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01/18/2025

Friday funny!

01/17/2025

Help outdoor cats beat the winter's chill! They also need a dry and well-insulated shelters. Here are some ideas that you can make yourself.

01/16/2025

It’s hard to find a friend that’s

96% funny

100% loyal

100% sweet

01/15/2025

Although protein is normally listed as a nutrient, horses actually have a requirement for amino acids, the building blocks of protein, rather than for protein itself.
Protein is the least efficient energy source for your horse, so high protein does not automatically equal high energy. Carbohydrates, fats, and fiber are more readily digestible energy sources, so chances are a horse with too much energy is being fed more calories than the animal truly needs.
As always, remember that all horses have different nutritional needs based on age, stage of development, metabolism and workload. Be sure to work with your veterinarian to determine the correct protein and energy requirements for your equine friend based on your horse’s individual situation!
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Courtesy of the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

01/14/2025

Mycotoxins are any toxic substance that is produced by a fungus. These substances have been known to cause disease or even death in humans and animals if not taken care of properly. These mycotoxins can be found on feed and can begin to grow before, during, and after harvest under the right conditions.

As plants are exposed to stressful elements such as drought, moisture, and physical damage, they become more susceptible to mold growth. But this also means that cows are exposed to more mycotoxins as mycotoxins become more prevalent. Mycotoxins have been known to significantly suppress feed intake, alter rumen fermentation, affect reproduction, and reduce feed utilization.

There are measures that we can take to mitigate the effects of mycotoxins in our feed. The use of fungicides at the correct time and proper tilling practices can help control mycotoxins. “To prevent the growth of molds during storage, the pH should be reduced as quickly as possible, and proper packing, covering, and complete oxygen removal should be ensured. Other options such as the use of inoculants and feed additives such as binders, enzymes, and probiotics can also be used to control mycotoxin issues at the farm level.

Nutritionists try their best to ensure that the digested ration is as close to the formulated ration as possible. Mycotoxins may throw the ration for a loop and alter the ration significantly, beyond the nutritionist’s control. “If there is a concern about the feed you have grown, bought, or have in the bunk, it’s worth testing such feeds to understand the potential impact of any mycotoxins present, and to decide on changing your feeding strategy or consider including a binder in the diet.

Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2025

01/11/2025

New Year's for dogs.

01/10/2025

Just like people, our animals cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat, activity level, and health. Keep your pet at a healthy weight throughout the winter. Some pet owners feel that a little extra weight gives their pet some extra protection from cold, but the health risks associated with that extra weight does not make it worth it.

01/09/2025

Are you kitten me right meow?

01/08/2025

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.
In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.
Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.
Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)
Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.
Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.
If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

01/04/2025

New Years funny!

01/03/2025

12/31/2024

On December 31st we are opened till 5 pm that day. Closed January 1st for the Holiday. Have a blessed New Year!
If have an emergency and you are a active client please call
810 648 8230 small animal
810 376 2425 large animal

12/28/2024

New Year's funny!

12/27/2024

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFECTION AT YOUR BARN?
While parasite control and immunization with vaccines remain key pieces of any infection control plan, horse owners need to remember the importance of reducing or preventing exposure of the horse to infection causing agents in the first place.
This will surely require more work than simply scheduling a vaccination appointment for your horse, but if you’re thinking, “Is this REALLY necessary?” — the answer is yes. Any effort you put in to preventing infection vastly outweighs the cost of treating and possibly hospitalizing a sick horse!
As always, your veterinarian remains your best source of information and advice!