Winter is a season that brings with it challenges inherent in livestock, because the cold and dry climate require special care to ensure the health of animals. In this article, we will discuss the main precautions necessary for livestock in winter, in order to ensure their well-being and production during this period.
Livestock in winter
Winter is the most difficult season for ranchers, as it is when cold and heavy rains affect livestock.However, with proper planning, livestock can overcome these problems.
The first thing to do is to separate animals that are not productive, such as castrated males and dry cows. These animals should be placed in a corral where they can take shelter from the cold and rain.
Lactating cows should be housed in a shed with heated drinking fountains so that they can drink hot water. Cows should also have access to fresh fodder and feed to keep them healthy during the winter.
Oxen should also have a place to shelter from the cold and rain.In addition, it is important to keep oxen hydrated during the winter, as they tend to lose a lot of fluid through breathing and sweating.
Cattle care in winter
In winter, the care of cattle should be redoubled. It is necessary to pay attention to the shelter of the animal, the food and water.
Cattle should have a place to shelter from cold and rain. If possible, the enclosure should be covered and have good ventilation. Feeding is also important: during the winter, cows produce less milk and animals become leaner, then it is necessary to provide more energy-rich rations. Water should also always be available and, if possible, heated.
Feeding cattle in winter
In winter, cattle need special care to maintain health.This is because the cold can cause disease and food is an important factor in preventing these diseases.
One of the main diseases that attack livestock in winter is pneumonia. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by cold, moisture and/or poor diet.The symptoms of pneumonia are cough, nasal discharge, fever and loss of appetite. To avoid pneumonia, it is important to keep livestock in a well-ventilated environment and protected from cold and moisture. In addition, livestock feed should be rich in nutrients to strengthen the body and prevent disease.
The first thing to think about in winter cattle feed is the amount of energy that animals need to stay warm. The ideal is to provide cattle with energy-rich rations, such as good quality hay, bulky and grains. The grains help to produce heat in the body and hay provides fiber to keep cattle satiated. Another important nutrient for cows is calcium, which is essential for them to produce milk. In addition, it is recommended to include in the diet of mineralizing cattle such as mineral salt and other essential minerals.
It is important to remember that the feed of cattle should be varied during all seasons of the year.In winter, however, it is necessary to pay special attention to ensure the health of animals.
The dangers of winter for livestock
Winter is a very dangerous season for livestock. Animals get sick and can die if not cared for properly. Here are some of the main winter hazards for livestock:
Diseases: Many illnesses are more common in winter, including pneumonia, flu, and other respiratory infections.The cold can also aggravate existing health problems such as arthritis.
Hunger: Feeding livestock during the winter can be challenging, especially if pastures are affected. Animals that do not receive the proper amount of food can suffer from malnutrition and even die.
Water: Cattle need at least 8-10 gallons (30-40 liters) of water per day. However, water in winter can be very cold, making it difficult for animals to get the required amount of water.
Frost: Frost can also be dangerous for livestock.Smaller frosts can cause damage to the skin and extremities, while more severe ones can lead to death.
These are some of the main winter risks for livestock.It is important that owners are aware of these dangers and take steps to avoid them.
What to do in case of emergency with livestock in winter?
In winter, cooler temperatures can affect livestock in a variety of ways. It is important to be aware of the signs that the animal is suffering from the cold and know what to do in an emergency.
Signs that cattle are going cold include:
* Rapid and shallow breathing;
* Cold nose and ears;
* Tremble;
* Hanging language;
* Hair thickening;
* Shrunk posture.
If you suspect your cattle are going cold, it is important to act fast.Here are some tips to help your cattle in winter:
* Provide a shelter to protect from wind and rain. The shelter can be made of straw, plastic, canvas or other waterproof material.It needs to have a dry area so that the animals can warm up and take shelter from moisture.
* Provide energy-rich foods such as silage, grains and hay.
* Offer clean and appropriate drinking water.Frozen water is not healthy for livestock.
* Provide a good layer of straw over dry manure to help the cattle warm up.
*Check animals regularly for signs of illness or other problems.
Conclusion
Livestock is a very important economic activity for Brazil, as it represents about 1/3 of the country's economy. However, livestock faces several challenges during the winter, due to adverse weather conditions.
The main difficulties are: the intense cold, which can cause diseases in animals; low temperatures, which impair milk production; and the lack of food, due to the reduction in the supply of forage.
To minimize the problems caused by winter, it is necessary to take some preventive measures, such as: keeping animals in sheltered places; providing adequate feed; and carrying out vaccinations against respiratory diseases.In addition, it is important to be attentive to the health of animals and monitor their welfare constantly.
