Content Cow, Fruitful Farmer
With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I am Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network.
Every successful cattle operation puts the well-being of its livestock above all else. To get the best out of each animal, producers have to put their best into it. Dr. David Shirbroun (SURE-bruhn) is a professional services veterinarian for Boehringer-Ingelheim. He talks about why mastering the art of animal husbandry is so important…
“Some of the current buzzwords right now in the cattle industry and all of ag livestock are animal welfare, sustainability, and consumer confidence. If animal husbandry is prioritized and done well, we're showing our commitment to the well-being of the animals. We are showing our commitment to the sustainability of farming and ranching or making good our commitment to the consumers that we as an industry are doing all we can for the animal in order to provide consumers a safe, nutritious product.”
Shirbroun says that one of the first things we need to do is give these animals a stress-free environment. We want to protect them from extreme weather conditions, so try to protect them from extreme heat and extreme cold and try to keep them dry, out of the rain and snow as much as possible. Proper nutrition and ample access to clean water are also key.
And while it may seem over-simplified for the cattle farmer, it’s a great reminder for consumers that cattle comfort is of the utmost importance for all of those involved.
