By Dr. K.E. Lanka, Ph.D., P.A.S. Smut describes several diseases in grains such as corn, sorghum and small grains that are caused by fungi. In this article, only smut diseases in corn will be discussed. The most prevalent type of smut in corn is “common smut,” known as Ustilago maydis or the older name Ustilago […]
By Dr. K. E. Lanka, Ph.D., P.A.S. What is Water Belly? Water belly is a condition caused by stones that block the urethra in cattle and other animals. These stones or “urinary calculi” may cause partial or complete blockage of the passageway by which urine is excreted from the urinary bladder. Usually, water belly occurs […]
By Dr. K. E. Lanka, Ph.D., P.A.S. What is Iodine, and Why is it Important to Cattle? Iodine (I) is one of seven generally recognized micro minerals needed in the diets of dairy cattle and other animals. It is unique among minerals because a deficiency leads to a specific and easily recognizable thyroid gland enlargement, […]
By Dr. K.E. Lanka, Ph.D., P.A.S. The mineral sulfur (S) is one of seven generally recognized macro-minerals needed in the diets of dairy cattle and other animals. Sulfur is a mineral that is found in the amino acids methionine, cysteine (cystine), homocysteine, and taurine. It is also in the B-vitamins, thiamin, and biotin. It is […]