Minster Community Post Dairy Farming
Managing Mud on a Cattle Farm
If you are experienced in the cattle industry, you have likely well versed in the problems mud can create. However, for those new to the lifestyle, you may be overlooking a troubling situation that places your herd and bottom line at risk. Learn how to manage one of the often-forgotten farming challenges, mud. Sloppy ground conditions create the risks of animals becoming stuck or injuring themselves. It’s important to maintain a head count and have an efficient way to search your land if you notice inventory is off. An easy way to gain an eagle-eye perspective of your entire property is by investing in a video drone. Farmers can take advantage of this innovative technology for many different situations they face. Here are some helpful tips from the Mississippi State University Extension to keep your cattle and bottom line in good shape.
ANALYZE SOIL CONDITIONS
Get an expert to analyze the soil and slope conditions on your property. Once you discover which areas of your land are more susceptible to creating muddy conditions, it’s crucial to limit the access your herd has to these locations. Here are a few ways to help keep your cattle safe from injury or discomfort when mud levels are present in hightraffic areas. Consider temporarily moving feeding locations, watering areas or other places on your farm that your cattle frequently visit. Construct a permanent solution to muddy areas, like ground coverings of concrete or geotextile fabric. Make sure you cover the space efficiently, so the wet ground doesn’t surround the new structure.
MUD AND BREEDING SUCCESS
Breeding is an important component to every cattle farm. The muddy conditions introduced by spring can have detrimental results if not taken seriously. When walking through just four to eight inches of mud, the MSUE says cattle’s dry matter intake is reduced by a significant 15 percent over dry conditions. When they exert too much energy living their daily lives, breeding efforts are slowed significantly or nonexistent. Mud is also dangerous for new calves who may find themselves stuck or feeding off contaminated udders which affect their hygiene. If applicable, keep your cattle and their calves in dry conditions away from general public of your herd. You can keep an eye on their growth progress and ensure they don’t find themselves in danger during muddy conditions.