Caring for farm animals takes more than feeding and shelter. Use this 10-point checklist to keep cattle, goats, sheep and horses healthy, calm and productive.
10 ways to take care of farm animals
- Fresh, clean water every day. Check troughs and buckets daily and clean them often, especially in summer and freezing weather.
- The right feed for the species, age and stage. Growing, pregnant and milking animals all need different rations. Ask your vet or extension office if you're unsure.
- Shelter with good ventilation and room to move. Crowded, stuffy housing spreads disease and causes stress.
- Clean, dry bedding. Wet bedding leads to foot and udder problems. Clean pens regularly and keep sanitation standards high.
- Regular hoof checks and trimming. Overgrown hooves cause lameness and foot rot. See How to Trim Goat Hooves and our Shears & Hoof Care tools.
- A parasite control plan made with your vet. Routine deworming without testing can cause resistance, so plan it together.
- A vaccination schedule made with your vet. Regular check-ups and vaccinations catch problems early.
- A daily look at every animal. Watch appetite, manure, breathing and behavior. An animal that won't eat, acts differently or seems tired needs a closer look.
- Low-stress handling and the right restraint equipment. Calm handling and proper tools protect you and the animal.
- Records and an emergency kit. Keep breeding, treatment and vaccination records, plus a kit with a thermometer, gloves, obstetrical instruments and your vet's number. Plan ahead for disease outbreaks and injuries.
Breeding and pregnant animals
Healthy, productive herds depend on good breeding. Stick to well-planned breeding, and pay extra attention to pregnant and lactating mothers.
When you take care of these basics (water, nutrition, living conditions, health, reproduction and emergency plans) you help your farm animals live healthy, happy lives.
