetite and begin to eat soil/dirt, etc. It is recommended that both be supplied at 0.5% of total feed, equaling a total of 8.5 g of each/day. Our sample mineral mix analyzed Na level at 1.25 g Na/day, but no level of Cl was given. No negative affects have been recorded on the over consumption of salt; therefore availability of free choice salt should assure appropriate levels are acquired.

Magnesium is known to be necessary to the goat diet, however, the Nutrient Requirement handbook gives no specific recommendation for daily intake. Magnesium is involved in enzyme systems, the nervous system, and the metabolism of calcium and phosphorous. If a deficiency arises, maladies including anorexia, over-excitability, and grass tetany can result. It is written that goats can compensate to some extent for a magnesium deficiency by reducing their excretion from the body. In the mineral mix sample, the goat would ingest 0.2044 g Mg/day.

In the case of potassium, it is suggested that 0.5% (for growing goats) or 0.8% (for lactating goats) of the goat's diet be made up of this mineral. If not, decreased feed intake, growth, and milk production could result. Emaciation and decreased muscle tone are also symptoms of a more intense K deficiency. If calculated for a goat eating 1.7 kg feed/day, the values come to 8.5 g K/d and 13.6 g K/d, while the sample mineral mix only included 0.0392 g K for daily intake. This would leave up to 13.56 g Mg to be supplied outside the mineral mix. Nutrient Requirement reminds us, however, that for animals on roughage-based diets, K is usually not a problem.

Sulfur's importance in goat nutrition involves its existence in body proteins and especially in the amino acids that make up a large proportion of goat hair. Deficiency symptoms are listed as decreased performance, runny eyes, increased saliva production, and hair loss. Though sulfur deficiency has been believed to be rare, the Nutrient Requirement handbook does indicate that forages containing tannic acid may lead to the unavailability of sulfur to the goat. Requirements should range form 0.16 to 0.32% of the diet in feeds with 10-20% protein. This would mean for our example goat of 75 lbs (34.09 kg) eating 1.7 kg/d, 2.72 to 5.44 grams of sulfur would need to be supplied by the diet. Our standard mineral mix contained enough sulfur to allow for 0.263 grams to be ingested daily.

Iron is also a necessary mineral in the goat diet. Without iron, many enzyme systems and the hemoglobin that carries oxygen in the blood could not function properly. The Nutrient Requirement information declares 0.03% ferrous iron in the diet will possibly supply a sufficient daily amount, but sources are limited in this area. Based on 0.03% as the minimum level, 0.51 grams Fe would need to be present in a goat eating 1.7 kg/day. The Fe content of our sample mineral mix was lower than that, at 0.0588 grams Fe being supplied daily. The remainder of Fe required, 0.4512 g, would need to be supplied by other means.

Iodine is also a needed mineral goat diets. Necessary for the production of thyroxine, an iodine deficiency caused goiter, or the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiencies can be a problem in many areas, but it is controlled by feeding iodized salt. Overfeeding iodine is possible, but the Nutrient Requirement handbook gives no maximum value to avoid. In the mineral mix we sampled, the daily amount of iodine supplied came to 0.000859 grams/day.

Copper and molybdenum are another two minerals paired together. Their functions are interrelated because an imbalance of one or the other or both can cause problems with goat metabolism. The Nutrient Requirement handbook gives no specific value for adequate daily intake, but our mineral mix did supply 0.0375 g Cu and 0.00136 g Mo daily.

This year their have been several documented cases of zinc deficiency in meat goats. Zinc is not stored in an easily accessible way in the body and therefore must be suppled regularly to avoid such ills as parakeratosis, decreased feed intake and weight, swollen and overgrown feet, increased saliva production, stiff joints, and decreased testicle size and libido. The Nutrient Requirements, however, cannot tell us a definite value for the minimum zinc daily requirement. It has been indicated through previous research that 4 ppm/d is inadequate and levels of 1000 ppm may be toxic. Some evidence suggests 10 ppm as a safe minimum value. If 10 ppm (mg/kg feed) is used as the lowest possible value, at feed intake of 1.7 kg/d, 0.017 g Zn would be ingested. In our sample mineral mix, 0.15% was evaluated as the Zn level, meaning if 14 grams of mineral mix were consumed by each goat daily, they would be meeting this requirement at a level of 0.021 g Zn/day, with 0.004 g Zn left in excess.

Trouble with mobility, deformed forelegs, and decreased reproductive ability could all be signs of a manganese deficiency. Though no definite value is known for optimum performance, 5.5 ppm has been found to be inadequate, and 90 ppm sufficient according to the Nutrient Requirement handbook. If feeding 90 ppm Mn/day, 0.153 g Mn would be ingested daily. The mineral mix we sampled and had evaluated would only supply 0.010666 g Mn/day. Therefore, 0.142 g Mn would need to be available in the feed/forage portion of the diet.

Fluorine, selenium, and cobalt are the three minerals left to discuss. The Nutrient Requirement manual gives only information on sheep requirements for these minerals with the assumption that goat requirements will be some what similar. Sheep experience toxic symptoms if fed over 200 ppm fluorine, and, if consumed over a long period of time, plants with selenium levels at 3 ppm can be toxic as well. Fluorine deficiencies are said to be rare, but selenium deficiencies can occur and lead to white muscle disease or decreased performance and reproductive ability in milder cases. Selenium can be provided in the diet through salt supplementation or by injection. In our sample mineral mix, selenium was present at a level of 0.000462 grams ingested/day.

Cobalt is also an important mineral. Besides being an essential part of Vitamin B₁₂, a deficiency of this mineral can lead to extreme weakness and decreased production from lack of appetite, emaciation, and anemia. If goats react as sheep do, 0.1 ppm should meet requirements adequately. The Nutrient Requirement handbook gives no further information concerning the possibility of toxic levels of cobalt. The level of cobalt in our sample mineral mix was very small as well with 0.000427 grams of cobalt ingested daily.

Is Alfalfa All its "Stacked" up to Be for Horses?

Gary Heusner, Extension Animal Scientist

Many horse people feed their horses Alfalfa hay. Many of these people pay a premium for Alfalfa because they feel that Alfalfa contains much higher levels of nutrients for horses than any of the grass hays and particularly bermudagrass hay. It is true that Alfalfa is higher in protein and digestible energy than Bermudagrass hay. However, the difference in nutrient content does not offset the price differences between Alfalfa and Bermudagrass hay. In an attempt to explain the above, I am going to review the horse's need for forage (roughage) and compare Alfalfa and Bermudagrass hay as to type and nutrient contents. Finally, I will do a cost comparison of Alfalfa and Bermudagrass in a diet so that intelligent decisions can be made when considering the purchase of Alfalfa.

Why does a horse need forage? The horse is a non-ruminant herbivore. This means the horse can utilize large amounts of forage (pasture and hay) because of the large bacterial population found in the cecum and colon (large intestine). The bacterial and protozoal population is of the same type and concentration as found in the rumen of the cow. The forage consumed is broken down by the bacterial and protozoal population to volatile fatty acids which are absorbed and provide energy in the form of calories to the horse. The horse in many cases can survive solely on forages. The only time that grain supplements need to be fed is when a horse cannot consume enough forage to meet its energy needs. This is determined when a horse begins losing weight and body condition. The horse as a non-ruminant herbivore has a small stomach and this is one of the reasons the horse is a continuous grazer. Data have shown that a horse will spend 70% or more of its time grazing in a twenty-four hour period. Since the horse in natural conditions will spend over 70% of its time grazing, it is important in a non-pasture setting that the horse be allowed to consume adequate hay to meet a minimum "chew" time for normal gastrointestinal function and also for the prevention of stereotypes (abnormal behaviors) in a stall or otherwise confined setting with no access to pasture forage. Most equine nutritionists agree that a horse should consume at least 1% of its body weight per day of dry forages. For example, an 1100 pound horse should consume at least 11 pounds of hay per day.

What are the differences between Alfalfa and Bermudagrass hays? Alfalfa is a legume. Bermudagrass as the name implies is a grass. The big difference between legumes and grasses is that legume plants grow symbiotically with rhizobia bacteria that form nodules on the roots. These bacteria use plant carbohydrates to reduce atmospheric N that becomes available to the plant. What this means nutrient wise to the horse is that legumes have higher levels of protein. In addition, legumes have a higher percentage of available carbohydrates which translates to a higher energy content on a per pound dry matter basis. Alfalfa hay will contain 18-22% crude protein and 1.1 megacalories of digestible energy per pound. Whereas a good quality hybrid Bermudagrass hay will contain 9-13% crude protein and 0.8 megacalories of digestible energy per pound. An 1100 pound horse on a maintenance diet requires 16.4 megacalories of digestible energy and 1.44 pounds of protein per day. Therefore this horse needs to eat 15 pounds of Alfalfa to meet the energy requirement (16.4 megacalories divided by 1.1 megacalories/pound = 15.0). The 15 pounds of Alfalfa will provide 2.7 pounds of protein which is 1.3 pounds more or 187% of the protein requirement of this horse. If we feed the same horse Bermudagrass hay we will need to feed 20.5 pounds to meet the energy requirement (16.5 megacalories divided by .8 megacalories/pound = 20.5). The 20.5 pounds of Bermudagrass hay will provide 1.84 pounds of protein or 127% of the protein requirement. If Alfalfa is selling for $250.00 per ton or $.125 per pound and Bermudagrass hay is selling for $120.00 per ton or $.06 per pound we can do some cost comparisons. The cost to feed the 1100 pound horse on a maintenance diet would be (15 x $.125 = $1.88) $1.88 per day or $686.20 per year with Alfalfa. The cost to feed Bermudagrass hay would be (20.5 x $.06 = $1.23) $1.23 per day or $448.95 per year. In this example we are strictly talking about a maintenance type diet where the hay is the sole feed. In most cases, horses consuming Alfalfa are also being fed a grain ration. Next month I will go through some more examples comparing the use of either Alfalfa or Bermudagrass hay for various work levels and physiological functions of horses.

In the meantime, if you feed or are considering feeding Alfalfa hay remember:

• Hays are fed primarily to provide energy and roughage. Cost comparisons should be made on the energy provided per unit cost.
• Alfalfa, because of its high protein content, is better suited for young growing horses and lactating mares.
• Alfalfa is a good forage for horses because it is palatable, digestible, and possible intrinsic nutritive factors of which we are unaware.
• Adapt horses gradually to Alfalfa as it has a laxative effect. Make sure that the hay has gone through a "sweat" before feeding (allow two to three weeks after bailing).

The Georgia Horse Council Coming to Calhoun and Perry, GA, and Soon to a City Near You

ATLANTA, GA (October 3, 1997) -- Do you own a horse or operate a business which in any way relates to horses? If so, plan now to be present at one of the most important meetings you may ever attend.

Sponsored by the Georgia Horse Council (GHC), the meetings will provide the opportunity for Georgia's horse owners to identify and discuss the issues they feel are important to the equine industry. For those opinions, the GHC is even providing a free dinner, hot dogs with all the trimmings, sponsored by Gold-Kist.

The meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. The first is scheduled for November 6 in Calhoun at the Gordon County Farm Bureau office (across from Wal-Mart). The second will be at 6:30 p.m. November 18 in Perry at the Houston County Agricultural building, 733 Carroll Street. Additional meetings are scheduled for Gainesville, Griffin, Statesboro, Thomasville and Brunswick. Dates, time and location will be announced in early 1998.

The GHC is scheduling the meetings to hear first hand from Georgia's horse owners the issues and concerns they have about the horse industry. This will ensure the focus of the GHC is aligned with those of the horse community.

"Georgia's owners have much in common," said Donna Browning, president of the GHC. "We want more riding trails and less tax on our horses and their feed. We also realize the need for an accurate census of Georgia's horse population to tangibly demonstrate how much our industry contributes to Georgia's economy. Imagine the power of a regional network of pro-actively linked horse owners and organizations, speaking with one voice and working toward the same goals. Together, we can accomplish so much."

The Georgia Horse Council represents Georgia's entire horse industry and is the designated state affiliate of the American Horse Council, the national equine voice. Formed in 1994, the GHC represents over 3,500 equestrians statewide, along with horse associations, breed organizations, saddle clubs, businesses and individuals. Members receive a quarterly newsletter, attend the GHC Horse Fair free of charge (scheduled for February 1998), and are encouraged to participate on specific committees, all working to improve Georgia's horse industry.

Annual membership to join the GHC is $14 for individuals, $25 for families and $100 for businesses. Those who elect to join now will have their membership applied to the rest of 1997 and all of 1998. The address for the Georgia Horse Council is: P. O. Box 736, Dahlonega, 30533.

For additional informational on article contact:

Mr. Chuck Rinaldo
2855 Cammie Wages Road
Dacula, GA 30211
(770) 962-0900

Vesicular Stomatitis Update from the USDA

According to USDA's latest update on the Vesicular Stomatitis situation, a total of 120 premises have been determined positive for VS. All cases are in Colorado and New Mexico.

Several states have placed restrictions on horses entering from states where VS has been confirmed. States having restrictions are: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. If moving horses across state lines, you should contact the office of the State Veterinarian in the state of destination to determine if their requirements apply to you. Note: Michigan requires a VS statement on all health certificates, whether the animal is coming from a VS-affected state or not.

The European Union and some south American countries have rules regarding Vesicular Stomatitis. In early August, Canada implemented new restrictions regarding horses from the nited States. The new regulations re-institute inspection of horses entering Canada and require a certification statement regarding Vesicular Stomatitis for all horses, ruminants and pigs on all health certificates endorsed by USDA after August 8. If going into Canada, you should enter through a port where veterinary inspection is available.

For further information on this or any international requirements, please contact the USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge in your state or the USDA/APHIS Export office in Riverdale, MD (301-734-8383) for complete and detailed information.

1998 AHC Convention Moves
From June to September

Beginning in 1998, the AHC will hold its annual convention in September rather than June. At its meeting in Denver, the Board of Trustees also decided to hold the AHC convention each year in Washington, D. C. to better accomplish the purposes of the American Horse Council. In the past, the convention has been held during June, with alternating years outside of Washington. The Board felt that in order to maintain an effective relationship with Congressional representatives, it was important to have a presence in Washington every year.

"Having the convention in September and in Washington will allow our attendees to visit their elected representative and present their views on issues of importance to the horse industry," said Will Farish Chairman of AHC. "The AHC wants to give all its members the opportunity to come to Washington in addition to the AHC's Winter Conference when committees visit elected officials. September is a time when lawmakers are focusing on legislative issues prior to adjournment. Furthermore, during an election year, September is an ideal time for AHC members to introduce themselves and communicate the importance of the horse industry to their Congressmen and Senators prior to the November elections.

The 1998 AHC convention will be held September 19-23, 1998 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. Detailed meeting schedules and registration information will be announced at a later date.

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