Extreme weather events are more than just a nuisance – they can have a significant impact on our cattle. From wildfires to hurricanes, extreme weather can cause stress, health problems, and even PTSD in our livestock. As cattle owners, it is our responsibility to prepare our cattle, facilities, and handling skills to ensure the well-being of our animals during these challenging times.
Preparing Your Cattle
Extreme weather events can take a toll on even the healthiest animals. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare your cattle for adverse conditions:
- Work with your veterinarian: Ensure your animals are vaccinated and healthy.
- Check identification: Make sure all your animals are easily identified with tags or other forms of identification.
- Plan for water access: Water is crucial for cattle survival, so identify water sources before they are needed.
- Beware of poisonous trees and plants: Remove any poisonous plants from your property to prevent harm to your cattle.
Preparing Your Facilities
Before an extreme weather event hits, it’s essential to take care of your facilities to enhance safety and stability:
- Check your insurance policy: Ensure your policy covers extreme weather events in your area.
- Create an emergency plan: Have a plan for evacuation, feed storage, and water access in case of emergency.
- Make a list of all repairs needed: Prioritize repairs to barns, fences, water systems, and handling systems.
- Plan locations for cattle during the event: Provide options for cattle to escape dangerous situations.
- Secure feed for cattle: Keep feed safe and protected to reduce damage and loss.
Adapting Your Handling Skills
Cattle that survive extreme weather events may suffer from PTSD. Here are some tips to help you adapt your handling skills:
- Evaluate your cattle from a distance: Watch for behavioral changes that may indicate stress.
- Group cattle carefully: Create groups that include cattle both with and without signs of PTSD.
- Review your handling system: Consider upgrades to reduce stress during handling.
- Reframe your handling agenda: Provide positive experiences for your cattle during handling.
- Keep everyone safe: Use low-stress handling techniques and ensure cattle have time to adjust.
One of the best ways to support your cattle after an extreme weather event is to provide clean water, quality forage, and a mineral supplement in a safe location. By preparing your cattle, facilities, and handling skills, you can help mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on your operation.
As extreme weather events become more common, it’s crucial for cattle owners to be proactive in protecting their livestock. By taking steps to prepare your cattle and facilities, as well as adapting your handling skills, you can help ensure the well-being of your animals in the face of challenging weather conditions.
What do wolf attacks and cattle chutes have in common? Wildfires and cattle stress. Stay informed and prepared to protect your cattle from extreme weather events!
References:
- 6 Ways to Stay Safe While Handling Cattle
- Be Aware of Livestock Trauma After a Wildfire
- Fact Sheet: Poisonous Plants for Cattle
- Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery for Beef-Cattle Operations
- Low Stress Cattle Handling: The Basics
- Plants Poisonous to Livestock
- Wildfire Damage to Cattle May be More Than The Eye Can See
- Wolf Attacks Have Long-Term Impact on Cowherd
And remember, the well-being of your cattle is essential for the success of your operation. By taking proactive steps to prepare for extreme weather events, you can help ensure the health and safety of your livestock.
About the Author:
Dana Charban, Manager of Content Strategies and Journalist for Arrowquip, grew up around agriculture and farming in rural Manitoba. With a passion for livestock and farming, Dana is dedicated to sharing valuable insights and information to help cattle owners thrive in challenging conditions.
For more information on Dana Charban, visit here. Email Dana Charban: [email protected]
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