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There are different types of livestock, and each has unique needs when it comes to taking care of them. However, there are general requirements that you need to observe to keep your livestock healthy and alive.
Caring for livestock may not be an easy task, but you need to play your part effectively and be on the look-out to provide the best care. Here is a simple DIY to help you take care of your livestock easily.
Build a Shelter for the Livestock
Just like human beings need a house, the same also applies to livestock. They need adequate shelter to shield them from harsh elements such as rain, heat, storm, and anything harmful. Here is what to consider.
- Build the shelter according to the temperatures in your environment.
- Ensure the shelter is comfortable and accommodates all your livestock without much congestion.
- If you have different types of livestock, consider designing separate portions of shelter under the roof.
- Let there be proper ventilation in the space to allow your livestock to enjoy the fresh air.
- Clean the bedding regularly to prevent the livestock from contracting diseases.
Constructing shelter comes with different designs while also using various materials such as woven wire, cable, mesh, tree belts, barns, and pole. Don’t forget to keep the shelter dry all the time.
Provide Adequate Water
To keep tabs on your horticulture jobs, you need to ensure that you provide adequate water for your agricultural needs. Water is an essential element for your livestock, especially for milk-producing livestock.
Providing adequate water will require less feeding. It also regulates the body temperature of the livestock. Therefore, provide your livestock with water that is not cold to avoid lowering body temperatures, especially in winter.
When you give them cold water, they’ll need to burn more calories to keep warm. This means that you’ll need more feeds.
Remember to provide clean water for your livestock to prevent life-threatening conditions such as colic or impaction.
Nutritious Feed
Feeding your livestock should include food, nutritious feeds, and supplements with a balanced diet. Ensure the feeds have adequate vitamins, proteins, minerals to boost the livestock’s energy levels.
Increase the feeds during winter because the livestock needs to consume more to maintain body heat. However, do not overfeed your livestock at once. Monitor the intake of feeds and consider giving them small portions several times a day to reduce waste.
Manure and Mud
Focus on keeping your animals comfortable all the time. Manure and mud pileup in the shelter can make your livestock uncomfortable. Not to mention the cold and chilly nights that can quickly contribute to the livestock contracting diseases.
Keep a close eye and remove manure and mud every time. Place wood chips, sand, or gravel on the floor to make cleaning easier. It’s so rewarding when you take good care of your livestock.
Disease Prevention Measures
You are responsible for the health of your livestock. Meaning, you need to take precautionary measures, especially for infectious diseases. Here is what to do to keep your livestock healthy and alive.
- Stay alert of any disease symptoms.
- Maintain adequate hygiene in the shelter.
- Report suspected livestock outbreak to the appropriate authority.
- Vaccinate your livestock as much as it is required.
- When purchasing new livestock, take precautionary measures to prevent infections with the available livestock.
Once you notice any unusual changes in your livestock, take quick steps to offer treatment before it worsens. Taking longer could lead to a widespread of the disease that can cause the death of your livestock.
Caring for Your Livestock During A Natural Disaster
Mother Nature is inevitable. Meaning, you need to get prepared for taking care of your livestock during natural disasters. This depends on your location. One of the best ways to get ready is to build up shelter inside your home so that you have ample time to take care of your livestock when the storm comes.
You may also provide additional security and protection by identifying a safer spot within your home. Don’t forget about your pets during emergencies. It would be best to keep the pets safer during a storm if you had a carrier.
Livestock Lives Matters
Animals are sensitive species. They need close care and attention in their day-to-day life. Once you decide to rear livestock, you should be prepared for the challenging situations that come with it. It can be so rewarding when you get committed to taking care of your livestock. So, master the basics above to get you equipped with the right skills to make your livestock rearing journey a success.
Autobiography
Eric Reyes is a passionate thought leader having been featured in 50 distinguished online and offline platforms. His passion and knowledge in Finance and Business made him a sought after contributor providing valuable insights to his readers. You can find him reading a book and discussing current events in his spare time.
