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Animals will quickly get stressed when they have to deal with the physical effects of a heavy snowstorm. Ensure that they are monitored throughout the event. |
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Monitor stock health
- Cold, wet stock will lose condition quickly. Provide shelter, adequate feed and water.
- Feed quality is paramount - don't feed mouldy hay/baleage to pregnant or lactating stock.
- Magnesium supplementation is good insurance, especially if feed is restricted and cows are within a month of calving. Use 50-70g magnesium oxide dusted on feed or 50g of magnesium chloride or sulphate through water.
- Watch for bloat when starting stock back on kale - feed a fibre source first.
- If cows have not had dry cow therapy and are lying in mud there is the risk of environmental mastitis. Thorough teat spraying prior to calving is advisable.
- Remove any cows that abort from the main mob in case it is
contagious.
