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Environment – Keep It Clean, Keep It Dry.
Provide warm, dry housing without drafts. Make enclosure predator proof.  Clean and disinfect housing, feeders and waterers before chicks arrive. Disinfect regularly.  Litter (bedding) should be 2″-5″ deep; use wood shavings, straw, etc.

Space Requirement – No Crowing Allowed
Hatch until 6 weeks: 0.8 – 1.0 square feet per chick
6 weeks and older: 1.0 – 2.0 square feed per chick

Temperature – Avoid the Bill Chill
Day old, 90°-95°F.  Heat lamp or light bulb, approximately 20″ above chicks.  Heat in advance, raise light to adjust temperature.  Place thermometer at chick level. Comfort can be observed.  If chicks huddle under light, it’s too cold.  If chicks huddle in corners, it’s too hot.  Reduce 5° each week until minimum of 65°F.

Water – Wet Their Whistles
One 1-quart fount per 25 chicks.  Use fresh, cool (not cold) water, clean daily. Disinfect waterers prior to use and then weekly.  Dip beaks to induce drinking.  elevate waterer after first week to reduce contamination from litter.  Waterer should not be higher than the chick’s back.  Double waterer capacity at 6 weeks.

Turkey Poults
Slower to understand eating and drinking, watch closely first few days.  To get poults started, dip beaks in water and feed.

Ducklings/Goslings
May swim in water after 4 weeks.  Keep dry until then.  Place marbles in waterer to reduce splashing.

Feeder(s)
One foot long per 25 chicks.  Keep full at all times, scatter Purina Mills Start & Grown ration on newspapers first 2-3 days to encourage eating.

Free-Range and Confined Chickens:

Backyard Flock, Meat Birds & Medium to Heavy Breeds
Feed Purina Mills Flock Raiser to finish.  Pullets being kept for egg production should be fed Layena beginning at 18-20 weeks.

Ducklings/Gosslings
Feed Purina Mills Flock Raiser from hatch on. (Medicated feed not approved by FDA.)

Turkey Poults
Use Purina Mills Game Bird Chow Startena 0-9weeks, Purina Flock Raiser 9-18 weeks and finish with Purina Layena.

Game Birds
Requirements are different for each species.  Ask about Purina Mills Game Bird Life Cycle Feeding.

Cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc are trace minerals important to good cattle nutrition. Ranchers and feedlot operators need to know whether or not these minerals are available in their regions and supplement deficiencies accordingly. This TDN excerpts an article by Oklahoma State University animal nutritionist Fred Owens which identified the geographic availability of trace minerals. The original article appeared in the May, 1988 issue of Beef as “The Haves and the Have Nots.”

Cobalt

Moderate and extreme cobalt deficient areas exist primarily in the Central, Northeast and Southeast sections of the U.S. (Figure 1.) If cattle or feeds are obtained from these regions, deficiencies will be more likely. Cobalt levels calculated to be present in typical feedlot diets composed of corn, milo and wheat are .08, .19 and .15 parts per million (ppm). Compared with a .1 ppm requirement, the corn diet at .08 ppm is deficient by .02 ppm and must have cobalt supplemented.

Cobalt deficiency

One of the first signs of cobalt deficiency is a decreased appetite. Injections of cobalt or vitamin B-12 can stimulate the appetite of certain animals; for horses, B-12 injections are common. Vitamin B-12 often is included with vitamins A and D in injections for newly received cattle. As cobalt is a component of vitamin B-12, its requirement might increase with higher levels of propionate production in the rumen. Soil types vary in their cobalt level, and grasses are generally higher in cobalt than legumes.

Copper

Soils or plants in the upper Midwest, along the West Coast, in Florida and along the East Coast in the Virginia-Maryland area are low in copper (Figure 2). Copper deficiency also can occur in certain areas of the U.S., which have an excess of molybdenum (Figure 3), such as the Southwest, Florida and Central Texas. Cattle or feed from these areas may be deficient in copper.

The estimated requirement for copper by growing beef cattle was increased from 4 ppm in 1976 to 8 ppm in 1984. The new values are more similar to NRC (National Research Council) dairy requirements.

Dietary copper is tolerated by cattle at levels up to about 115 ppm. In contrast, the tolerance level for sheep fed a low molybdenum diet is only 8 to 11 ppm. When mineral supplements designed for cattle are fed to sheep, toxicities can occur.

With milo-based diets, one need not be concerned about copper, but with corn-based or wheat-based feedlot diets, 2 to 3 ppm of copper needs to be added.

Copper deficiency

With a severe copper deficiency, pigmentation of hair is reduced so that red cattle become yellow and black cattle become gray. Elevated levels of copper from copper sulfate may act as an antibiotic to depress ruminal fermentation.

Soil and plant copper concentrations vary. Young animals absorb copper more extensively than adult animals. High levels of sulfur, molybdenum, calcium and zinc each reduce absorption of copper and thereby increase its dietary requirement. Adequate copper is needed by the immune system, so a copper deficiency may cause animal health problems.

Iodine

Iodine is deficient in soils of plants across much of the Northern U.S. in the Goiter Belt (Figure 4). In addition, certain plants contain goitrogens that inhibit the use of iodine and increase its requirement.

The estimated iodine requirement for growing cattle is .5 ppm with a tolerance of 8 to 50 ppm. Corn-, milo- or wheat-based feedlot diets contain very little iodine and they all need iodine supplementation.

Iodine deficiency

An iodine deficiency decreases metabolic rate and causes goiter. Plants from low iodine soils have low iodine concentrations. Goitrogenic plants of wide renown and ill repute include those of the cabbage family, although goitrogens are also found in soybean meal, cottonseed meal and rapeseed meal.

Requirements for iodine vary with breed and age of animals. Under cold stress, the turnover rate of iodine increases, which may increase the need for dietary iodine. Castrated animals may require less iodine than do females, and females less than intact males.

A commonly used source of iodine in feeds is ethylenediaminedihydroiodine (EDDI). Some nutritionists have incorporated EDDI into diets as a preventative or cure for foot rot and soft tissue lumpy jaw. However, there is no scientific evidence substantiating the use of EDDI for those treatments. As a result, regulatory authorities have placed a maximum use level on the amount of EDDI that can be included in ruminant diets.

Iron

Iron present in soil often is unavailable to either plants or animals; thus, no mapping of soil or plant iron levels has been attempted. Iron availability varies widely with iron source.

Estimated iron requirements for steers have been increased by the NRC from 10 ppm (1976) to 50 ppm (1984). The iron tolerance level for cattle is from 400 to 1,000 ppm. Iron levels in corn, milo and wheat feedlot diets show that a wheat feedlot diet should be lowest, with a deficiency of 7 ppm.

Iron deficiency

As with deficiencies of many other minerals, a shortage of iron reduces rate of gain, a symptom that is hard to detect. Anemia also can occur. Iron loss is elevated by various abomasal or intestinal parasites that cause bleeding into the gut. One can measure iron status of animals by measuring the iron loading of the blood. Young animals need a much higher concentration of dietary iron than do older animals, probably because of expanding blood volume during growth.

Manganese

Manganese deficiencies of plants and grazing animals occur in the upper Midwest and along both coasts (Figure 5). Plants and soils as well as animals in these areas may have a marginal manganese status.

Estimated requirements for manganese range from 20 to 40 ppm and have been increased from the NRC (1976) estimate of 10 ppm. The tolerance level is about 1,000 ppm, indicating that excesses are well tolerated.

Corn-based feedlot diets are much lower in manganese than are milo- and wheat-based diets. To reach 40 ppm in the diet, 30 ppm needs to be added to the corn diet.

Manganese deficiency

Manganese deficiencies reduce growth rate. In 1951, Bentley and Phillips fed dairy cows diets containing 10 to 30 ppm manganese; three of the eight cows fed 10 ppm developed abscessed livers. Feeding 30 ppm prevented this problem. The effect of manganese on liver abscess incidence in beef cattle has not been tested.

High levels of calcium or phosphorus will increase the need for manganese. Soils vary in manganese content. In some regions, manganese is used as a fertilizer to increase plant production, which in turn can increase the manganese content of plants.

Selenium

Certain regions in the U.S. have topsoil and plants notably deficient in selenium (Figure 6). In other areas, toxicity of selenium is observed among grazing animals (Figure 7). In the Great Plains, toxicity has been of greater concern than deficiency. However, grain grown in the Eastern part of the Cornbelt and transported to the Great Plains probably will be low in selenium. Corn from some Oklahoma feedlots was recently found to be very low in selenium. This grain probably was imported from a low-selenium area of the U.S.

Selenium requirement estimates for growing beef cattle range from .1 to .2 ppm. The FDA recently approved supplementation with .3 ppm. As the tolerance for selenium is only 2 ppm, care is needed in selenium supplementation and in diet mixing.

Amounts found in various grains vary with their origin. According to the NRC, wheat-based diets are reasonably high in selenium content, while corn-based diets are low, possibly reflecting regional soil concentrations in the primary areas of production. With corn-based feedlot diets, to provide .2 ppm in the complete diet, one must add .13 ppm of selenium.

Selenium deficiency

Long touted as a panacea, selenium performs a number of functions in the body. Both selenium and vitamin E act as metabolic anti-oxidants. Selenium deficiency signs in cattle include white muscle disease and stiffness.

As many selenium compounds are quite volatile, it is necessary to have a good air control system and to use a gas mask when handling and mixing concentrated selenium premixes. Whenever the source of grain being fed in a diet is uncertain, it appears wise to consider that the grain was produced in a low-selenium region of the U.S. and to supplement accordingly. However, selenium supplementation should be avoided when grazing cattle in high-selenium areas of the U.S.

Zinc

Zinc is deficient in scattered areas of the Pacific Coast states plus Arizona and Utah, but the largest deficient areas are in the Southeast and Texas. Plants may have subnormal zinc levels in Wisconsin and Nebraska (Figure 8). One needs to be concerned about zinc with cattle or feed from these areas.

The requirement for zinc is estimated at 30 ppm, whereas the tolerance is 500 to 1,300 ppm. Corn- and milo-based feedlot diets provide 19 to 21 ppm of zinc, while wheat is considerably richer. For corn and milo diets, some 11 ppm needs to be added.

Zinc deficiency

Signs of zinc deficiency include reduced feed intake and rate of gain. In the human, zinc deficiency causes taste problems, both with loss of acuity and abnormal taste sensations. Another common sign of zinc deficiency is parakeratosis. Scabs and white patches of hair appear on the flanks of zinc-deficient cattle and swine.

Certain genetic strains of Friesian cattle rapidly excrete zinc and they need extremely high levels of zinc to compensate for this. Whether this problem occurs in other breeds of cattle is unknown.

High dietary calcium levels reduce zinc availability and increase its excretion. Infections also can reduce plasma levels of zinc. Rate of wound healing is slowed by a zinc deficiency and the incidence of foot rot has been reported elevated by a zinc deficiency.

Males have more problems with zinc deficiency than females, so zinc may be more critical in diets for steers than for heifers.

The average last freeze date in Ellis County is March 15. Often tomato and pepper plants started outdoors from seed will grow so quickly they will catch up with commercial plants in size within a few weeks. For many gardeners, this is the only way to obtain rare or heirloom varieties.

Stop by Ark Country Store for all your gardening needs!  We carry a full line of organic gardening items including Garden-ville, Sea Tea, Molasses, Garrett Juice and many more items and brands.  Check out our selection of sprinkler items and Atlas Garden gloves, on sale now, 25% off!

Fertilzing and Pruning

• Pruning of evergreens and summer flowering trees and shrubs should be completed in early March.
• Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs as soon as they finish blooming.
• Remove dead top growth (Bermuda grass only) by lowering mower blade one or two notches
• Apply a high nitrogen fertilizer to pecans, and again in April and May.
• Fertilize roses every 4 to 6 weeks from now until September.
• All trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers can be fed with an all nitrogen fertilizer.
• As camellia and azalea plants finish blooming, fertilize them with three pounds of azalea-camellia fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed area.
• Check mulch on azalea and camellia beds and add where needed.

Planting and Sowing

• Start hanging baskets of petunias, ferns and others for another dimension in landscape color.
• Plant hardened off tomatoes and peppers after the middle of the March, cover if a frost or late freeze is forecast.
• Direct sow seeds of warm-season vegetables such as beans, corn, squash, and melons mid to late March.
• Plant perennials in well-amended soil.
• Plant dahlia tubers in fertile, well-drained soil.
• Select and order caladium tubers as well as geranium and coleus plants for late April and early May planting. Hold off on planting caladiums until soil temperature reaches 70ºF.

Garden Watch

• Control, as needed, diseases, and insects on roses such as black spot, powdery mildew, and thrips with an appropriate fungicide, and systemic insecticide.  Use a stream of water or an insecticidal soap on aphids.
• If needed, apply a pre-emergent on lawns to prevent germination of broadleaf and grassy weeds.  A weed and feed fertilizer is not recommended because it it too early in the year to fertilize

This and that…

• Install a drip irrigation system in your vegetable garden and mulched areas of the landscape.
• Spread compost around perennials and add mulch as needed.

These tips are brought to you by the Ellis County Master Gardener Association.

Whether your feline is a kitten, adult or mature cat, Eukanuba cat formulas are customized to support her optimal health. Cats are carnivores by nature, and we believe in feeding them as such. All of our formulas contain primary protein sources like real chicken, lamb or fish, not vegetables. And they also include a Prebiotic called FOS (fructooligosaccharides) that supports your cat’s strong defenses from the inside out.

Eukanbua believes dogs evolved from carnivores and should be fed accordingly. That’s why we use high-quality animal proteins, mainly chicken or lamb – not vegetables – as the main source of protein in Eukanuba dog food. It’s how we believe nature intended dogs to eat.

Now through March 31, 2010, or while supplies last, receive a $4 off coupon when you purchase a bag of our dog or cat food!  Limited supplies available so stop by today!

Dog Food Specials:

35% off Avoderm Dog Food – All sizes

$26.95, 40lb bag of Diamond Beef Meal & Rice for Adult Dogs
$26.95, 40 lb bag of Diamond Small Breed Puppy
$21.95, 50 lb bag of Diamond High Energy for Sporting Dogs

$39.95, 50 lb bag of Royal Canin Aging Care Dog Food
$45.95, 50 lb bag of Royal Canin Maxi Weight Care Dog Food
$49.95, 50 lb bag of Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy Dog Food

30% off select dog toys

Horse Specials:

Manna Pro Bite Size Treats for Horses, regularly $12, now $9.49.  Available in apple, licorice, peppermint, butterscotch and carrot & spice flavors.
25% off Select Horse Boots

Lawn & Garden Items:

25% off assorted selection of sprinkler items
25% off Atlas Garden Gloves

Clothing & Accessories:

30% off Select Purses
50% off Select Wallets
50% off Select Silver items
30% off Montana Candles, while supplies last

Justin Original Work Wear Jackets, $39.95, while supplies last.

Stop by Ark Country Store today for our large selection of sale items!

Reins of Life Therapeutic Riding is an equine assisted therapy program designed to benefit children and adults with special needs.  Our dear friend Carol Anderson, president of Reins of Life (ROL) is working on some new projects and would love to engage the community resources to assist her!

ROL is finishing up new sheds for the horses, updating the existing barn and creating a covered riding area for the students to use during inclement weather and our blistering Texas heat.

ROL is also looking to bring in sand for the riding area and stalls.  If you can help by donating your time or skills with these projects please contact Carol.  She can be reached by phone, 972-923-9045 or via email, reinsoflifetx@aol.com.

Keep up with Reins of Life Therapeutic Riding on their website, www.reinsoflifetx.org and on their facebook page, Reins of Life Therapeutic Riding.

Reggie Underwood
Ark Country Store

Title: HOW Meeting – Horse Owner’s Workshop
Location: Ark Country Store, Waxahachie, TX
Description: Mark you calendars now! Our Purina Horse Owner’s Workshop (HOW Meeting) is scheduled for April 8!

Learn about new discoveries being made at the one-of-a-kind Purina equine Research Farm in Gray Summit, MO, that will change the way you feed growing horses.

Get back-to-basics training on how to use various tools to keep your horse on the right nutritional path.

Discover how fat, fiber, sugar and starch are different and what combination works best for your horse.

Register for our HOW sweepstakes, win door prizes from our industry partners, and save on Purina Horse Feed and other great products!

REGISTER ONLINE for this FREE workshop!  Bring a friend and you’ll both receive a coupon for $10 off!   [contact-form]
Date: 2010-04-08
Start Time: 6:30 pm
End Time: 8:30 pm

The Great Backyard Bird Count, February 12-15, 2010, is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent and in Hawaii. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.

Sign up to participate in this FREE event, either online at the link below, or in our store.  Everyone who registers to participate at Adam’s Feed Store (online or in the store) will be entered to win a FREE bird feeder!  Submit pictures of your backyard birds and you’ll be entered to win another bird feeder!  Pictures can be emailed to us at info@arkcountrystore.com, posted out our facebook page, or brought into the store.

Winners will be announced and notified the week of March 1, 2010.  Support a great cause!  Sign up now!

Useful tools:

Click here for a regional bird checklist.

Click here for a Data form.