By T.L, SMITH Psh. Vet Science Ext. Animal stress is defined as an internal or environmental ''exter nal) stimulus that initiates an adaptive change or a’stress response in an animal. Stress is an important consideration when we aim to increase production through promoting an animal’s well being. Unfortunately, stress is a commonly ignored factor in many aspects of animal management. Oftentimes, particularly in intensive confinement operations, animals’ needs are not understood and therefore not met. This can alter immune response and influ ence the ability to thrive. So called “stress” can induce biologi cal changes that will affect normal development and growth, depress reproductive and productive per formance, in addition to decreas ing disease resistance. Stressful episodes are particularly danger ous in ruminants, as they can promote changes in gastrointesti nal tract motility leading to bloat and diminished rumen function. Stressors having the most pro found effect on animals are: heat, cold, weaning, crowding, mixing. • A multi-pest resistant variety. • Excellent tolerance to anthracnose, pea aphid bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, PhytophtHora root rot and Verticillium wilt. • Good winterhardiness, fast recovery and high yield potential. • Topped a 72 variety test, yielding 7.6% more than the test average in lowa State University 1896-87 trials. • In 1987 Penn State/USDA alfalfa trials at Rock Springs and Hershey, PA, Verta+ produced yields ■ -o/_ bgg e average. ‘T/ie Performance Name In Agriculture” ® 3 §. sm®!? r~ "' —~i 2388 Old Leacock Ed., Gordonville, PA 17529 Distributor 9000 Lb. Winch In Stock nYM y ic, > Drydene JT CHfe f=sl OILS & ? WlncheSWßJEgjf Distributor Tor: General V Bearings, Ask For Price j (gj&Xsa; 717-768-3853 -AicV MftArvto -fiai—l Control Stress In Dairy Animals limit feeding, noise, and restraint. Suggestions for Decreasing Stress in Dairy Animals: * Proper nutrition is crucial to alleviate physiological stress. Avoid rapid diet changes and deprivation of food or water. Pro viding regular feeding times helps to avoid social order competition. * Do not perform simultaneous stressful procedures (do not wean and vaccinate at the same time, for example). * Veterinary treatment should assure considerate handling of animals, with use of analgesics (pain relievers) when undertaking painful procedures. Traumatic procedures such as dehorning should be performed when ani mals are young and as small as possible. Restraint at this time is easier, and pain and trauma can be minimized. * Treatment should attempt to minimize animal fear. Ensure that the stockperson attending animals is trained not only in technical skills, but in the importance of a good human-animal relationship. This has been documented to have a profound effect on animal wel- NC+ HYBRIDS District Sales Manager Barry L. Hoke 244 Moyer Ridge Dr. Manheim, PA 17545 Home Ph. (717)665-2009 Answering Service (717) 665-9347 fare and productivity. Handling animals in a consistently patient, positive manner as opposed to an aversive manner (hitting, kicking, prodding, shouting, etc.) is important. * Poor, stressful handling and restraint can cause great economic PENNSYLVANIA LOSES 31 MILLION TONS OF SOIL EACH YEAR BECAUSE OF CROPLAND EROSION All farmers must have an approved conservation plan by 1990 to stay eligible for USDA Farm Benefits. Protect your land; protect your benefits; call the US. Soil Conservation Service or your county conservation district today! Brought to you by the United States Department of Agriculture-Soil Con servation Service and the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. STOLTZFUS SPREADERS When it comes to spreading hopper and conveyor chain, diy fertilizer, nothing beats 12 Gauge, continuous-weld, V\ illrnar Poi accuracy 409-stainless steel body. Oi value Penod Straight-line PTO shaft —no I he Willmar S 300 3 )on spieadei shown above features spiead iales from undei 100 pounds per acie to over 1000 lbs with a highly accurale spread pattei n Many features assure you of long service life and high resale value; Stainless steel f—. STOLTZFUS SPREADERS P.O. Box 527 Morgan Way Morgantown, PA 19543 (215) 286*5146 _ losses to farmers. Eliminate loud noises and clanking metal in chutes and gates. Rope halters arc preferred to use of nose tongs on cattle. * Mixing of unfamiliar animals into established groups leads to aggression and production losses. IF YOU DON’T HAVE A CONSERVATION PLAN BY DECEMBER 31, 1989... YOUR FARM WILL LOSE MORE THAN SOIL UTdlnm fertilizer equipment from Keep new animals separate. * Reduce exposure to infec tious diseases and parasite: whenever possible. * Move animals in such a waj as to avoid stressful encounters, Use electric prods sparingly. T.L Smith Cl )omt. And lots more C CJ. 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