Sheep and goat farms are the fastest-growing segment of livestock agriculture in Maine, and constitute a diverse group of producers who market high-value products such as wool, milk, and meat to regional markets throughout New England. Internal parasitism is an increasingly important problem for these farmers because it often results in significant death losses and […]
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Mastitis is one of the most important economic impacts on Maine dairy farms. When prototheca is present on a farm, it can spread easily from the environment into the udder. Prototheca elevates the somatic cell count, a critical measure of milk quality for the dairy. Of Maine farms from which prototheca was isolated, one has […]
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According to the Maine Farm Bureau, Maine is home to 35,000 horses, with an economic impact of approximately $364 million. Although isolated, Maine is nevertheless on the front lines of national biosecurity due to its extensive sea and land borders and at risk for new outbreaks of diseases in animal populations. The economic impact of […]
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Various silage additives, which claim to improve forage quality, bunk life, and animal performance, are commercially available to Maine producers. These products often have little or no research data to support their claims and rely on user testimonials to document their efficacy. Our dairy farmers need more than testimonials on which to base their forage […]
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