Beef Cattle Housing - Ideal Shelter For Your Cattle

Aside from food, water, and medication, housing must also be provided to cows. A good location is vital when it comes to housing. Forage and water supply should be in close proximity. A silo is also great to have. It can keep the grains and feeds dry and mold-free. When designing beef cattle housing, however, make sure that there is enough space for behavioral thermoregulation. This means that the cows should be able to regulate their body temperature. Their housing should have separate stalls yet still spacious and well ventilated. There should be several windows with shutters. Materials such as steel, lumber, and wood can be utilized since they are cheap yet durable. Wire panels, boards, and high-tensile wires can also be used to build feedlot fences. Barbed wire is not ideal.

The perfect beef cattle housing should be able to protect the cows from direct heat, strong winds, rain, and snow. However, it should also be able to provide space for them to socialize. There should be pens in which the same breeds can stay together. You can put in lots of hay since cows can use them to rest and relax. Likewise, you must provide mounds that are three to five feet tall. These will serve as the resting place of your cattle during inclement weather.

Remember that poor cattle performance can sometimes be attributed to uncomfortable housing. So, make sure that you provide pleasant accommodation to your cattle. On hot days, direct wetting is good. A sprinkler nozzle with a capacity of ten to twenty liters can be used to spray the cows. This will keep them cool. During the winter season, nonetheless, an improvised door paneling can be installed to keep the housing warm. Always make sure to provide plenty of water during the summer and winter.

Good drainage is also necessary in beef cattle housing. Dirt pens have to be maintained in order to reduce water accumulation. For a hard-surfaced pen, you can use durable materials that are resistant to corrosion, slip resistant, impervious to urine and water, and can be cleaned easily. You should ensure that concrete floorings are grooved to improve footing. Pen dividers, gates, walls, and fences must also be sturdy enough to withstand the impacts of direct animal contact. Every facility and equipment should be properly maintained. Additionally, proper lighting is important in beef cattle housing. It will enable you to inspect your cattle well. It will also provide a safe working atmosphere for you and your colleagues.

Beef cattle housing is a vital factor when you want to start rearing cattle. Raising beef cattle for profit can be a productive venture and can improve the quality of your life. Arm yourself with enough knowledge on the subject so you'll be one of the many success stories of the industry. Beef Cattle Farming Tips