Some of the tips for keeping cows happy and healthy are obvious. Give them plenty of space to graze and provide shelter for comfort. But there are a lot of tips that are not quite as obvious. First and foremost, providing the right care for your cattle is the morally correct thing to do. Plus, happy cows produce more milk. In other words, it’s profitable to keep cows happy. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your cows happy and healthy.
Minimize Stress
Cows are sensitive to changes in their environment and handling. Minimize stress by handling them calmly. Avoid loud noises, sudden movements, and overcrowding, as these can lead to stress and release cortisol. This nasty hormone leads to lower milk production. That means get rid of the unethical cattle prods and find humane alternatives to handling cattle.
The way you handle your cows has a direct impact on their stress levels. Approach them calmly and quietly, avoiding loud noises. Cattle are sensitive to their handlers’ behavior, and a calm demeanor can go a long way in minimizing their stress. When moving or transporting cows, do so gradually and without causing unnecessary agitation.
Cows also thrive on routine. Sudden changes to their feeding times or milking schedules causes stress. Whenever possible, try to maintain a consistent routine, as this helps cows feel more at ease and reduces the likelihood of stress-related issues.
Enhance Their Comfort with Cow Scratchers
Cows enjoy activities that promote comfort. One innovative way to address these needs is by incorporating a cow scratcher into their environment. Cow scratchers provide cattle with a means to scratch those hard-to-reach itches. But they offer far more than just relief from an occasional itch. Cow scratchers help prevent discomfort caused by skin irritations, insect bites, and accumulated dirt or debris.
Regular use of scratchers helps cattle maintain a healthy coat. By loosening and removing dirt, debris, and loose hair, scratchers help cows maintain a clean coat This is especially important in preventing skin irritations.
With that said, I feel that the biggest benefit is that cow scratchers give cattle a way to engage on their natural instincts. Enrichment activities prevent boredom while also benefiting the animal, making them feel content. Cows have been known to engage in destructive behaviors when they lack appropriate outlets for their natural tendencies. Providing scratchers can divert cows’ attention away from potentially harmful behaviors like rubbing against fences, structures, or other equipment.
Provide Adequate Shelter
Shelter is a fundamental requirement for your cows. The problem is that so many new livestock owners get it wrong. Cows need protection from harsh weather conditions, extreme temperatures, and other environmental stressors.
Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent heat stress and maintain air quality. Shelter doesn’t even have to be completely enclosed. You can provide shaded areas where cattle can escape from direct sunlight during hot days. Adequate shade reduces heat stress and prevents sunburn. Plus, you don’t have to worry about ventilation with an open shed.
Make sure you provide enough shelters for all of your cows. They need room to move around and lay down when necessary. The size of the shelter depends on how many cows you have. Overcrowding causes social tension among the herd. As a general rule of thumb, provide at least 50 square feet per cow.
Don’t Overwork your Cows
Cows that are overworked experience heightened stress levels. Just like humans. The problem is that so many new ranchers don’t see milking as work. But when you milk a cow, it wears them out. Overdoing it will push their limits, thus reducing milk production.
Implement a balanced approach that provides ample rest. This will result in happier, healthier cows that contribute positively to your farm. Plus, it’s the right thing to do.
Final Thoughts
Every action taken to improve the lives of cows has a ripple effect, reaching far beyond the pastures. It extends to the health of the ecosystem and the integrity of the agricultural sector. As responsible farmers, we must prioritize our animal’s comfort, health, and happiness.
By following the advice in this guide, you’re not only elevating the lives of your cows but also playing a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future for livestock farming.