Enrichment practices that ensure that cattle maintain a healthy lifestyle and aren't dealing with excessive amounts of stress have long been known to improve the quality of milk and beef. While these practices usually depend on the temperament of the animals in question, there are several affordable, easy-to-implement techniques that you can apply to improve their quality of life. The guide below explores this concept in more depth and what farm supplies may be useful. 

What Is Enrichment? 

Enrichment is an approach to cattle raising that focuses on the animal's comfort and guiding them toward good behaviors. It recognizes the effects that outside factors can have on the growth process, such as causing the beef to deteriorate or the milk to sour, and takes precautions to preserve the product.

You’ll have to evaluate the herd to figure out what they need. For example, if a cow is often agitated, then constructing visual blocks around their stall might help them remain calm. 

To encourage exploration and exercise in your cattle, introduce new objects to the pasture to engage their minds and enhance the experience. Every animal will have a different reaction, so learning their unique traits will allow you to provide the proper level of care.

What Should You Be Encouraging? 

Social enrichment is one of the most common techniques that farmers use. Ensuring easy access to the rest of the herd helps maintain animals' good moods. If circumstances prevent this from happening, such as an illness, you can continue the experience by placing them near a window where they can see the other cows. Alternatively, put a mirror in the stall to keep them from feeling alone. 

Nutritional enrichment involves adding a little fun to their daily feedings. Drill a few holes into a large water jug and fill it with food. Once they figure out how to dispense the kibble, it won’t take much to convince them to nudge it around the pasture and get a bit of exercise. On hot days, fill a tub with water and float a few pieces of produce in it. This game will provide the perfect opportunity for them to cool off while bobbing for a treat. 

If you’re creating a personalized enrichment routine and require additional farm supplies, reach out to Bolivar Farmers Exchange. This local agricultural company has been serving Bolivar, MO, and the surrounding communities for over 100 years. They offer a wide range of cattle feed and feature a team of professionals who can help you create a custom mix. Call (417) 326-5231 to speak with a friendly representative. Visit their website for additional information on their agricultural services and farm supplies.