Small Ruminant Monthly Newsletter
July 2024 |
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Summer Edition Newsletter |
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In this newsletter you will find an article titled "How to Keep Your Livestock Cool in the Summer Heat". This article has some tips and tricks to keep your livestock cool, as the heat waves continue.
The next Small Ruminant Club meeting will be July 23rd at 6 pm at the NC Cooperative Extension Center (60 East Court Street, Marion). Please RSVP by July 18th.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to call the office and speak with the Livestock Agent, Skyler Murray or email me at skyler_murray@ncsu.edu. |
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How to Keep Your Livestock Cool in the Summer Heat |
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As summer temperatures rise, it’s crucial to ensure your livestock stays cool and comfortable to maintain their health and productivity. Here are some practical tips and tricks to help keep your animals cool during the hot months:
1. Provide Adequate Shade
- Ensure that your livestock has access to plenty of shaded areas. Trees, shade cloths, and barns can offer relief from the sun’s intense rays.
- Portable shade structures can be a flexible option, allowing you to move them as needed to different parts of your pasture.
2. Optimize Ventilation
- Good airflow is essential. Use fans and ventilation systems in barns and shelters to help circulate air and reduce heat buildup.
- Ensure that barns have proper openings to allow for natural air circulation, such as windows, vents, and open doors.
3. Hydration is Key
- Keep fresh, clean water available at all times. Livestock can drink significantly more water during hot weather, so check and refill water sources frequently.
- Consider adding electrolytes to the water to help animals stay hydrated and replace lost minerals.
4. Feeding Strategies
- Feed your animals during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Digestion generates heat, so feeding during cooler times can help reduce heat stress.
- Provide high-quality feed that is easily digestible to minimize the additional metabolic heat production.
5. Use Cooling Techniques
- Misting systems can help lower the temperature in barns and around feeding areas. Make sure the misting area does not create a damp environment that could lead to other health issues.
6. Monitor and Adjust
- Regularly monitor the temperature and humidity levels in your livestock’s environment.
- Adjust your cooling strategies based on the weather conditions and the specific needs of your animals.
7. Grooming and Shearing
- For animals with thick coats, regular grooming can help reduce heat retention. In some cases, shearing might be necessary to provide immediate relief from the heat.
8. Plan for Extreme Heat
- Have an emergency plan in place for heatwaves. Know the signs of heat stress in your animals, such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and reduced feed intake.
- Be prepared to take immediate action, such as moving animals to cooler locations or providing additional cooling measures.
By implementing these tips and tricks, you can help ensure that your livestock remains healthy, comfortable, and productive throughout the summer heat. Prioritizing their well-being during hot weather not only benefits the animals but also supports overall farm efficiency and success. |
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Southdown Sheep
The Southdown is best suited for farm flock production. It is a medium to small sized breed with a gray to mouse-brown face and lower legs and is polled (hornless). Southdown are an early maturing breed with good lambing ability and average milk production. They excel in a cross breeding program in their ability to produce meaty lamb carcasses at light weights and hot-house lambs. The Southdown is adaptable to varied and wet climates.
To learn more about Southdown sheep click here.
Photo from: Oklahoma State University |
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St. Croix Sheep
The St. Croix has been shaped by natural as well as human selection. As a result, they are climate adapted, fertile and excellent foragers. Exceptional parasite resistance compared to British sheep breeds has been documented in studies at several universities. While they can withstand high heat and humidity better than British sheep breeds, they have adapted to variable climatic conditions in many parts of the country. In colder zones they produce a very heavy winter coat of mixed wool and hair that is shed in the spring.
To learn more about St. Croix Sheep click here.
Photo From: Oklahoma State University |
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Anglo Nubian
The Anglo Nubian is an all-purpose goat, useful for meat, milk and hide production. It is not a heavy milk producer but has a high average butter fat content (between four and five percent). The Anglo Nubian breeding season is much longer than that of the Swiss breeds so it is possible to produce milk year round.
To learn more about Anglo Nubian Goats click here.
Photo From: Oklahoma State University |
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Pygmy Goat
A full coat of straight, medium-long hair which varies in density with seasons and climates. On females, beards may be non-existent, sparse, or trimmed. On adult males, abundant hair growth is desirable; the beard should be full, long and flowing, the copious mane draping cape-like across the shoulders.
To learn more about Pygmy Goats click here.
Photo From: Oklahoma State University |
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Extra Information & Articles |
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Body Condition Scoring
This article was written by the University of Florida. It talks about the importance of looking at the Body Condition Score. It also has great pictures that represent what thin and obese look like on the scale. Something interesting about it, is that it goes into detail of how it would feel if you was handling the animal as well.
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FAMACHA Information
The NC Extension website has more information on parasite control, and educational videos on how to check your FAMACHA score. The website has great information on wormers, as well as Factsheets for external parasites. |
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Soil Testing Kits |
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This article was written by an NC Cooperative Extension Employee. This is a well written article, that covers a variety of helpful topics from how and where do I need to take soil samples to how to interpret the report whenever you get it back. |
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Sheep Care Guide |
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This PDF has great information covering a variety of topics for sheep care. |
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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
N.C. Cooperative Extension - McDowell County Center, 60 E Court St, Marion, NC 28752, United States
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