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Information on Winter Animal Care is Readily Available | |
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From the Jan 05, 2009 Issue of Agri-News | |
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Colder weather and snow can cause many different problems when feeding and watering animals. Fortunately, there are many information sources that producers can turn to for help and advice in making the best choices possible when it comes to over-wintering livestock.
"The body score of individual animals is a factor that needs to be considered along with the temperatures and the snow cover that animals have to contend with," says Barry Yaremcio, beef and forage specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Stettler. "Thin animals have less fat cover than those in good condition. Fat is a good insulator, which in turn helps reduce energy requirements to keep the animal warm. For example, a thin cow in body condition score 2, approximately 100 pounds lighter than a cow in good condition, requires an additional 1200 pounds of hay to get through the winter. Thin animals cannot tolerate the cold as well as animals in good condition."
Energy conservation is key for animals to keep warm and avoid unnecessary weight loss. Portable wind fences to keep animals out of the wind are a big help. With snow falling almost daily, it is necessary to spread straw onto the bedding pack frequently so that the animals stay dry and clean. Cows that lie on snow require 25 per cent more energy to keep warm compared to those that are on straw.
Producers are encouraged to take advantage of the readily available information on Alberta Agriculture's website by visiting www.agriculture.alberta.ca and searching animal care in winter. As well as a number of available fact sheets, livestock specialists have posted helpful information on several frequently asked questions.
Another information source is http://afac.ab.ca/alps/beaware.htm, a farm animal welfare resource centre, funded by the project Putting Animal Welfare on the Agenda.
While it's beneficial to plan a winter feeding program well in advance, it's never too late to seek information about providing good animal care.
For further information, producers are also encouraged to call Alberta Agriculture's Ag-Info Centre and speak to one of the department's livestock specialists.
Contact:
Barry Yaremcio
403-742-7926
Ag-Info Centre
310-FARM (3276)
The contents of this page are no longer available.
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For more information about the content of this document, contact Barry Yaremcio.
This document is maintained by Rita Splawinski.
This information published to the web on December 30, 2008.
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