Animals on Small Acreage Ranchettes can provide food (meat and eggs), weed and vegetation control, as well as enjoyment from riding (horses), observing and/or therapy talking to them. Animals will likely need some barn or shed and fences for protection and containment. Animal health, management and well being are also important concerns of new owners. Click here for additional information.
LIVESTOCK CONCERNS
Pasture Management - Animals on pasture should have access to a windbreak or other shelter to protect them from cold winter winds, hot summer sun, and wet, rainy weather. When introducing livestock to pasture in the spring, it is wise to limit access for a few days to decrease the chances of colic or founder from an abrupt change in diet. Begin by turning animals out for 30 minutes the first day. Increase gradually over a week or two. After the adjustment period, it should be safe for them to remain in pasture full-time. More resources are listed at http://extension.usu.edu.
The young growing calf, hard working horse, or pregnant mare may have higher nutritional requirements than pasture alone can provide and may necessitate the addition of a grain mixture. All animals should have free choice access to trace-mineral salt. Also, all animals need access to adequate quantities of fresh water. The average horse will consume 10-12 gallons of water each day.
Parasite Control - This is a vital part of every heath care program. Manure is the primary means through which parasites spread. Manure often contaminates the feed, water supplies, pastures, paddocks, and stalls. Proper manure should be composted or spread on unoccupied posture to sun cure. Harrowing or dragging pastures during hot dry weather helps disperse the manure deposits and kills parasite larva by exposing them to the sun. Dragging should not be done where animals are grazing because it distributes the larvae across the grass making it more accessible initially. There is little advantage to grazing cows and sheep with horses. However, horses following ruminants (cows) or vice versa is beneficial. The parasites that are specific to horses do not reproduce in cows so the parasite population is reduced.
Bloating - Pastures that contain a large percentage of alfalfa or clover pose and increased risk for bloating animals. Make sure animals are not hungry when they enter these fields, and watch them closely.
Dr. Clell Bagley - Assisting with Lambing - PDF
Dr. Clell Bagley - Assisting with Lambing - Powerpoint