Forages are the foundation of all dairy cow and heifer diets. The ruminant digestive system must retain a mat of fiber from forages in order for rumen microbes to proliferate and ferment feedstuffs. However, that fiber mat must also be digested over time and be replaced by more fiber. Unfortunately, the fiber contained in forages is often the least digestible portion of a dairy cow diet.

Proper nutrition plays an obvious and substantial role in helping cows through the transition period and ensuring a good start in the following lactation. At the core of successful transition is the impact of nutrition on the cow’s immune function, which is the basis for her ability to stave off infections, metabolic disorders and other challenges that threaten health and performance.

For its 13th year, the North American Manure Expo will be held in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, July 14-15. Thus far, this event has been in eight states and one province. This is the second time Pennsylvania has hosted the show.

Yesterday I watched my daughter, Angel, ride her horse. She didn’t have a saddle, only a bridle in her hands. The horse galloped and slowed with a slight pressure from her knees and the lift of her hand on the bridle. The horse and rider were one as they flew across the pasture.

When you go to an annual checkup at your doctor’s office, there are some routine screening tests you can expect to have – perhaps a cholesterol or glucose test. Through a pinprick on your finger, a small blood sample can assess your risk for a variety of diseases including heart disease and diabetes.

He was a man in his 50s, his long braids swinging quietly between his shoulder blades as he pedaled. He moved patiently on an old white bicycle with a ratty flannel jacket and other clothes like it draped over the handlebars and strapped down on the back.

Ol’ Louie loved bees. Of all the things I remember about him, I remember that best. He’d be layin’ out in the front yard, daydreamin’ and sunnin’ himself when I’d see an eye open and an ear cock. Then he’d spring to his feet and start snappin’ at the air.

The edible onion, Allium cepa, is a cultivated species in the Allium genus. All members of Allium have important dietary and medicinal properties. While water and carbohydrates make up a large majority of the fresh onion, fiber, flavonoids and alk(en)yl cystein sulfoxides (ACSOs) confer many of the purported health benefits and aroma properties.