Archive for the ‘Farm and Livestock’ Category
Becoming a Vegan?
Depending on one’s level of commitment this can include not using certain medicines because they are tested for safety on animals. A Vegan will not buy or use animal products whether that’s a steak, an egg, bread with milk in it or leather shoes. The overall goal of veganism is to reduce animal suffering, environmental damage, hunger in the developing world and risks to our own health. Veganism takes all those advantages just a little further. For very many people concerned about any or all of these problems, it seems the natural step to take from vegetarianism.
Why do people choose to become Vegan?
Animal Welfare – Despite the common belief that drinking milk or eating eggs does not kill animals, commercially raised dairy cows and egg-laying chickens, whether factory-farmed or ‘free range,’ are slaughtered when their production rates decline, not to mention the appalling conditions to which they are kept. There is an ongoing debate on the finer points of what constitutes an animal product; The Vegan Society and most vegans include insect products such as honey in their definition as well.
The environment – Animal agriculture takes a devastating toll on the earth. It is an inefficient way of producing food, since feed for farm animals requires land, water, fertilizer, and other resources that could otherwise have been used directly for producing human food.
Health – The consumption of animal fats and proteins has been linked to heart disease, colon and lung cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, and a number of other debilitating conditions. Cows’ milk contains ideal amounts of fat and protein for young calves, but far too much for humans. According to Gill Langley, a Ph.D. in biology and author of Vegan Nutrition, “it is clear from the example of many thousands of vegans worldwide that a varied plant-based diet not only supports health and well-being but, additionally, can have positive health benefits” (Langley 1995). A vegan diet is protective against such major killers as heart disease and cancer.
Eating fewer animal products is a good choice for the environment and your conscious. Animal agriculture produces surprisingly large amounts of air and water pollution, and causes 80 percent of the world’s annual deforestation. It also requires large amounts of water, and livestock worldwide consumes half the world’s total grain harvest.
How Do I Know it’s Vegan?
When shopping, look out for the vegan society logo. It appears on thousands of animal free products that have been registered with The Vegan Society.
You will need to examine the packaging and labelling carefully of all non registered products to ensure that you avoid animal by-products such as gelatin and rennet which can be found in everyday items such as children’s sweets.
Davinos Greeno
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/becoming-a-vegan-84546.html
Is An Australian Shepherd Puppy The Right Choice For Me And My Family?
The Australian Shepherd is a working sheep and farm dog that might do quite poorly in an apartment. They are vigorous dogs with high intelligence that were bred to think and work. They require at the least, a properly fenced in enclosure and at the best, a farm to run and work. They form strong bonds with their family and demand a great deal of attention and time. They will follow their master from room to room in a house and want to ride in the car, help with chores, etc. If left alone for long periods of time, they may invent their own entertainment which can include destroying the furnishings or garden. They need to be properly socialized with children and pets and may nip at the heels of children. She is a very protective dog of both body and property.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Australian Shepherd is 20 to 23 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and from 50 to 65 pounds. The female should run about 18 to 21 inches to the withers and 40 to 55 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Some heartworm medications may be toxic to this breed due to a gene mutation.. Your veterinarian can test for this. She can suffer from canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), hereditary eye problems, hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), discoid lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), cleft palate, seizures, von Willebrands disease (a problem with blood clotting), and patent ductus arteriosis (a circulatory abnormality).
*Grooming. Brush this breed often with a firm bristle brush and wash when necessary. She will shed quite a bit. Brushing will help keep your pets coat clean and healthy, help avoid tangles and help keep your house more free of shed hair. Brushing will also help you keep a closer eye on your pet health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Her coat is of moderate length and medium coarseness. Be prepared to become real friendly with your vacuum cleaner if kept indoors. Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
*Life Span. The Australian Shepherd can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The only working livestock breed actually developed in the western portion of America, although she does have some roots in Australia. She was developed from sheep dogs that were imported with flocks of sheep from Australia, France, Spain, New Zealand, Latin America and England during the late 1800 and early 1900 period, especially during the California gold rush. Australian Shepherds were popularized, especially in California, after World War II by horse shows, rodeos and movies.
*Registries:
ASCR Australian Shepherd Club of America
UKC United Kennel Club
NKC National Kennel Club
CKC Continental Kennel Club
APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
AKC American Kennel Club
*Category: Herding group.
*Terms To Describe The Breed: Intelligent, good natured, even disposition, good stamina, agile, muscular, balanced and devoted.
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
He is a loyal companion.
Easy to train.
Excellent farm dog.
Easy to housebreak.
Eager to please.
Wants to be with their master constantly.
Makes a great family dog.
Her pretty coat comes in amazing colors.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Needs lots of exercise.
Needs a job to do.
Wants to be with their master constantly.
Can be very territorial.
May bark at neighbors too much.
May become destructive if bored.
Can have health problems.
May shed copiously.
Can by shy, especially with strangers.
*Other Names Known By: The Aussie, wiggle-butt,
Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/is-an-australian-shepherd-puppy-the-right-choice-for-me-and-my-family-73497.html
Model Livestock Farm Punjab Pakistan part-1 Dr.Ashraf Sahibzada
Excellent model farm of livtock to motivate farmers to follow the practices to make progress in this field.
Duration : 0:8:7
Sheikh’s Livestock & Dairy Farm Eid Ul Azha 2009 (Part 2)
These animals for Eid Ul Azha 2009 are kept in natural environment and are fed with food of highest quality under observation of professionals.
Duration : 0:0:11
TLC Ranch Introduction Video: Part Two
This is a walking, narrated tour of TLC Ranch- a pasture-based livestock farm in North Monterey County, California. See how we practice rotational grazing of our pigs and chickens around 20 acres of organic pasture. We may not own the land, but we take good care of it. You can learn more about our farm at www.tlcrancheggs.com.
Duration : 0:4:19
Close-up on Farm Animal Welfare Part 6
This six part series takes a real look at the animal welfare issue and tells the truth about how agriculture cares for their animals. Todays farmers provide care to their animals based upon knowledge, science and practices that have been time honored, tested and truly provide what is best for the animal. They are also impacted by legislative efforts and outside interest group agendas that cause the entire food production industry to be impacted. These videos take a look at the big picture and discuss animal care practices down at the farm level..watch all six segments to get the full story and the real truth.
Duration : 0:5:6
What is the Cause of Water Pollution?
Water pollution refers to the changes in the physical, biological, and chemical conditions of any body of water which harmfully disrupts the balance of the ecosystem.
Like any type of pollution, water pollution results when an overwhelming amount of waste coming from different sources of pollutants can no longer be accommodated by the natural ecosystem. Consequently, when the wastes are not destroyed as fast as they are produced, they make it unfavorable to humans and many other organisms. But that’s not all. Learn more about what causes water pollution.
There are actually many specific reasons behind what causes water pollution. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with the two main categories of water pollution. Some pollution comes directly from one’s specific location. This type of pollution is called point source pollution such as sewage pipes that empty polluted water into the river and farmland. Meanwhile, non-point source pollution is pollution that comes from large areas like gasoline and other dirt from highways that go into the lakes and rivers.
What are the causes water pollution? Who are the culprits who should be responsible for the harm brought by their pollutants? How do these sources of pollution pollute different bodies of water?
One major cause of water pollution that has caused serious environmental and health problems are the pollutants coming from chemical and industrial processes. When factories and manufacturers pour their chemicals and livestock wastes directly into streams and rivers, the water becomes poisonous and oxygen levels are depleted causing many aquatic organisms to die. These wastes include solvents and toxic substances. Most of the wastes are not biodegradable. Power plants, paper mills, refineries, automobile factories dispose waste into the rivers.
The heated water from the power plants is called thermal pollution. This kills aquatic animals and plants by reducing the oxygen content of the water. Power plants use water to cool their machineries, thus changing the temperature of the water.
Aside from thermal pollution, there are also organic and inorganic pollutants. The organic wastes include refuse from slaughter houses, fish and meat canning factories, and leather tanning companies, manufacturing plants, pesticides and crude oil companies. Since organic wastes are decomposed by microorganisms, much of the dissolved oxygen in water is used up and the waster begins to stink.
Inorganic wastes include toxic and corrosive substances like acids, heavy metals, mercury, cadmium and lead which can impair the normal body processes. Battery manufacturers, mining, paper mills increase the concentration of mercury making the water dangerous and poisonous for most living things.
Another cause of water pollution is from pesticides. Farm pesticides poison aquatic plants and animals. Animal manure, chemical fertilizers, phosphate detergent pollute water by supplying excess nutrients. This pollution is known as eutrophication. This greatly increases the growth of algae in water thereby decreasing the amount of oxygen level in water causing the death of many aquatic organisms.
Water is also being polluted by garbage specifically plastics and other plastic-like substances. Some plastic like nylon can entangle fishes and other marine animals. Plastics that have broken down into tiny pieces can be eaten by sea creatures which may cause their death. Since plastic is non-biodegradable, it will continue to kill more fishes.
One more cause of water pollution is sewage coming from households. Since no one wants to live in a polluted area, near a dumpsite or landfill, the wastewater and untreated sewage are carried away from the home polluting different bodies of water. Most developing countries practice this type of sewage disposal. Even modern countries carry poorly treated sewage to canals leading to major bodies of water. The danger is when the sewage pipes gets broken and waste contaminates the drinking water. When this happens, the breakage will open a wide array of water borne diseases that will surely pose peril to consumers.
Last among the causes of water pollution are personal care and household products. Shampoo, lotion, moisturizer, hair dye, bleach, laundry detergent, fabric softener, and many others contribute to water pollution. Human waste is not the only thing that goes to sewage. These products also join the wastewater to contaminate the streams, rivers, and lakes.
Although the world abounds with water, only three percent of it is potable. Included in the 3% source of potable water are the streams, spring, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls that are continuously being threatened and contaminated by the different factors that cause of water pollution. If the sources of water pollution are not controlled, this basic necessity will eventually become a rare commodity only a few can afford to have.
Nathalie Fiset
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/what-is-the-cause-of-water-pollution-131859.html
Machinery, a Brilliant Perspective Market in China
China Machinery Industry
The machinery industry has a major bearing on China’s manufacturing industry. In 2004, China’s machinery industry accounted for 17.0% and 10.6% respectively of national sales and exports. Rapid economic development in China has led to a corresponding increase in industrial machinery. Almost all leading international players have formed joint ventures in China including John-Deere, Daewoo, Hitachi, Parker, Sanyo, ABB, Emerson, Siemens and Volvo.
Chinese machine builders are also enhancing their international participation through larger exports as well as a higher degree of internationalization. At an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 12.0%, in 2010 consumption is estimated to reach $910.14 billion. In the near future, China will be an important player in the global industrial machinery marketplace.
1. Agriculture Machinery
Today China’s agriculture is a new era of historical development. In a long period of time from now on, expanding operating scope, industrialized management, sustainable development, and scientific and technical innovation in agriculture shall be the four tendencies and driving forces. The development and adjustment of economic construction in agriculture requires higher level and larger scope of mechanization. Now mechanization has already developed from the traditional growing wheat to rice, maize, from traditional tillage to protecting tillage, from machine for producing grain crops to oil crops and cotton economic crops, from growing to livestock farming, aquatic products industry, fruit growing, garden farmland and manufacturing agriculture products etc. So there is a bright future of market for farm machinery.
2. Construction Machinery
Construction machinery is the largest customer of hydraulic products, which makes up about more than 40% of the total market volume of hydraulic products. The percentage shall further increase in the future. China is in an extensive developing and constructing period, thus the demand of construction machinery in the coming several decades will up, and China will be the largest market in the world.
3. Metallurgical and Mining Equipment
The total demand of steel in China reached 352 million tons in 2005. Therefore steel and iron industry shall speed up the adjustment of product structure. In the next 10?15 years, put stress on manufacturing flat plate steel, especially sheet steel and products with high additional value. State should enlarge the investment for them and make the degree of self-sufficiency of steel reach 90%.
For this reason, China need to use advanced machines to replace the backward machine, to realize continuous and automatic production with equipments in large scale, and upgrade the industry. Meanwhile China will give great impetus to process of group-collection for iron and steel industry, carry out technical reform of manufacturing process for large enterprises, make every effort to raise the utilization rate of steel by 10%?20%, take further steps to save energy by 15%?20%. Consequently, many new continuous casting machine and cold/hot rolling mill etc are needed.
4. Machine Tools
Along with the progress of manufacturing technique, China’s demands for high precision, high-efficiency CNC machines, is getting more and more. By the year 2010, the yearly output of CNC machine tools will be approximately 50,000 units. Now, in China there are about 3 million machine tools in use, and it is expected that about 4 million units machine tools will be in use by the year 2010.
5. Plastic Machinery
The demand for plastic products will increase remarkably to cater for the development in the fields of agriculture, automobile, electronics, light, foodstuff, packaging and construction industries and the improved living standard of the people as well. At present, the total output value of plastic in China has come to the forefront of the world, but the annual plastic consumption per capita is only 14.5 kg, less than the 20 kg world average annual consumption per capita and far from the 50 kg to 100 kg annual consumption per capita in developed countries. It is expected by the year 2010 to be a litter bit higher than the world average annual consumption per capita. The growing consumption of plastic products provides the opportunity for developing plastic machinery. It is expected that the annual demand for plastic machinery will be about 150, 000 units by the year 2010.
6. Petrochemical Equipment
Energy problem shall be the restricted factor in a long period of time in developing national economy. Accelerating the development of energy industry is of great urgency. State need to accelerate the development of petroleum and natural gas, except the project to deliver natural gas from the west to the east and other petrochemical projects are under construction, in the period of 11th five year plan shall be built 5000 km high pressure crude oil pipeline. Besides, in this period the demand of oil refining, ethylene and three synthetic materials (synthetic resin, synthetic rubber, synthetic fibre) shall increase at the rate of 6%?9%. So, there need collection and delivery equipment for oil and gas and large-scale and high-efficiency petrochemical equipment with the emphasis laid on the development of large-scale petroleum prospecting and drilling equipment for desert and ocean, large complete equipment with a yearly output of 600 000 ton ethylene, 450 000 ton synthetic ammonia, 800, 000 ton urea and chemical fibres etc.
8. Food-stuff, Packaging, Electronics, Light-industry and Textile Equipment
The emphasis is laid on the development of various high-efficiency, energy saving, multifunctional and automated complete sets of equipment and production lines, such as various liquid filling lines, production lines of fast foods and puffed foods, sterile medicine production lines and packaging lines, bag-making and bag-filling lines, suitcase making lines, high-speed tobacco processing machinery, air-jet looms, automatic winders and production lines of various household electrical appliances and electronic apparatus.
9. Harbor Terminal Facilities
In order to meet the demand of domestic construction and enlarged export and import trade, task for building coastal port and inland port is very heavy, a great number of ship loaders, car dumpers, stacking machines and container cargo handling equipment will be additionally provided or updated.
10. Ship-building and Ocean Engineering Equipment
By the year 2010, the total yearly production capacity of ship building industry will be about 10 million ton, account for 30% of the world annual output, with the emphasis laid on the development of large ocean-going tankers, LPG ships, container ships, engineering vessels, bulk ships, high-speed passenger liners and ocean-going fishing vessels. Ocean engineering equipment shall be put stress on building large engineering facilities for recovering ocean petroleum, such as large self-rising drilling ship, deep sea drilling machine, heavy-load lift, large crane and piping erection ship.
11. Power Generating Equipment
At present, electric supply has become the bottle neck, which restricts the development of economy. In the coming 20 years, the largest power-building market will be in China. Water, coal, nuclear and gas are the four pillar for power generating in China. It is estimated that the installed capacity by the year 2020 will be 960 000 megawatt, but the installed capacity per capita only 0.67 kW, less than half of that in developed countries. In future, every year need to add new installed capacity of more than 200 000?300 000 megawatt.
12. Environmental Protection Equipment
In order to keep the development of economy, society and environment well coordinated, and make the ecological damages and environmental pollution well controlled, environmental quality and comprehensive utilization of resources are raised further, state will add the investment for ecological preservation and environmental protection. China is putting emphasis on developing: urban sewage and solid wastes disposal and comprehensive utilization equipment, urban and industrial noise control equipment and atmospheric pollution control equipment.
The 12th China Xiamen Machinery and Electronics Exhibition (CXMEE)
The 12th China Xiamen Machinery and Electronics Exhibition (CXMEE), authorized by China’s Ministry of Commerce, is jointly organized by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronics Products, the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association, the Xiamen Municipal People’s Government. It will take place in Xiamen, China on April 8-11, 2008.
7th China (Hangzhou) International Machine Tool and Mould Expo
The 2008 China (Hangzhou) International Industrial Fair (formerly “Zhejiang International Industrial Fair”) was originated in 2002, it is held at Hangzhou Peace International Exhibition and Conference Center every May. It has experienced six years of persistent, healthy and stable development. It was listed in the formal exhibition of “China Hangzhou West Lake Expo” in 2006, becoming a large exhibition and conference project specially supported by the municipal government of Hangzhou.
Angulo Fu
http://www.articlesbase.com/international-marketing-articles/machinery-a-brilliant-perspective-market-in-china-380086.html
Farm Discovery Days 2008
A slideshow to celebrate the 2008 FDD. Featuring livetock, educational sessions, and wagon ride. Thanks to all that donated time and materials to this event!
Duration : 0:3:2
Livestock model farm Punjab Pakistan part-2 Dr.Ashraf Sahibzada
A model farm and a success story of a progressive farmer to motivate and educate Pakistani farmers,extension agents,students and policy makers to work further to improve this neglected field.
Duration : 0:10:26