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1 Hey Folks, Included is the Weekly Pile of Information for the week of March 15, 2015, Extension's Equine related educational information & announcements for Rockingham & Guilford Counties. To have something included in the Weekly Pile, please follow these simple guidelines. Information included needs to be educational in nature &/or directly related to Rockingham or Guilford Counties. provided information is a resource to the citizens of Rockingham/Guilford Counties. provided information does not require extra time or effort to be listed. Listings for Swap Shop will not list pricing details. Please E mail information to me by Wednesday each Week. Please keep ads or events as short as possible with NO FORMATTING, NO unnecessary Capitalization s and NO ATTACHED DOCUMENTS. (If sent in that way, it may not be included) Please include contact information Phone, and alike. PLEASE PUT WEEKLY PILE IN SUBJECT LINE when you send into me. The Weekly Pile is not for listings for Commercial type properties or products. If I forgot to include anything in this it was probably an oversight on my part, but please let me know! If you have a question or ideas that you would like covered in

2 the Weekly Pile, please let me know and I will try to include. As Always, I would like to hear your comments about the Weekly Pile or the Extension Horse Program in Rockingham or Guilford Counties! I NEED YOUR FEEDBACK & IDEAS! Included in The Pile this Week: 1. Horse Behavior at Foaling Time 2. Care of the Newborn Foal 3. Foal Heat Mares 4. You Asked 5. Lime & Fertilizing 6. Spring Vaccinations and Deworming 7. Link of Interest 8. Avian Influenza Precautions for NC poultry flocks 9. Coggins and Vaccine Clinic

3 March 21st Chestnut Hill Stables 10. Free Pesticide Collection Day 11. E Cycle Day 2015 March 21st 9am 2pm Pleasant Garden 12. Third Annual Wolfpack Roundup April Join Piedmont Horseman s Association 14.Sausage Making & Charcuterie Workshop 15. April 18 19, 2015 Spring Holiday Classic Open Horse Show 16. Flintrock Schooling Hunter Show May HAY 18. Swap Shop 19. Take A Load Off Horse Behavior at Foaling Time

4 Craig Wood, University of Kentucky Behavioral traits associated with parturition (the birth process) are deeply rooted in the evolutionary development of horses. A basic assumption is that horses have evolved behavioral strategies that ensure their survival. During the birth process, both the dam and her offspring are in a weakened state and are susceptible to attack by predators. The mare takes steps to increase their safety during parturition. In general, these steps include locating a safe site for foaling, quickening the process, minimizing evidence of the process, and achieving rapid recovery. Pre Parturient Mare Behavior Mares will generally foal after an 11 month gestation, but this is highly variable. Studies have shown a range of gestation from 315 to 387 days, with an average of about 341 days. There is evidence that smaller breeds tend to have shorter gestation periods. One study, for example, found ponies had a gestation of 336 days. The foaling date can be determined through a calendar estimate of gestation and by watching for physical signs of approaching gestation, such as distended udder, swelling of the vulva, waxing of the teats, and teat secretions. Behavioral changes in late gestation are generally minimal, and may not be observed until shortly before birth. Foaling Behavior Mares prefer privacy at foaling time. If possible, mares will delay birth until human observers are not around. Mares generally foal at night. One study, for example, indicated that approximately 80 percent of foals were born between midnight and 6 a.m. Parturition is divided into three stages: Labor; Expulsion of the fetus; and Passage of afterbirth.

5 In the first stage of foaling, mares become restless. They will not eat and they may pace or walk in circles, look back toward their flank, and switch their tails. Some mares lie down and stand up repeatedly. Some will not drink water. This restless period is usually shorter for older mares. This is the longest stage of foaling and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours. As labor progresses, mares may assume a straddling, crouching position and may urinate frequently. When the mare breaks her water or starts expelling fluid, the first stage of parturition is completed. The second stage of parturition, expulsion of the fetus, or actual birth, is shorter in duration than the first stage. Shortly before the foal is born, the mare may sweat profusely, especially around the flanks. If she is disturbed, the mare may temporarily delay the birth process. This is why observers of the foaling process are cautioned to minimize interference during the birth process so it can proceed normally The mare may be standing or lying down as contractions begin, but she usually will lie on her side for the actual birth. The mare may get up with part of the foal exposed but will normally lie down to complete the birthing process, provided she is not disturbed by observers. The foal is usually born after 12 to 18 minutes of heavy labor. Maiden mares (mares foaling for the first time) are more likely to take about an hour to expel the fetus. Handlers should be ready to assist if it goes much longer than an hour. Mature mares in labor for more than 30 to 45 minutes may also need assistance. After the foal is born, the mare will continue to lie on her side for another 15 to 20 minutes. This time is important for the mare to rest and for blood flow from the placental tissues to pass into the colt. A mare who is disturbed during this period may rise prematurely and sever the umbilical cord. Therefore, handlers should avoid disturbing the mare for at least 15 minutes after a normal delivery. Handlers should also be aware that a normally gentle mare is likely to become nervous and protective during the first hours after giving birth. The mare may, in her protectiveness, become aggressive toward people. The last stage of foaling is the passing of the afterbirth. If there has been a normal birth, mares will stand some 15 to 20 minutes after giving birth and begin to nuzzle and lick the foal. This is a critical period as the bond is being established between the dam and foal. The licking and cleaning behavior, which usually starts at the head, stimulates the foal while it also dries it.

6 The cleaning is probably also part of the initial bonding process and is typically accompanied by vocalizations and a thorough visual and olfactory examination of the foal by the mare. A newborn foal learns to recognize its dam by her voice. The process by which the newborn learns to recognize its dam is called imprinting. The cleaning/licking is also accompanied by nuzzling, which appears to assist the foal in learning to stand. The mare usually starts by licking the head, so by the time she has reached the rear, she is able to assist the standing process by the nuzzling. Afterbirth The afterbirth is usually expelled within one to two hours after birth. Mares can identify their foals within hours of birth. Odor is the primary recognition factor. The most significant identification is usually made when the mare smells the rear area of the foal Care of the Newborn Foal Foal Behavior After Birth The foal will usually stand within 30 minutes, typically after several failed attempts. As soon as it is steady on its feet, often within an hour of birth, the foal will attempt to nurse. Teat seeking behavior is persistent, even somewhat random, because the foal does not know exactly where the teat is located. However, with the gentle assistance of the mare, the foal will find the teat, quickly understand its purpose, and know how to suckle, a behavior that is instinctive in horses. Within the first two hours, a foal starts breathing (within seconds), lifts its head (within 5 minutes), attempts to rise (within 10 minutes), stands (within 55 minutes), vocalizes (within 45 minutes), defecates meconium (within 30 minutes), suckles for the first time (within one hour), walks runs for the first time (within 90 minutes), and takes its first nap (within two hours). Understanding normal foaling behavior helps observers identify abnormal

7 behavior or problems associated with foaling. Foals nurse frequently during the first few weeks of birth. Estimates range from one to two times per hour, with each session lasting about three minutes. As foals age, the frequency and duration of suckling decreases and they begin to eat other feedstuffs. Foals will remain close to their dams the first few weeks of life but will gradually explore their environment. By the end of the third month, foals will spend 60 percent of their time with other foals. When the foal is 5 to 7 months of age, 70 percent of their nutrients will come from non milk sources. This is one reason it is recommended to wean foals at about 5 to 7 months of age. Care of the Newborn Foal If you are present during the birth of the foal, your first step after the delivery is to make sure the foal is breathing. Quietly approach the foaling area and remove the birth sack (amnion) from the foal's head. If the foal is breathing, your job is complete and you should leave the foaling area and observe the mare and foal from a distance. This allows the mare and foal time alone to recover from the delivery and bond to each other socially. If the foal does not begin breathing on its own, tickle its nostril with a piece of grass or straw or blow into the foal's mouth to stimulate the respiratory reflex. If the foal still does not breathe, try rubbing the foal vigorously, squeezing its ribs or lifting it about one foot off the ground and dropping it. These procedures usually shock the foal slightly and initiate respiration. A normal, healthy foal lifts its head and neck and rolls onto its chest within several seconds after delivery. Then the foal begins to make creeping movements away from its dam. If the mare has not stood up yet, the foal's movements usually break the naval (umbilical) cord. You should wait for either the mare or foal to break the umbilical cord. Do not cut the umbilical cord immediately after birth, because it is thought the foal receives blood from the placenta after birth. Cutting the cord before this blood transfer may result in circulatory problems in the foal. Foals with circulatory problems typically seem dumb and may have convulsions, leading to the common terms of "dummy" or "wanderer" foals for this condition.

8 Once the umbilical cord breaks, the stump should be dipped in a mild, 1 to 2 percent iodine solution. The iodine drys the umbilical stump and prevents bacteria from traveling up the stump and entering the foal's body. Bacteria that enter the foal through the umbilical stump cause a systemic infection known by various names, such as shigellosis, naval ill, joint ill, or polyarthritis. This infection causes severe illness or death in foals and causes swelling and deformities in the foal's joints. You should examine the naval stump for several days after birth to make sure that it remains dry. Urine dripping from the stump indicates that the fetal urine passage from the bladder to the umbilical (the urachus) has not closed. Normally the urachus closes at birth. If it fails to close, in a condition called "persistent urachus," the foal should be treated by a veterinarian. Usually, foals stand within 1 hour after birth. During the first standing attempts, the foal is unsteady and constantly shifting its head, neck, and feet in an attempt to remain balanced. This unsteadiness is normal, and you should let the foal stand by itself. Lifting the foal onto its feet before its legs are strong enough to support it may strain tendons and ligaments, and it interferes with the bonding process between the mare and foal. Nursing When it stands, the foal should begin nursing attempts. The foal instinctively searches at the junction of the mare's legs (both front and back) and body for the udder. The exploratory process involved with finding the udder is normal, and, again, you should resist the desire to "help" the foal. Human interference during initial nursing attempts actually may slow the foal's progress in finding the udder, and it interferes with the mare foal bond. However, if the foal has not nursed by 2 hours after birth or if the mare aggressively rejects the foal's attempts to nurse, then it is time to interfere. Help the foal stand up and gently guide it to the mare's udder. Hand milk a few drops of colostrum (the mare's first milk) from the mare and coat your fingers and the mare's teats with it. Get the foal to suck your finger coated with colostrum and gradually move your finger beside the mare's teat. Then, slowly pull your finger out of the foal's mouth so the foal will switch to the teat. This procedure may have to be repeated several

9 times before the foal makes the switch to the teat. Occasionally a young mare or a mare with a swollen, sensitive udder will have to be restrained for several nursing sessions before she willingly lets the foal nurse. If the mare does not accept the foal after a few nursing bouts, you should call your veterinarian to tranquilize the mare. Keeping the mare tranquilized for a day or two solves most foal rejection problems. Remember to use extreme caution whenever you are working with a foal. Normally gentle, wellmannered mares can become very protective and aggressive if they think you are threatening their foal. Colostrum It is important for the foal to receive colostrum soon after birth because it contains antibodies needed for disease protection during the first few months of the foal's life. These antibodies can be absorbed by the foal's intestinal tract for up to 36 hours after birth, but absorptive ability begins decreasing drastically at 12 hours after birth. Therefore it is important that the foal receive colostrum before this time has passed. Your veterinarian can perform a simple test to determine if the foal has received adequate protection from colostrum. This test should be done about 6 hours after birth. This gives you an opportunity to correct potential deficiencies in immunity during the time the foal can absorb antibodies from its intestinal tract. To ensure that the mare has high amounts of antibodies in her colostrum, vaccinate her approximately 30 days before foaling. If you miss this vaccination time, make sure the foal is protected against tetanus by giving it a tetanus antitoxin injection at birth. The tetanus antitoxin is less efficient than immunity from colostrum because it protects the foal for only 2 to 3 weeks while its umbilical stump heals. Because the foal's immune system is not mature enough to use a tetanus toxoid vaccination until it is 3 to 5 months old, the foal is unprotected for 2 1/2 to 3 months if it does not receive protection from the colostrum. Colostrum has a laxative effect on the foal, which helps it pass the fetal excrement (meconium). Most foals pass the meconium within 4 hours after birth. If the meconium is not passed, the foal can become constipated. A constipated foal frequently stops moving, squats, and raises its tail trying

10 to defecate. Constipation can be relieved easily by giving the foal a warm, soapy water enema (1 to 2 cups) or a prepackaged human mineral oil enema. You should observe the foal for several days for signs of constipation and correct any problems. Foal Health Problems Diarrhea in the newborn foal is not common and may indicate a serious illness in the foal. A squirting type of diarrhea can result in dehydration and death of a newborn foal in a few hours. Immediately consult your veterinarian if your newborn foal develops diarrhea. However, mild diarrhea is common in older foals (1 to 2 weeks of age). This diarrhea often occurs during the mare's foal heat (a fertile heat beginning approximately 7 to 9 days after foaling) and is commonly termed "foal heat scours." In the past, horse breeders thought hormonal changes in the mare's milk during foal heat caused diarrhea in the foal. Recent research has implicated an internal parasite (Strongyloides westeri) as the true cause of foal heat scours. This parasite is transmitted from the dam to the foal through the mammary gland. Foals begin to shed eggs in their feces 10 to 14 days after birth, resulting in scours that coincidentally occur with foal heat in the mare. If the foal is alert and nursing regularly, mild foal heat scours usually do not harm it. However if the foal stops nursing and becomes weak or dehydrated, consult your veterinarian immediately. You should keep the scoured areas around the foal's buttocks clean to prevent scalding of the skin. Wash the area with mild soap and water and coat it with petroleum jelly to prevent scalding. Many foals have limb weaknesses or angular deformities at birth. These include knuckling over at the fetlock joint, weak pasterns in which the back of the fetlock touches the ground, knock knees, and crooked legs. Many of these conditions correct themselves with exercise. If your foal is born with less than straight legs, your veterinarian can assess the situation and recommend a treatment. Some foals may be born with hernias (defects in the body wall that allow part of the intestines to protrude under the skin). Hernias occur most

11 frequently at the naval and scrotal areas. Small hernias often correct themselves with time, and larger hernias may require surgical correction. Again, this is a situation that your veterinarian should assess and treat. Occasionally the newborn foal's eyelids and lashes are turned in toward the eye rather than turned out as normal. This is a condition called "entropion" and causes tearing and irritation of the eye. If your foal has entropion, gently roll the eyelid out and consult your veterinarian for the proper eye ointment or treatment that you can perform. Another infrequent problem in newborn foals is caused by an incompatibility between blood groups of the mare and foal. This condition is known as "neonatal isoerythrolysis" or "jaundice foal." Antibodies to the foal's red blood cells are formed by the mare and secreted in her colostrum. When the foal nurses and absorbs these antibodies, its red blood cells are destroyed. Without prompt veterinary treatment, the foal becomes anemic and dies. If you suspect neonatal isoerythrolysis, prevent the foal from consuming colostrum until you can get a veterinarian to test for the condition. Care of Orphan Foals Orphan foals can result from death of the mare, inability of the mare to produce milk, or maternal rejection of the foal. Orphan foals can be raised successfully with some extra care. As with mothered foals, you should make sure the orphan receives colostrum soon after birth. If the foal cannot receive its mother's colostrum, try to locate frozen colostrum (large breeding farms and your veterinarian are good sources). Thaw the frozen colostrum at room temperature. Microwaving or heating the colostrum can destroy the protective antibodies in it. In the absence of any colostrum, your veterinarian can give the foal a plasma transfusion or an oral colostrum replacer to get antibodies into its system. The best and easiest solution for an orphan is to transfer it to a nurse mare. To transfer the foal, disguise its odor by rubbing whiskey, linseed oil, the

12 foster mother's milk, urine or feces, or any other liquid with a strong odor on the foal. Rub the same odor around the mare's nose. The nurse mare usually must be restrained or tranquilized for several days until she willingly lets the orphan nurse. Another solution is to let the foal nurse a milk goat. This is a good temporary solution, but most goats cannot produce enough milk daily to meet an older foal's nutritional needs. You will need an elevated area for the goat to stand on during nursing (a few bales of hay make a good temporary platform), and you should pad the goat's horns to prevent it from hurting the foal. If these options do not work you will have to bottle feed or bucket feed the foal with a mare's milk replacer. There are several recipes for mare's milk replacer; however, the commercially available formulas are nutritionally balanced for the foal and easy to mix and use. Whenever possible, teach the foal to drink from a bucket. This will save you many hours of lost sleep and time away from work. To teach the foal to drink from a bucket, coat your finger with milk and allow the foal to suck your finger. Gradually immerse your finger in the bucket of milk. Waiting several hours between feedings so the foal is hungry often speeds up the learning process. If the foal does have to be bottle fed, hold the bottle at the approximate height of a mare's udder so that the foal nurses in a natural position. If possible, use a bottle holder so that the foal does not assume you are its mother. You want the foal to learn it is a horse and to respect humans. You should quickly and consistently discipline the foal for inappropriate behavior (biting, kicking, shoving, rearing) directed toward you. Orphans that are bucket fed or bottle fed and those nursing a milk goat should be introduced to other horses as soon as possible so they will develop normal equine social behavior. Putting an old, quiet mare or gelding in the pen or stall next to the orphan promotes normal social behavior. If your older horse can be trusted not to hurt the foal, turn them out together as soon as possible. A healthy foal nurses from its mother up to seven times an hour for 60 to 90 seconds each time. A newborn orphan should be fed at least every 1 to 2 hours during their first week of life. Free choice milk intake is recommended for healthy foals. During the first 2 days of life, a foal should drink about 10 to 15 percent of its body weight daily. For the next 5 days the foal's intake should increase to 25 percent of its body weight daily. When either bottle feeding or bucket feeding foals, make sure that your feeding equipment is clean and that milk does not sour between feedings. Orphan foals always should have access to water and salt. Orphans should be offered grain, milk replacer pellets, and hay after a few days of life.

13 However, the foal may not consume much solid food until it is about 1 month old. New Foal Checklist Several simple post foaling management practices will help ensure the health of your mare and foal. A checklist follows. 1. Make sure the foal is breathing. 2. Put iodine on the foal's umbilical stump. 3. Make sure the foal (including orphan foals) receives colostrum soon after birth. 4. Make sure the foal is protected against tetanus, either through the colostrum or by a tetanus antitoxin injection. 5. Make sure the foal passes the meconium and treat constipation or diarrhea promptly. 6. Check the umbilical stump for several days for the presence of urine. 7. Check that the foal's eyelids and lashes are turned outward. 8. Follow your veterinarian's advice about any limb deformities and hernias. 9. Make sure the mare expels the afterbirth and check it for completeness. 10. Check the mare for several days after foaling for any sign of reproductive tract infection. To horse owners unfamiliar with raising foals, this post foaling checklist may seem like a large amount of work. However, it only takes a few minutes to perform these management procedures, and then you can relax and enjoy your new foal knowing that you have done your best to ensure its well being Foal Heat Mares Kathy Anderson, Extension Horse Specialist, University of Nebraska

14 Postpartum mares will have a "foal heat" 7 to 14 days following foaling, and a second cycle approximately 30 days later. Breeding on foal heat is still somewhat of a controversial practice. Mares are usually bred on foal heat as long as three criteria are met. 1. The mare has a normal foaling, that is she does not have excessive bruising or tearing. 2. The mare does not retain the placenta for more three hours. 3. Upon palpation and ultrasound exam the uterus is involuting (returning to normal)properly. Data from different farms have shown foal heat conception rates up to seventy five percent. One can skip foal heat and breed on the next heat cycle allowing the uterus more time to involute or another plausible option is to short cycle the mare after the foal heat ovulation with prostaglandins. Some breeding farms will also not breed on foal heat if the mare ovulates 10 days or less after foaling. In other words they breed on foal heat as long as ovulation occurs ten days after foaling and the other criteria are met, normal foaling, etc You Asked: Should I always be soaking my horse's hay, or is this something reserved for horses with respiratory problems or

15 other health conditions such as laminitis? Response by: By: Krishona Martinson, PhD, University of Minnesota Hay soaking should only be done if the horse has been diagnosed with laminitis, EMS, PSSM, and/or HYPP, and a hay analysis indicates specific nutrients are in excess of recommendations. Soaking hay in water is a common strategy used to manage horses diagnosed with laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), and hyperkalemic and periodic paralysis (HYPP). Soaking hay should not be done, and is not necessary, for healthy horses because essential nutrient are leached during the hay soaking process. Hay is soaked for horses diagnosed with PSSM, EMS and laminitis to remove some of the nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) from the forage; NSC are water soluble. Horses diagnosed with PSSM should have an overall diet of 10% NSC, and horses diagnosed with EMS and/or laminitis should have an overall diet of 12% NSC. Although forage is the major component of a horses diet, when feeding horses diagnosed with these diseases, make sure to account for NSC content in any grain, supplements, and treats the horse is also receiving. Before soaking hay, it is critical to have the hay tested for nutritive value. Legumes (i.e. alfalfa) tend to be lower in NSC compared to coolseason grasses (i.e. timothy), and hays containing legumes may not need to be soaked. Soaking most grass hays for 15 to 30 minutes will remove enough NSC for horses diagnosed with PSSM, EMS, and/or laminitis. However, testing forage both before and after soaking is necessary to ensure recommended levels of NSC are being met. Soaking forage for greater than 60 minutes is rarely necessary and may actually be detrimental due to excessive leaching of essential nutrients and loss of dry matter. For horses diagnosed with HYPP, soaking hay is water is necessary to leach potassium (K), which is water soluble. Unfortunately, legumes and cool season grasses tend to be very high in K and often exceed the recommended 1.1% maximum over all diet for horses diagnosed

16 with HYPP. For horses with HYPP, soaking hay for 60 minutes is often necessary. If soaking hay for 60 minutes does not achieve the recommended amounts, owners may need to consider feeding a complete feed that formulated for horses diagnosed with HYPP. For horses diagnosed with respiratory disease, including heaves, thoroughly wetting the hay is sufficient. Wetting the hay is different from hay soaking. The goal of wetting hay is to weigh down mold and dust particles so they are not inhaled. Horses diagnosed with respiratory problems do not have nutrient restrictions (unless they have a secondary diagnosis), and therefore, hay soaking is not necessary. Wetting the hay will have a minimal impact on leaching of essential nutrients. Bottom line, hay soaking should only be done if the horse has been diagnosed with laminitis, EMS, PSSM, and/or HYPP, and a hay analysis indicates specific nutrients are in excess of recommendations. Thoroughly wetting the hay is necessary for horses diagnosed with respiratory disease. Soaking hay in water is not necessary for healthy horses Lime & Fertilizing Fertilizers and other nutrient sources are quite valuable and potent. As a result, they pose economic and environmental risks. Nutrients that end up in runoff, groundwater, or the air reduce economic efficiency and impair water and air quality. Consequently, it is important to apply these nutrients at a rate, at a time and in a way that maximizes the efficiency of their use and minimizes their environmental impact. Forages differ in the amount of nutrients required and the time of year in which the nutrients are needed. These crop specific recommendations are provided for each forage crop. The crop specific recommendations are also printed on every

17 soil test report, along with any additional comments or recommendations by Extension. In the following, recommended application timing and methods will be presented for lime and the three most commonly applied nutrients: N, P, and K. This is presented from the perspective of common forage production constraints (i.e., predominantly permanent sod/no tillage systems, erodible soils, etc.) and may not be applicable to other production systems. Applying Lime In general, lime applications can be made anytime during the year. However, consideration must be given to the fact that lime may take several months (sometimes more than a year) to be fully effective. If changes or new plantings are planned and the soil test indicates lime is needed, lime applications should be made at least eight months prior to new plantings or other such renovations. High quality liming materials are available that act faster than traditional ag lime, but they are generally less cost effective for forage production scenarios. If the soil is to be plowed and/or prepared with conventional tillage, the lime application should be split so that half is applied prior to plowing and the other half applied during final seedbed preparation stages. Research has shown that the infiltration of lime into the top two feet of the soil profile is generally better in no till and permanent sods than in soils that are routinely turned (plowed and prepared with conventional tillage). One of the major reasons for this is that larger pores exist in undisturbed soil than in tilled soil as the result of natural soil particle aggregations, channels that form around decaying roots, and activity by earthworms and other soil biota. Proper soil ph is critical to maintaining these large pores. Thus, it is important that lime applications are made whenever regular soil tests indicate a need. When lime is needed on pastures or hayfields, ensure that the soil is dry enough to support heavy equipment traffic. Ruts or compaction made in permanent sods during lime application will be especially difficult to manage around, expensive to remediate, and make harvesting or mowing more difficult.

18 Applying N (Nitrogen) Nitrogen is necessary for rapid growth and high yields, and is an essential component of plant proteins. The amount of N fertilizer needed and the correct timing of applications varies with crops and how they are used (for grazing or hay). Application rates for N fertilizer will typically be higher for hay crops than in pastures that are grazed, because N is recycled via the urine and feces of grazing animals. Since the amount of N available from the soil is typically much less than the forage could utilize, N can be effectively used as a tool to increase or decrease forage productivity in pastures, as needed. Nitrogen deficient plants will be light green or slightly yellow, especially in the lower (older) leaves, and will be much less vigorous. In pastures, N deficiency is often exhibited by a great difference in growth and color between spots where animals have urinated and the surrounding areas. Nitrogen fertilizers generally contain some percentage of ammoniacal (NH2, NH3 or NH4) or nitrate (NO3) forms of N or both. Organic N, such as in animal manures, generally contains N in the form of urea, ammonium (NH4), uric acid, amino acids, and additional N forms that become available to the plant over time. Plants can take up and use N either as ammonium or nitrate. Unfortunately, not all the N that is applied to the soil will make it into the soil, be made available to the plant, be taken up by the plant or be held by the soil. This lost N can pose significant economic and/or environmental risks. This section describes the mechanisms of N loss, presents conditions that make the losses worse and lists practices that can reduce the risk of loss. Applying P (Phosphorus) Phosphorus is an essential plant element that plays a key role in many vital plant processes such as root development, reproduction, and energy transfer. Low soil levels of P can cause difficulties in establishing new pastures. This element does not readily leach from most soils, and one application per year is sufficient. Phosphorus levels in most of our soils are naturally moderate to low. For forage crops, however, P deficiencies are less frequent than deficiencies in other nutrients. Applications of animal manures have occurred routinely on many areas

19 where forage is produced. As a result, these soils are usually high in P. However, P deficiencies are quite problematic when they occur. Stands that are deficient in P will be stunted, but may be relatively dark green. In grasses, the base of the tiller is often dark purple. In legumes, the leaves will be much smaller than normal and older leaves may be dark green or purple. When P is applied to the soil, the fertilizer dissolves into rainwater and/or soil moisture. It reacts very rapidly with soil particles, soil OM and Fe/Al oxides in the soil. Once this occurs, the P is tightly held in the soil and becomes much less soluble than the form in which the fertilizer was added. Consequently, P is not very mobile in the soil, and leaching losses are generally insignificant. Phosphorus is also not subject to gaseous losses. Since P applied to the soil is relatively stable and generally available to the plant as it is needed, P fertilizer can be applied virtually any time during the year on forage crops. This flexibility in application timing allows the producer to purchase P fertilizer in off peak times of the year (i.e., summer and fall) when demand for the product and spreading services is lower. One exception to this flexibility is that the recommended P rate should always be applied before planting annual crops or plantings of new perennial forages. Producers should avoid spreading P fertilizer when the risk of runoff is high (November through March in Georgia). The loss of P in runoff is the primary way in which P is lost from soils. Phosphorus loss occurs when P containing soil or organic matter particles are eroded away in runoff water and when runoff water dissolves P from surface applied fertilizers and manures. Runoff that contains high P levels can end up in surface waters and lead to eutrophication, excessive algal growth and hypoxia. Thus, the presence of elevated P concentrations in the runoff from pastures, hayfields and associated livestock facilities are of concern. This runoff can occur regardless of the source of P being used, but when used at similar P rates, losses from commercial fertilizers can be much larger than losses from poultry litter. Therefore, producers should take precautions to ensure that P applications are made in ways that minimize the risk of runoff, especially when dealing with inorganic P sources (i.e., commercial fertilizer).

20 Ffactors that increase the risk of P loss in runoff and management practices that can reduce this risk. Factors affecting P loss via runoff and practices that can decrease the risk of P loss. Runoff Factors that Increase the Risk of P Loss Practices that Decrease the Risk of P Loss Overgrazed pastures or very short forage canopy Avoid overgrazing pastures. Sloped areas within a field Minimize the P rate applied to sloping areas within Poorly drained or water logged soils a field or to poorly drained soils. Use of inorganic P sources Apply P during times of the year when heavy rains are less likely. Applying animal waste at a rate meant to meet Avoid applying P to saturated soils. the N needs of the crop (i.e., an excessive P rate) Applying K (Potassium) Potassium is second only to nitrogen in the concentration found in plants, and is essential for producing economical yields (especially when stress conditions occur). It is also critical to maintaining thick, persistent stands (see insert, Potassium Fertility for Bermudagrass ). It affects plant vigor, disease resistance, forage quality, and winter survival. It is important to split K applications across two or more application times to prevent excess K uptake (described in detail in the Timing and Method of Nutrient Applications section of this publication). This is particularly important with alfalfa and bermudagrass stands that are harvested for hay. In contrast to N and P, the environmental risk posed by K is very low. However, K is quite expensive and necessary for optimum forage production. As a result, K applications should be made in a way that maximizes the availability of K over the entire growing season. Muriate of potash (KCl) is by far the most common K fertilizer, though other K

21 fertilizers are occasionally used. Substantial amounts of K may also be found in animal wastes. However, if these products are applied at rates designed to supply recommended N and P levels, additional K may be needed on K deficient soils. When K comes in contact with water, it quickly dissolves and enters the soil. Potassium is a cation (has a positive charge) and is attracted to the soil (which carries a negative charge). As a result, the risk of K runoff is quite low. Furthermore, very little K remains dissolved in the soil water. Thus, losses of K to leaching are lower than losses of nitrate. However, some soils in Georgia have a very low cation exchange capacity (CEC), which means they do not have much capacity for attracting cations (K, Ca, Mg, etc.) or making them available to the plant. Consequently, significant amounts of K can be lost to leaching in those soils. This problem is more common in the sandy soils in the Coastal Plain region and can be exacerbated by low soil ph. Nonetheless, the biggest potential for inefficient use of K is a phenomenon called luxury consumption. Most plants (especially forage crops) will take up more K than is required for optimum growth. Thus, if relatively large rates of K are applied early in the growing season, forage crops will absorb excess K and reduce the amount available for later growth cycles. Because of this potential for luxury consumption and (in some cases) K loss to leaching, it is recommended that K applications be split across two or more application times. This will lower the risk of luxury consumption and leaching, allowing K to be used more efficiently and be available throughout the growing season. This is particularly important for forage crops that are harvested for hay or silage. Taken from: Soil and Fertilizer Management Considerations for Forage Systems in Georgia (B 1346)

22 6. Spring Vaccinations and Deworming The best way to combat infectious diseases is to prepare and boost your horse's immune system with annual vaccinations. The vaccinations administered by your veterinarian will protect your animal from a whole host of problems including tetanus, influenza, rabies, strangles, encephalomyelitis, West Nile virus, and Potomac Horse Fever to name a few. Whole health programs are essential and should be discussed with your veterinarian to optimize not only vaccination schedules, but also deworming for your horses. In some studies, 80% of colic cases are associated with parasites, so it's important to have a good deworming program in place. Most farms deworm quarterly, however, farms with high stocking rates will have an increased parasite load on their pastures and may want to deworm more often. Assessment of how well a deworming program is working is important. Yearly targeted fecal flotation is useful to monitor parasite loads and dewormer efficacy. For more information on recommended vaccinations and deworming schedules, see these articles used as references: Equine Vaccinations and Deworming vaccinations and deworming/ Immunizations: Protect Your Horse Against Infectious Diseases health?publication= Link of Interest Bits

23 8. Avian Influenza Precautions for NC poultry flocks The NC Department of Agriculture has issued precautions for NC poultry owners in response to outbreaks of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in other states outside access restriction.pdf Mixed flocks that include waterfowl especially may be at risk, because wild waterfowl are an important potential source of infection for HPAI. As part of your precautions, exclude wild waterfowl from your poultry pens and pastures, and discourage them from your farm. The Livestock Conservancy s website provides information about biosecurity, avian influenza, and links to other resources: As always, consult with your veterinarian OR the NC Vet School for advice Coggins and Vaccine Clinic March 21st :00 am 11:00 am At Chestnut Hill Stables in RUFFIN NC Hosted by Rockin Riders 4 H Club Get all vaccines, coggins and teeth floating.

24 5 way $30.00, 4 way $19.00, Rabies $17.00, West Nile $26.00, Coggins $23.00, float teeth $45 55, sedation for floating $ Please let us know if you are coming so the veterinarian has enough supplies. Dr Paul Erwin from Chatham Animal Clinic Contact: Shelby Bivins chestnuthill@bellsouth.net Free Pesticide Collection Day Do you have pesticides at your home of farm that you no longer need or use? If your answer is yes, then you'll be interested in the Rockingham County Pesticide Collection Day on Wednesday, April 22, The Rockingham County Extension Office, in cooperation with the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program, a NON Regulatory and Cost Freeprogram, will be offering this Pesticide Collection Day for residents in Rockingham County and all of the surrounding North Carolina counties. County Agricultural Extension Agent Kathryn Holmes will be the local contact for the event. The Collection will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Rockingham County Agricultural Center, 525 Hwy 65 Reidsville, NC

25 Nearly all pesticide products will be accepted at this amnesty collection event, including banned and out dated pesticides. For pesticides with unreadable or missing labels, please contact the Cooperative Extension Office for instructions. Please save any portion of the label to help identify the material so you can be assisted with disposal. Unknown materials cannot be accepted. For gas cylinders or containers greater than 5 gal in size, please contact the Extension Office BEFORE the Collection Day for special instructions and information. For tips on transporting the pesticides safely to the Collection event, contact the Extension Office. Each year the Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program ( visits between counties to collect unwanted and unused pesticides through this NON regulatory amnesty Program. This means that a Collection Day of this kind only happens about once every other year in each county! Don't miss this pesticide collection opportunity in Rockingham County co sponsored by NCDA&CS and the NCCES. For more information contact Kathryn Holmes, Rockingham County Agricultural Extension Agent at (336) E Cycle Day 2015 Saturday, March 21st 9am 2pm Secure, Free, Easy Way to Recycle Your E Waste & Personal Documents Are you amassing a pile of old computers and outdated cell phones at the back of your closet? Is your attic filling up with boxes of old documents and records that you no longer need? For PETE s sake, recycle it! Load up all of your e waste and documents for shredding and head to E Cycle 2015 to take advantage of convenient, safe and environmentally friendly disposal for FREE! Guilford County residents can dispose of their household

26 electronic waste and personal documents for free at E Cycle 2015 on Saturday, March 21st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Staff and officials from Guilford County and the Town of Pleasant Garden will be ready to collect discarded electronic items and documents for shredding (maximum of 5 boxes per vehicle please!) at the Pleasant Garden Town Hall, located at 4920 Alliance Church Road, Pleasant Garden. The event is open to all Guilford County residents. Business waste is not accepted through this program. Guilford County Planning and Development is partnering with the Town of Pleasant Garden to offer this safe, free and environmentally sound way for residents to dispose of many types of electronics waste they have in their homes. In addition, residents can securely dispose of old documents and records without compromising their personal information by having them shredded onsite at the event! By participating in E Cycle 2015, residents keep valuable commodities and toxic materials out of our landfills, ensuring they will be reused or recycled instead. Residents can drop off the following items: Computers and peripherals (including monitors, printers, scanners, keyboards) Televisions (including consoles, large screen and projection TVs) Cell phones (including chargers and cables) Electronic toys and games DVD players, VHS players, stereo equipment Any other household items with an electronic chip or a plug Personal documents/records for shredding (maximum of 5 boxes per vehicle, please!)

27 All electronic waste collected at the event will be recycled through Synergy Recycling, an R2 certified local contractor, located just north of Guilford County in Madison, NC. This service is available year round to county residents through a drop off program. However, the E Cycle 2015 collection event is designed to highlight electronic waste as both a commodity and a hazard, and to assist the community in complying with the statewide landfill bans on computer equipment and televisions that became effective on July 1, Document shredding will be provided onsite by Archive Information Management, a locally owned and operated firm specializing in providing secure records storage and onsite shredding services for businesses and individuals. This e waste collection event is sponsored by Guilford County, the Town of Pleasant Garden, Archive Information Management and the Guilford County Sheriff s Prison Farm. For more information call Susan Heim, Guilford County Environmental Services Coordinator, at Third Annual Wolfpack Roundup April 11, :00 am NCSU Beef Unit, Raleigh, NC (Sale Day) Open House: March 28th, 11:00 am; Equine Unit, Raleigh Website

28 Like us on Facebook! Round Up/ The Livestock Merchandising Class at North Carolina State University will be holding its third annual Wolfpack Roundup on Saturday April 11, 2015 at 11:00 am. The location will be the Beef Educational Unit. There will be an open house at the Equine Educational Unit that have animals on the sale March 28th from 10 am till 2 pm to view the sale animals. The sale will consist of one Registered Angus, one Registered Hereford and two commercial heifers from the Beef Educational Unit, six bred ewes two fall bred ewes from the Small Ruminant Educational Unit; three yearling geldings and three fillys from the Equine Educational Unit, and two Registered Angus cow/calf pair and one Registered Angus heifer from the Upper Piedmont Research Station in Reidsville. This sale is being conducted by members of the Livestock Merchandising class. The class was started to give students the opportunity to learn about different method available to merchandise livestock. They also gain hands on experience through promoting and conducting a livestock auction. This is a great opportunity to add to the genetics of your operation and help further the education of the agricultural leaders of tomorrow For more information you can contact Gary Gregory ( or gary_gregory@ncsu.edu). You can also go to the website: to view up to date pictures of the sale animals and don't forget to like us on Facebook: Round Up/ If you would like the sale catalog, let me know and I will be happy to forward to you. BEN

29 13. Join Piedmont Horseman s Association April 4th first show Our first horse show this season will be on April 4th at Elite Equestrian Events find more info on website or facebook. Are you looking for a local open horse show association that is friendly and offers a variety of classes for all ages? Look no further Piedmont Horseman s Association has been around for 44 years and still going strong! PHA is offering field hunter, stock type hunter, western pleasure and working western classes. The shows are also PAC (Paint Alternative Competition) and NCAQHA Open Show Program approved. Piedmont Horseman s Association helps create a wholesome, family atmosphere in the great sport of Horse Showing; and for each member to exhibit his or her horse or pony in a sportsmanlike manner. There are many benefits of being a member of PHA; reduced entry fee at sanctioned shows, accumulate points for year end awards, and much more! We hope you will become part of the PHA family!! We have 9 shows scheduled for this year so be sure to check our calendar. You can find all the details on the web site: Sausage Making & Charcuterie Workshop Walkertown, NC We still have a few spaces left for our Sausage Making & Charcuterie Workshop. The workshop is taught by James Naquin, a local butcher/chef/charcutier.you will learn about seam butchery, whole muscle curing, fresh sausage recipes, equipment for grinding and stuffing, stuffing casings, food safety, rillettes, terrines and pates. This is a hands on workshop and we only take a small number of people for each class.