When to Remove Bulls, Restore Body Condition and Prepare for Fall

For many Atlantic Canadian spring-calving beef herds, late summer marks the end of the breeding season. Once the planned breeding window has closed, bulls should be removed from the cow herd and placed in a secure pasture where they can rest, regain condition and be evaluated before fall.

Removing bulls on schedule helps maintain a controlled calving season and gives producers a clearer picture of when next year’s calves should arrive. It also provides an opportunity to identify injuries, lameness or body-condition concerns while there is still time to respond before winter.

From fencing and pasture quality to mineral support and foot health, good post-breeding bull management protects one of the most important investments in a cow-calf operation.

Why Remove Bulls from the Cow Herd?

The right removal date depends on when bulls were turned out and how long the farm’s breeding season is intended to last. It should be based on the operation’s breeding plan—not simply a particular calendar date.

Leaving bulls with the cows longer than planned can result in:

Record the date each bull entered and left the breeding herd. These dates will help estimate next year’s calving window and support future breeding decisions.

Move Bulls to a Secure Pasture

Once breeding is complete, move bulls to a separate pasture away from the cow herd. Bulls may test weak fencing when they can see, hear or smell cycling cows, so separation requires more than a convenient empty paddock.

The bull pasture should provide:

Whenever possible, use enough distance or a visual barrier to reduce contact with the cow herd.

Feeds’n Needs carries a range of farm-fencing supplies, including electric-fence components, posts, insulators, polywire, gate hardware and other repair essentials. Product availability varies by store.

Inspect the Fence Before Moving Bulls

Walk the entire pasture boundary before turnout and check for:

Atlantic Canada’s late-summer thunderstorms, heavy rain and tropical weather can quickly damage fence lines. Keep repair supplies on hand and recheck the perimeter after severe weather.

Take Care When Grouping Bulls

Bulls returning from separate breeding groups may re-establish their social order when placed together. Fighting can lead to leg, foot, shoulder or head injuries.

When grouping bulls:

Do not enter a pasture casually to break up fighting bulls. Cattle handling should be planned around appropriate facilities, escape routes and experienced help.

Evaluate Body Condition After Breeding

Breeding season can be physically demanding. Bulls may spend more time travelling, monitoring cows and breeding while spending less time grazing.

Assess each bull after removal rather than assuming the entire bull battery came through the season in the same condition.

Look for:

Use a consistent beef-cattle body-condition scoring system and keep records for comparison. Both underconditioned and overconditioned bulls may experience performance concerns, so the goal should be gradual recovery—not rapid fattening.

A livestock scale provides the most accurate weight. Weight tapes or other estimation methods may also help track changes when a scale is unavailable.

Support Gradual Weight and Condition Recovery

Bulls should have enough time after breeding to regain appropriate condition before cold weather increases their maintenance requirements.

Begin with forage. Evaluate:

By late summer, pasture quality can decline quickly, particularly after dry weather, overgrazing or extended periods of heavy rain. A pasture that still looks green may not provide enough energy or protein for a bull that needs to regain condition.

If additional nutrition is required, work with a beef nutritionist, veterinarian or qualified feed adviser to develop a balanced program. Make feed changes gradually to protect rumen health.

Feeds’n Needs offers livestock feeds, forage products and feeding equipment for Atlantic Canadian beef operations. Our team can help you review available options, but significant weight loss or poor condition should also be discussed with your veterinarian.

Maintain a Complete Mineral Program

Bulls require balanced nutrition throughout the year—not only immediately before breeding.

Provide a cattle mineral appropriate for:

Mineral products are not interchangeable. A product intended for another livestock species may contain inappropriate nutrient levels for cattle.

Keep mineral feeders:

Atlantic Canadian humidity and heavy rain can cause exposed mineral to clump or spoil. Check feeders frequently and replace wet or contaminated material.

Feeds’n Needs carries cattle minerals, salt and mineral feeders at select locations. Ask our livestock team which option fits your feeding program and consult a qualified nutrition adviser when needed.

Provide Constant Access to Clean Water

Clean water remains essential as bulls recover from breeding season. Warm late-summer days can increase water needs, while poor water quality may reduce intake.

Inspect:

If several bulls share a pasture, make sure dominant animals cannot easily block access to the only water source.

Feeds’n Needs offers livestock tubs, troughs, buckets and watering accessories to support pasture and barn setups.

Check Feet, Legs and Movement

A bull may have completed breeding while carrying an injury that was not obvious from a distance. Once bulls are separated, watch each animal walk on a firm, level surface.

Look for:

Sound feet and legs are essential for breeding performance.

Contact your veterinarian promptly if a bull is lame, swollen, feverish, losing weight or reluctant to move. Early attention may improve recovery and help determine whether the bull should remain in the breeding herd.

Complete a Hands-On Health Check

Post-breeding separation provides a valuable opportunity to examine each bull more closely.

Check:

Any swelling, asymmetry, wounds, abnormal discharge or suspected breeding injury should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Review Herd Health with Your Veterinarian

Fall is a good time to review:

A breeding soundness examination is commonly completed before the next breeding season, allowing time to source a replacement if a bull does not pass. Your veterinarian can recommend the best timing for your operation.

Poor condition, lameness or reproductive abnormalities should be addressed when detected rather than left until spring.

Plan for Atlantic Canadian Fall Weather

Late summer can shift quickly into wet, windy and cool conditions across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

Prepare the bull pasture for:

Avoid placing hay, mineral or water in low areas where mud collects. Move feeding locations when practical to reduce hoof damage and soil disturbance.

Ensure bulls have access to shelter from wind and driving rain before colder weather arrives.

Begin Winter Feed Planning Early

Do not wait until pasture is finished to calculate winter feed requirements.

Review:

A forage test can help determine whether stored hay meets the bulls’ needs or if supplementation may be required. Rations should be balanced with help from a qualified livestock nutritionist or veterinarian.

If one bull is significantly thinner than the rest, he may require separate management to prevent competition and allow controlled recovery.

Make Records and Review Performance

Record information for every bull, including:

When pregnancy-checking information becomes available, compare results with bull groups. Poor conception, a large number of late pregnancies or unexpected open cows may justify additional investigation.

Post-Breeding Bull Checklist

After removing bulls from the spring-calving herd:

Give Your Bulls Time to Recover Before Winter

Removing bulls at the end of the planned breeding season is about more than controlling next year’s calving window. It creates an important management period for recovery, evaluation and winter preparation.

Secure separation, strong fencing, adequate forage, clean water, balanced minerals and close attention to feet, legs and body condition can help bulls enter fall in better shape.

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs for livestock feed, cattle minerals, feeders, water tubs, fencing supplies, posts, insulators, gate hardware and other essentials for post-breeding bull management. Product availability varies by store.

This article provides general educational information. Consult your veterinarian or qualified livestock nutrition adviser about health concerns, lameness, body-condition loss, feed changes, mineral selection and breeding soundness.

How to protect animals, barns, feed and farm supplies before high winds, heavy rain and flash flooding arrive 

Hurricane season can bring powerful winds, storm surge, prolonged power outages and sudden flooding to farms across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. For livestock owners, equestrians and small-scale farmers, waiting until a storm is approaching can leave too little time to safely move animals, secure buildings or gather essential supplies. 

A practical farm hurricane preparedness plan can reduce confusion, protect livestock and help your operation recover faster. Whether you care for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry or a mixed backyard flock, preparation should begin well before the first warning is issued. 

Why Atlantic Canadian farms need a hurricane plan.

Maritime weather can change quickly.
A hurricane or post-tropical storm may produce several hazards at once: 

Every property has different risks. Begin by identifying low-lying fields, waterways, weak structures, aging trees, flood-prone roads, and areas where animals could become trapped. 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada recommend maintaining a written emergency plan, farm map, livestock inventory, animal identification information and records of feed, equipment, hazardous materials and vaccinations. Review its emergency-planning guidance for producers here: Emergency planning is for producers too – agriculture.canada.ca 

 

Create a livestock evacuation plan before the storm.

Decide in advance whether your animals will shelter on the farm or evacuate. This decision may depend on the storm’s projected path, local flood risk, road conditions, available transportation, and the strength of your buildings. 

Your plan should answer the following questions: 

Never wait until water is rising or winds are severe to begin moving livestock. Trailers can become unsafe in strong crosswinds, and flooded roads may conceal washouts, debris, or damaged culverts. Follow instructions from local emergency officials and never drive through floodwater. 

Practice loading animals before hurricane season; An emergency is not the time to introduce a horse, cow, sheep or goat to a trailer for the first time. 

Prepare halters, leads and handling equipment 

Reliable handling equipment can make evacuation faster and safer. Keep emergency supplies together in a clearly marked, easily accessible location—not buried at the back of a tack room or locked inside a building that could become unsafe. 

For horses and suitable livestock, prepare: 

Inspect every halter before storm season. Look for frayed webbing, stretched holes, rusted hardware, loose stitching and damaged snaps. Buckles should fasten securely, and the halter should fit closely enough that it cannot easily slip off without restricting breathing or movement. 

Label halters and lead ropes with the owner’s name, phone number and the animal’s identification. Waterproof luggage tags, livestock markers or securely attached identification tags can help reunite an animal with its owner if fences fail or animals are displaced. 

Do not leave an ordinary halter on an unattended animal unless your emergency plan specifically requires it and it can be done safely. Halters may catch on fencing, branches or barn hardware. Stage fitted halters where they can be reached quickly and consider breakaway options when appropriate. Ask your veterinarian or an experienced livestock professional for your species and setup. 

Feeds’n Needs carries practical farm and stable essentials such as halters, lead ropes, ties, buckets, stable hooks and livestock-handling supplies to help owners prepare before severe weather arrives. Product availability may vary by store. 

 

Identifying every animal

Visible identification is especially important when high winds or flooding can damage fences.
Depending on the species and provincial requirements, identification may include: 

Keep current photos of horses and livestock, including distinguishing markings. Store digital and printed copies of ownership records, registration papers, health information, medications and vaccination records. 

Maintain an updated list of animal numbers by species, pasture, and building. Ensure that another trusted person knows where the records are kept. 

Reduce the risk from flash flooding 

Flash flooding can rise quickly and cut off access to barns, pastures, and roads. Move animals away from flood-prone fields, riverbanks, drainage channels, and low-lying buildings before heavy rain begins. 

Avoid locking animals inside a structure that is likely to flood. At the same time, do not release animals onto roads or unfamiliar land. The safest choice depends on the property, predicted conditions and available shelter, which is why planning with your veterinarian, municipality and local emergency officials is essential. 

Before the storm: 

After flooding, treat standing water, submerged feed and wet bedding as potentially contaminated. Do not allow livestock to drink from floodwater. Inspect wells and water systems and follow provincial guidance before resuming use if contamination is suspected. The Government of Canada advises residents to understand their local flood risk and follow directions from emergency responders and officials. Read Canada’s flood-preparedness guidance. 

Secure barns, coops and farm property

High winds can turn loose equipment into dangerous debris. Walk the property before the weather deteriorates and secure or move: 

Inspect roofs, doors, windows and siding. Repair loose metal, damaged latches, and weak hinges. Store chemicals, medications and fuels in secure locations, following their handling and ventilation requirements. 

Remove dead branches where it is safe to do so but leave major tree work to qualified professionals. Identify large trees that could fall across barns, fences, power lines, or evacuation routes. 

 

Protect feed, hay, bedding and clean water 

A hurricane can disrupt deliveries and electricity for several days. Maintain an emergency supply of feed, forage, bedding, and water based on the needs of your animals and the realistic length of a local outage. 

Store feed in waterproof, animal-resistant containers. Keep bagged products on pallets or shelving and away from walls where moisture may enter. Inspect the hay-storage area for roof leaks, blocked drainage, and wind exposure. 

Discard feed or hay that has been contaminated by floodwater, fuel, chemicals, mould or sewage. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian, feed specialist or provincial agriculture authority before feeding it. 

Water planning is equally important. Calculate how much your animals require each day, including extra water for cleaning and heat. Fill approved water containers before the storm and keep buckets and tubs clean and ready. 

If your farm relies on an electric well pump, establish a backup water plan. Generators must be operated outdoors and well away from doors, windows, barns and occupied spaces to prevent deadly carbon monoxide exposure. Never connect a generator to a building electrical system without approved transfer of equipment installed by a qualified electrician. 

 

Assemble a farm emergency kit 

Keep supplies in waterproof, clearly marked containers that can be loaded quickly.
A livestock and small-farm emergency kit may include: 

Check the kit at the beginning of hurricane season and replace expired medications, damaged equipment and dead batteries. 

Build an emergency contact list

Keep printed and digital copies of contact information for: 

Assign responsibilities to family members, employees, and neighbours. Everyone should know who monitors alerts, who handles each group of animals, who prepares the trailer, and who shuts down utilities if authorities advise doing so. 

 

 

Inspect animals and property after the storm 

Wait for officials to confirm that it is safe before returning to an evacuated property. Watch for downed power lines, unstable buildings, sharp debris, washed-out ground and displaced wildlife. 

Check animals for: 

Contact your veterinarian if an animal is injured, behaving abnormally or may have consumed contaminated material. 

Before returning livestock to a field, walk the entire fence line and inspect gates, posts, wire, water sources and footing. Photograph damage before beginning cleanup when it is safe, particularly for insurance records. 

 

Prepare now, not when the wind begins 

Atlantic Canadian farmers are accustomed to changing weather, but hurricanes and post-tropical storms can test even experienced operations. A written plan, safe evacuation route, reliable animal identification and well-maintained handling equipment can make a critical difference. 

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs before severe weather arrives to prepare your farm emergency kit and stock up on available stable accessories, halters, lead ropes, buckets, hooks, livestock-handling supplies, feed and bedding. 

Preparation protects more than property, it protects the animals and people who depend on your farm. 

 

Hay Storage & Hay Quality Guide for Fall: How to Inspect, Store & Protect Your Hay for Winter in Atlantic Canada

As summer winds down, many livestock and horse owners shift their focus toward one of the most important jobs of the season—preparing hay for fall and winter. 

Whether you’re feeding a few backyard sheep, a small family horse barn, or a commercial cattle operation, the quality of the hay you store this fall will directly impact the health of your animals throughout the winter months. 

Atlantic Canada’s unpredictable weather brings unique challenges. Late summer humidity, hurricane season, and early fall rain can quickly turn quality hay into wasted feed if it isn’t stored correctly. 

Here’s how to evaluate your hay, improve storage conditions, and ensure your livestock have a safe, nutritious feed supply all winter long. 

 

Why Hay Quality Matters 

Hay isn’t just filler—it’s often the primary source of fiber and nutrition for livestock throughout the winter.
Poor-quality hay can result in: 

 

Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Hay Supply
Before purchasing additional hay, take inventory of what you already have. 

Ask yourself: 

As a general guideline, horses and livestock consume approximately 2–3% of their body weight daily in forage, depending on species, age, workload, and production stage. 

If your numbers look tight, now is the time to secure additional hay before supplies become limited. 

 

Step 2: Check Every Bale 

Not all hay is created equal.
When evaluating square or round bales, inspect for: 

Avoid hay that smells: Musty, Sour, Damp, Mold; These are signs moisture has entered the bale. 

Look for: 

 

Step 3: Inspect Your Hay Storage Area 

Your barn protects more than your equipment—it protects your winter feed investment.
Late summer is the perfect time to inspect your storage before fall weather arrives. 

Walk through your hay storage and check for: 

Atlantic Canada often experiences tropical storms and hurricanes well into the fall. 

One unnoticed roof leak can ruin dozens of bales during a single heavy rain event.
Repair these issues before your barn is full for winter. 

 

Step 4: Make Airflow a Priority 

Even perfectly dry hay needs ventilation.
Without proper airflow, moisture becomes trapped, increasing the risk of: 

For best results: 

 

Step 5: Store Hay Off the Floor 

Ground moisture slowly moves upward into stored hay. Even concrete floors can transfer moisture over time. 

Use: 

 

Step 6: Rotate Older Hay First 

Practice “first in, first out.”
Use older hay before newly harvested bales. This helps maintain feed quality while reducing unnecessary waste.
Mark different hay lots or harvest dates if possible, to make rotation easier throughout winter. 

 

Step 7: Plan Before Supplies Tighten 

Many Atlantic Canadian producers begin purchasing winter hay in late summer and early fall.
Waiting until the first snowfall—or after a poor second cut—can mean: 

If your inventory appears short, don’t wait until October or November to start looking. Planning ahead gives you more options and helps avoid emergency purchases later in the season. 

 

 A Few Minutes Today Can Save You All Winter 

Hay is one of the biggest investments many farms make each year. 

Spending an afternoon inspecting your hay, repairing storage areas, and calculating your winter feed requirements can prevent unnecessary waste and help keep your animals healthy throughout the colder months. 

Whether you’re feeding two backyard goats or managing a barn full of horses, proper hay storage is one of the simplest ways to protect both your animals and your investment. 

At Feeds’n Needs, we’re here to help you prepare for the season ahead with quality livestock feeds, horse nutrition, minerals, bedding, feeders, and the supplies you need for a successful fall and winter. 

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs store and let our team help you get ready before winter arrives. 

 

Prepare for Blackfly & Mosquito Season

As temperatures rise across Atlantic Canada, so do blackflies and mosquitoes. While they’re a nuisance for people, they can also cause stress and discomfort for horses, livestock, pets, and backyard flocks. A little preparation now can make the season much more enjoyable.

Protect Yourself

Whether you’re working in the barn, gardening, or heading out on the trail, insect repellent is your first line of defense. Wear lightweight long sleeves and pants during peak activity (dawn and dusk), and keep an after-bite treatment on hand to help soothe itching and irritation if bites do happen.

Keep Horses Comfortable

Flies and mosquitoes can lead to tail swishing, stomping, reduced grazing, and unnecessary stress. Help protect your horse with:

Protect Pets

Dogs and cats enjoy being outdoors too, but insect bites can leave them itchy and uncomfortable. Keep pets protected with veterinarian-recommended flea and tick products, outdoor insect repellents where appropriate, and check them regularly after spending time outside.

Support Your Livestock

Cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and other livestock are also affected by biting insects. We carry products including:

Reducing standing water around your property and keeping feeding areas clean can significantly decrease mosquito populations.

Barn Tips to Reduce Flies

A few simple management practices go a long way:

Don’t Forget Bite Relief

Even with prevention, bites happen. Stock your first aid kit with after-bite treatments to help relieve itching and irritation for the whole family.

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs store for everything you need to stay ahead of blackfly and mosquito season—from personal insect repellents to fly control solutions for your pets, horses, and livestock.

 

Barnyard Bite Prevention
Flea & Tick Control for Livestock in Atlantic Canada 

Protecting Cattle, Sheep, Goats & Pigs from Seasonal Parasites 

 

When warmer weather arrives in Atlantic Canada, livestock owners know that pest season is never far behind. While flies often get most of the attention on the farm, fleas and ticks can also create problems for cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs — especially on farms with wooded pasture, tall grass, brush lines, damp bedding, or mixed animal housing. 

Flea and tick prevention for livestock is an important part of seasonal animal health. These small pests can cause skin irritation, scratching, hair loss, discomfort, reduced weight gain, and stress on your animals. Ticks may also carry disease, making regular prevention and inspection an important habit for farms across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. 

At Feeds’n Needs, we carry livestock pest control products, barn insect sprays, fly traps, bedding, dust bath supplies, and animal health essentials to help keep your herd, flock, and barn protected through flea, tick, and fly season. 

 

Which Animals Are Most at Risk?
Every farm is different, but these animals commonly encounter ticks in Atlantic Canada: 

 

Signs Your Livestock May Have Fleas or Ticks
Keep an eye out for:

Prevention Starts in the Pasture
The best flea and tick control is best combined with good management and the right animal health products. 

Rotate Pastures: Rotational grazing helps reduce the time livestock spend in heavily infested areas while improving pasture health. 

Mow High-Traffic Areas: Keeping grass shorter around gates, waterers, laneways, and handling facilities reduces places where ticks like to wait for passing animals. 

Trim Brush Along Fence Lines: Ticks thrive in damp, shaded vegetation. Clearing back brush and overgrown edges reduces ideal habitat. 

Inspect New Animals: Before introducing new livestock into the herd or flock, give them a thorough health check to help prevent bringing unwanted parasites onto the farm. 

Integrated pest management—combining pasture management, monitoring, and appropriate treatments—is considered the most effective long-term approach for controlling livestock pests while reducing reliance on pesticides alone. 

 

Barn Tips That Make a Difference
Many parasites spend part of their life cycle away from the animal, making barn hygiene just as important as treating livestock. 

A few simple habits can help: 

Products Available at Feeds’n Needs
Every farm has different needs, so choosing the right product depends on the species, age, and management system. 

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs for products such as: 

*Always read and follow the product label before use. Use only products approved for the species you are treating and observe all meat and milk withdrawal periods where applicable. 

Don’t Forget Daily Herd Checks
During tick season, a quick visual inspection while feeding or moving livestock can save time and money later. 

Pay special attention to: 

We’re Here to Help 

Whether you raise a few backyard goats or manage a commercial beef herd, preventing fleas and ticks is far easier than dealing with a heavy infestation later in the season. 

Stop by your nearest Feeds’n Needs location for advice on livestock parasite control, barn management products, and seasonal animal health supplies. Our team is here to help keep your animals healthy, comfortable, and productive all summer long. 

Winter Care for Goats

Ensuring the well-being of your goats is a top priority as winter weather approaches. Cold temperatures and harsh conditions bring unique challenges that can impact your goats’ health and comfort. By covering the basics—shelter, water, and nutrition—you can help your herd thrive all season long.

Shelter: Protection from the Elements

Goats don’t need elaborate housing, but they do require protection from wind, snow, and rain. At a minimum, provide a three-sided shelter that blocks cold north winds while still allowing ventilation. In barns, consider using a door flap to keep wind and snow out while letting goats move freely. To maintain comfort and insulation, keep plenty of clean, dry straw or shavings available for bedding.

Ventilation Matters:
Avoid sealing the barn too tightly. While drafts should be minimized, airflow is essential to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory issues. Proper ventilation reduces humidity and keeps your goats healthy.

Keep It Dry

Moisture is the enemy in winter.

  • Location: Avoid low-lying areas where water collects.
  • Maintenance: Regularly refresh bedding and keep loafing areas dry to prevent hoof problems like rot or scald, and udder issues such as mastitis.

Do Goats Need Heat?

Surprisingly, goats do not need supplemental heat in most cases. Heat lamps and jackets can interfere with their natural ability to acclimate. As temperatures drop, goats grow a thick winter coat for insulation.
Tip: If snow sits on their coat without melting, their insulation is working!

Typically only newborn kids or a sick goat require extra warmth—use heat lamps with extreme caution due to fire risk and cord chewing.

Water: Fresh and Unfrozen

Goats need constant access to fresh water, even more so in winter when hay replaces moisture-rich pasture. Without water, goats eat less and lose body condition. To prevent freezing, use heated water bowls or change water frequently.

Nutrition: Fuel for Warmth

Winter feeding isn’t just about calories—it’s about heat production.

  • Hay is Key: Offer free-choice hay 24/7. Goats are ruminants, and the fermentation process in their rumen generates internal heat.
  • Extra Energy: Consider adding alfalfa for protein and energy, but use caution with bucks and wethers to avoid urinary calculi.
  • Minerals: Provide salt and mineral supplements year-round.

Helping Goats Adjust

Gradual acclimation is important. Keep goats outdoors as long as possible in fall so they develop thick coats before moving to winter housing. Goats generally handle snow well if they have dry shelter and clear paths to water and feeders. Plowed snow can even serve as a windbreak.

Why Keep Cows Inside in Winter

Keeping your cattle outside in the Maritimes during winter is viable but requires careful thought and good management. For many producers, indoor wintering is preferable. Many dairy breeds do not do well in the cold as their bodies don’t grow the coat and have the extra pounds like beef breeds. Keeping your cows inside in the winter helps keep them out of the elements and ensures they always have water. It also prevents any falling ice or calves from being born outside. Our blog will guide you with some important practices on why to keep cows inside throughout the winter season.

Slower Winter Growth Rates:
Slower growth rates in winter mean less plant coverage on the soil to protect it.  The same cattle hooves that benefited the soil through trampling of pasture in summer now become damaging as they expose bare patches of soil that are vulnerable to erosion.  Waterlogged soils quickly turn to mud with cattle roaming above.  This makes it very difficult for plant species to grow, and the pasture will take a very long time to recover.
On top of this, there isn’t enough forage to sustain the cattle through the whole winter.  During the autumn season, hay is often taken to the cows on the pasture so they can stay outside despite being unable to forage the field. However, moving cows inside in late autumn is a good idea to give the pasture time to recover through the winter and prevent overgrazing.

Overwintering Inside:
Cattle need a constant supply of fresh air to minimize disease, predominantly pneumonia.  Stale air increases the spread of the infection and the number of vulnerable animals. The age of the cattle, stage of production, and health and body condition of the cattle all need to be considered and will have challenges coping with severe weather.

Shelter:
Keeping your cows inside during the winter ensures they will be warm and will not require you to provide extra bedding to help dry them out if they get muddy or extra outdoor shelter to protect them from harsh weather conditions.

Feeding:
If you decide to overwinter your cattle, you will likely have to invest in more feed and better quality forage to help provide them with additional energy. Housing them inside will help keep your costs down in the winter.

For more information on keeping cows inside in winter, visit your local Feeds’n Needs and chat with one of our Experts!
Disclaimer: This is general information, it is important to do what works best for you and your cattle.

Sources:
Redwoods Farm | Why bring our cattle inside for winter?
Why are the cows put into barns over the winter? | The Dorset Farming Year
overwintering-cattle-in-ns.pdf

Natural Goat Treat Recipes

Goats make an excellent addition to your farm. A great way to bond with your goats and thank them for their contribution is by giving them treats! Try out these easy DIY natural goat treat recipes – Your goats will thank you later!

Goat “Jerky” Treats

The first treat recipe is from The Giving Goat Blog, a healthy treat full of natural supplements that your goats will love! These treats can be made using a dehydrator or baked in the oven.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ¼ cup of flaxseed meal
  • 2-3 cloves of crushed garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of raw organic honey
  • 4 tablespoons of water
  • A few sprigs of thyme

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix ingredients together in a large bowl.
  • Line a dehydrator rack (if dehydrating) or baking sheet (if baking in oven) with parchment paper.
  • Spread the dough onto the parchment paper no more than ¼” thick and place in the dehydrator or oven.
  • IF DEHYDRATING – Dehydrate treats at 135 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 hours or until the desired texture is reached.
  • IF BAKING – Bake in the oven at the lowest temperature setting until the desired texture is reached.

“Goatmeal” Cookies

This next recipe was created by Sarita Harbour from the blog An Off Grid Life. It makes oatmeal cookies that your goats, chickens, and other farm animals will love!

INGREDIENTS:

  • ¾ cups of granulated sugar
  • ½ cup of flaxseed
  • 2 cups of quick-cooking oats
  • 2 cups of sifted flour
  • 1/ cup of vegetable shortening coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup of molasses

DIRECTIONS:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix ingredients together thoroughly in a large bowl using a rubber spatula.
  • Scoop small portions of the dough and roll them into balls.
  • Place your dough balls on the baking sheet and press them down gently with your fingers or a fork.
  • Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
  • Once cooked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool completely before putting them in an airtight container.

Peanut Butter Goat Cookies

Our last recipe for you is created by Karissima Walker from the Gifts From Goats blog. These peanut butter cookies combine delicious ingredients your goats are sure to love!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup of quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup of flour (whole wheat or rye)
  • 1 cup of sunflower hearts or other seeds
  • ½ cup of peanut butter
  • ¼ cup of molasses
  • ¼ cup of water (adjust to get desired consistency)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix your dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
  • Now add your peanut butter and molasses.
  • Add water to the mixture until the batter is a crumbly paste-like consistency.
  • Portion small amounts of dough and roll into balls.
  • Place dough balls onto the baking sheet and gently flatten them with a fork or your fingers.
  • Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes.
  • Once cooked, allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

At Feeds‘n Needs, we know that your animals deserve the best, and we’re sure they will love these homemade treats!

Visit our blog section and explore more posts about animal health, advice, DIY’s and more: feedsnneeds.ca/experts-advice/

Sources:
DIY Natural Goat Treats – The Giving Goat Natural Goat Care & Blog
10 Best Treats for Goats and Goat Oatmeal Cookie Recipe – An Off Grid Life
Easy Baked Goat Treats — Gifts from Goats

A Guide to Watering Pigs in the Summer

Ensuring your pigs have access to fresh drinking water at all times can feel like a never-ending challenge. These mud-loving animals are notorious for being able to tip over water troughs and buckets with their brute strength. How can you avoid this and be sure your pigs have clean water to drink 24/7? Our guide to watering pigs in the summer offers tips, tricks and products to keep your pigs cool and hydrated all summer!

Why Do Pigs Need Access to Water at All Times?

Did you know that pigs don’t have functional sweat glands? This means that instead of sweating, pigs must find other ways to keep cool to avoid heat stress and maintain healthy bodily functions. In the summer months, when the temperature may exceed 25 degrees Celsius, pigs can consume two times more water than they would on a cooler day. This is because the cool water helps them regulate their body temperature. Pigs love to roll around in mud and water because when they get wet, a process called “evaporative cooling” takes place, which helps the pig maintain a normal body temperature.

How Much Water Do Pigs Need Each Day?

How much water a pig needs to drink daily can vary based on several factors. Age, size, weather, and what the pig is eating are all things that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to swine water requirements. The chart below is a basic guide to pigs’ daily water requirements; however, our experts still recommend talking to your farm vet to help you determine your pigs’ water requirements.

Watering Systems for Pigs
Depending on how many pigs you have and how your farm is set up, there are several different ways to deliver constant fresh drinking water to your pigs. Let’s go over the best manual and automatic watering systems for swine:

Manual Watering Systems for Pigs – A manual watering system is something like a trough, bucket or tub that requires you to clean and refill daily. Whatever you use as a manual waterer must be durable and heavy so your pigs can’t damage or knock it over. The sides need to be low enough for the smaller pigs to be able to drink from but high enough to prevent mud or bedding from contaminating the water. Try placing a couple of cinder blocks at the bottom of your trough or tub to weigh them down and provide footing for any pigs who may accidentally fall in.

Automatic Watering Systems for Pigs – Automatic watering systems provide a continuous flow of drinking water for your pigs without the hassle of having to clean and refill a tub or trough. Pig water nipples and drinking cups are examples of popular and effective automatic watering systems that have animal-activated stem valves to ensure that your pigs are getting water when they need it without spilling everywhere and making a mess. These valves can be screwed into a garden hose and attached to the wall of your pig pen at a height of roughly two inches above where the shoulder of your smallest pig would reach. If your barn doesn’t have the option of running water through a hose, you can hook up your pig water nipples or cups to the side of a large plastic water barrel. You can even hook up your barrel to a rain barrel outside the barn to keep it filling automatically. Additionally, these auto waterers can be hooked up to large livestock tanks to provide water to pigs who may be on pasture.

Sometimes, all it takes are the right tools and a bit of creativity when it comes to pig watering solutions, so stop by your local Feeds’n Needs and chat with one of our Experts about which watering system may work best for your pigs. We’re here to help!

Be sure to check out our other blogs, where you’ll find helpful information on a wide range of topics!
feedsnneeds.ca/experts-advice/

Sources:
Keeping Pigs Cool in the Summer Heat (psu.edu)
How To Water Pigs: Equipment Tips, Winter Care & More – Hobby Farms
Water – Small Scale Pig Farming
The Easy Guide To Watering Your Pigs (qcsupply.com)

Calving Supplies Checklist

When it comes to the birth of new calves, things sometimes go differently than planned. From difficult labor and delivery to dealing with sick, cold newborns, when you’re expecting a pregnant cow to give birth, you need to be prepared for any scenario. Make sure your calving kit is fully stocked and ready to go prior to the due date of the first calf so that even if it’s born early, you’ll be prepared. Our calving supply checklist is a great guide to help you make sure you have everything you need this calving season!

Veterinarian Contact Information

If you plan to own and breed cattle, you’ll want to make sure you know who your local farm veterinarian is and keep their contact information on file in case of an emergency. It’s not uncommon for a cow to require assistance to deliver her calf; however, sometimes, if the farmer cannot get the calf out, a veterinarian must be called to the farm to perform emergency measures. 

Notebook & Pencil

Keep a detailed record of important information, including breeding and due dates, so you have a rough idea of when to expect calves. Record newborn calves’ birth date, sex, birth weight, and any additional information such as the ID numbers of each cow and calf pair, whether or not a bull calf has been castrated, and any health issues noticed.

Calving Pen

Calving areas should be sheltered from cold weather, have clean straw or shavings for bedding, and ideally have a functional chute in case of emergencies requiring medical intervention. Make sure your calving pen has adequate lighting and keep a flashlight close by in case you need to inspect a cow or calf. Stock up on dust-free chopped straw or wood shavings at your local Feeds ‘n Needs.

Heating & Drying Sources

Since they are born covered in amniotic fluid, calves must be quickly dried and warmed up after birth to prevent them from developing hypothermia. A cow should be allowed to lick her calf clean after delivery; however, in cases of cold weather or if the mother does not clean her baby, have towels and blankets ready to dry the calf off and stimulate blood circulation. If a newborn gets chilled, have a warming box or other heat source like hair dryers and heat lamps ready to use to get the calf warm. Use a thermometer to keep track of calves’ temperatures, especially if they are sick or hypothermic. Always sterilize thermometers after use.

Gloves & OB Lubricant

Keep boxes of long and short disposable gloves to protect you and your animals from bacteria entering the body, and always change gloves between working with different animals. If a cow requires assistance delivering her calf, have lots of regular obstetrical lubricant on hand to lubricate the birth canal and your gloved arms to reduce friction and swelling. If your cow may require a C-section, avoid using J-lube to try and get the calf out, as it is toxic to the peritoneal cavity and will be fatal to the cow.

Halter, Rope & OB Chains

Ensure you have clean OB chains and handles ready in case you have to intervene and assist a cow during delivery. Additionally, have a halter and long rope prepared for laying down a cow to make delivery easier. 

Disinfectant

A 7% iodine solution or chlorhexidine should be used to dip the calf’s navel after birth to keep it clean and disinfected. Additionally, you can add these disinfectants to a bucket or squeeze bottle of water to create wash water for cleaning the cow after delivery. Roll cotton soaked in this disinfectant water also works well to wash the cow.

Colostrum & Milk Replacer

The colostrum, or “first milk” a pregnant cow produces, is rich with antibodies and nutrients, which are vital for her calf to receive in the first 4 to 6 hours after birth. Calves should be standing and nursing on their own within 1 hour. Otherwise, you may need to intervene. If you are worried that a calf is not getting colostrum, or if you have a calf too weak to nurse on their own, frozen colostrum or dried colostrum mixed with warm water should be readily available to administer to the calf. Colostrum replacer products should contain a minimum of 100g of lgG per dose. Keep powdered milk replacer on hand for calves that will be bottle fed. Trust Feeds ‘n Needs to provide you with the best quality powdered colostrum and milk replacers to help your calves grow and thrive.

Feeding Supplies

A flexible stomach feeding tube and large syringe may need to be used to administer colostrum to weak or sick calves that are unable to suckle. Be sure to sterilize supplies between calves or keep a second stomach tube on hand to feed sick calves only. Additionally, keep bottle feeding supplies like calf bottles and extra nipples on hand to bottle feed calves that are stronger and able to suckle.

Needles & Syringes

Keep an assortment of sterile needles and syringes in your calving kit for administering supplements, vaccines, antibiotics, or other medications as per your veterinarian’s recommendation. 

Use a bulb syringe to suction amniotic fluid out of newborn’s noses so they can breathe.

Injectables & Supplements

Administering supplements of the vitamins A, D, E, and selenium, as well as a mix of electrolytes for calves, is recommended for newborns. Our experts recommend the AVL Vitaferst-Care oral neonatal supplement for ruminants to give your calves the best start at life. Medications and vaccinations can be administered as per your veterinarian’s recommendation. Additionally, it’s always beneficial to keep scour pills or a prevention solution on hand in the event a calf develops scours and requires immediate treatment. If you do not have access to scour pills from your vet, we recommend administering Calf Renova at the first signs of diarrhea or Calf Perk to get a cold, weak calf to its feet after birth. Ask your local Feeds’ n Needs experts about product availability. 

ID Equipment

Each head of cattle in Canada is required to have a registered CCIA tag before being transported from their farm of origin. These can be bought from an authorized dealer like your local Feeds ‘n Needs store. In addition to CCIA tags, you may want to tag your cattle with an on-farm ID tag, which should be done within the first few days of a calf’s life as cows sometimes swap calves, making future genetic selections inaccurate if calves were not tagged at birth. If you plan to give your calves tattooed ID numbers, ensure all your equipment is clean and in good working order.

Elastrator Rings & Tool

If you plan on castrating bull calves, you will need to make sure you have elastrator rings and the proper elastrator tool. Castration of bull calves is typically done between 1 week and 5 months of age. Be sure to record which calves are being castrated and which are not.

When it comes to calving, expect the unexpected and always be prepared. Stop by your local Feeds ‘n Needs to pick up some essential calving kit items so that you’ll be ready when the first calf arrives!

 

Disclaimer: Feeds ‘n Needs is not qualified to give medical advice or recommendations; please consult your veterinarian for any concerns, vaccine recommendations, etc. 

Sources:

https://www.cattle.ca/resources/producer-resources/standards-and-practices#:~:text=The%20program%20requires%20each%20head,allocated%20from%20a%20national%20database.

https://www.grainews.ca/cattlemans-corner/your-calving-season-checklist-be-prepared/

https://www.butler.k-state.edu/shoppersguide/shoppers_guide_2022/Calving%20Checklist%201.11.22.pdf

https://www.thebeefsite.com/articles/your-calving-season-checklist