TIPS TO PROTECT LIVESTOCK DURING EXTREME WINTER WEATHER
By Dr Pravinder kaur Lubana
Although most livestock animals are well adapted to cold weather, severe wind and cold can cause significant problems for livestock and their owners. Under extreme winter storm conditions, simple shelters alone may not be effective in protecting livestock. The following is a list of recommendations for livestock owners and caretakers to protect their animals during extreme cold:
Having abundant and accessible feed will help animals maintain body temperature and survive cold temperatures.
Make sure stored winter feed is of good nutrient quality for the type of livestock you are feeding.
Rations of hay/forage/feed must be increased in order for livestock to maintain body temperature. Some cold and wet weather fronts may result in a 100 percent increase in energy requirements to help animals maintain normal body temperature and function. The nutritional needs of gestating livestock increase during cold temperatures. Failing to meet these needs may result in stunted animals, poor milk
production and weak or dead fetuses.
Animals’ water consumption increases because of elevated metabolic rates necessary to maintain
Make sure water is clean, and in adequate supply. Make sure you have portable watering equipment or a way to maintain water for your livestock in case of extreme cold .
If possible, shelter animals indoors during extreme weather events and storms.
Increased time spent indoors will increase the amount of soiled bedding material needing removal. Keep bedding as dry and clean as possible in order to avoid increased ammonia fumes which can irritate the respiratory lining of livestock thereby increasing susceptibility to pneumonia causing bacteria and
viruses.
Shelter animals from the wind. Trees, land windbreaks, other natural weather barriers and constructed
shelters will assist in blocking winds. These protected areas should provide all animals enough space to lie down safely without being trampled or smothered.
The time livestock spend in muddy pens and areas should be limited to avoid the development of foot problems and injuries incurred while moving across slippery ground. Stay alert to problem areas and resolve future problems with the use of geotextiles, gravel, tiles, gutters, sand or woodchips.
Extremities that become wet or are normally damp are particularly subject to frostbite and freezing during sub-zero weather. Livestock may lose or have damaged ears and/or tails. Male livestock may suffer cold damage to reproductive organs, which can impair fertility or the animal’s ability to breed.
During cold, driving rains or freezing rain, animals should be monitored often. Shivering animals should be brought inside, if possible, to warm up. Be cautious; a sudden significant change in temperature can lead to respiratory problems, including pneumonia.
Blankets can be used on individual animals. However, the animal’s coat as well as the blanket material touching the animal’s coat must remain dry. Change as necessary.
Small animals such as rabbits and poultry as well as very young and old livestock may need supplemental heat and/or protection. Monitor their status often.
Stay alert: young/smaller animals are more at risk to cold temperatures .
Care for young animals first, since they are more vulnerable than larger animals.
Make sure animals are in good body condition and vaccinated. Livestock that are larger and in good body condition can handle winter weather and extreme conditions better than smaller or weaker animals.
Livestock owners should check with their veterinarian, for additional information and assistance, like ask them to help you in formulating good ration , enquire about prevention of common diseases of winter ( FMD, winter diarrhoea, Respiratory diseases etc) , care of breeding male ,care of pregnant animals, care of young calves.
