03/10/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/10/2023 04:10
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D. has advised farmers and horse owners to take extra care of farm animals and horses during spells of cold weather.
"Farmers and horse owners take exceptional care of their stock all year around however there are greater threats to animal welfare at times of extreme cold like we are experiencing at present. It is important that owners take steps to protect stock from extreme weather conditions that may arise over the coming days."
Livestock, including younger stock, can cope with low temperatures provided they have plenty of feed and shelter. However, water supply can be a problem for both outwintered and housed livestock and horses during freezing conditions.
As a starting point, it is important that all animals have free access to water. Supplies of drinking water should be checked daily, and surface ice broken on troughs twice per day
Additional steps include: