People have been caring and breeding of livestock for various purposes such as milk, eggs, meat, etc. If you are thinking of caring for livestock for business or just be able to enjoy its produce, you need to be adept in animal husbandry, the branch of agriculture that is concerned with the day-to-day care of livestock.

Knowing the basic needs of the livestock that you would want to care for (e.g., sheep, cattle or horses) would ensure their survival even during the harshest season. While various animals have varied needs, most animals have the same basic requirements to remain alive.

Shelter

The first thing you need to think about when it comes to livestock care is shelter. The animals need a place to sleep for the night, especially those who are susceptible to frozen teats during chilly nights. Cows, cattle, pigs and pygmy goats are among those and if you are breeding them for milk, cold nights would significantly affect and decrease the milk they produce.

A well-maintained shelter for your animals is profitable since they would be happier and more productive. To build an adequate shelter, buy livestock supplies such as barns, pole sheds, solid or semi-solid fences, tree belts, and thickets. Also ensure that the shelter is always dry and sanitary, has enough room for your livestock and properly ventilated.

Food and Water

Food and water are as important as shelter to caring for your livestock. Water is particularly crucial for animals that are milked. Water aids in the regulation of body temperature, so make sure to supply warm water especially in the winter. Drinking an ample supply of clean water protects the animals from dehydration, colic and impaction.

Nutritious food, as well as a balanced nutritional supplement is also required for livestock to stay healthy. These provide more energy than forages because they have a higher percentage of minerals, vitamins, and protein. You also need to provide customized care to your animals. What a cow needs to survive is different from that of a pig.

Health care

Maintaining a close check on the livestock’s health is also essential. Looking after the animals’ health and keeping an eye for warning indications such as weight loss due to loss of appetite, lethargy, decrease in milk production, diarrhea or constipation, limping, swelling of body parts, discharge from eyes or nose is vital in the animals’ health care.

As an owner, learning animal healthcare skills is essential, however, you still need to know a trusty veterinarian you could call during emergencies and to provide proper and expert care to your livestock.

First Aid

In addition to the point above, you need to know how to provide basic emergency care for your animals, in the event the veterinarian is unavailable. Having a well-stocked first aid bag is a vital tool for treating animal injuries or wounds.

If you have no previous experience with livestock, it is critical that you learn by reading articles, talking to other experienced farmers or livestock owners and make an appointment with a veterinarian to bring you up to date with your animals’ current health status.