Why preparation matters

Moving cattle into housing changes how animals are managed on farm. Careful preparation helps reduce stress, prevent health issues, and maintain productivity during the housing period.

By reviewing facilities, feed, and herd condition in advance, farmers can avoid problems and keep operations running smoothly.

1. Carry out a housing health check

Before housing cattle, facilities should be inspected to ensure they are safe, clean, and suitable for stock.

• Clean and disinfect housing areas before use
• Check cubicles and lying areas for damage
• Inspect water troughs for leaks and cleanliness
• Ensure adequate lighting for both stock and staff

Recording tasks in Herdwatch helps ensure nothing is missed and allows you to track progress using the app’s records and to-do features.

2. Review stock health

When cattle are housed, disease risk can increase due to closer contact. A clear health plan is essential to manage parasites and vaccinations effectively.

• Consult your vet to create a herd-specific treatment plan
• Consider age, lactation stage, and health status
• Be mindful of withdrawal periods, especially for dairy cows

Herdwatch makes it easy to record treatments, track medicine use, and automatically calculate milk and meat withdrawal periods.

3. Plan feed reserves

Knowing your available feed is key to maintaining herd performance. Measuring forage and feed supplies ensures you have enough to meet demand.

Tools like the Herdwatch forage calculator can help estimate feed requirements and convert different feed types into comparable values.

Planning ahead reduces the risk of shortages and helps maintain consistent nutrition throughout the housing period.

4. Monitor body condition and weight

Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is a valuable tool for assessing herd condition and making feeding decisions.

• Group cattle based on condition where needed
• Adjust feeding rates to support optimal performance
• Monitor changes regularly to identify issues early

Herdwatch allows you to record BCS, weights, and other welfare indicators, helping you track performance and make informed decisions quickly.

5. Check space and comfort

Adequate space is essential for animal welfare and performance during housing.

• Provide at least one cubicle per cow, with additional capacity where possible
• Ensure sufficient lying space in slatted or loose housing systems
• Avoid overcrowding to reduce stress and health issues

If stocking levels are too high, reviewing options such as redistributing animals or using trusted platforms to manage numbers can help.

Using Herdwatch to stay organised

Herdwatch helps farmers stay on top of tasks, records, and compliance during housing.

• Record housing checks and tasks in the app
• Track treatments and withdrawal periods automatically
• Monitor body condition, weights, and herd performance
• Access herd data anytime from your phone, tablet, or computer

Having all your records in one place makes it easier to manage your herd efficiently during busy periods.

Prepare your herd for better performance

A well-managed housing period supports animal welfare, improves efficiency, and helps maintain productivity. By focusing on facilities, health, feed, and monitoring, farmers can create a safer and more effective system for their cattle.