By Lauren Gough – Special to the Sydenham Current
The Chatham-Kent 4H Association has started its 100th year in Ontario.
Ridgetown 4H Veterinary Club met recently at the Chatham-Kent Veterinary Hospital in Chatham.
4H members range in age from 14-21 with a passion for the care and welfare of animals.
Soon many 4H members will be choosing their animals and preparing them for the show season.
It is important to understand the structure, condition and the musculatory system.
Ever wonder why and how animals move the way they do?
Every animal has a musculatory system supported by a bone structure.
Each type of muscle has a purpose.
When an animal is well-conditioned and has good muscle tone, it will be able to perform its function properly.
For example, a well-conditioned and good muscled beef cow will show well in the ring.
The skeletal muscle is the major source of meat making up 35-65 percent of carcass weight.
If the cow is well muscled it will bring top market value when sold.
It’s necessary for dairy cows to have good muscles and ligaments in order to be a great dairy producer.
Their body needs to be able to support calving and milking.
The udder is supported by the muscles and ligaments.
Often times underlying health issues can be seen when animals have incorrect movement.
Animals can limp and become lame.
Club members reviewed common muscle injuries and diseases, diagnosis, and treatments.
Some muscle diseases are animal specific such as Porcine Stress Syndrome (PSS), a stress induced hereditary condition.
The only treatment is to prevent it by breeding animals without this genetic condition.
Usually you are the first to notice something is wrong and only a qualified veterinarian can diagnose and treat the problem.
With many 4H members starting to choose their animals for this year’s season, the musculature of their animal is something that should be taken into consideration.
It’s not too late to join the fun celebrating 100 years of 4H in Ontario.
Anyone ages 9-21 can join.
Check out our website and Facebook page—Chatham-Kent 4H Association for more information or contact Janet Campbell at 519-352-2950.
Editor’s note:Â Wallaceburg resident Lauren Gough, 13, is in Grade 8 at Wallaceburg District Secondary School. She was named the Top 4-H Press reporter (non-competitive) for 2014 by the 4-H Club of Chatham-Kent. She is now the Ridgetown 4H Veterinary Club press reporter.
