Guide to ATTRA’s Livestock and Pasture Publications

A Publication of ATTRA—National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service • 1-800-346-9140 • www.attra.ncat.org

© 2009 NCAT The resources offered here deal with sustainable livestock production from the ground up. Several publications cover pasture management, feeds and forages, while others address care and manage- ment for specifi c animals and marketing of the products derived from them. If you are an experienced or beginning producer, you can fi nd useful information relating to traditional livestock such as beef and dairy cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry, as well as introductions to alternative livestock options from Contents bees to bison. Livestock industry reports ...... 1 Cattle production (beef and dairy) ...... 2 Hog production ...... 3 Sheep and goat production ...... 4 Poultry production ...... 5 Organic livestock production ...... 7 Animal health and nutrition ...... 8 Pasture, forage, grazing and range management ...... 9 Aquaculture and aquaponics ...... 11 Photos by Linda Coff ey, NCAT. Wildlife and unconventional livestock farming ...... 11 Livestock industry reports organic grass-finished beef market from producer to consumer. Other livestock topics ...... 11 Building a Montana Livestock Natural Livestock Feasibility Study Publicaciones en Industry – IP346 (print only) Español/Spanish – IP347 (print only) publications ...... 12 Montana Organic Producers Cooperative Final Report Publications in Final Report Growth Through Ag Project Hmong ...... 12 This report outlines the results of The report begins with the cost of pro- efforts by the National Center for duction survey and then summarizes a Appropriate Technology (NCAT) report on how Montana Organic Pro- to educate and gather information ATTRA—National Sustainable ducers Cooperative members can better from potential partners to decide the Agriculture Information Service access regional and national markets. In (www.ncat.attra.org) is managed feasibility of developing an alternative by the National Center for Appro- a broader sense, this report provides an livestock (mostly beef) industry in Inyo priate Technology (NCAT) and is funded under a grant from the understanding of the value chain of the and Mono counties in California. United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business- Cooperative Service. Visit the To view and download the publications in this guide (except those labeled print only), visit the NCAT Web site (www.ncat.org/ Livestock section of the ATTRA Web site at www.attra.ncat.org/livestock.html. For a free print copy of sarc_current.php) for any of these publications or to speak with a specialist, call 1-800-346-9140 (English), 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. more information on our sustainable agri- Central Time or 1-800-411-3222 (Español), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacifi c Time, Monday through Friday. culture projects. Cattle production Dairy Farm Sustainability (beef and dairy) Checksheet – IP174 This checksheet is designed to stimulate Beef Farm Sustainability critical thinking in planning a milk Checksheet – IP 129 production farm. This relates to all - Full version (16 pages) dairy species: cattle, goats and sheep. The series of questions is intended to - Short version (4 pages) create awareness about how decisions This checksheet is designed to stimu- made in one area affect the results in late critical thinking in planning a beef other areas of your farm. cattle production farm. The series of questions is intended to create aware- Dairy Beef – CT109 ness about how decisions made in one Dairy beef is an opportunity to diver- area affect the results in other areas of sify operations and boost income and your farm. represents an enterprise option for direct marketing to a niche market. Cattle Production: Considerations This publication discusses dairy beef for Pasture-Based Beef and Dairy production, finishing, niche markets Producers – IP305 and direct marketing and analyzing profitability. Pasture- or grass-based livestock pro- duction is inherently sustainable and Dairy Production on Pasture: An can lower production costs, reduce ani- mal stress and boost animal immune Introduction to Grass-Based and systems. This publication highlights Seasonal Dairying – IP340 these and other practices producers In an era of high feed costs and uncer- are using to provide customers with tain milk prices, many dairy produc- nutritious food from sustainable farms ers are looking to pasture to provide and ranches. most of the dry matter for lactating

Jerseys grazing highly productive cool-season perennial pasture in Vermont. Photo courtesy USDA NRCS.

Page 2 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Livestock and Pasture Publications dairy cows during the growing season. ranchers who would like to add value This publication addresses aspects of to the beef they produce. It includes pasture production, including animal methods to add value within the con- selection and forage resource assess- ventional marketing system, alterna- ment, grazing, facilities, reproduction tive marketing strategies including and health, organic production and niche markets for natural, lean and seasonal economics. organic beef, and production consider- ations for pasture-finished beef. The Economics of Grass-Based Dairying – IP210 Ruminant Nutrition for Graziers The grass-based dairy allows the ani- – IP318 mals to harvest their feed, which can This publication provides managers with significantly reduce the activities and tools and references to consider biolog- expenses of cutting, storing and feed- ical and climatological variables and ing harvested forages. This publica- make decisions that ensure the ecological tion discusses dairy economics, land and economic viability of a grass-based requirements, supplemental feed, sea- ruminant livestock operation. sonal dairies, labor and profitability. Hog production Dairy Resource List: Organic and Pasture-Based – IP307 Hog Production Alternatives This resource list offers many sources – IP019 of information for organic and pasture- This publication addresses the two based dairy farmers. Topics include different directions that hog production general organic dairying, pasture pro- is currently moving: contracting with ductivity, animal management, milk large-scale vertical integrators and marketing and farm energy. sustainable production of a smaller number of hogs sold through alterna- Raising Dairy Heifers on Pasture tive markets. – CT110 This publication offers a number of Pork: Marketing Alternatives references on pasture and grazing, dis- – IP153 cusses custom heifer-raising and costs Sustainable hog producers are creating of raising heifers and provides addi- products that many consumers want to tional articles on the subject. buy but can’t find in their grocery stores. Direct marketing and niche markets Value-Added Dairy Options are among the alternative marketing – CT151 strategies discussed in this publication. Dairy farmers can add value to their Legal considerations, labels, trademarks, milk by processing and marketing their processing regulations and obstacles are own products, such as cheeses, yogurt, also addressed. butter, ice cream and farm-bottled milk. This publication discusses regulations Considerations in Organic Hog and organic milk certification and offers Production – IP185 resources for further information. Part of the Organic Matters series, this 43-page publication is designed Beef Marketing Alternatives – IP290 to speed the flow of technical infor- This publication explores market- mation to those engaged in organic ing alternatives for small-scale cattle production. This publication focuses www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 3 on areas of hog production that relate and goat production discusses specifically to National Organic animal selection, feeding, breeding and Program compliance. young stock, equipment and handling and marketing. Profi table Pork – IP191 (USDA Sustainable Agriculture Network Dairy Sheep – IP288 publication, print only) This publication explores the dairy This publication showcases examples sheep business and helps producers of alternative ways to raise pork prof- decide if it is a viable option for their itably. In designing hog systems that farms. The publication also addresses work on their farms, producers have industry regulation, production issues, been able to save on fixed costs, find animal health, stock selection and nutri- greater flexibility, identify unique tion issues surrounding dairy sheep. marketing channels and enjoy a better quality of life. Goats: Sustainable Production Overview – IP248 o view and Hooped Shelters for Hogs – IP149 download the Goat production can be a valuable Hooped shelters have evolved as an publications part of a sustainable farm. Goats can T alternative hog-finishing and gestating in this guide (except be incorporated into existing grazing those labeled print sow housing option. This publication operations with sheep and cattle or only), visit the Live- discusses some of the advantages and used for control of weeds and brush stock section of the disadvantages of using hooped struc- to help utilize a pasture’s diversity. ATTRA Web site at tures, and provides information on This publication provides fundamen- www.attra.ncat.org/ hoop barn design, deep bedding, waste tal information relevant to all goats, livestock.html. For a management and minimal-stress han- including information about feeding, free print copy of any dling, as well as some cost analyses. reproduction and health. of these publications or to speak with a special- Sheep and goat production Dairy Goats: Sustainable Production ist, call 1-800-346-9140 (English), 7 a.m. to 7 Sustainable Sheep Production – IP258 p.m. Central Time or – IP102 This publication discusses the five 1-800-411-3222 (Espa- major considerations to be addressed ñol), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This publication introduces concerns and practices specifically related to in planning for dairy goat produc- Pacifi c Time, Monday tion: labor; sales and marketing; through Friday. sustainable sheep production. Top- ics covered include breed selection, processing; regulations; and budgeting controlled grazing, pasture lambing, and economics. It includes produc- alternative health management and tion information specific to dairy innovative marketing of meat and goats, including choosing breeds and wool products. selecting stock.

An Illustrated Guide to Sheep and Meat Goats: Sustainable Goat Production – IP330 Production – IP200 Sheep and goats are versatile animals This publication offers information and can be valuable and enjoyable specific to meat goat production, and additions to many farms, providing should be read after the companion meat, milk and fiber products, as well publication Goats: Sustainable Produc- as brush control and pasture improve- tion Overview. This document discusses ment services. This 20-page basic and topics including selection, breeds, mar- illustrated introduction to sheep keting, feeding, profitability and more.

Page 4 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Livestock and Pasture Publications It includes sample budgets, case studies Small Ruminant Sustainability and many further resources. Checksheet and Resources Small Ruminant Checksheet Quick Start Managing Internal Parasites in – IP259 Sheep and Goats – IP293 Small Ruminant Resources – RL043 Internal parasite management is a pri- Resource Manual CD-ROM – IP254A mary concern for a majority of sheep These checksheets are designed to stim- and goat producers. These parasites ulate critical thinking when evaluating have become more difficult to man- a farm that produces sheep or goats. age because of developed resistance to The questions in these checksheets are nearly all available dewormers. This intended to create awareness rather publication discusses new techniques than rate management practices. to manage parasites and to prolong the efficacy of dewormers. Poultry production Tools for Managing Internal Alternative Poultry Production Parasites in Small Ruminants: Systems and Outdoor Access – IP300 Copper Wire Particles – IP317 This publication discusses the This publication, produced by the differences between alternative and National Center for Appropriate conventional production systems, as Technology (NCAT) and ATTRA and well as various aspects of free-range the Southern Consortium for Small systems, common poultry housing approaches and integrating poultry Ruminant Parasite Control, describes production with vegetable production how copper oxide wire particles can or livestock grazing. be used to treat internal parasites in sheep and goats. The publication con- Arsenic in Poultry Litter: Organic tains information on how to make boluses of copper wire oxide particles Regulations – IP266 and reports the results of studies on This publication discusses the poten- the effectiveness of this treatment. tial for arsenic in poultry litter, which is often used by organic producers as a Tools for Managing Internal fertilizer and source of organic matter Parasites in Small Ruminants: for soil. Sericea Lespedeza – IP316 This publication, produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and ATTRA and the Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control, discusses tools that can be used to manage internal parasites of sheep and goats that are becoming resistant to conven- tional dewormers. One such tool is the forage sericea lespedeza. This publi- cation discusses how the forage can be used and presents the results of research on how it reduces parasites in small ruminants. Goat grazing sericea lespedeza. Photo by Jean-Marie Luginbuhl. www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 5 Growing Your Range Poultry Avian Infl uenza in Free-Range Business: An Entrepreneur’s and Organic Poultry Production Toolbox – IP211 (online only) This toolbox is written for anyone who Free-range and organic poultry producers desires to make a profit from range poul- raise a specialty product. Birds are provided try production, whether by direct mar- with outdoor access and natural or organic keting pastured poultry, building a pro- feed. Routine antibiotics are avoided. cessing plant or working cooperatively This publication provides information with other producers. This toolbox was on avian influenza as it pertains to this produced by the National Center for type of specialty poultry production. Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agri- Organic Poultry Production in the culture as part of a Heifer International project to enhance the opportunities to United States – IP331 expand range poultry businesses. In organic poultry production systems, birds are raised without cages in hous- Label Rouge: Pasture-Based Poultry ing that allows outdoor access, are fed Production in France – IP202 organic feed and managed with proac- tive practices and natural treatments. Pasture-raised poultry is increasingly This publication discusses organic popular in the United States. Ameri- husbandry including living condi- can farmers and small companies can tions, health, genetics and origin, feed benefit from studying the French Label and processing as specified under the Rouge program. Started as a grassroots livestock requirements of the U.S. movement and now commanding 30 per- Department of Agriculture National cent of the French poultry market, it has Organic Program. helped boost incomes for small farmers. Pastured Poultry: An HI Case Study Parasite Management for Natural and Booklet – IP161 Organic Poultry: Coccidiosis – IP245 This booklet summarizes the experi- This publication discusses the life cycle ences of 35 Southern farm families of coccidiosis, as well as transmission in who from 1996 to 1999 participated in free-range production; management in a project titled Integrating Pastured the brooder and on pasture; and natu- ral treatments, drugs and vaccines. Poultry into the Farming Systems of Limited Resource Farmers. The proj- ect was conducted by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and Heifer International.

Pastured Poultry Nutrition – IP227 (print only) A Heifer International publication.

Poultry House Management for Alternative Production – IP308 This publication addresses the indoor

Outdoor access or “extensive” production allows poultry to express natural environment for poultry in alternative behaviors, provides sunlight and fresh air, and a healthy environment for production. Poultry need access to an the birds. Photo by Linda Coff ey, NCAT. appropriate indoor environment for Page 6 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Livestock and Pasture Publications good production and welfare. Attention added poultry processing to their to ventilation, temperature, lighting and services, as well as other poultry litter conditions is needed. processing plants.

Poultry: Equipment for Alternative Small-Scale Poultry Processing Production – IP295 – IP231 This publication describes some of This publication addresses small-scale the basic equipment needed for small- processing, both on-farm and in small scale chicken flocks, especially flocks plants, and covers each step of process- on range. Topics include watering and ing poultry. It also offers examples of feeding equipment, fencing consider- mobile processing units. ations and roosting and nesting boxes. Organic livestock production Poultry Genetics for Pastured Pro- duction – IP256 NCAT’s Organic Livestock While most pastured poultry produc- Workbook – IP228 ers in North America raise the same This workbook is for organic and tran- o view and fast-growing Cornish and White-Rock sitional producers with livestock or download the publications cross broilers used in conventional con- mixed crop and livestock operations. T in this guide (except fined production, many producers are It is especially useful for growers con- interested in alternative genetic types those labeled print templating conversion to, and those in only), visit the Live- that may be more suitable for outdoor the early years of transition to, organic production or for niche markets. This stock section of the production. Particular emphasis ATTRA Web site at publication provides information on is placed on farming strategies and www.attra.ncat.org/ the Cornish Rock crosses, discusses practices that promote sustainability. livestock.html. For a several slower-growing breeds and pro- free print copy of any vides information on hatcheries that Organic Livestock Documentation of these publications or offer these alternative breeds. Forms – IP237 to speak with a special- ist, call 1-800-346-9140 Range Poultry Housing – CT125 Tools that livestock producers can use (English), 7 a.m. to 7 for documenting practices, inputs and In this publication, experienced p.m. Central Time or activities that demonstrate compliance pastured-poultry producer Robert 1-800-411-3222 (Espa- with regulations, or that assist in farm Plamondon discusses housing designs ñol), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. recordkeeping. for outdoor production, including Pacifi c Time, Monday daily move pens, machine-portable through Friday. housing, fixed housing and feed shel- Organic Standards for Livestock ters. Numerous examples of different Production: Highlights of the types of poultry housing are pictured USDA’s National Organic Program and described. Regulations – IP334 This collection of excerpts from the Small Poultry Processing Plants and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Services Database (online only) National Organic Program (NOP) There are few processing facilities provides the reader with key stan- that provide poultry processing ser- dards relevant to organic livestock vices for independent producers. Very producers. This publication should large poultry processing plants are be used with excerpts for all certified usually only set up to process their organic operations and organic crop own birds. This database lists small production and handling of organic meat processing plants that have agricultural products, as applicable. www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 7 Organic Livestock Feed Suppliers Tools for Managing Internal (online only) Parasites in Small Ruminants: This searchable online database pro- Sericea Lespedeza – IP316 vides information on suppliers that This publication produced by NCAT/ offer certified organic feed for live- ATTRA and the Southern Consortium stock. It is searchable by region and by for Small Ruminant Parasite Con- type of livestock feed offered. Lists of trol discusses tools that can be used distributors for some organic feeds are to manage internal parasites of sheep also included. and goats that are becoming resistant to conventional wormers. One such Animal health and nutrition tool is the forage sericea lespedeza, and the publication discusses how it Ruminant Nutrition for Graziers can be used and presents the results of – IP318 research on how it reduces parasites in small ruminants. This publication provides managers with o view and tools and references to consider biolog- Parasite Management for Natural and download the ical and climatological variables and Organic Poultry: Coccidiosis – IP245 publications make decisions that ensure the ecological T This publication discusses the life cycle in this guide (except and economic viability of a grass-based those labeled print ruminant livestock operation. of coccidiosis, as well as transmission only), visit the Live- in free-range production; management stock section of the Managing Internal Parasites in in the brooder and on pasture; and ATTRA Web site at Sheep and Goats – IP293 natural treatments, drugs and vaccines. www.attra.ncat.org/ livestock.html. For a Internal parasite management is a pri- Avian Infl uenza in Free-Range free print copy of any mary concern for a majority of sheep and Organic Poultry Production and goat producers. These parasites of these publications or (online only) to speak with a special- have become more difficult to man- ist, call 1-800-346-9140 age because of developed resistance to Free-range and organic poultry (English), 7 a.m. to 7 nearly all available dewormers. This producers raise a specialty prod- p.m. Central Time or publication discusses new techniques uct. Birds are provided with outdoor 1-800-411-3222 (Espa- to manage parasites and to prolong access, natural or organic feed and ñol), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the efficacy of dewormers. routine antibiotics are avoided. This Pacifi c Time, Monday publication provides information on through Friday. Tools for Managing Internal avian influenza as it pertains to this type of specialty poultry production. Parasites in Small Ruminants: Copper Wire Particles – IP317 Pastured Poultry Nutrition – IP227 This publication, produced by the (online only) National Center for Appropriate Tech- A Heifer International publication. nology (NCAT) and ATTRA and the Southern Consortium for Small Rumi- nant Parasite Control, describes how Integrated Parasite Management copper oxide wire particles can be used for Livestock – IP150 to treat internal parasites in sheep and With parasites developing resistance to goats. The publication contains infor- all dewormers and more farmers pro- mation on how to make boluses of cop- ducing livestock by natural methods, per wire oxide particles and reports there is interest in alternative ways to the results of studies on the effective- managing parasite problems such as ness of this treatment. nutrition and pasture management,

Page 8 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Livestock and Pasture Publications beneficial soil organisms and strategic how to begin or become a part of a graz- deworming. ing network and offers advice on sustain- ing the network. It includes a case study. Pasture, forage, grazing and range management Grazing Contracts for Livestock – IP247 A Brief Overview of Nutrient Grazing livestock for other farmers is a Cycling in Pastures – IP221 way to make a land investment return Nutrients in a pasture system cycle additional dollars to the land owner. through soil organisms, pasture plants This publication discusses some of the and grazing livestock. Appropriate man- issues involved with contract grazing, agement can enhance the nutrient cycle, including various classes of livestock, equipment, sample contracts and eco- increase productivity and reduce costs. nomic aspects. Nutrient Cycling in Pastures – IP136 Managed Grazing in Riparian Areas Nutrient cycles important in pasture – IP223 systems are the water, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. This in-depth This publication is designed to help publication has basic descriptions of farmers and ranchers identify and use these nutrient cycles and provides appropriate grazing practices to pro- guidelines for managing pastures to tect riparian resources. Methods for enhance nutrient cycling efficiency for protecting these fragile areas include productive forage and livestock growth, keeping livestock from streambanks, soil health and water quality. properly resting pastures to restore degraded land and determining the proper duration and season for Assessing the Pasture Soil Resource grazing pastures. – IP128 This technical note provides methods Multispecies Grazing – CT147 to determine the biological activity This paper discusses the benefits of pasture soils and practical tips on of multispecies grazing, potential prob- improving the usefulness of typical soil lems and obstacles to adoption. and plant samples. Rotational Grazing – IP086 Dung Beetle Benefi ts in the Pasture Ecosystem – CT155 Rotational grazing is periodically mov- ing livestock to fresh paddocks to allow This publication describes dung bee- pastures to regrow. This publication tles and their benefits to pastures and addresses various aspects of rotational offers management information. It also grazing, including the transition from offers information about building a a conventional system, fencing and dung beetle farm. watering systems, forage growth and effects on the animals. Grazing Networks for Livestock Producers – CT166 Pasture, Rangeland and Grazing Grazing networks are groups of farm- Management – IP306 ers and ranchers who work together to This publication profiles the general increase their knowledge of forage man- types of pastures and rangelands and agement, pasture-based production and offers information about management farm economics. This publication covers and expected yields, weed management www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 9 strategies, land rehabilitation, pad- especially if the cropland is marginal. This dock development, plant selection and publication examines some economic drought and plant toxicosis. considerations of converting cropland to grassland, methods of establishing Pastures: Sustainable Management pasture on croplands and how to manage – IP284 established pastures. This publication addresses numerous Organic Alternatives to Treated aspects of sustainable pasture integra- tion, grazing rotation strategies and Lumber – CT170 management options. It covers graz- This publication reminds all prospec- ing systems, pasture fertility, changes tive and current certified organic in the plant community through graz- producers that treated lumber is not ing, weed control and pasture mainte- allowed under the Final Rule of the nance. It also discusses planning and National Organic Program (NOP) goal setting and offers an appendix on and provides information on alterna- trees in pasture settings. tive products.

Pastures: Going Organic – IP297 Paddock Design, Fencing and This publication is an introduction Water Systems for Controlled to the regulations related to organic Grazing – IP152/50 pasture and rangeland in the United Interest in controlled grazing is States. Organically certified land is increasing throughout the United described under the National Organic States. Controlled grazing systems are Program (NOP), including activities economically feasible and more eas- and materials that are allowed or pro- ily managed because of developments hibited. Organic integrity is discussed, in fencing and water technology. This including records required to demon- publication covers some of the basics strate compliance with the National of paddock design and current fencing Organic Standards. and water technology.

Converting Cropland to Perennial Solar-Powered Livestock Watering Grassland – IP244 Systems – IP217 Converting cropland to perennial This publication gives an introduction pasture is often a profitable move, to solar-powered livestock watering systems, including discussions of cost, components and terminology, as well as some suggestions for designing and installing these systems. The strengths and weaknesses of solar pumping are compared to the main options for pumping in remote locations.

Freeze Protection for Solar- powered Livestock Watering Systems – IP215 Winter use of a solar pumping system The single most important factor to increase production on irrigated fi elds is a workable grazing management system that meets the nutritional needs of live- is problematic but possible. Freez- stock and maintains the pasture sward in the vegetative stage throughout the ing temperatures pose two main chal- grazing season. Photo by Lee Rinehart. lenges: winterizing a summer-use-only Page 10 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Livestock and Pasture Publications system and freeze-proofing a system livestock enterprise and covers many of intended for winter use. This publication the issues a beginning producer needs to offers several suggestions for keeping consider before starting to raise ratites. water open in winter. Aquaculture and aquaponics Other livestock topics Aquaculture Enterprises: Baitworm Production – CT101 Considerations and Strategies Earthworm husbandry, as with any – CT142 livestock, requires management to ensure adequate reproduction, growth Aquaculture—the cultivation of fish and health. This paper discusses some and aquatic animals and plants—is of the basics of raising and marketing expanding to meet consumer demand. commercially cultured bait earth- This publication surveys the important considerations for planning an aqua- worm species. culture enterprise. It will help you identify the production system species, Beekeeping/Apiculture – IP229 and marketing strategy most appropri- This publication discusses various o view and ate for your situation. aspects of beekeeping or apiculture, download the including state inspection programs, Tpublications Aquaponics—Integration of Hydro- beginning basics, income sources and in this guide (except ponics with Aquaculture – IP163 budgets, insurance, Africanized bees, those labeled print only), visit the Live- Aquaponics is a bio-integrated sys- organic certification and various stock section of the tem that links recirculating aquacul- bee pests and diseases. Information ATTRA Web site at ture with hydroponic vegetable, flower on educational and training oppor- tunities and further resources are www.attra.ncat.org/ or herb production. This publication livestock.html. For a also discussed. provides an introduction to aquapon- free print copy of any ics with brief profiles of working units of these publications or around the country. Draft Animal Power for Farming to speak with a special- – IP335 ist, call 1-800-346-9140 Wildlife and unconventional Farmers may want to consider using (English), 7 a.m. to 7 livestock farming draft horses, mules or oxen as an alter- p.m. Central Time or native to tractors for farm work and as 1-800-411-3222 (Espa- ñol), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bison Production – IP151 means of reducing fuel costs. This pub- Pacifi c Time, Monday This publication looks at bison pro- lication briefly discusses some of the through Friday. duction and marketing. It covers start- considerations and potential benefits ing a bison enterprise, as well as issues involved in the use of animal power and of nutrition, handling, processing and offers resources for further information direct marketing. and equipment. Llama and Alpaca Farming – CT136 Predator Control for Sustainable This paper discusses considerations for raising llamas and alpacas, includ- and Organic Livestock Production ing regulations, marketing, nutrition, – IP196 reproduction, handling, shelter and This publication examines how to iden- health concerns. tify and control livestock predators. The focus is primarily on the control of Ratite Production: Ostrich, Emu & coyotes and dogs through management Rhea – CT087 practices such as fencing and secure This publication discusses the history areas and the use of guard animals such of ratite production as an alternative as dogs, donkeys and llamas. www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 11 Worms for Composting Nutrición para Rumiantes en (Vermicomposting) – IP110 Pastoreo – SP318 Worms can convert organic and agricul- Esta publicación provee a los admin- ture wastes into safe soil amendments or istradores de herramientas y referen- ingredients for potting soil mixes. These cias para considerar variables biológi- castings are stable, yet biologically cas y climatológicas y tomar decisiones active, and available to plants. Systems que aseguren la viabilidad ecológica y can be designed to produce either the económica de una operación de ganado castings or the worms themselves as the rumiante en pastoreo. commercial product. Nutrición para Aves de Pastura Español – SP227 Discuta los requerimientos para ali- Guía Ilustrada para la Producción mentar a las aves de pastura y los de Ovinos y Caprinos – SP330 usos y valores nutritivos de diferentes Esta básica y gráfica introducción a la ingredientes. También ilustra métodos producción de ovinos y caprinos discute para calcular la ración para formular la selección de animales, alimentación y los alimentos. pastura, equipo y manejo, y mercadeo. Procesamiento de Aves en Equipo para Producción Aviar Pequeña Escala – SP231 Alternativa – SP295 Cubre el procesamiento tanto en la granja como en plantas pequeñas. El Esta publicación describe parte del acceso al procesamiento es un evento equipamiento básico necesario para crítico para los pequeños productores. parvadas de pollos en pequeña escala, especialmente en sistema extensivo. Hmong Sistemas Avícolas Alternativos con Lb phau duab qhia txog kev tu yaj Acceso a Pastura – SP300 thiab tshis – IP345 La producción avícola alternativa esta An Illustrated Guide to Sheep and creciendo debido a la demanda del Goat Production consumidor para productos de espe- cialidad de aves sin jaula y la produc- ción de aves libres en pastura. Guide to ATTRA’s Livestock and Pasture Publications El Manejo de Gallineros para la © 2009 NCAT Producción Alternativa – SP308 Holly Michels, Editor Amy Smith, Production Mientras que el acceso al exterior es una parte importante del sistema libre This publication is available on the Web at: en pastura y muchos otros sistemas de www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/pasturepubs.html or producción alternativa de avicultura, el www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/pasturepubs.pdf medio ambiente interior y su manejo es IP352 critico. Las aves necesitan acceso a un Slot 351 medio ambiente apropiado en el interior Version 092809 para buena producción y bienestar.

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