Minister McConalogue advises farmers and horse owners to be aware of the risks to their animals during the current cold weather
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has reminded farmers and horse owners of the risks to their animals during the current cold weather, and advised them to take extra care of their stock while low temperatures continue:
“I know that farmers and horse owners take great care of their stock throughout the year, but I would remind them that there are greater threats to animal welfare at times of extreme cold. It is important that owners keep these risks in mind and take the necessary steps to protect their animals from during the cold weather conditions over the coming days.”
Livestock, including younger stock, can cope with low temperatures provided they have plenty of feed and shelter. Water supply can be a problem, however, for both outwintered and housed livestock and horses during freezing conditions. All animals need free access to water. As a starting point, supplies of drinking water should be checked daily, and surface ice broken on troughs twice per day.
Additional actions to keep in mind include: