Guide to ATTRA's Livestock and Pasture Publications

1. 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 specific animals and marketing of the products derived from them. If you are an experienced
or beginning producer, you can find 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 Coffey, 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
Publicaciones en Industry – IP346 (print only) Natural Livestock Feasibility Study
Español/Spanish – IP347 (print only)
publications .................. 12 Montana Organic Producers Cooperative
Final Report Growth Through Ag Project Final Report
Publications in
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
(www.ncat.attra.org) is managed
access regional and national markets. In 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. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
culture projects.

2. 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
can lower production costs, reduce ani-
Dairy Production on Pasture: An
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

3. 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

4. on areas of hog production that relate and goat production d iscusses
specifically to National Organic animal selection, feeding, breeding and
Program compliance. young stock, equipment and handling
and marketing.
Profitable 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
T
Overview – IP248
o view and Hooped Shelters for Hogs – IP149 Goat production can be a valuable
download the
Hooped shelters have evolved as an part of a sustainable farm. Goats can
publications
alternative hog-finishing and gestating be incorporated into existing grazing
in this guide (except
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-
This publication introduces concerns major considerations to be addressed
ñol), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
and practices specifically related to in planning for dairy goat produc-
Pacific Time, Monday
sustainable sheep production. Top- tion: labor; sales and marketing;
through Friday.
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

5. 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 Th is pu bl icat ion d iscusses 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-
tains information on how to make
Arsenic in Poultry Litter: Organic
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
for soil.
Parasites in Small Ruminants:
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

6. Growing Your Range Poultry Avian Influenza 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 Coffey, NCAT. appropriate indoor environment for
Page 6 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Livestock and Pasture Publications

7. 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
T
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
cross broilers used in conventional con- mixed crop and livestock operations.
publications
fined production, many producers are in this guide (except
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 stock section of the
production or for niche markets. This 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. to speak with a special-
Forms – IP237
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 ñol), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Plamondon discusses housing designs
recordkeeping. Pacific Time, Monday
for outdoor production, including
through Friday.
daily move pens, machine-portable
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

8. 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
T o view and
tools and references to consider biolog- Parasite Management for Natural and
download the ical and climatological variables and
make decisions that ensure the ecological Organic Poultry: Coccidiosis – IP245
publications
in this guide (except and economic viability of a grass-based This publication discusses the life cycle
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 natural treatments, drugs and vaccines.
Sheep and Goats – IP293
www.attra.ncat.org/
livestock.html. For a Internal parasite management is a pri- Avian Influenza in Free-Range
free print copy of any mary concern for a majority of sheep and Organic Poultry Production
of these publications or and goat producers. These parasites
to speak with a special- have become more difficult to man- (online only)
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
Pacific 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

9. 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 Benefits in the Pasture
Rotational grazing is periodically mov-
Ecosystem – CT155 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

10. 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
aspects of sustainable pasture integra-
Organic Alternatives to Treated
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 fields 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

11. 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
livestock, requires management to
– CT142 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-
ate for your situation.
Aquaponics—Integration of Hydro-
This publication discusses various
aspects of beekeeping or apiculture,
including state inspection programs,
beginning basics, income sources and
T o view and
download the
publications
in this guide (except
ponics with Aquaculture – IP163 budgets, insurance, Africanized bees, those labeled print
Aquaponics is a bio-integrated sys- organic certification and various only), visit the Live-
bee pests and diseases. Information stock section of the
tem that links recirculating aquacul-
ATTRA Web site at
ture with hydroponic vegetable, flower on educational and training oppor-
www.attra.ncat.org/
or herb production. This publication tunities and further resources are
livestock.html. For a
provides an introduction to aquapon- also discussed.
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 p.m. Central Time or
draft horses, mules or oxen as an alter-
1-800-411-3222 (Espa-
native to tractors for farm work and as
Bison Production – IP151 means of reducing fuel costs. This pub-
ñol), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This publication looks at bison pro- lication briefly discusses some of the
Pacific Time, Monday
duction and marketing. It covers start- considerations and potential benefits
through Friday.
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
This paper discusses considerations
Predator Control for Sustainable
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

12. 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:
www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/pasturepubs.html
en pastura y muchos otros sistemas de
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.
Page 12 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Livestock and Pasture Publications