Summer is here in the UK, and we are in the midst of a heatwave and one of the hottest summers on record. It’s been a scorcher so far but with no sign of cooler weather on the horizon, dehydration, heat stress and heatstroke are challenges that many farmers face as temperatures increase. we have complied a list of easy ways to keep your animals cool on these hot summer days.
Dehydration, heat stress and heatstroke are challenges that many farmers face as temperatures increase.
Shade
Run-in sheds, lean-tos, and shade trees offer quite a bit of relief from the summer glare for grazing animals. You could consider a Steel framed building like the custom designed structures that can be provided by Buildings uk, for a permanent way of providing shelter from the sun. Your livestock will thank you.
Fans
Fans are a must if your animals are based in a barn for prolonged period of time during the summer heat. They provide some much needed cooler air but also help deter flies and insects.
Clean Water
This may seem obvious but regularly cleaning and changing water troughs is an absolute essential. The heat on stagnant water will encourage algae and bacteria to grow.
Clean Shave
If your livestock consists of animals such as sheep & alpacas ect, it would be a good idea to shear them before the temperatures increase. animals in full fleece, they require extra care when it comes to shade, fans and a low-stress environment when dealing with the heat.
Sunblock
This is primarily for those horses with pink noses (such as Grays and those with a wide blaze or bald face). Any child-safe zinc oxide is fine to apply to protect against those ultraviolet rays.
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