Winter may seem like a chance to put the brakes on and relax a bit, but for farmers and ranchers, it is important to ensure that their livestock remain safe and healthy.
Most livestock animals are well adapted to cold weather, however severe winter and cold can cause significant problems. It is crucial to be proactive, so you and your flock are prepared for winter. Form a plan, create shelter, and make sheltering rotation schedules so that everyone knows what to do and when to do it.
The following are tips to keep your livestock safe during the winter season:
Keep them covered: Livestock must be provided with a protection from which they can seek from strong winter winds and environmental extremes. This may be a shelter of sufficient width, length and height, or a row of trees, a fence, a hedge, or a screen.
A scheduled rotation may also provide each animal some respite from severe weather. You may also consider installing a heating system.
Provide extra bedding: Ensure clean and sufficient bedding is provided to close off any natural thermal windows. Straw is an inexpensive example that contains adequate insulating features.
Provide sufficient feed and water: When temperature drops, appetites rise. To help animals maintain body temperatures and survive cold temperatures, be sure to provide an abundance of feed and that water is accessible. Cattle, camelids, and hogs have been known to eat twice the amount of their normal feed during cold temperatures because they are burning more calories in order to keep themselves warm.
Water ingestion fluctuates with the temperature of the water so ensure the water is free of ice, clean and in adequate supply.
Baby the babies: It is crucial to protect the youngest and most vulnerable animals first. Very young and old livestock, as well as smaller animals such as rabbits and poultry, may need supplemental heat and/or protection. Blankets can be used on individual animals, however, the animal’s coat, as well as the blanket material must remain dry.
Prevent frostbite: Frostbite in livestock often occurs first in two areas with the most exposure to the cold weather – ears and the nose. If you cannot shelter or rotate your livestock, be sure to dry damp or wet parts of the animal’s body.
Cover concrete: Having an alternative cover for concrete and outdoor pens can help prevent injury and keep your livestock safe. Wet and icy grounds may cause horses’ hooves to crack, chip and/or bruise. To prevent this type of injury, consider alternatives to concrete such as gravel, wood chips and sand.
Have a plan for deep snow: Consider moving herds off the high ground to help them stay more easily accessible in times of deep snow and harsh weather.
Being prepared for winter can mean the difference between life and death for your livestock. Make sure to take precautions effectively so that you are ready for whatever Canadian winter brings.