Where real-world, practical livestock experience meets sound animal science.
Welcome to the Kaniksu Feeds Homestead and Herd Almanac – a growing library of livestock knowledge for producers, ranchers, and homesteaders who care deeply about the health of their animals and the land they steward. Here you’ll find practical, experience backed guidance on nutrition, breeding, managements, and animal well-being, all rooted in sound science and real-world ranch wisdom.
Discover how raising pigs on pasture can benefit both your herd and your land. We are going to cover space requirements, shelter, feeding strategies, rotational grazing, and breed selection, plus tips for managing manure and maintaining healthy, productive pastures. Learn how pasture-raised pigs can improve soil fertility, reduce feed costs, and produce high-quality pork while supporting a sustainable and rewarding operation.
Understanding the differences between forage pellets and loose hay can help livestock owners choose the most effective and practical forage options for their animals. While loose hay provides essential long-stem fiber and supports natural grazing behaviors, forage pellets offer consistent nutrition, easy storage, and a reliable alternative during shortages or for animals with special needs.
Winter can be tough on backyard poultry, but with the right preparation your flock can stay warm, healthy and productive all season long. From choosing hardy breeds to creating a draft-free, well-ventilated coop, small management steps make a big different in cold weather.
Urinary calculi is one of the most dangerous and preventable health issues affecting male goats. It develops quickly and often without early obvious signs, making awareness essential for producers. Understanding the nutritional and management factors behind urinary calculi can reduce the risk.
Biosecurity is one of the most important tools in livestock management – and one of the easiest to overlook. From limiting visitor access to isolating new animals, every step you take helps protect your herd or flock from disease. A solid biosecurity plan not only keeps your animals healthy, it safeguards your business, ensures food safety, and supports long-term productivity. Learn how simple management practices can prevent the spread of disease and strengthen your entire operation.
A pig’s nutrition program is only as strong as its balance. Each nutrient – from amino acids to trace minerals – plays a role in keeping your herd healthy, efficient, and productive. At Kaniksu Feeds, we believe nutrition is the foundation of livestock success. Our swine feeds are formulated to provide highly bioavailable nutrients that support growth, reproductive performance, and long-term health – from piglets to finishers.
Copper is one of the most important – and misunderstood – minerals in sheep nutrition. Too little weakens the flock, too much can kill it. Learn why more sheep are lost to deficiency than toxicity, and how to keep your minerals in balance.
Bloat and acidosis are two serious digestive disorders that can cause sudden illness or death in cattle and other ruminants. Both conditions disrupt normal rumen function, but they have different causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies.
Not all hay is created equal. From Timothy and Orchardgrass to Alfalfa and Meadow grass, each type brings its own balance of nutrition, texture, and feeding purpose. Whether you’re feeding goats, horses, sheep, or cattle, understanding the differences in hay quality and type can mean the difference between maintaining and thriving. Learn what to look for, how to match hay to your animals’ needs, and why cutting stage matters just as much as species.
Colic is one of the most common and serious health concerns for horses of all ages. Understanding the signs, knowing how to respond, and taking steps to reduce risk can save your horse’s life. From early detection and at-home care to when to call the vet, our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about preventing and managing colic.
