Conjunctivitis and pink eye are the same condition; “pink eye” is a colloquial term for conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane lining the white part of the eye and inner eyelid. Pink eye is a general term for any inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, and it can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Conjunctivitis: This is the medical term for the inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Pink Eye: This is the common term for conjunctivitis, especially when it’s caused by a viral or bacterial infection that makes the eye appear pink or red.

Causes of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye):
Viral Conjunctivitis: Often caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold and is highly contagious.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Caused by bacterial infections and is also contagious.

Allergic Conjunctivitis: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander and is not contagious.

Symptoms:

Red or pink eye(s).

Itching or burning sensation.

Gritty feeling in the eye(s).

Watery or sticky discharge (depending on the cause).

Crusty eyelashes, especially after sleep.

Treatment:

Viral: Usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Bacterial: May require antibiotic eye drops or ointment.

Allergic: Can be managed with over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops or artificial tears.

Contagiousness:

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious and Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

Herbs 🌿

For conjunctivitis, or pink eye, several herbs and natural remedies can help soothe symptoms and promote healing. These include chamomile, honey, and eyebright (Euphrasia). Warm or cool compresses can also provide relief from inflammation and discharge.

Here’s a more detailed look:

Herbal Remedies:

Chamomile:

Chamomile tea can be used as a warm compress or eyewash to reduce inflammation and irritation.

Honey:

Honey, especially raw, organic honey, has antimicrobial properties that can help fight infection. It can be diluted with water and applied to the outer eyelids.

Eyebright (Euphrasia):

This herb has a long history of use for eye conditions and is available in eye drops or as a tea. It may be particularly helpful for stinging and burning sensations.

Calendula:

Calendula, often used in combination with chamomile and honey, can help soothe and heal.

Turmeric:

Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Green Tea:

Green tea is rich in polyphenols with antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Other Natural Remedies:

Warm or Cool Compresses:

Applying a warm or cool compress can help relieve inflammation and discomfort.

Rose Water: Rose water can be used as eye drops for soothing relief and to help combat infection.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Cucumbers: Cool cucumber slices can help reduce redness and swelling.

Hygiene Practices: Maintaining good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding touching the eyes, is crucial in preventing the spread of conjunctivitis.

Essential Oils 🛢 ✨️

While some essential oils are derived from herbs and may offer certain therapeutic properties, it is crucial to understand that essential oils should never be applied directly to the eye for treating pink eye (conjunctivitis).

Here’s what you need to know:

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause irritation, burning, pain, and potentially damage to the eyes, even when diluted.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that essential oils directly treat pink eye or speed up recovery.
If you get essential oil in your eye, immediately rinse it thoroughly with cool water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Potential Uses (with extreme caution and proper dilution):

Diffusing: Some essential oils, like chamomile, lavender, tea tree, clove, or eucalyptus, may help relieve discomfort when diffused in water vapor. You can add them to a humidifier or a few drops to a pot of boiling water and carefully inhale the steam.

Topical Application (around the eye area): Some essential oils, when highly diluted with a carrier oil (like jojoba or almond oil), may help soothe irritation or inflammation around the eyes. However, apply sparingly and avoid the lash line.
Essential oils sometimes mentioned in relation to conjunctivitis (though not for direct application):

Tea Tree Oil: While tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties and is used in some eye hygiene products, like wipes and cleansers, there’s no evidence it directly treats conjunctivitis. Undiluted tea tree oil can be toxic to the eye.

Chamomile Oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, chamomile oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied around the eye to reduce irritation and swelling.

Lavender Oil: With anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, diluted lavender oil can be applied around the eye to potentially reduce redness and swelling.

Peppermint Oil: Can offer a cooling sensation for itching and burning, but is very potent and should be used with extreme caution and diluted.

Myrrh Oil: Mentioned as a potential option, but more research is needed.

Eucalyptus Oil: Mentioned as a potential option, but more research is needed.

Important Reminders:

Consult a doctor: It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils for pink eye, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Pink eye is contagious: Wash hands frequently and avoid sharing towels or eye makeup to prevent the spread of infection.

In summary, while certain herbs have been traditionally used for conjunctivitis, essential oils derived from these herbs should be handled with extreme caution and never applied directly to the eyes.

Diffusing or properly diluted topical application (around the eye area) may offer symptom relief, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety and consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

For livestock 🐏

For treating pink eye (conjunctivitis) in sheep and goats naturally, focus on hygiene and soothing remedies to manage the infection and prevent spread. Good hygiene, including keeping the environment clean and reducing dust and flies, is crucial. Rinsing the affected eye with saline solution or a weak salt water solution can help cleanse the area. Additionally, applying a thin layer of honey or a gel-based solution like Curicyn Pink Eye Solution can provide soothing relief and potentially aid healing.

Natural Remedies and Management:

Hygiene and Environment:
Reduce dust and flies: Dust and flies can irritate the eyes and spread infection. Manage dust by minimizing disturbance to feed and bedding. Use fly control measures like traps, fans, or natural repellents.

Maintain clean housing: Ensure pens and barns are kept clean to minimize bacterial and irritant buildup.

Isolate affected animals: Separate animals with pink eye to prevent further spread.

Eye Rinses:

Saline Solution: Rinse the affected eye with a sterile saline solution (available at pharmacies) to flush out debris and irritants.

Salt Water: A weak salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water) can also be used for rinsing.

Soothing Applications:

Honey: Apply a thin layer of honey to the affected eye. Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties according to Netmeds.

Curicyn Pink Eye Solution: This gel-based formula is designed for pink eye and is safe and easy to apply.

Preventative Measures:

Closed flocks/herds: Avoid introducing new animals to your flock or herd, especially from public auctions, to minimize the risk of bringing in pink eye.

Isolation: Isolate new animals for at least 30 days to observe for signs of illness before introducing them to the existing herd.

Sunlight protection: Provide shade to protect animals from excessive sunlight, which can exacerbate pink eye.

Important Considerations:

Severity:

If pink eye is severe, or if natural remedies don’t show improvement within a few days, consult with a veterinarian.

Underlying Causes:

Pink eye can sometimes be caused by underlying conditions, such as vitamin A deficiency or other diseases. If you suspect a more serious issue, seek veterinary advice.

Prevention is Key:

Maintaining a clean environment, controlling flies, and practicing good biosecurity are essential for preventing pink eye in your flock or herd.

Fainting goats have a neurological disorder called myotonia congenita, also known as Thomsen’s disease. This condition causes their muscles to lock up and become stiff when startled, sometimes leading them to fall over. While it might look like they are fainting, they are not actually losing consciousness.

Elaboration:

Myotonia Congenita:

This inherited disorder causes a slow relaxation of skeletal muscles after voluntary contraction. When startled, the muscles of fainting goats become stiff and locked, often causing them to collapse.

Not a True Faint:

The term “fainting” is a misnomer because the goats don’t lose consciousness. Their muscles are simply unable to relax, causing them to stiffen and fall.

Genetic Basis:

Myotonia congenita is caused by a mutation in the CLCN1 gene, which codes for a chloride channel in muscle cells. This channel is important for muscle relaxation, and the mutation disrupts its function.

Varied Severity:

The severity of the condition can vary from goat to goat, with some exhibiting stiffening every time they are startled and others less frequently.

Adaptation Over Time:

Younger goats may fall more easily during an episode, but as they mature, they often learn to adapt and avoid falling by simply running away on stiffened legs.

General guideline for septic tank sizing based on the number of bedroom

A general guideline for septic tank sizing based on the number of bedrooms is to use 1,000 gallons for a 3-bedroom home. For a 4-bedroom home, a 1,200-gallon tank is recommended. For a 5-bedroom home, a 1,500-gallon tank is often suggested. It’s important to consult local regulations and a septic professional for precise sizing based on specific site conditions and occupancy. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• 1-2 bedrooms: A 1,000-gallon tank is often sufficient. 

• 3 bedrooms: A 1,000-1,250 gallon tank is generally recommended. 

• 4 bedrooms: A 1,200-1,500 gallon tank is typically used. 

• 5+ bedrooms: A 1,500-gallon or larger tank is recommended. 

Important Considerations:

• Local Regulations:Septic tank sizing requirements can vary significantly by location and may be influenced by local codes and ordinances. 

• Occupancy:The number of people living in the home also affects tank sizing, as each occupant contributes to wastewater flow. 

• Drainfield Size:The size of the drainfield, which is responsible for disposing of the treated wastewater, is also crucial and needs to be properly sized for the septic tank capacity. 

• Expert Consultation:Consulting with a septic professional is recommended to determine the appropriate tank size for your specific situation, including factors like soil type, water usage patterns, and local regulations. 

It’s generally not recommended to flush ticks down a septic tank, but not because it harms the tank. While flushing may temporarily remove the tick, it doesn’t kill it, and ticks can survive in water. A more effective way to dispose of ticks is to place them in rubbing alcohol, which kills them.

Alternatively, you can wrap them in tape or place them in a sealed container.

Here’s why flushing ticks isn’t a good disposal method and what to do instead:

Ticks don’t drown:

They can survive submerged in water for several days.

Flushing doesn’t kill them:

While flushing will remove the tick from your immediate area, it won’t kill it.

Ticks can escape:

If the septic tank doesn’t filter effectively, ticks could potentially escape and return to your property.

Effective disposal:

Place ticks in rubbing alcohol (which kills them), wrap them in tape, or place them in a sealed container.

In the past, we’ve detailed how essential oils are great for oral health. But there are also a whole range of herbs that contribute to the well-being of your gums. We’ve listed the benefits of these outstanding herbs and even included a couple of recipes for natural herbal mouthwashes so you get the most out of these herbs.

The Big Guns for Gums

Myrrh

Myrrh is antibacterial so it kills the harmful oral bacteria that comes from plaque build up. It also increases blood flow to the soft tissue in the mouth. With increased blood flow, gums will heal faster as the blood brings white blood cells to repair damaged tissue and fight off viruses and bacteria.

It also relieves toothache and can be used to prevent gum disease and cavities. Like Goldenseal (which gets its own entry below), it also helps reduce gum recession and mouth sores. Myrrh is a herbal treasure trove.

Neem

One of the original, natural toothbrushes was actually a stick of neem. It contains strong antibacterial properties (which helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis by lowering bacterial colonies in the mouth), it reduces plaque build up, strengthens gum health, and as a bonus it freshens your breath.

Just add some powdered neem to your toothpaste and you’re good to go. (Try to ensure that the neem powder is made from its bark, not leaf, as bark is more potent.) Neem seems to be a potent dental tool.

Yarrow

Yarrow leaf promotes healing of mouth sores due to braces, surgery, and overzealous brushing. It’s got everything: it’s an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, and styptic herb with blood circulatory stimulant properties to boot. A good yarrow leaf goes a long way for dental health.

But Not to Be Outdone…

Bloodroot

Bloodroot contains sanguinarine which is an alkaloid that helps prevent plaque from sticking to teeth. If plaque is unable to stick to teeth, the bacteria and acids formed by the plaque cannot stay in the mouth to cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Calendula

This herb is anti-inflammatory so it relieves mouth ulcers and reduces oral swelling. Calenula also relaxes any jaw tension while simultaneously fighting infection (bacterial or fungal) in the mouth.

Chamomile

It doesn’t just make a beautifully relaxing tea. Chamomile is also anti-inflammatory so it can take care of swollen and bleeding gums. It can also help relieve the pain associated with gingivitis.

Echinacea

Echinacea is known for it’s immune-boosting properties (as it’s gained popularity as the herb that fights against colds). But it’s also anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial; a perfect combination to improve oral health.

Goldenseal

Use this herb especially for use on gums. Like most of the other herbs on this list, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it ideal to fight against gingivitis. It also reduces gum recession and even helps with mouth sores and thrush.

Oregon Grape Root

A great all-rounder for gums. Oregon grape root soothes the pain caused by gingivitis as well as tightens swollen gums due to its astringent properties. It’s also antimicrobial so it also fights gum disease on a bacterial level.

Peppermint

You probably know it best for its breath-freshening, cool taste and potential to whiten teeth. But its coolness actually comes from its anti-inflammatory agents that also help with gum inflammation. It is also mildly antibacterial which helps fight against oral plaque.

Plantain (Cooking Banana)

Plantain is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory so it’s great for healing wounds (both inside and outside the mouth). It also helps control bleeding and is loaded with B vitamins (great for preventing mouth sores and oral inflammation) and vitamin K (which guards against weakening bone structure and helps blood clot faster).

Prickly Ash Bark

Sounds unpleasant but it’s actually quite beneficial for gums. It improves blood circulation like myrrh which increases gingival healing and tightens the soft tissue.

Propolis

Apart from honey, bees also produce a compound called propolis from the sap on needle-leaved trees or evergreens. When they combine the sap with their own discharges and beeswax, they create propolis (a sticky, greenish-brown product used as a coating to build their hives).

Obviously, if you are allergic to bees, don’t use this herb, but it is an excellent antimicrobial herb for oral infections and keeping disease at bay.

Sage

Sage fights against bleeding gums, gingivitis, gum recession, and mouth sores. It’s a natural astringent which means it tightens the soft tissue of gums and calms a sore mouth. It is also mildly antiseptic so it helps with oral ulcers.

In 2015, there was a study conducted which found that a sage mouthwash significantly lowered the number of plaque bacteria colonies. Participants in the study were able to rinse with the solution for up to a minute without experiencing any irritation.

Sage Mouthwash Recipe
Boil 1 to 2 cups of water
Add 2 tbsp fresh sage OR 1 tsp dried sage to the water
Let simmer for 5-10 mins
Strain and let water cool
Rinse with the solution 2-3 times per day

Sage Mouthwash Recipe

White Oak Bark

This herb is anti-inflammatory so it strengthens and tonifies gingival tissue while relieving swollen, bleeding gums and reducing the advancement of gum recession.

Yerba Mansa

A new up-and-comer, heralded as the next echinacea, yerba mansa is anti-plaque and great for fighting against gum recession. It’s also got all the right ‘a’ words: antiseptic, antifungal, and astringent.

Another Natural Mouthwash Recipe

Some herbal solutions that would be great for a mouthwash include:

echinacea
goldenseal
myrrh
peppermint
plantain
propolis

If you’re using more than one solution for the mouthwash, combine a small amount of each into a bottle with a dropper.

The recipe:

Fill a glass with a mouthful of water

Add 20-30 drops of whatever herbal solution you with to use (or the combination solution)

If you’re dealing with an oral infection or gum disease, you can add more drops to make the mouthwash stronger

Swish the mouthwash around your mouth then spit it out

If you don’t like the taste of some of these herbs, it’s always a safe bet to add that peppermint solution
herbal mouthwash

To prevent mastitis in livestock, consider supplementing with vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and calcium, as these nutrients play a crucial role in immune function and udder health, while also maintaining good hygiene and proper milking procedures.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Key Nutrients and Their Roles:

Vitamin E:

Vitamin E supplementation, especially around calving, can reduce mastitis incidence and improve milk output. It boosts immunity and reduces oxidative stress in the udder.

Selenium:

Selenium is an essential nutrient that, along with vitamin E, enhances phagocytic activity, which is important for fighting off infections. Selenium deficiency has been linked to increased mastitis incidence and severity.

Zinc:

Zinc is crucial for maintaining epithelial barriers to infection, which help prevent bacteria from entering the udder.

Calcium:

Proper calcium supplementation can improve overall therapeutic outcomes in mastitis cases.

Probiotics:

Some studies suggest that probiotics, like Bacillus subtilis C-3102, can help prevent mastitis and reduce the need for antibiotics.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

ACV can help maximize the nutrition in cattle feed, help the cow ingest and process vitamins and minerals properly, and flush out harmful toxins and mastitis pathogens.

Other Important Considerations:

Hygiene:

Maintaining a clean and dry environment for dry cows is crucial to prevent infections.

Proper Milking Procedures:

Good milking practices and equipment maintenance are essential for preventing mastitis.

Teat Disinfectants:

Using a good teat disinfectant after every milking is a vital preventative measure.

Teat Sealants:

Teat sealants can help prevent new infections during the dry period by creating a barrier in the teat canal.

Vaccines:

ENDOVAC-Dairy with Immune Plus is a vaccine that can provide protection against gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli Mastitis, Pasteurella, Mannheimia, and Salmonella.

Essential Oils:

Some essential oils, like basil and bergamot, have shown antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, a common cause of bovine mastitis.

Udder Comfort Spray:

Some products like Udder Comfort Spray are used to help with udder health and mastitis prevention.

MeatMilkGoats.com

January 14, 2025 

We lost our baby Ram 🐏 a predator came and snatched it 2 days ago. I traced the tracks and call the trapper, they think it was a coyote; probably the scout 🐺

But yesterday, we had two baby bucks born. They are for sale. Thay are .989 Organic Grass Feed

I’ve not named then; because they are for sale, trade, or for food. I call them by different food names, so people know not to get too attached to them. They were born to Momba and Bucky on January 13th, 2025. Bucky is 50% Nubian and 50% Nigerian. Momba is mostly Pyrenean and Nigerian, I think. She is an unknown.

If you want them to breed, you can buy them in April, before I wether them in April; they are $275/ea. Thought, now that I have more land, I may not be wethering them in the future; I may just separate them from the females. I’ll grow them out on the new land.

After April and before December, they will go for meat/wether price at $175-225/ea. You can use them as a companion animal, a Pet Organic Composting Machine; or you can take it to the market for your specific choice in cuts of meat. Wethers are less valuable or less expensive because of two reasons. They have been castrated, and can no longer breed. Butchers will charger at approximately $125 per goat to process them.

After August, and before the end of the year; they will be butchered and the price for meat will be $350/ea. I will also have individually wrapped meat prices at that time, if you don’t want the whole goat. I will probably wait till December to cull them. If you wether them, you can wait longer; otherwise you have to call them before a years time. The older they are, the more I change; cause they cost me more to keep them longer.

https://mizzoumeatmarket.wordpress.com/lamb-and-goat/embed/#?secret=l66JVvjCkQ#?secret=grQ4HlpaKI

You can contact me at (816) 518-8804 and/or the goat trader at (870) 654-3201 his name is Kelby Howerton

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Recent Posts

• Wethering
• its not a goat 🐐
• Chili & Chops
• Two more babies

When deciding whether to weather a goat or lamb before butchering, it is generally best to weather both as it significantly improves the taste and quality of the meat by removing the strong, “gamey” flavor associated with uncastrated male animals; making a wether goat or a wether lamb the ideal choice for butchering.

Key points about weathering:
Taste improvement:

Castrating young male goats and lambs before they reach sexual maturity greatly reduces the strong odor and flavor of their meat, making it more palatable.

Tenderness:

While some claim goat meat remains tender even from older animals, butchering a younger wether goat generally provides the most tender meat.

Market value:

Most meat markets prefer wether goats and lambs due to the better taste and consumer appeal.