Free Range Farming
Livestock Health Problems Associated With Unrestricted Farming
There are several health issues associated with free range farming. While the livestock are free to roam, they face many health issues as well as natural selection.
Most people think that predators would be a critical factor in free range farming. Although predators can be a problem, most farmers view them more as a nuisance. Gopher or Prairie Dog holes pose bigger threats to free range livestock, quite often causing broken legs, in which case the farmer most often resorts to putting the animal down. The most critical problems associated with free range farming are mineral deficiency, winter and disease transmitted by newly aquired livestock.
Mineral and vitamin deficiencies can be a real concern. If you see that your livestock are eating the tree as well as the bark, you can almost guarantee that they are lacking minerals. You can resolve this by putting out a few mineral licks. Usually they are large blocks of compressed minerals, vitamins and salt that can be bought at your local Feed Shop or Farmers Co-Operative. A few signs of mineral deficiency are weight loss, rough hair coat, loss of hair glossiness and reduced appetite. If you suspect a mineral deficiency in your livestock you should contact your veterinary service, as this can lead to serious health issues.
Winter can be a brutal time for free ranging livestock. In areas with extremely cold winters, lean-to style shelters work best for smaller herds, but with large herds an enclosure (barn) is best. Access to the enclosure must be maintained throughout the winter, as the livestock will wander in and out foraging and venturing to the water holes. Your enclosure should be close to the water holes, or a water supply available at the enclosure. The enclosure should have a low ceiling (six to eight feet). Your livestock can't generate enough warmth for themselves if the ceiling is higher. Keep the enclosure cleaned out with a fresh layer of bedding every few days, as this will lower the risk of diseases. Once every three months quick lime should be spread inside the enclosure before fresh bedding is laid down. Bedding can consist of straw or wood chips, or a combination of the two.
Quarantine new livestock before releasing them to the herd. Keep an eye on the new livestock for a few days checking for diarrhea, abnormal coughing, ring worm, pink eye, insect infestation and late stage pregnancy. Checking for late stage pregnancy is simply done by pushing against the animal's side, half way down from the right hip bone (right side from rear of animal). You should be able to feel a large floating lump bumping back, that would be the fœtus. If you can not determine pregnancy in this manner you could ask another, more experienced farmer or call your Veternary Service.
Always remember, when in doubt, call your Veteranary Service .
