Researchers, farmers collaborate to prevent E. coli.

A collaborative study involving microbiologists, epidemiologists, animal scientists, veterinarians, graduate students, undergraduates and farmers could lead to better prevention practices to limit dangerous E. coli bacteria transmissions. The study, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology, found that dairy cattle under stress from hot weather and energy loss from milk production were significantly more likely to shed Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli -- or STEC -- a type of E. coli that can cause serious illnesses in humans through the production of a potent toxin. Shedding is the process of expelling bacteria from the body, whether through the respiratory tract, the genital tract, or in the case of cattle, the intestinal tract through their feces. This new finding provides an opportunity for targeting prevention practices to reduce the prevalence of these potentially deadly strains of E. coli, which cause approximately 100,000 illnesses, 3,000 hospitalizations and 90 deaths annually in the United States.The study sampled more than 1,000 cattle from six dairy farms and five feedlots in Michigan. Cattle are a common carrier of STEC, and food or water contaminated with cattle feces is a common source of E. coli infections in humans. source Science daily.

RED MEAT BUSINESS: CROWD COW.

Crowd Cow, an idea that allows individuals to buy shares of a cow before it is butchered and delivered to owners of the share.Cows aren’t butchered until all shares of that cow are sold, according to the website. Once the deed is done, the fresh 100% grass-fed beef is shipped immediately to the front doors of owners of the shares.

 Crowd Cow’s stated mission is to deliver convenience, quality and taste of their product and services. Meat lovers are able to buy the exact cuts and quantity directly from the rancher through online ordering. 

Consumers have become increasingly aware of the kinds of food they choose to put into their bodies and a handful of them are opting to eat grass-fed beef. While it’s difficult to trace the origins of the meat grocery shoppers purchase in their deli section of the store,

 Crowd Cow ensures that people know exactly where their beef comes from.  

 The unique startup allows people to purchase shares that range anywhere from $9 to $45 depending on the type of cut. Owners have the option to buy in bulk with share packages such as the “Steak-Only Share” or the “Grill Master Share.” continue

Bluetooth Tampon That Prevents Their Periods From Leaking.

A new bluetooth-enabled tampon will alert you to when the red sea is going to flood. Women who have heavy periods will understand what a blessing this is to help prevent embarrassing leakage mishaps in public. The tampons, developed by a startup called My.Flow, are connected via a smartphone device and will notify individuals before they bleed through their tampon. The product has a six to 12-inch string that is reinforced with medical-grade conductive steel.It monitors the saturation of the tampon and is connected via a small wearable device that attaches on your waistband or belt. This is how it works.. you insert the tampon, you thread the end of the string into a wearable device then wirelessly pair the wearable with your phone. Finally you program the app to send you a notification when your tampon is a certain percentage full. The notification can say whatever you like, whether that’s ‘call aunt Flo’ or “you are about to rain down blood on the boardroom floor.more

11 Reasons To Drink Camel Milk.

Camels are renowned for their ability to travel extended distances in the desert without feeling the heat. Contrary to popular belief, camels do not store water in their distinctive humps — they actually consist of fatty deposits that allow them to remain nourished in even the hottest of climates. Camel milk is a rich source of nutrients with some rather amazing health benefits to boot.The drink has been a staple in the diet of Bedouin tribes for generations. To begin with, it’s far richer than cow or goat milk as a source of protein and other nutrients. Indeed, it contains compounds that can help manage diabetes, boost the immune system, improve circulation and promote heart health. It has even demonstrated some promise as a possible treatment for autism. Benefits of drinking camel milk. 1) Camel’s milk is a natural source of an insulin-like protein, which means drinking it can help regulate glucose levels. For instance, a 2005 study by the Bikaner’s Diabetes Research Center indicated that drinking camel’s milk could help people manage their diabetes better. There are indications that it may help prevent the condition as well. 2) No other animal milk source comes as close to providing the ideal nutrient blend that our species needs. Indeed, in many nomadic cultures camel’s milk has been used as a medicine to treat malnourished children. 3) Camel milk is better for the environment. Large numbers of grazing cattle produce tons of methane gas, which is a big factor fueling global warming. In contrast, camels have a much lower carbon footprint than dairy producing cows or goats. 4) Camel milk comes loaded with antimicrobial proteins, which can help keep our immune systems functioning at their best. Specifically, camel’s milk is rich in micro-sized immunoglobulin, which can help target and neutralize foreign antigens. The small size of the antimicrobial agents is key – because these proteins are so tiny they can cross the blood-brain barrier and get nutrients into and toxins out of normally hard-to-reach cells.In addition, preliminary research suggests camel’s milk may help people with autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease. 5) Camel’s milk contains ten times the amount of iron as cow’s milk. Iron is essential for oxygenating the blood. Therefore, the drink can help prevent anemia and improve circulation. 6) Camel’s milk is non-allergenic and helps reduce allergic sensitivity. People with lactose intolerance have no trouble consuming camel’s milk. In addition, compounds in camel’s milk appear to mitigate allergic sensitivity in people who drink it. In other words, those who consume it regularly seem less susceptible to allergic reactions.more

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation fund farming in Borno state.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Donates $1m To Borno State,as a post conflict intervention that is meant to support victims who are returning to their communities. The governor launched at the support with the distribution of 25 kilogram bag of rice and 10 kilogram bag of beans to each of 1,100 households at Mainok village in Kaga local government area, 45 kilometers away from Maiduguri. The Governor announced that officials of the State Government working with the Gates Foundation used the $1m to procure the food items and commenced funding of 100 hectares of farm where beans is being cultivated. He explained that 200 farm-families will be allocated tilled and fertile land measuring half hectare each along with improved seeds, fertilizer, chemicals and technical supervision so that they can start growing food crops. The Governor also announced the release of two trucks of maize grid to add to the food procured with Gates donation. The intervention from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is being used for food supplies and to fund farming activities for households. As a preliminary stage, beans is being cultivated in one hundred hectares of land. Half hectare is being allocated to a farm-family with a target of reaching 200 households. Each household may have from 2 to 10 family members. Already, farms have been established in Konduga and Damboa. Each household is to be allocated not only tilled and fertile land but also improved variety of seeds, fertilizer, chemicals and most importantly, technical field supervision by extension workers. The intervention aims at reaching 40,000 victims of the insurgency through households on both food aide and farming activity. We are particularly interested in ensuring that citizens begin to produce food crops in safe locations because direct food aide in post conflict situations is never sustainable over a long period of time.

Lagos shuts down ‘ponmo’ processing section of Oko-Oba abattoir .

The Lagos State Government on Sunday shut down and dislodged the cow skin (popularly known as ponmo) processing section of the Oko-Oba abattoir and Lairage Complex in Agege. Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Toyin Suarau, led a team from the ministry in the company of men from the Lagos State Task Force to shut down the cow skin section of the abattoir. Suarau said “closure of the ponmo section and dislodgment of the processors became necessary because of the health hazards inherent in the unhealthy processing of ponmo. Suarau said “closure of the ponmo section and dislodgment of the processors became necessary because of the health hazards inherent in the unhealthy processing of ponmo. “The ponmo processors use heaps of burning tyres, thereby, emitting thick toxic smoke into the air endangering residents of the adjoining neighborhood. “This bonfire emits a thick toxic smoke which spreads from within the complex to adjoining neighborhoods, endangering the lives including those of the processors themselves.’’ According to the commissioner, burning tyres release a toxic soup with hundreds of the different toxic pollutants and small particles. He said such pollutants settle deep in the lungs while airborne emissions from open tire fires presented serious impact to health and the environment.

Agriculture and inmates

A prison, as commonly known, is a correctional facility and detention centre where inmates are confined and denied many privileges under state authority. Narok GK Prison on the outskirts of Narok town turns inmates into agri-business savvy people, majoring in horticulture and agro-forestry to keep them away from idleness that led to them committing crimes. The prison officers make the inmates work on the farms as a form of punishment but the inmates see it as an opportunity to master new skills which they will employ for a better life. The farm was established 12 years ago to supplement government income, the six-acre farm has fruit trees such as avocado, oranges, mangoes, bananas and paw paws. It also has tree nurseries, apiary and livestock such as dairy cows and goats. At the farm, the inmates get to learn about grafting fruits such as avocado and mangoes to get superior and more productive varieties, as well as maintenance of the fruit trees to maturity.The inmates have acquired the required knowledge in agriculture, and have determined to venture into agri-business after serving their term. This is the case of David Lagat, 23, who is serving an eight-month sentence for being in possession of narcotic drugs, says he wished he had learnt alternative sources of getting income such as agriculture, which he is now passionate about. “When I came here months ago, I had no idea of anything to do with farming. I had never imagined horticulture is this lucrative. I have seen fruits being maintained, harvested and sold and there is a lot of money