Cooling livestock
Whether it’s a cow, a lamb a chicken or other farm animal, keeping livestock and poultry cool and hydrated during heatwaves can protect valuable animals from harm. A shady fairgrounds barn like this steer is in or an overhead sunscreen to provide shade can make a big difference in both the animal’s comfort and overall health.
R. HANS MILLER/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Dillon Hale and Megan Feekes at Hale’s Farm & Feed in Ephrata said there are a mix of methods ranchers can use to ensure their livestock remain healthy in the extreme heat the Basin has seen this week. From hydration supplements to water tank management, it’s all in applying a bit of effort to ensure animals remain safe.
Vitamin and electrolyte supplements such as these are available at most feed stores around the Columbia Basin and can be used to ensure livestock are hydrated. Some even trigger animals to drink additional water during hotter days.
Animal husbandry takes a little effort sometimes and a spray bottle filled with fly repellant that contains sunscreen can not only kill or keep away biting insects, but can also help keep animals from getting sunburnt.
EPHRATA – The sign at the SubWay in Ephrata read 105 degrees Wednesday afternoon, and temperatures throughout the area have been high all week, including on the various ranches in the area. Ranchers have a variety of tools to help keep their livestock from overheating.
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