Hard winters wreak havoc on humans, but the weather poses a deadly threat to livestock herds. With this season’s record snowfalls and frigid temperatures, agribusiness owners are forced to work harder to keep the herds safe and healthy. Warm spring temperatures followed by heavy snowfall will add more stress to already stressed herds.

Farmers facing higher feed prices due to poor feed crops may be tempted to cut back on the amount of feed supplied to field livestock. However, the danger to the livestock is more critical this year. Because of some unusual growing conditions this past season, forage crops could lack adequate nutrients for grazing livestock.

Some of the dangers your herds face include:

• Deep snow, snow drifts, and potential inability to reach shelter
• Frozen water supplies
• Dangerous temperatures
• Little to no shelter in pastures
• Inadequate forage
• Power outages and subsequent loss of heat and water

 One of the most difficult tasks is providing fresh water to your livestock during extreme cold or large snow amounts. But to ensure the safety of your livestock, and your investment, it’s critical that you develop a delivery process that guarantees your animals won’t be malnourished or dehydrated in such harsh conditions.

Livestock experts are urging agribusiness owners to stay on top of the health and physical condition of their animals. An unhealthy animal now will have little time to recover as winter worsens in the coming months.

To prevent loss of livestock due to winter conditions, develop and practice the following livestock management steps:

• Provide shelter for cattle. Horses have an easier time navigating snow, but both cows and horses are hampered by hard, packed snow. If possible, move your herds to safe shelter and provide adequate food and water. Corrals and lean-tos offer better containment and safer means by which to ensure the herds are fed and watered.
• Keep enough food and forage on hand to make it through at least five days of extreme weather conditions.
• Check your herds daily for signs of illness or deteriorating health. Develop a back-up plan for handling ailing animals.
• Check water supplies twice daily, especially in frigid conditions.
• Make sure your livestock insurance is up to date and covers your current herd numbers.

 Please contact us if you have questions on preventing livestock loss or applying insurance to your investment.

Flickr photo credit: Clear Inner Vision

Filed under: Agribusiness by afis blogger