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Sunday, February 22, 2015

Garlic for Sheep and Ice Cream


Deliberate planting of certain pasture plant species that enhance animal immune functioning (garlic) can help the animals 'self-medicate' to keep parasite load under control.

  

Garlic - garlic works best as a preventative treatment and helps improve immune system functioning. Fresh unprocessed garlic is best, grated or crushed, and can be mixed with honey or molasses and flour. A garlic/cider vinegar drench has been also been used successfully, as has the commercially available Garlic Barrier liquid. Garlic is AAFCO approved.

When treating milking cows, feed the garlic immediately after milking to avoid the milk taking on a garlic flavor.



[Is it possible that "garlic ice cream" which is delicious, is made from the milk of cows fed garlic? Answers to this and other garlic related questions will be addressed at the up-coming Gilroy Garlic Festival.]


Chemical wormers are the most common control method used
Many livestock producers use what are called "chemical wormers" to keep the parasite population under control in their animals. These powerful chemicals are administered to the animals on a regular basis, either by mouth, by hypodermic needle, or as an additive to their daily feed. Chemical wormers can be quite successful if used in conjunction with pasture rotation so the animals do not graze on ground that they've already infected with worm eggs. But there are downsides to to this approach...

The drawbacks
Of course, regardless of the pasture management methods, a major drawback to killing these parasites with chemicals is that they tend to mutate very quickly in order to survive the onslaught, so new and more powerful chemicals have to be developed to kill them, and the cycle continues.

One very potent and effective use of garlic is as a vermifuge (it kills or drives out intestinal worms).

I have been using garlic successfully since 1992, combined with the other practices described below, both to control internal parasites in the sheep and as a general health-booster. Just to be sure, though, I have my vet perform fecal tests regularly. Every test since 1992 has shown zero or very low worm counts. http://www.skylinesfarm.com/parasitecontrol.htm
The TONIC Nutritional Garlic Supplement is made from a centuries-old recipe originally taken seasonally to prevent colds and flu. The combination of organic ingredients contains the power of raw garlic and no unpleasant residue formulated to help maintain Good Health, Naturally.
This is not medicine or medical advice. Supplements may react adversely with synthetic drugs. Consult doctor for all health concerns.