Explore a variety of helpful publications for the Lewis County area, offering insights on topics like agriculture, livestock, and community services.

The following publications might be of particular interest to people in Lewis County. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.

Control of Poultry Disease Outbreaks

Revised

Poultry owners should immediately begin an investigation if a disease is suspected in a flock. Obvious disease signs and symptoms can be identified on the farm, while others may require laboratory assistance for proper diagnosis.

Basics of AI: Avian Influenza

Revised

Avian influenza is a contagious respiratory disease affecting birds, with some strains causing severe illness and high mortality in poultry.

Prevention of Poultry Disease

Reviewed

An adequate disease prevention program is essential to a profitable commercial poultry operation. Chronic diseases can reduce efficiency and increase costs. Learn the sources of poultry diseases and measures that can be taken to prevent them.

Avian Influenza Biosecurity for Small Flock Owners

Revised

Protect your backyard flock from avian influenza with practical biosecurity tips to reduce disease risks during outbreaks.

Split-Time AI: Using Estrus Detection Aids to Optimize Timed Artificial Insemination

Revised

Timed artificial insemination pregnancy rates in heifers can be optimized with a split-time AI approach. Estrotect estrus detection aids allow producer to determine the estrous status of females. Learn about the protocols in this MU Extension guide.

The Random Shuffle of Genes: Putting the E in EPD

Reviewed

Understanding EPD variability: how genetic shuffling during reproduction leads to differences among full siblings in cattle.

Guide to Estrus Synchronization Products

Revised

Several protocols and other resources allow beef producers to effectively synchronize estrus and ovulation in the herd. Read this guide for an overview of the function, handling considerations, and proper administration of estrus synchronization products.

Feeding Organic and Inorganic Sources of Trace Minerals for Swine Production

Reviewed

Explore the benefits of zinc, copper, and selenium in swine diets, comparing organic and inorganic sources to enhance growth and reproductive health.​

Antibiotics and Other Additives for Swine: Food Safety Considerations

Reviewed

Learn about antibiotics and additives in swine production, their benefits for growth and feed efficiency, and best practices for safe and effective use.

Swine Diet Manipulation to Minimize Environmental Impacts

Reviewed

Marcia Carlson
State extension swine nutrition specialist

Heather Wilt
Graduate research assistant in animal sciences

Evaluating Vitamin Premixes for Swine

Reviewed

Compare swine vitamin premixes by cost, composition, and effectiveness to support balanced, economical feed formulation on your farm.

Control of Anaplasmosis in Missouri

Revised

Learn how anaplasmosis affects cattle, how it's spread, and ways to manage and prevent this disease to reduce herd loss and economic damage.

Top Money-Saving Practices on Missouri Poultry Farms

New

The poultry industry continues to be an important component of Missouri's economy, with the 2007 census reporting $1,676,632,000 in sales. This figure represents 16.8 percent of Missouri's agricultural sales and ranks third in sales in Missouri only behind grain crops and cattle. Poultry operations are highly efficient environments in which temperature, humidity and lighting are closely monitored to raise high-quality birds.

Freeze Branding Cattle

Reviewed

Reviewed by David Patterson
Division of Animal Sciences

Small Flock Series: Brooding and Growing Chicks

Revised

Raising a flock of chickens can be difficult. Visit our website today to view our Small Flock Series: Brooding and Growing Chicks.

Hot Weather Livestock Stress

Reviewed

Learn how high temperatures and humidity affect livestock, and discover strategies to mitigate heat stress during summer months.

Common Internal Parasites of Cattle

Reviewed

Robert M. Corwin
Department of Veterinary Microbiology
College of Veterinary Medicine

Richard F. Randle
Commercial Agriculture Program

Johne’s Disease or Paratuberculosis

Reviewed

David Weaver
College of Veterinary Medicine

Sheep Pregnancy Checking by Ultrasonic Sound

Reviewed

Ultrasonic technology allows early, non-invasive pregnancy detection in sheep, helping farmers identify pregnant ewes for better flock management.

Bovine Leukosis

Reviewed

Enzootic bovine leukosis causes lymphatic tumors in cattle; BLV spreads via blood, colostrum, and possibly biting flies.

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Recommendations for Aging Beef

Reviewed

The main reason for aging beef is to improve the tenderness and the flavor of the meat. Visit our site for recommendations for aging beef.

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Hardware Disease of Cattle

Reviewed

Hardware disease of cattle is produced by a sharp object that pierces the stomach wall and gains access to the heart. Visit our site to learn more.

Lewis County Courthouse

New

Explore the 1875 Lewis County Courthouse in Monticello, Missouri—its design, history, and architectural features.