Getting Winter Ready: Housing - the Key to Better Winter Performance

Teagasc Cattle Specialist, Niall Kerins, explores how housing conditions can influence cattle performance over the winter months, as part of the ‘Getting Winter Ready’ series on the Beef Edge.

Even when nutrition and animal health are well managed, poor housing can limit liveweight gain, particularly in weanlings. Niall discusses the importance of appropriate stocking rates and space allowances for different types and weights of cattle, and why farmers should regularly reassess space requirements as animals grow throughout the winter.

He also examines the importance of adequate feed-barrier space, highlighting how competition at feeding time can affect feed intake and performance, particularly among younger and more timid animals.

Niall discusses how farmers can assess ventilation, carry out a simple smoke test and identify potential problems without creating harmful draughts, especially in areas housing young calves and freshly calved cows.

The importance of clean, accessible water supplies, adequate flow rates and well-maintained troughs is also discussed.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

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