Lecture 3: Sanitation and Disease Control

Zoonotic Disease

Disease that can be passed between animals and humans. Can be contributed by intensive wildlife farming, live animal markets, wildlife hunting, and domestic animals

Self-feeders

Device that allows animals the choice of when to receive feed. Feed should be clean and uncontaminated (ie dirt, mold, mildew, water, parasites, etc.)

Feed Storage Procedures

1. Elevate feed of the ground and away from walls to prevent contamination and moisture absorption.

2. Implement proper ventilation, insulation, and temperature control measures to maintain feed freshness.

3. Use FIFO method to minimize storage and ensure feed freshness.

4. Regularly inspect and clean storage areas to prevent feed contamination and maintain quality.

FIFO

First In, First Out. Rotation system that uses the oldest products first

Sudden feed changes

What can cause microbial imbalance, overproduction o acids and gas, nutritional mismatch and selective feeding?

Two weeks

Rumen microorganisms require __________ of adaptation time to a new ration to adjust the microbial population for efficient digestion to occur. Referred to as a rule of thumb.

Water Benefits to livestock

1. Helps the animal maintain a normal body temperature.

2. Helps to keep the muscles, skin, and hair in good shape

3. Prevents diseases and illnesses, including issues related to insufficient saliva

4. Keeps the digestive system working properly

5. Helps to prevent dehydration

6. Helps to cleanse the body

7. Keeps the nervous system working well

8. Keeps blood circulation flowing properly, and due to the high specific heat of water, maintains this balance effectively.

9. Cleanses the internal organs and helps to eliminate impurities

10. Maintains the correct balance of fluids within their bodies

11. Gives strength to the bones and joints

12. Essential for the health of skin, eyes, and immune system

Water-spread diseases

- Hog cholera

- Foot and Mouth

- Strangles

- Anthrax

-Leptospirosis

- Salmonellosis

- Parasitism

Salt toxicosis

Caused by excessive sodium chloride ingestion. Can occur in many species, though swine, cattle, and poultry are historically more susceptible. Symptoms may include depression, weakness, muscle tremors, gastroenteritis, and seizures.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

accumulations of fast-growing, dense patches of harmful algae. Can produce toxins that can harm animals.

Freshwater salinization syndrome

When saltwater enters freshwater systems - through sea level rise, runoff, or accidental spills. Disrupts osmoregulation in fish and invertebrates, leading to death, reduced reproduction, and ecosystem collapse. Frogs, fish, and insects are especially vulnerable.

Manure waste

Includes feces and urine. High in nutrients and pathogens. Cattle manure comes in large volumes and is good for composting or fertilizer. Poultry is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; prone to odor. Swine manure is high in nitrogen; requires careful storage to prevent groundwater contamination.

Bedding waste

Include straw, wood shavings, etc. Can harbor pests and pathogens.

Feed waste

Uneaten food in troughs

Wastewater

Water produced by livestock operations and human activities, including human sewage from toilets and gray water from bathing and washing of clothes and dishes.

Composting

A type of sustainable management. Converts organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, improving soil health and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Anaerobic Digestion

A type of sustainable management strategy. Produces biogas (renewable energy) and reduces methane emissions.

Rotational Grazing

A type of sustainable management strategy. Distributes manure naturally, preventing waste concentration and improving soil fertility

Covered storage

Reduces odor, pest attraction, and runoff risk

Buffer strips

Vegetated areas reducing runoff and erosion.

Regulatory compliance

Regulations mandated by law usually requiring regular audits and assessments

Pasture Rotation

rotation of animals from one pasture to another so that some pasture areas have no livestock grazing on them during certain periods of time. Improves soil health, enhanced forage quality, increased livestock productivity, reduces parasite load, and biodiversity promotion.

Parasites

Organisms that live on or in a host and cause it harm. Can cause millions of dollars in losses annually.

Host-specific parasites

Parasites evolved to infect one species, but not another. For example, roundworms strongly affect horses, but not cattle, sheep, or swine.

Carcass burning

The most sanitary method of destroying carcases.

Rendering

The process of converting animal carcasses to pathogen-free, useful byproducts such as feed protein. In others, turning the carcass into safe food. Biggest challenges in rendering are large distances between rural areas and a lack of timely pickup service. Not every farmer can render.