As temperatures begin to drop, it’s important to make sure your livestock are prepared for the changing weather. Cooler temperatures can bring different nutritional needs and management challenges, making fall a great time to take a closer look at your feeding program and daily routine.
Whether you’re caring for show livestock or animals at home on the farm, a little preparation can go a long way. Here are five things to keep in mind as cooler weather arrives.
1. Pay Attention to Feed and Nutrition
As the weather changes, so can the nutritional needs of your livestock. Animals use energy for maintenance, growth, production, and staying warm, so their needs may change as temperatures continue to fall.
Take time to evaluate your current feeding program and make sure it still matches your animals, their condition, and your goals. Consistency is also important, so avoid making major feed changes too quickly.
2. Don’t Forget About Water
Just because it isn’t hot outside doesn’t mean water becomes any less important. Livestock should continue to have access to plenty of clean, fresh water.
As temperatures get colder, check water sources regularly and make sure animals are drinking normally. Keeping water clean and easily accessible is an important part of maintaining overall health and performance.
3. Provide a Clean and Comfortable Environment
Fall is a great time to prepare barns, pens, and shelters for the colder months ahead. Check that animals have a clean, dry place to get out of wind and bad weather when needed.
Keeping bedding and pens clean and dry can also make animals more comfortable as conditions outside become colder and wetter.
4. Keep an Eye on Body Condition
Regularly evaluating your livestock allows you to catch changes before they become bigger concerns. Pay attention to body condition, appetite, behavior, and overall appearance.
This is especially important for show livestock, where nutrition and management need to work together to help animals continue developing toward their goals.
5. Stay Consistent
One of the best things you can do for your livestock is maintain a consistent routine. Feeding at similar times each day, providing clean water, keeping pens maintained, and regularly monitoring your animals can make a big difference.
Every animal and operation is different, which is why having a feeding and management plan that fits your individual goals is important.
We’re Here to Help
At Matthews Feed & Grain, we’re proud to work alongside livestock producers, show families, and agricultural operations in our community. Whether you’re evaluating your current feeding program, preparing for colder weather, or looking for products to help you reach your goals, our team is here to help.
Stop in and see us, give us a call, or send us a message to learn more about the feed and livestock products available at Matthews Feed & Grain.
Your livestock. Your goals. We’re here to help you get there.