{"id":6338,"date":"2023-02-04T13:33:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-04T13:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=6338"},"modified":"2023-02-04T15:46:31","modified_gmt":"2023-02-04T15:46:31","slug":"how-to-care-for-a-cow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-care-for-a-cow\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Care For A Cow: A Simple Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You may want to have a cow for your homestead to provide milk and produce a calf yearly for meat. You might want to have a herd of beef cattle to provide meat for your family and to sell for profit. You might want to have a string of dairy cows to milk for profit. No matter what your ultimate goal, you’ll need to start out your venture by understanding how to take care of a cow. In this article, we provide sound information on caring for cattle on your homestead, on your beef ranch or in your dairy. Read on to learn more on how to care for a cow<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Start?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The first step you should take, whether you are procuring an individual cow to meet your family\u2019s milk and dairy needs or purchasing an entire herd of beef or dairy cattle, is to make sure that you have the finances for the venture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even one cow costs a pretty penny when you think of feed, housing, water and veterinary expenses. Before you set out, make sure that you have ample income and enough set aside to properly fund your venture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next thing you’ll need to do is set up your facilities. Even if you’re keeping just a single milk cow, you’ll need to have a safe and sturdy shelter for her with an easy to clean, slip resistant floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making certain that your facilities are safe, clean, comfortable and inviting helps keep your cattle calm, and this is very important because it makes them easier to handle, improves the quality of milk and meat and ensures safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll also need a strong pen to separate cattle for veterinary care and other necessary handling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An open, sheltered loafing area is another important addition which provides protection from the sun and is a good place for feeding multiple cattle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contented cattle kept in a safe and clean environment are far less likely to experience illness and accidents which can lead to down cow challenges. A down cow is one who is unable to stand on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons this might happen, and quite a few of them can be prevented by keeping your property in good order. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of many reasons may be a bloat, which can be treated using several methods, including baking soda<\/a>, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more on down cows and how to get a down cow up, see our comprehensive article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Pasture Does A Cow Need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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It is possible to keep one cow on one acre of good pasture land, but it’s better to have a couple of acres per cow<\/a> and to set your pasture up in a way that allows you to rotate them from one place to another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, you’ll want to graze your cows on one area and cut hay on another area, then switch them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike goats and sheep, cattle need high quality pasture. If you don’t have good grazing for your cows now, you’ll need to improve the quality of your pasture land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way of doing this is to plant clover, alfalfa or other legumes in advance because they add nitrogen to the soil and improves the likelihood of good grass in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having ample good grazing space for your cattle can save you a lot of money. When you keep your cows in a situation that is as close to nature as possible, they can get most, or all of their nutrition from grazing during the spring and summer months and well into the fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This saves money on feed, hay and veterinary bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that a single cow can eat as much is a ton of hay through the winter months, so if you don’t have enough land to produce the hay you need, you’ll need to find a convenient, reliable, affordable source of hay for your cattle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also set up secure, dry storage so that you can stock up on hay as soon as it\u2019s cut. That\u2019s when the prices are lowest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good Pasture Needs Good Fencing And Ample Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to having safe shelter for your cow or cattle, you’ll also need to have sturdy, safe fencing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure the fence all the way around your pasture is at least four feet high and is strong enough and tight enough to keep your cattle in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use six-strand barbed wire or high tensile wire, or you can use woven wire. The latter is less likely to result in accidents and injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that in any area where your cow or cattle will be staying, there must be good access to plenty of fresh, clean water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cattle need to be able to drink as much water as they want at any and all times. When circumstances are challenging, a cow can drink as much as 20 gallons of water daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cattle Health And Nutrition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Before you ever allow a cow to step hoof on your place, you’ll need to be sure that you have a good source of high quality feed, forage and silage. Silage is similar to hay, it is made from a variety of green, leafy crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is chopped and preserved via fermentation and acidification. Silage is specifically prepared for ruminant animals (i.e. sheep, goats and cattle).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must also be certain of having a good, safe storage space for your feed, hay, silage, supplements and other supplies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should never feed any spoiled, musty or moldy hay or feed. Eating poor quality feed can sicken your cattle or simply make them stop eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cattle may stop eating for a number of reasons, including poor feed, too little feed and\/or illness. For more on what makes a cow stop eating, see our comprehensive article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to having ample, high quality food on hand for your cow or cattle, you’ll want to be sure to establish a good working relationship with your local veterinarian and your agricultural extension agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both of these professionals are indispensable in helping identify health problems with your cattle and keeping you on track in terms of vaccinations and worming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stock Up On Fly Control Products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cows produce a lot of manure, and that attracts a lot of flies. Flies spread diseases and can cause skin irritations and even open wounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily there are lots of ways to control flies in your cow barn and on your property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk with your local ag extension agent to find out which flying pests are most problematic in your area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He or she will have good recommendations on both chemical and non-chemical fly control options that work well in your locale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firm Up Your Mode Of Transport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you begin cattle shopping, be sure that you have a good, safe way to transport your animals. Purchase or rent a trailer and inspect it carefully to be sure that it is safe and clean before you set out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t take cleaning lightly if you are using a secondhand trailer, a borrowed trailer or rented one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s easy for cattle to pick up germs left behind by the last occupant. Give the trailer a thorough scrubbing before you put your new cattle into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be certain that the floor of the trailer is skid resistant, and put down a good thick layer of straw or wood shavings to provide some cushioning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure that the air vents on the side of the trailer are open the right amount to allow good circulation while protecting the animals against excessive heat or cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper Selection Is The First Step To Success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When choosing cattle, naturally you’ll want to be certain that no matter which breed you select, the animals are healthy and strong. Look for these qualities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n