As a rancher or farmer, your livelihood often depends on the health of your livestock and animals. Whether you have cattle, sheep, horses, or pigs, they need a lot of care. For instance, you must provide secure shelter and a nourishing environment, which you might achieve through the use of specialized fencing and hay feeders. The following guide outlines some important tips to follow if you are to keep your livestock healthy and productive.

How to Ensure Your Farm Animals Stay Healthy

1. Make Sure They Have Access to Clean Water

Cool, clean water ensures growth, promotes milk production, and stimulates the animals' urges to eat. Keep your tanks and troughs clean by removing organic matter. Scrub them occasionally, and apply chlorine tablets to prevent algae growth. During the winter months, use a tank heater to prevent the troughs from icing over. Water temperature should always be kept above 37 degrees, or it could lower your livestock's body temperatures to hypothermic levels. 

2. Supply Nutritious Food

Keep hay feeders or food bins full of nutrient-rich feed. An animal's needs vary based on its species, age, size, and position in the production cycle.

Newborns need access to their mothers' milk, while older animals thrive with access to fresh, vegetative pastures or hay cut from plants at the peak of growth and photosynthesis. Choose your hay feeder sizes carefully so that livestock cannot eat too much or get their heads or horns stuck in the bars.

3.  Provide Adequate Shelter

Most types of livestock don't need to be housed 24/7, but it is essential that they have access to shelter when they want or need it. For instance, you can build a three-sided shed or open barn so your animals have shelter during inclement weather, high winds, and falling temperatures. The structure should be large enough that they can lie down comfortably without feeling overcrowded.

If you need hay feeders to supply your livestock with quality food, reach out to Pipe Plus Inc., the premier metal fabricator in Willow Springs, MO. They have served Howell County and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years. They specialize in grain bins, piping, and steel buildings, and they are known throughout the region for their high-quality products and reasonable prices. Call (417) 469-5292 to discuss hay feeder sizing and costs and have your other questions answered by a friendly team member. Connect on Facebook for news and updates.