The idea that current methods of food production are not sustainable in the long-term is a controversial topic. This book provides information that will advance a form of livestock production that meets the long- and short-term goals of human food production, minimizing degradation of natural resources. Important concerns regarding food safety, particularly antibiotic and chemical residues in meat, milk and other livestock foods, have stimulated renewed interest in alternative methods of promoting livestock health.

Alternative Health Practices for Livestock is the first compilation of its kind for veterinarians, agriculture extension educators and livestock producers. It provides a well-referenced overview of some of the alternative livestock practices currently being examined.

Key Features:

Michael T. Keilty has been the owner of Maple Spring Farms located in Morris, CT, since 1974, specializing in diversified lovestock and plant production. He is currently a sustainable agriculture research associate, Department of Plant Science. University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.

Contributors v

Introduction vii
Thomas F. Morris and Michael T. Keilty

Section I Science of Alternative Methods

Evaluation of a Homeopathic Therapy for Subclinical Mastitis in Lactating Holstein Cows 3
Sheila M. Andrew and Robin R. Rastani

Potential Role of Amazonian Medicinal Plants for Health Maintenance in Livestock 14
Mark J.S. Miller

Botanicals for Pigs 23
Palmer J. Holden

Evaluation of Homeopathic Nosodes for Mastitis and Calf Scours: Lessons from the Vermont Nosode Project 40
Lisa McCrory and John Barlow

Livestock Self-medication 54
Cindy Engel

Alternative Methods of Controlling Parasites in Small Ruminants 62
R. W Godfrey and R. E Dodson

Overview of Research Methods on Medicinal Plants for Livestock: Endo- and Ecto-parasites 71
Jennifer K. Ketzis

Section I1 Historical Review of Alternative Methods

8 Forage Quality and Livestock Health: A Nutritionists View 85
Jerry Brunetti

9 Livestock Treatments Links from the Past to Holistic Alternatives of the Present 104
Hubert J. Karreman

10 Herbs and Alternatives in Equine Practice 122
Joyce C. Harman

Section I11 Concerns about Conventional Therapies

11 The Ecology of Antimicrobial Resistance and Use of Alternatives to Antimicrobials in Food Animal Production in the United States 133
Stephen J. DeVincent

12 Use of rbST and Implications for Cow Health in the Dairy Industry 164
Alan H. Fredeen

Section IV Ideas to Promote Alternative Methods

13 Funding for Testing Alternative Livestock Methods: Developing and Performing Grants to Help Fund Sustainable Livestock Production 173
Randy Kidd

14 Economics of Niche Marketing in Alternative Livestock Farming 192
Gary L. Valen

Index 201