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Babesia (Babesiosis)

By Newton Adera -
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Babesiosis in Cattle: Understanding Babesia and “Redwater Disease” By Newton Adera Last Saturday, while observing the cattle on our ranch, I noticed an older cow that appeared unusually weak and did not respond normally to my usual observations. I quickly reported the matter so that the animal could be assessed. This experience reminded me how important it is for livestock farmers to observe their animals closely and report unusual signs early. In this article, I would like to discuss babesiosis, a serious tick-borne disease of cattle commonly associated with Babesia parasites. What Is Babesiosis? Babesiosis is a disease caused by microscopic protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. In cattle, an important species is Babesia bigemina. The parasite is transmitted mainly by ticks. In East Africa, the blue tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, is an important vector of B. bigemina. Babesiosis is commonly known as “redwater disease” because affected cattle m...
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Learn How To Construct A Dairy Zero-Grazing Unit

By Newton Adera -
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How to Construct a Dairy Zero-Grazing Unit: A Practical Guide Zero-grazing isn't just about space-saving — it's about giving your dairy cows a stress-free, productive home By Newton Adera Originally published: September 27, 2014 Updated and revised: 2026 Introduction A well-designed dairy zero-grazing unit is more than just a shelter for cattle. It should provide a clean, comfortable and efficient environment for feeding, watering, resting, milking and managing the animals. Over the years, I have been asked many questions about how to construct a dairy zero-grazing unit and what structures should be included in the design. The same basic principles can also be adapted for beef cattle and other livestock enterprises. This guide is based on the practical ideas I originally shared in 2014, now reorganised and updated for today's livestock farmers. Before beginning construction, however, farmers should consider the number of animals they intend to keep, avail...
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10 Tips for Healthy Dairy Cows and Better Milk Production

By Newton Adera -
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🐄 Tips for Healthy Dairy Cows and Better Milk Production Choose healthy breeding bulls Select bulls with good body condition, sound legs and feet, good fertility, and desirable milk-producing genetics.  Avoid breeding from animals with known hereditary problems. Select your cows carefully Keep replacement heifers from healthy cows with good milk production, good fertility, easy calving history, and good temperament. Don't breed an underdeveloped heifer A heifer should reach adequate body weight and physical maturity before breeding.  Breeding too early can compromise her growth and reproductive performance. Feed cows according to their production stage Lactating cows need more energy, protein, minerals, and good-quality forage than dry cows. A balanced ration supports both milk production and reproduction. Pay special attention during the rainy season 🌧️ During prolonged rains, forage quality and availability can change, while muddy conditions can increase hoof p...
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ABOUT US

By Newton Adera -
Be The Animal Farmer is a practical livestock farming resource covering dairy cows, poultry, goats, pigs, pets and other livestock. Learn about animal health and diseases, feeding and nutrition, housing, breeding, farm management and livestock agribusiness.
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Learn How To Make Medicated Feed Block For Animals

By Newton Adera -
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Medicated feed blocks are high energy feed and mineral supplement blocks containing Anthelmintic or dewormer.They are made from cheap,readily available and easily sourced materials. Advantages to the farmer opting for Medicated Feed Blocks; • 1#  Medicated feed blocks are a rich source of additional  nitrogen,minerals and energy to the animals. •2#. They  also assist in deworming the animals that feed on them. • 3#.Animals that feeds on these blocks grow faster,produce more milk,have increased wool growth and do not require routine  deworming. Materials Required For Making Medicated  Feed Blocks. The following  are the materials required for making  medicated feed blocks; • Molaases • Urea (ferterlizer grade) • Mineral premix • Maize germ (or other bulking agent) • Cement • Common table salt • Anthelmintic (for medicated blocks) The method is suitable for small scale production at home and where a mechanized mixture is not ...
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Location: Kenya
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A Simple Method Of Making Hay

By Newton Adera -
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A simple Method Of Making Hay Making Hay is one of the available technologies for feed conservation.This method involves transfering technology for the availability of feeds all year round.And its an important aspect for small-holder dairy farmer in the tropic regions. Lack of feeds all year round, both in quantity and quality is a major important constraints to animal production in the tropics.Crop residue and tropical grasses are usually low in protein and supplementation,which could increase ruminant animal prioduction. Requirements For Hay Making. To make hay,the following items must be put in place;  - Rhode grass(with special preference to Bomas Rhodes Grass)-Dry Matter. - Sisal Twine - Pegs(4pcs) -A small pit(Rectangular in shape. STEP BY STEP GUIDE - 1# First and foremost,cut Bomas Rhodes grass from the field,then allow it to dry in the open sunlight for about one to two weeks. - 2# Dig a rectangular pit measuring 60cm long X30cm X45cm height. - 3# Put ...
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