Roscoe and Maple Working as Dog Team for First Time

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Roscoe and Maole pulling the Toboggan for the firt time.

I’ve never had a real Dog Sled, or Team, but always dreamed about it! I’ve been able to train Roscoe to help me pull feed and water for the animals on the toboggan. Roscoe also helps me haul and bring in Firewood. Imagine what we can do when Maple and Roscoe really get things worked out, and we can do even more!  Not sure I’ll ever run the Iditarod, which was one of my somewhat wistful dreams, but together we can accomplish great things! 

Watch this video to see what a good job they did today…

It’s also so nice to see Maple and Roscoe enjoying themselves outside. Maple has only been with us about 5 weeks. She’s come so far! When she come she suffered from separation anxiety and was super hyper. She definitely still has room for improvement, but she’s come so far! She’s settled down, a lot. She’s learning to listen, and lay down when it’s time, and respond when it’s appropriate! Looking forward to see what Maple and Roscoe do in the days to come! 


Recommended Reading from the Brain Hurlburt Bookshop: 

Book: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod

mmm

 

Metering Out The Hay

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Making Hay (1872) Winslow Homer (American, 1836-

In a Post, earlier this month, Moving an 800 lb Hay Bale by Hand, I showed the size of Round Bales we get and it also shows how Is how I roll it out. Now, in this Post, I’m going to explain how I meter out the hay so that I always feed my animals the same amount, and make my bale last a set number of days! I do this using pallets! 

Metering Out The Hay

It occurred to me that each Pallet is about a Meter (39”) wide and 48” or 4 Feet Wide, 

Which made me think of the saying, “to meter out”. Which, according to Webster’s Dictionary is to,

“to give (something) to the people who one decides should get it : to give out or distribute (something)”.

I had never made a connection between the two before. Although, at least in this case, it makes perfect sense! 

Actually, while these Pallets are about a Meter wide, I actually roll the hay the other way, From end to end, or bottom to top, which is 48 inches. 

Then, after rolling it out, I roll up the amount from one Pallet. That is the amount for each the Goats, and Sheep. 

To be honest, the first couple of Bales I did this way were more by fluke than on purpose, but it worked so well, my 800 lb Bales lasted about 3 weeks, or 21 days. Which means about 38 lbs per day. The estimated combined weight of our 7 sheep is 575 lbs. While the goats weigh in at about 450 lbs total for all five. So, a total combined weight of about 1,025 lbs. Goats require about 4% of their body weight, and sheep at least 3%. So, our 800 lb bale lasting 21 days means we’re feeding and average of about 3.7% of their combined body weight. While these are just rough numbers, I love that it works out almost to the day every time, and it seems like it’s keeping the animals in pretty good shape, we also supplement their hay with a little feed, and some treats like fruits and vegetables. We do our best to help keep everybody happy! 


Recommended Reading from the Brian Hurlburt Bookshop: 

Book: Raising Goats Naturally

The Importance of Colostrum for Newborn Ruminants

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A Ewe And Two Lambs Juliette Peyrol-Bonheur (French, 1830–1891)

Colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother after giving birth, is essential for the survival and health of newborn ruminants such as calves, lambs, and kids. It differs significantly from regular milk due to its high concentration of nutrients, antibodies, and other bioactive compounds. Here’s why colostrum is crucial:

 

 

1. Passive Immunity Transfer

 

Newborn ruminants are born without a fully functional immune system and lack maternal antibodies. Colostrum provides immunoglobulins (primarily IgG), which offer passive immunity against pathogens present in the environment. This immunity protects the young animal until its own immune system matures and begins producing its own antibodies.

 

2. Rich Nutritional Content

 

Colostrum contains higher levels of proteins, fats, vitamins (A, D, and E), and minerals compared to regular milk. These nutrients are vital for energy, growth, and the development of critical organs, particularly the gastrointestinal system.

 

3. Gut Health and Development

 

The bioactive compounds in colostrum, such as growth factors, help in the development of the gastrointestinal tract. These compounds stimulate cell growth, repair intestinal tissues, and enhance nutrient absorption.

 

4. Disease Prevention

 

The antibodies and antimicrobial factors in colostrum, such as lactoferrin and lysozymes, protect newborns from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. This is especially important in the early days when the animal is highly vulnerable to diseases.

 

5. Energy Supply

 

Newborn ruminants have low energy reserves at birth. Colostrum provides a concentrated source of energy, particularly from fats, which is crucial for thermoregulation and physical activity in the first hours of life.

 

6. Timing is Critical

 

The ability of the newborn’s intestine to absorb immunoglobulins decreases rapidly after birth, with the most efficient absorption occurring within the first 6-12 hours. By 24 hours, the gut closure process significantly reduces the uptake of these antibodies. Therefore, ensuring the newborn consumes sufficient colostrum as soon as possible is critical.

 

7. Quality and Quantity

Quality: High-quality colostrum has a high concentration of immunoglobulins and is free from contamination. Testing tools like a colostrometer or Brix refractometer can help assess colostrum quality.

Quantity: The general guideline is that newborns should consume about 10% of their body weight in colostrum within the first 12 hours of life.

 

Conclusion

 

Colostrum is more than just the first milk; it is a lifeline for newborn ruminants. Proper management of colostrum feeding—focusing on quality, quantity, and timing—is essential for ensuring the health, survival, and long-term productivity of young ruminants. Livestock producers must prioritize colostrum management to maximize the benefits for their herds or flocks. 


Recommended Reading from the Brian Hurlburt Bookshop: 
 

Raising Goats Naturally

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When we got started with Goats at Briden Farm we just jumped right in! Actually we’d had Goats before so it made it a bit easier. Actually we’d had moved the goats in before we actually lived here! However, it may have been beneficial if we had read a book! Perhaps …

Book: Raising Goats Naturally

Much of what is in this book we’ve learned through years of trial and error! It’s probably cost us far more than the cost of the book! So, here’s Your chance to Learn, if not from our mistakes, at least from a Book that will help You work with nature to raise goats to produce milk, cheese, meat, fertilizer, leather, fiber, and soap – all without relying on drugs or following the factory farm model. That’s more than We do! So, pretty sure You’ll more than get Your moneys worth, and perhaps more importantly, Save You hours of Frustration! 

The Book also includes: 

  • Breed-specific descriptions to help you choose the right goats for your goals and lifestyle
  • Detailed information on housing, fencing, breeding, health, milking, and nutrition
  • Complete recipes and instructions for making your own cheese, dairy products, and soap, as well as cooking with goat meat.

We’d be glad to hear Your Book Review in the Comments!


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Recommended Reading from the Brian Hurlburt Bookshop
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