• 91 | Seasonal Planning for Livestock: How We Plan a Ranch Year Without Burning Out
    Jan 5 2026

    Planning with livestock isn’t about filling a calendar—it’s about working with seasons, weather, animals, and real life. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s happening on our ranch right now, how we plan a full livestock year, and why I’ve stopped trying to force rigid schedules that don’t fit the reality of ranch life.

    I walk through our annual rhythm with goats, cattle, fencing, meat sales, and family life, breaking down what each season typically holds and how those rhythms shape our planning decisions. From winter breeding and paperwork to spring kidding prep, summer grazing and county fair, and fall weaning and breeding plans, this episode gives you a realistic look at how a working ranch year actually unfolds.

    We also talk about what’s changing for us in 2026—adjustments in breeding decisions, pasture and seeding experiments, a major perimeter fence project, and shifts in meat sales and time commitments. I share why flexibility has become a priority, how over-scheduling creates frustration, and what it looks like to plan with wider margins instead of tighter timelines.

    If you’ve ever felt behind because your plans didn’t survive weather, animals, kids, or life in general, this episode is here to give you permission to plan differently. Seasonal planning isn’t less disciplined—it’s more honest. And for many of us, it’s the only way to stay steady long-term.

    In This Episode, I Cover:
    • What’s happening on the ranch right now and how weather affects daily decisions
    • How we plan a livestock year around seasons instead of rigid schedules
    • A realistic walkthrough of our ranch year, from breeding to weaning
    • What’s changing for us in 2026 and why flexibility matters
    • How infrastructure projects reduce labor and stress long-term
    • Why overplanning creates frustration—and what we’re doing instead
    Key Takeaways:
    • Livestock planning works best when it follows seasons, not calendars
    • Weather, animals, and family life will always change the plan
    • Rigid timelines often increase stress instead of progress
    • Planning with margin creates steadiness and resilience
    • Seasonal rhythms support long-term stewardship and sustainability
    Related Episodes:
    • 02 | Overwhelmed? 4 Steps to Create a Practical Plan for Adding Livestock to Your Homestead Successfully
    • 06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals
    • 30 | Livestock Decision-Making: What to do When You Make a Wrong Decision and How to Use that Information to Make Progress
    • 53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them

    All the Best, Millie

    Resources & Links:
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
    • Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
    • Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
    • Join the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
    • Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com
    • See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

    Disclaimer:

    The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

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    10 m
  • 90 | 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Goats (Hint: They Are NOT Sheep)
    Dec 29 2025
    There are a lot of misconceptions about goats that set new owners up for frustration before they ever bring animals home. In this episode, I’m walking through five things I really wish I had understood before I got goats—lessons that would have saved me time, money, stress, and a lot of hard-earned mistakes. We start by resetting expectations around goat behavior and management, including why goats are not sheep and why treating them like they are leads to fence failures, nutrition problems, and constant headaches. I break down the common myth that goats will eat anything, why that idea causes disappointment and even safety issues, and how understanding goat selectivity can actually make them a powerful management tool when used intentionally. We also talk through the difference between poor management that forces goats to eat through hunger and strategic pressure that can be used carefully to influence forage selection. I explain why hunger-driven eating is often a sign that stocking rate, rotation, supplementation, or minerals are off—and when it can make sense to intentionally encourage goats to consume less-preferred plants without compromising health or welfare. Finally, we cover why fence isn’t just one piece of goat ownership but the entire system, why minerals are not optional for goats, and why bottle babies—despite being cute—are not the best place for beginners to start. If you’re planning to get goats, or if you already have them and things feel harder than you expected, this episode will help you step back, reset expectations, and build systems that actually work. In This Episode, I Cover: Why goats are not sheep and how their behavior, grazing style, and nutrition differHow managing goats like sheep creates fence, feeding, and safety problemsThe myth that goats will eat anything—and why it sets people up for disappointmentHow goats actually browse, sample, and select forageWhy hunger-driven eating is usually a sign of management problemsWhen and how goats can be strategically encouragedto eat less-preferred plantsThe role of stocking rate, rotation, supplementation, and minerals in forage selectionSeasonal changes in plant palatability and how that affects grazing plansWhy fence is not a detail but the foundation of goat managementCommon ways electric fence fails and why you need a secure backup enclosureWhy goats have higher mineral demands than many people expectThe problems caused by feeding sheep mineral to goatsWhy mineral availability does not always equal mineral intakeWhy bottle babies are emotionally appealing but management-intensiveThe higher risks and behavioral challenges of bottle-raised goatsWhy bottle babies make the learning curve steeper for beginners Key Takeaways: Goats require different management than sheep or cattleExpectation mismatches are at the root of most goat problemsGoats are selective browsers, not garbage disposalsHunger-based eating is a warning sign, not a management strategyStrategic pressure can influence forage use when applied carefully and intentionallyFence is the system that everything else depends onA solid, goat-proof enclosure relieves pressure when electric fence failsMinerals are essential to long-term goat health and performanceFeeding sheep mineral to goats will cause deficiencies over timeBottle babies are not the easiest place to start learning goatsClear expectations and intentional systems make goats much easier to manage Related Episodes: 03 | Ready for Goats! 4 Steps to Help You Confidently Shop for and Purchase Your First Goats10 | 5 Tips to Raise Bottle Goat Kids That Thrive17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral? How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy07 | Should My Goats Have Horns or Not? Pros and Cons of Disbudding Goats02 | Overwhelmed? 4 Steps to Create a Practical Plan for adding Livestock to Your Homestead Successfully All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chartGet Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.comJoin my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insiderJoin the free community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/communityEmail me: millie@drycreekpastures.comSee ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.
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    13 m
  • 89 | How to Prepare Your Goat Herd for Breeding Season: Feed, Flushing, Mineral, and Water
    Dec 22 2025
    Breeding season success doesn’t start when the buck goes in—it starts weeks earlier with intentional management decisions around feed, body condition, mineral, and water. In this episode, I’m walking through how we prepare our goat herd for breeding season on our ranch, and why flushing is less about grain and more about timing and rising energy intake. I explain how our does typically come off pasture somewhat thin due to declining forage quality and demands of lactation, how we use a gradual hay-based recovery phase after weaning, and why we don’t rush into flushing too early. You’ll hear how we intentionally set the stage so that a modest energy increase 2–3 weeks before breeding actually produces a favorable reproductive response. We also dig into forage-based flushing using high-quality hay, why mineral intake is often the hidden limiting factor in breeding success, and how winter water access quietly controls feed intake, mineral consumption, and overall herd health. If breeding hasn’t gone the way you expected in the past, this episode will help you evaluate the foundational pieces before blaming genetics or the buck. In This Episode, I Cover: What flushing really is—and why it’s primarily an energy strategy, not a grain strategyWhy flushing needs to start 2–3 weeks before breeding, not the day the buck shows upHow our does come off pasture thin from limited forage and lactation—and why that mattersOur post-weaning feeding strategy to gradually rebuild body condition without overdoing itWhy flushing works best when does are moderate condition or slightly thin, not fatHow forage-based flushing works with high-quality hay like sainfoinWhy intake—not just feed quality—determines whether flushing is effectiveThe critical role of mineral intake in estrus expression, conception, and early pregnancyWhy bucks are often overlooked in mineral programs—and how we handle thatThe trace minerals most closely tied to reproductive successHow winter water access limits feed and mineral intakeWhy water is often the most overlooked nutrient in breeding prepSigns that water intake may be holding your herd back reproductivelyHow consistency—not perfection—sets the stage for a successful breeding season Key Takeaways: Breeding success starts weeks before breeding with intentional preparationFlushing works because of rising energy intake, not because of grainGradual post-lactation recovery sets the stage for an effective flushing responseHigh-quality forage can support flushing when intake truly increasesMineral intake—not just availability—can make or break reproductive successBucks need mineral too, even when feeders don’t cooperateWithout adequate winter water, goats won’t eat enough feed or mineralWater is often the limiting nutrient in cold-weather breeding preparationConsistency and timing matter more than aggressive feeding Related Episodes: 14 | When Should My Goats Kid? Timing Your Production Cycle to Optimize Goat Fertility and Forage Nutrition17 | Do My Goats Need Mineral? How to Meet Their Micronutrient Needs and Keep the Herd Healthy09 | The Most Important Nutrient for All Livestock is WATER, Time-Saving Tips for Meeting Animal Requirements, and How We Do It Off-Grid24 | What Is That Smell? The Bucks are In Rut! Should You Buy a Buck to Breed Your Does or Is Leasing a Better Option?26 | Is My Goat Old Enough to Breed? How To Decide When Your Does Are Ready to Have Their First Kids All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts+ grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chartGet Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.comJoin my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insiderJoin the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/communityEmail me:millie@drycreekpastures.comSee ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.
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    13 m
  • 88 | Regenerative Ranching Is a Process, Not a Destination: How We Actually Make Decisions
    Dec 15 2025
    Regenerative agriculture can feel like a buzzword, a badge, or a list of practices you’re supposed to follow. But in real life, and especially in a challenging climate, regeneration is a process of learning, comparing ideas against your own environment, testing small changes, observing what your land and animals are telling you, and adjusting as you go. In this episode, I’m sharing the decision-making loop we use on our ranch with both goats and cattle, and why I see multi-species grazing as a long-term benefit—even though it adds complexity in the beginning. I also walk through our big-picture goal of reducing supplemental hay by extending the grazing season, and the real constraints we have to work within, like limited moisture, fragile pasture, frozen ground, predators, and wildlife pressure. You’ll hear how we’re approaching water infiltration and soil building in a dry climate, why we’re testing straw bales to slow runoff first, and what we’ve already observed from years of intensive rotational grazing, chicken tractors, and summer bale grazing. I also explain why certain popular practices don’t translate well to goat management in our conditions—and how we adapt without abandoning the principles. In This Episode, I Cover: Why regenerative agriculture is a process, not a destinationThe decision-making loop: Learn → Compare Context → Clarify Goals → Test → Observe → Adjust → RepeatHow to learn from other producers without copy-pasting their practicesShifting from “this won’t work in my climate” to “how do these principles apply here?”Why nature is the best teacher and how to use observation as your guideOur big-picture goal: reducing hay by extending spring and fall grazingThe resource bottleneck in dry country: water infiltration and water-holding capacityWhy soil cover and organic matter are critical in moisture-limited environmentsUsing straw bales to slow runoff as a low-risk way to test water flow pathsWhat we’ve observed after 5 years of intensive rotational grazingThe forage improvements we’ve seen from chicken tractors and summer bale grazingWhy winter bale grazing is risky/not feasible for us right now (electric netting in frozen ground, elk pressure)A winter feeding strategy that works within predator pressure and management realityA soil-building feeding approach we’re preparing to test (and why snow cover matters)Why we’re not buying a no-till drill right now—and what we want in place firstWhy starting with annuals can make sense before investing in expensive perennial seed Key Takeaways: Regenerative practices aren’t universal—principles transfer, but application must fit your climate and animals.Nature is the best teacher: observation turns theory into real management decisions.Start with clear goals and real constraints, then break big objectives into small, testable steps.Moisture-limited land requires prioritizing water infiltration, water-holding capacity, and soil cover.Testing small and reversible ideas (like straw bales) can prevent expensive mistakes.Multi-species grazing is a long-term benefit, but it adds complexity—especially in the beginning.“Not yet” is a valid answer on tools and investments; timing matters.Progress comes from repeated cycles of learning, testing, observing, and adjusting—not from perfection. Mentions: Gabe Brown — Dirt to Soil Related Episodes: 84 | The Messy Middle of Regenerative Ranching: Key Insights from “A Bold Return to Giving a Damn” by Will Harris78 | Winter Grazing: Low Cost, Regenerative Strategies for Goats and Other Livestock53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them21 | Seeking Sustainability? How to Evaluate Options and Make Decisions with a Sustainability Mindset All the Best, Millie Resources & Links: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chartGet Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.comJoin my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insiderJoin the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/communityEmail me:millie@drycreekpastures.comSee ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
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    18 m
  • 87 | Coccidia in Goats: Understanding Coccidiosis, Symptoms, and Practical Prevention That Works
    Dec 8 2025

    Coccidiosis is one of the most common kid-health problems goat owners face, and it’s one of the most misunderstood. Some herds battle it every year. Others hardly see it. In this episode, I’m breaking down what coccidia actually is, how it functions inside the gut, which strains are the most dangerous, and why stress and environment play such a big role in outbreaks.

    I’m also sharing the major shifts we made in genetics, kidding season, and management that completely changed our coccidia situation. After years of losing show goats to coccidiosis, we haven’t had a single case in our main herd in three years—and I’ll walk you through exactly why.

    And I’ll touch on some natural, tannin-based supplements that some producers use to support gut health in herds that battle chronic coccidiosis pressure. We’re incorporating one into our mineral mix right now, mainly for our show-goat breeders, and I’ll share updates as we see results.

    Finally, if you think a kid might be dealing with coccidiosis, I explain why getting your vet involved quickly makes all the difference.

    In This Episode, I Cover:
    • What coccidia is and how it functions in the intestinal lining
    • How infection spreads and why kids are most vulnerable
    • The strains of coccidia that cause the most damage
    • The genetic component: why some goats struggle more than others
    • How stress, moisture, overcrowding, and management influence outbreaks
    • Our real-world experience with coccidiosis in show goats
    • How shifting genetics and kidding season broke our coccidia cycle
    • Why chickens donot give goats coccidia
    • Natural tannin-based supplements some producers use for gut support
    • When it’s time to call your vet and why timing matters
    Key Takeaways:
    • Coccidia are microscopic protozoa that damage the gut by destroying intestinal cells.
    • The most pathogenic strains includeEimeria ninakohlyakimovae, arloingi, and
    • Stress + moisture + high oocyst load = ideal conditions for coccidiosis.
    • Genetics and kidding-season timing have a huge impact on resilience.
    • Chickens cannot give goats coccidia—the strains are species specific.
    • Tannin-based supplements may support gut health in high-pressure herds.
    • Bottle kids remain more vulnerable due to stress and barn exposure.
    • Good management prevents most cases—but if you suspect coccidiosis, contacting your vet early is critical.
    Mentions:
    • 86 | Can Goats and Chickens Live Together? What’s Safe, What’s Not, and How to Do It Right
    Related Episodes:
    • 82 | Internal Parasites in Goats: Monitoring, Prevention, and Treatment for Barber Pole and Other Worms
    • 68 | New to Raising Livestock? Risk Management Strategies When the Learning Curve is Steep
    • 08 | When Animals Aren’t Working Out on the Homestead/ How to Evaluate Your Livestock Projects and Decide to Keep or Sell

    All the Best, Millie

    Resources & Links:
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts+ grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
    • Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
    • Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
    • Join the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
    • Email me:millie@drycreekpastures.com
    • See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

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    16 m
  • 86 | Can Goats and Chickens Live Together? What’s Safe, What’s Not, and How to Do It Right
    Dec 1 2025

    This week on the ranch, we’ve got our young hens working half the barn, scratching through the bedding and cleaning up after the goats. They’re doing what chickens do best—turning packed areas into loose, manageable bedding. Watching them work reminded me how often I get asked whether goats and chickens can safely live together, so that’s what we’re diving into today.

    In this episode, I’m breaking down the real benefits of keeping goats and chickens together, the legitimate risks you need to manage, and the simple guidelines that make mixed housing safe. I’m also sharing what the newest research says about coccidia—specifically whether chickens can give it to goats—and how to decide if this setup is right for your farm or homestead.

    At the end of the episode, I’ll give you a quick preview of next week’s topic where we’re going deep into coccidia: what it is, how it works, why some strains are more dangerous, and the management shifts that helped us break the cycle of coccidiosis in our own herd.

    In This Episode, I Cover:

    • Why goats and chickens can safely share space
    • How chickens help disrupt goat parasite cycles
    • The barn-cleanup advantage of having chickens around goats
    • The #1 rule of mixed housing: keep goats out of chicken feed
    • What modern research really says about coccidia and species-specific strains
    • When mixed housing becomes risky
    • How to set up a safe, low-stress environment for both species
    • When you should NOT mix species—especially if anyone is sick

    Key Takeaways:

    • Chickens do not give goats coccidiosis. The strains are species specific.
    • Goats getting into chicken feed is the biggest danger—and it’s completely preventable.
    • Dry bedding, enough space, and clean feeding areas make mixed housing much safer.
    • Some diseases can move between species, so never mix sick animals.
    • With the right setup, mixed species can simplify chores and support parasite management.

    Related Episodes:

    • 06 | What Livestock Should I Get First? My Top Pick for Your First Homestead Animals
    • 20 | Lessons from Raising Livestock: 5 Problems That Can Be Avoided or Solved with a Good Mentor
    • 21 | Seeking Sustainability? How to Evaluate Options and Make Decisions with a Sustainability Mindset
    • 31 | Are Winter Heat Lamps Bad for Chickens? How to Prepare Your Flock for a Comfortable Winter

    All the Best, Millie

    Resources & Links:

    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts then grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
    • Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
    • Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
    • Join the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
    • Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com
    • See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

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    10 m
  • 85 | Gratitude, Grit, and Finding the Good: The Mindset That Makes Homesteading Work
    Nov 24 2025

    In today’s episode, we talk about the mindset that actually makes farming, homesteading and livestock work sustainable. Not ease, not perfection — but gratitude, grit, and learning to find the good even when the hard days hit. I’m sharing two real-life stories from our ranch that shaped how I approach challenges, and practical ways you can apply this mindset on your own homestead.

    What You’ll Learn
    • Why gratitude is a daily management tool, not a once-a-year feeling
    • How accepting “hard” as normal keeps you steady with livestock
    • The value in finding the good inside messy or frustrating situations
    • What a difficult kidding season taught me about leadership and problem-solving
    • How a major off-grid setback revealed long-term clarity we wouldn’t have gained otherwise
    • Practical ways to build a resilient, realistic homesteading mindset
    Key Takeaways
    • Gratitude keeps you grounded, especially when things go sideways
    • Hard days aren’t a sign you’re failing — they’re part of learning and building competence
    • Finding the good in a situation helps you move forward instead of getting stuck
    • Livestock and off-grid life will test you; mindset determines whether you burn out or grow
    • Long-term sustainability depends more on steadiness than skill
    Related Episodes
    • 02 | Overwhelmed? 4 Steps to Create a Practical Plan for adding Livestock to Your Homestead Successfully
    • 15 | The Most Important Lesson We Learned Going Off-Grid, and How You Can Do the Same Thing to Simplify Your Off-Grid Plan
    • 30 | Livestock Decision-Making: What to do When You Make a Wrong Decision and How to Use that Information to Make Progress
    • 68 | New to Raising Livestock? Risk Management Strategies When the Learning Curve is Steep

    All the Best, Millie

    Resources & Links:

    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts then grab the free Kidding Due Date Chart: https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart
    • Get Dry Creek meat: https://drycreekheritagemeats.com
    • Join my insider email list: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider
    • Join the FB community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community
    • Email me: millie@drycreekpastures.com
    • See ranch life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

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    11 m
  • 84 | The Messy Middle of Regenerative Ranching: Key Insights from “A Bold Return to Giving a Damn” by Will Harris
    Nov 17 2025

    Hi friends! Today we’re talking about the transition from conventional agriculture and livestock production to a regenerative or restorative system. I spent two days in the truck, listening to Will Harris’ book, A Bold Return to Giving a Damn, and it gave me some great insights into the decades-long journey of White Oak Pastures, as well as a look into the future of our ranch. If you’re considering a production system that is closer to nature’s design or if you’re in the messy middle like we are, this episode will help you see the possibilities, problems, and the beautiful potential. Let’s get to it!

    All the Best!

    Millie

    Related Episodes:

    53 | Livestock and Land Management that Works WITH Your Environment and Resources, Not Against Them

    45 | Health Benefits of Ruminant Red Meat, Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed, and Special Characteristics of Goat Meat

    21 | Seeking Sustainability? How to Evaluate Options and Make Decisions with a Sustainability Mindset

    08 | When Animals Aren’t Working Out on the Homestead: How to Evaluate Your Livestock Projects and Decide to Keep or Sell

    Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, then grab your FREE Kidding Due Date Chart here:

    https://www.getgoatwise.com/kidding-chart

    Get your farm fresh meat here:

    https://drycreekheritagemeats.com

    Join our email list and be first to get updates and special offers: https://www.getgoatwise.com/insider

    Join the FB Community: https://www.getgoatwise.com/community

    Connect with me:

    Email: millie@drycreekpastures.com

    See what’s happening on the ranch: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekpastures/

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for animal health guidance.

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    15 m
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