Looking towards the future of Parasite Management through “host-colored” glasses

Here is an interesting article on sheep and parasites....

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Presenter: Dr. Scott Bowdridge, West Virginia University

Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Time: 7:00 pm Eastern, 6:00 Central, 5:00 Mountain, 4:00 Pacific

Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Colorado State University & Optimal Ag

Many producers have experienced loss in the form of reduced growth and often death as a result of parasitism within their flock. Development of multi-drug resistance in these worms, especially the southeastern US, has left many producers feeling helpless in the face of gastrointestinal nematode parasitism. As a result some have left the sheep business, others have switched to a dry-lot system for lambs and the rest have tried everything else to keep these lambs growing on pasture. The utilization of selective deworming has resulted in at least maintenance of dewormer efficacy, yet with limited drug choices this option remains one of our best tools. Through the incorporation of parasite-resistant breeds many have observed a less frequent need for treatment. However, concerns about the effect on growth and carcass quality, not to mention the effect on wool quality, have limited the use of parasite-resistant hair breeds of sheep. Parasite-resistant sheep have, however, provided much of our understanding of functional host protective immunity, as these sheep generate a very rapid and robust immune response to worms. It is curious why the same response is not seen when commercial-crossbred sheep become infected. Perhaps parasite management should be equally focused on the host as it is on the pathogen.

 

CLICK ON THIS LINK THEN CLICK ON SLIDESHOW....

 

 

 

 

Mini corn and crabcakes with grilled tomato aioli

I tried this recipe a while ago and really enjoyed it. Thre are two parts to this recipe. One is the crab cake and the orher is the sauce.

Crab Cakes

1 large lightly beaten egg,

2 TB mayonnaise

1 ts Dijon mustard

1 TB finely chopped chives

1 lb  cooked Dungeness crabmeat, in 1/2-inch chunks

1/2 C fresh corn kernels or canned

1/2 C fresh breadcrumbs

Salt

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons each unsalted butter and olive oil, divided

 

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine egg, mayonnaise, mustard and chives.
2. Mix in crab, corn and fresh breadcrumbs.
3. Season with salt and cayenne.
4. Spread out the panko.
5. Divide crab mixture into 18 portions and shape into cakes about 2 inches in diameter and 3/4-inch thick.
6. Coat completely with panko.
7. Transfer to a clean baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and chill one to six hours.
8. Melt a tablespoon of butter with a tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the crabcakes; saute, turning once, until golden brown, about 2 ½ minutes per side. 
9. Top with dollops of aioli..

Grilled Tomato aioli
Makes 1 cup Note: This sauce is also great for grilled meats or as a dip.
1 medium sliced one inch thick ripe tomato
4 medium garlic cloves
3/4 C mayonnaise
2 TB finely chopped fresh basil
1 ts fresh lemon juice
Salt, white pepper
Pinch of cayenne, ancho or chipotle chili powder

Directions:

1. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray
2. Grill tomato until it has dark grill marks, three to four minutes. Turn and grill another two minutes. Remove the skin and let cool.
3. In a food processor, finely mince the garlic.
4. Add tomato and process until well blended.
5. Add mayonnaise and process until smooth.
6. Add basil and lemon juice.
7. Season to taste with salt, pepper and cayenne.
8. Use immediately or refrigerate up to five days.

Some fun signs

I love off the wall signs.  Some are plain humorous. Like the ones below!

Wonder how many drove off the cliff?

I guess inflation hasn't caught up here.

You will get a ticket for going 13 miles!

How many flying ants?

Is the duck's name Daffy?

But ok on the other side of the street,

Tess working ducks on New Years Day

Tess went duck herding on New Year's Day. She was feeling good so she got to do some herding. Just before this I had to drag her ass out of the pond pasture where the other dogs were running around at full speed. I didn't want her to be running around with the other dogs. She was unhappy so I made it up to her by letting her herd the ducks. She also worked a guinea and the chickens. She was quite happy.

I got these ducks for her. Plus I need to train my other dogs on ducks as well. She has been working these ducks about once a week. when she ran in ASCA, she got a score of 123 out of 125 on Advance ducks by one of the toughest judges. The judge said she had a perfect run but took two points away anyways. She wanted to take her home and she was an ASCA judge who loved Aussies. Tess used to run in ASCA and would get the top scores and walk away with most of the prizes. Ironically enough, the first time she ever saw ducks was the first time I stepped into the arena with her at a ASCA trial. She worked them like a champion.

 

As long as she can do herding, I will let her herd the ducks each week. It makes her happy and now her life is all about quality of life for her.

 

Tess at Milo McIver Park

Tess at Milo McIver park in Estacada, Oregon. This is in Milo McIver park on Getty's birthday (December 30). The weather was sunny but cool. Tess just had her tramadol so her legs doesn't hurt as much. She only can play for a couple minutes then gets tired. I took her for a couple short walks and tossed sticks for her. I will do those photos later. You will have to bear with me as the next few days will be of Tess on her vacation.

 

Tess having a good time.

 

Tess at night on the trailer bed, reading "War and Peace" but taking the time out to wish you a "Happy New Year!"