Cold Weather Means Extra Efforts to Protect Livestock

By Don Molino

During his daily report on the Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain pointed out with this next blast of cold weather arriving this week it’s critical for livestock to have plenty of hay and feed to help keep them filled up and warm.

Strain also cautions horse owners to make sure those animals can get out of the weather in some sort of shelter. Also make certain there are no sharp edges where the horses might be injured, especially if it’s an area they aren’t used to being around.

According to Strain livestock are most exposed and vulnerable when it’s cold and rainy as the weather is predicted to be later this week over most of Louisiana.

Strain is also reminding livestock owners the Veterinary Feed Directive is now the law of the land.  That new law means no antibiotics can be used in feed or water for growth promotion.  It can only be used specifically for treating diseases in animals.  And in order for have antibiotics placed in livestock feed or water producers must have an order from a licensed, practicing veterinarian.  

Monica Velasquez