Livestock farmers are being urged to prioritise respiratory health as winter housing begins, with the knock-on effects of summer drought adding to seasonal feeding pressures.

As winter looms, and many cattle begin moving indoors, farmers face the challenge of supporting livestock health with potentially limited volumes of quality forage stocks.

Dr Richard Wynn, head of global research and development at Fevara, says maintaining respiratory health for housed cattle is particularly important as temperatures fall and wetter conditions become more prevalent.

"These weather conditions, teamed with confined housing can create a perfect breeding ground for pathogens, particularly respiratory illnesses, like pneumonia,” he says.

With some farmers having already opened silage clamps earlier than planned to compensate for poor grazing, managing forage stocks and ensuring rations meet livestock requirements will be a fine balance throughout winter.

Bought-in forage, alternative feeds or changes to existing rations may be needed to stretch supplies, making it essential to maintain a balanced diet as animals transition from grazing to housing.

“If the ration isn’t quite balanced, levels of immunity can be sub-optimal, leaving calves especially vulnerable," says Dr Wynn.

“It’s at times like these that it can be worth supplementing the ration, to help the transition from feeding outdoors to indoors.”

For example, Crystalyx Easy Breather provides nutritional support to livestock during winter housing to help manage the risk of respiratory challenges, combining a unique blend of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and β-glucans to help bind harmful pathogens in the gut and support a strong immune system.

Dr Wynn states that while supplementation is not a replacement for good management practices, when used appropriately, it can support livestock in coping with environmental stressors to support overall health and performance.

“Using a low-moisture, high-energy molasses lick can stimulate starter feed intake,” he says.

“For very young calves, this helps to develop the rumen earlier, make better use of available forage and take in the nutrients they need to cope with respiratory challenges.

“For farmers grappling with the difficulties of the changing weather and forage quality, a feed lick that contains natural menthol and eucalyptus oils can support animals in being more relaxed and provide a proactive approach for housed livestock this winter."