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This recent warm weather pattern has made it pleasant to be outside. However, there are a few things that we should start thinking about now to save time and have a good year. We will discuss parasite control, health monitoring, and record keeping.
As grass starts to grow, it is important to monitor your animals' parasite load. Spring is a good time to work your animals and help prevent parasite infestations. Keep in mind the shorter the grass becomes, the more likely you are to have parasite problems. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure your livestock have plenty to graze. You can also use rotational grazing to maximize grass production and help with parasite load potential.
Spring usually brings warmer and wetter weather, which can create problems for our livestock. Some things to start looking out for are Ringworm and Footrot. If you are lambing this time of year, you also want to watch for mastitis. Warm, humid air and rain create an ideal environment for fungal to grow in small ruminants. It is important to keep a close watch on your livestock in the wet spring months.
It is always a good practice to write down any observations, especially when deworming and treating your livestock. Writing observations will not only help you keep track of everything, but it will also enable you to confidently answer buyers' questions from records on hand.
In summary, With the warm and wet weather upon us, it's important to monitor our animals for any problems. It is crucial to keep track of what animals have and have not been treated, whether it's for parasite control, breeding notes, or anything else. Writing notes and record keeping will give you the confidence to answer buyers' questions. |
