LIVESTOCK
Livestock Farming: Basic Management Guide
Good livestock management starts with suitable housing, adequate feed and water, cleanliness, disease prevention, responsible handling and accurate farm records.
1. Livestock Housing
Housing should protect animals from rain, excessive heat, cold and strong winds. Provide enough space for the type and number of animals kept, good ventilation, dry floors and easy access to feed and clean water. Keep housing clean and remove manure or dirty bedding regularly.
2. Feeding and Nutrition
Animals need feed that matches their species, age, size and production stage. Provide adequate forage such as pasture, hay or suitable crop residues, together with concentrates or mineral supplements where appropriate. Store feeds in a clean, dry place and avoid mouldy or contaminated feed.
Clean drinking water should be available regularly. Water requirements vary according to the animal, weather, feed and production level.
3. Hygiene and Cleanliness
- Clean feeding and watering equipment regularly.
- Remove manure and wet bedding from animal housing.
- Keep surrounding areas free from unnecessary waste.
- Prevent feed and water from becoming contaminated.
- Clean equipment used for handling or milking animals.
4. Disease Prevention
Observe animals daily for changes in appetite, behaviour, movement, breathing, appearance or production. Follow appropriate vaccination and biosecurity programmes and seek veterinary advice when an animal becomes seriously ill or a disease outbreak is suspected.
New animals should be managed carefully before being mixed with an established herd or flock, particularly where disease risk is a concern.
5. Responsible Animal Management
Responsible livestock management means providing adequate food, clean water, suitable housing, health care and humane handling. Avoid unnecessary pain, fear, overcrowding and prolonged exposure to harsh conditions.
6. Breeding and Young Animals
Plan breeding according to the type of livestock and farm resources available. Young animals require particular attention to feeding, warmth, hygiene and disease prevention. Keep basic records of births, breeding dates and important health events.
7. Farm Records
Simple records can help farmers understand the performance and costs of a livestock enterprise. Useful records include animal numbers, births, deaths, treatments, vaccinations, feed costs, sales, milk or egg production and other major expenses.