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:

A much needed information source on alternative health for large animalsContributions from veterinarians, farmers, extension educators and university professorsDiscusses the necessity for more validated scientific assessments of alternative and herbal therapies in livestock productionIncludes chapters on ways to promote alternative methods of health care for livestock, including steps to obtain research funding.

Tom Morris is Associate Professor and extension agronomist, Department of Plant Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. He is currently the coordinator for the Professional Development Program, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program.

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 viiThomas F. Morris and Michael T. Keilty

Section I Science of Alternative Methods

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

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

Botanicals for Pigs 23Palmer J. Holden

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

Livestock Self-medication 54Cindy Engel

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

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

Section I1 Historical Review of Alternative Methods

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

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

10 Herbs and Alternatives in Equine Practice 122Joyce 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 133Stephen J. DeVincent

12 Use of rbST and Implications for Cow Health in the Dairy Industry 164Alan 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 173Randy Kidd

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

Index 201