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The following news item is being sent to DACF subscribers as a courtesy.
The weather channels are calling for frigid temperatures for Maine this weekend. Here are some links with tips to protect workers and livestock from cold weather. Also, some tips on what to do to prevent and repair frozen pipes.
The message and reminders seem simple, even with various farms and management approaches.
- Contented animals still require all the basics and a familiar pattern: consistent good feed, fresh, clean water, adequate access to shelter (especially if windy, cold, or wet), dry bedding, good traction in outdoor runs, and proper ventilation, and, if possible, some sunlight too.
- Know that animals may eat more, and need more frequent check-ins by people during atypical weather. Be extra observant if anything seems amiss – for example, an animal is hanging back, not eating, looks and acts lethargic etc.
- Ruminants and equines get extra body heat from gut bacteria digesting hay.
- Use common sense and do what you can to reduce adding another stressor to the farm environment. For example:
- If an animal goes to drink at approximately the same time each morning or afternoon, be sure their water is not frozen when they go to drink. Address it before it becomes an issue.
- Younger animals might not have the same body conditioning – they might require extra bedding and possibly more protection from the cold, such as calf or kid and lamb blankets and/or ear muffs, so long as they stay dry.
- Take care of yourself, too – dress appropriately, wear layers and protect your extremities. Stay dry. Take frequent breaks to warm up throughout the day when working outside.
Some links for more information:
For the farmer:
General Livestock Care:
Chickens:
Dairy & Beef Cattle:
Equines:
Sheep & Goats:
Preventing and Repairing Damage:
Additional links:
By: Donna Coffin and Jason Lilley, University of Maine Cooperative Extension; and Anne Trenholm, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry
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