Laminitis in Horses 
Laminitis is a very painful and serious disease that can cause lameness in horses. The laminae is the support of the bony column in the foot. Once this supportive lining between the hoof wall and the bone becomes inflamed, it is called laminitis. There are two layers of laminae in the hoof. The sensitive laminae next to the bone, contains the blood, and the layer next to the hoof wall has no blood or nervous tissue and is called the insensitive laminae.
Major changes in normal gut bacteria produced when a horse eats too much grain, lush pasture or mares having retained placenta can cause laminitis.
Grass founder occurs most often, and is attributed to horses grazing lush spring or fall growth of cool season grasses. This growth is low in fiber and high in carbohydrates, or sugars. The fructans are chains of sugars made up of fructose molecules. Horses lack the enzyme enabling them to digest fructans, and they pass undigested to the hind gut, and undergo bacterial fermentation. Lactic acid is produced during fermentation, and effectively kills the normal hind gut bacteria. These dying bacteria release endotoxins, that are absorbed through the bloodstream, causing reduced blood flow to the laminae, and sometimes laminitis.
By limiting grazing during high growth periods, grain intake, having a regular feeding schedule, regular hoof trimming, vaccinations and deworming, horse owners can reduce the occurrences of laminitis.
|
 4-H Update
May
Thursday, May 31, 2018
3:00 - 6:00 pm
4-H Summer Fun Registration
|
|
SNAP-Ed in the Classroom 
NC State University's SNAP-Ed program, Steps to Health, provides nutrition education for preschool through 4th grade students, adults, Latino families, and older adults.
The program serves limited resource individuals and families across North Carolina. SNAP-Ed works to help participants make healthy choices within a limited budget and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate.
Virginia C. Lopez, joined the Extension staff earlier this year to provide this program to students in Burke County elementary schools. She is currently teaching in 2nd grade classrooms at George Hildebrand and Salem Elementary. Virginia is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in Health Promotion.
If you would like for Virginia to visit your local elementary school or organization, please contact our office at 828-764-9480 for more information.
2nd grade students Discovering Delicious Dairy during a Steps to Health session.
|
Food Preservation Classes
May 15
9:00 - 11:00 am at the Burke County Agricultural Building
Canning Jams & Jellies
This class will focus on the basics of boiling water bath canning while taking an in-depth look at making jams, jellies, and preserves.
May 17
5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Burke County Agricultural Building
Dehydration Basics
Explore dehydration equipment and learn basic methods and food safety issues related to dehydration of fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, and herbs.
May 18
2:00 - 4:00 pm at the East Burke Senior Center
Canning Jams & Jellies
This class will focus on the basics of boiling water bath canning while taking an in-depth look at making jams, jellies, and preserves.
The cost of these classes is $5. Your payment confirms your registration for the class. Class sizes are limited so register early! Deadline for registration and payment is May 14th. Payment (cash or check) can be made in person or mailed to our office at:
NC Cooperative Extension
130 Ammons Drive, Suite 2
Morganton, NC 28655
Call our office at 828-764-9480 for more information or to register.
|
Drexel Spring Carnival 
May 8-12, 2018
Come by the Cattlemen's Food Booth during the Drexel Spring Carnival and purchase Chickfila sandwiches, fries, cookies and drinks to help support Burke County 4-H.
|
Successful Gardener Workshops
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Container Gardening Workshop
10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Morganton Ace Hardware
Donna Teasley and Extension Master Gardeners will show you how to plan and plant beautiful container gardens that will grow and look good all summer long. Purchase the materials onsite to create your own container garden during the workshop.
|
Canner Gauge Testing 
It's time to make sure your canning equipment is in check. If your canner has a pressure gauge, it should be tested for accuracy each year to ensure safe food processing. You can get your pressure canner gauge tested for
FREE
at our office. Call Emily Troutman at 828-764-9480 to schedule an appointment.
|
Nurserymen's Association Meeting 
Thursday, May 10, 2018
6:30 pm
The Caldwell County Nurserymen's Association will be having their winter meeting on Thursday, May 10th at 6:30 PM at the
Ruritan building in Collettsville. Both member and spouse are invited to attend this meeting sponsored by Carolina Farm Credit.
Dr. Anthony LeBude, Nursery Specialist from NCSU, will be providing an educational program on proper pruning practices in nursery production.
Please
RSVP by calling 828-764-9480 or e-mail [email protected] no later than Friday, May 4th. The RSVP will
help as we prepare for the dinner meal.
|
Vaccinating Cattle 
With spring starting to fight off winter, and pastures beginning to green, cattle producers are beaming with optimism. One important aspect of production that should be focused on now, is a vaccination regime. Vaccinating your cattle against economically important disease risks can help boost productivity and profits.
First, vaccinate against the respiratory diseases IBR, BVD, BRSV, and PI3. These are viral diseases, and the vaccine will help prevent them but not treat or cure them.
Next, producers should vaccinate against the reproductive diseases Lepto and Vibrio. These diseases affect reproductive ability in cattle, and can be nasty once they get started. Lepto is on the rise in our area, and can be carried by deer and other wildlife.
Finally, producers should always vaccinate against the clostridial disease blackleg, and others, that are soil borne bacteria. Calves should be vaccinated around 4 months of age, and typically given a second vaccination three weeks later. Follow label directions for your vaccine.
When vaccinating your cattle, always take time to record the serial number, expiration date and lot # of each bottle of vaccine. This information will allow you to know what you used and if problems arise you will have a leg to stand on when investigating the problem.
|
Burke County Beekeepers
Monday, May 14, 2018
6:30 pm
The Burke County Beekeepers Association (BCBA) meets monthly at the Burke County Agricultural Building located at 130 Ammons Drive in Morganton. There is a featured speaker each month and the public is invited to attend. The BCBA is a chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association.
Karin Stegall of Dances With the Bees Apiary in Rutherfordton, NC will give the program at the May meeting. Karin's presentation will be on AZ hives, which are new to our area.
|
|
NC State Extension is committed to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, political beliefs, family and marital status, sex, age, veteran status, sexual identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or disability.
|
|
|
|
|
|
