Grazing Animals and Greenhouse Gases

Grazing Animals and Greenhouse Gases

climate Grazing livestock

To me, there is logic in raising grazing animals to convert inedible rass to edible and nutritionally needed protein. the grazing animals also help to manage and enhance the grassland.  becausw thw animals emit greenhouse gasses, they are seen as part of the climate problem.  In the article, "The role of ruminants in reducing agriculture’scarbon footprint in North America." researchers use existing literature to conclude that the benefits of grazing animals to the environment and to human nutrition far outweighs their negative impacts in a well managed grazing program.

Good reasons to eat meat.

Good reasons to eat meat.

livestock meat

A friend of mine posted this link to a Nature article " Brain Food: Clever Eating".   The article explains how meat has contributed to Homo Sapiens being Homo Sapiens.  They also talk about how adding meat to the diet contributed to both mental and physical health.  The article points out the importance of the micro-nutrients in meat.

Veterinary Feed Directive

Veterinary Feed Directive

livestock

The FDA is implementing the Veterinary Feed Directive soon.  The rule says that many drugs must be approved by a veterinarian before they are administered.  The Prairie Farmer article says to talk with your veterinarian now about the VFD's.

The real interesting part of the article for non-farmers is the part where they list human use of various antibiotics vs. animal use.  It might lead you to believe doctors are over prescribing.

Vegetarian Fed Chickens

Vegetarian Fed Chickens

livestock Organic Farming

Our local supercenter has eggs from vegetarian chicks.  One issue I have is, "what are they using for a calcium source?"  Oyster shells?  Oops that is an animal product. Limestone?  Oops, remains from shell fish.  And how do they keep them from eating insects that might make their way into cages.  And I should pay double for such a dubious product?  

I found a Washington Post Blog on the topic that is well done.  

Hog Farm with Cover Crops

Hog Farm with Cover Crops

cover crops livestock

Janette Swarts shared this picture of  hog farm using cover crops.

Meat Myth Crushers.

Meat Myth Crushers.

livestock

There is a lot of misinformation circulating about meat.  A web site called Meat Myth Crushers takes on the critics with factual research backed answers to the myths.  The site contains videos, links to other resources, links to experts, and a link to their facebook page.  Each one of the links is probably worthy of a blog on its own.

Study of Egg Laying Systems

Study of Egg Laying Systems

livestock poultry

A recent three year study of egg laying systems used in the United States was completed with positive results for caged systems has recently received publicity in Farm Week News and the Wall Street Journal among other places.  Researchers looked at Caged, enriched colony, and cage-free systems. The study found that caged systems were healthier for both the chickens and the workers.  Egg quality was the same in all three systems.  The reasons for putting chickens in cages seems to be valid.  It keeps the chickens from pecking each other and it makes it easier to attend to individual bird's health needs.  The study did not look at pasture raised chickens that roam the yard.