Owning livestock isn’t easy – there are a lot of responsibilities and moving parts that come with it. Arguably the most important aspect of owning livestock is to be solely responsible for their health and well-being; it’s a lot of weight to bear! Whether you own a ranch or two calves, you need to provide the best care you possibly can. It is essential for you to have a good understanding of the basic needs and care requirements your animals require, because the more you know, the healthier your animals will be. Our team at Sinton Vet Clinic is based in Texas, so we see many cases involving cattle and livestock care. As such, this blog will solely focus on the basics of cattle care and what you need to know as a rancher.
Feeding and Nutrition
Food is fuel, and you need to make sure you are giving your herd enough to keep them happy and productive. Cows eat more than 20 pounds of food a day, and you need to ensure their food is nutritious and how much dry matter they are consuming. As you know, there is a difference between dry matter and moisture content, and the 20+ pounds of food we mentioned earlier includes only the amount of dry matter consumed. Different feeds have different amounts of moisture, so what you feed your herd is largely dependent on the herd’s needs. For optimal herd health, include hay, forage, supplements, and high-protein feeds in their regular diet. If you are unsure of what your herd may need, give your vet a call! In addition, your vet may have prescription food to help your cattle with any ailments, which will help you monitor your cattle’s nutritional needs!
As a quick addition, salt and mineral licks are crucial for cattle productivity. These licks provide essential minerals, like phosphorus, iron, zinc, sodium, and calcium. This combination of minerals allows your cattle to properly digest their food, retain their weight, and keep up with production. There are quite a few options when it comes to licks, so if you want to learn more about what lick would be ideal for your herd, check out this link.
Environmental Factors
What goes into your bovine’s mouth is just as important as the environment they are regularly occupying. You’ll want to give your herd the amount of space they need to continue producing, so ensure that there is at least 11.5 square feet of covered structure for each cow, but double check with your vet to understand what would be ideal for your specific herd. Cows need enough space to rest, and if they do not have it, overcrowding will lead to sickness, disease, and eventually death. In the aforementioned covered structure, your cow needs dry bedding. Moisture and air quality factors combine to form a great breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can get into your bovine’s system. To avoid excessive moisture and bacteria, the covered structure needs to be waterproof and regularly mucked out. The structure also needs to be well-ventilated while maintaining a warm, comfortable temperature. Cattle farmers need to be aware of these environmental factors when caring for their herds in order to provide them with the best chance at a healthy life.
Exercise
Similarly to your own health, consistent exercise is essential to keep your herd moving and mooing. Provide them with plenty of roaming space, as they will often get more than enough exercise just grazing or wandering a pasture. You can even take a few non-conventional steps, like adding a scratch post, so that your herd has mental exercise in addition to the physical. Not only does exercise increase your bottom line, your herd will be noticeably happier as roaming prevents boredom-related issues. There are actually a few boredom-related issues that will affect production including overeating, depression, or destructive behavior. We recommend giving your herd access to pasture and sunlight, as both are essential for production. Exercise is crucial for herd health!
Health Necessities
There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to caring for an entire herd, and you do not need to be on your own to figure it out! You need a qualified veterinarian to perform regular check-ups and provide you with vital information to properly care for each member of your herd. During a check-up, your vet should include hoof trimming, parasite control, vaccinations, and monitoring general health concerns. Your vet has plenty of information, so if you have a question, do not hesitate to ask! Your vet should also check the entire barn or ranch to ensure everything is up to code, restraints are properly used, and the environment is clean. You do not need to be the only one maintaining the health of your cattle, so reach out to a trusted vet immediately!
So, What Now?
Now that you have a fundamental understanding of what goes into cattle care, it’s time to take action. By providing your herd with plenty of nutrition, exercise, and love, your herd will thrive and be extremely productive. A major part of herd maintenance is to incorporate a trusted vet into your care plan so there is some weight taken off your shoulders. When you have an experienced team behind you, you can rest assured that your herd will be living the best quality life possible. If you are looking for a large animal vet to turn to, check out our Sinton Clinic staff! We have worked tirelessly to provide our patients with thorough and comprehensible check-ups, and our experience has allowed us to welcome in and care for just about any large animal. Check out the rest of our website, or dial (361) 364-4551 to reach us directly. We look forward to working with you and your herd!
