Keeping Your Horse Comfortable During Cold Weather

By: Dr. Mike Yoder, NCSU Animal Science

The Christmas song, Baby it’s Cold Outside, made famous by Lee Ann Womack with Harry Connick, Jr., pretty well describes the 2013 winter to date.  To make matters worse, 65⁰ one day, followed by 36⁰ the next, is hard on humans and horses alike.   I have put on a jacket more times this winter than in the past 3 winters combined and more than once pulled out a heavy jacket for a 26⁰ morning.  So, what about the comfort of your horse?

As is the case with humans, some horses handle cold temperatures better than others.  A normal Fall, when temperatures decline steadily over a 2 month period allows healthy horses to grow a full winter coat.  The normal equine winter coat will protect most horses from cold temperatures and wind but, throw in rain on top of wind and chilling temperatures and even the best of coats may not provide adequate relief.  This is the Rule of 2 Out of Three.  Simply put, a healthy horse can generally withstand a combination of two of the three extreme environmental conditions (wind, rain, cold temperatures) but may need assistance keeping warm when all three conditions exist in combination.  Then, there are always those horses that do not grow sufficient coats to handle even two of the three factors comfortably.

Options for helping horses handle the winter weather include, stabling the horse during extreme weather, blanketing the horse as needed or providing windbreaks that provide needed protection.  Just a quick word about stabling horses during the winter.  Most barns are built more for human comfort than for that of the horse.  Avoid heating barns if horses are going to be spending at least part of their time outdoors each day.  Research indicates that horse health is enhanced if the inside temperature of the barn is no more than 10⁰ warmer than the outside temperature.  So, if the inside of your barn is more than 10⁰ warmer than the outside, you may need to blanket your horses when turning them out.

So, when should you blanket your horse?  Answer: when all three of the above mentioned weather conditions exist or when the temperature drops low enough to make your horse uncomfortable.  Observe your horse multiple times each day to be sure it is not shivering.  A horse that is really cold may shiver like you and I do.  If your horse has a poor winter hair coat, you should anticipate this problem.  If the weather report calls for cold temperatures, wind and precipitation and horses do not have shelter, make plans to blanket those horses that need it.  Remember, just because your horse didn’t show signs of being cold during one weather event, does not mean it won’t the next time. 

Blankets come in all different sizes and colors and, like cars, come with many options.  Do you want a closed front or buckled/Velcro front?  How much insulation do you want?  What denier should the outer shell be?  Denier refers to the fineness of the yarn/thread that was used to make the product and thus, the ability of the material to keep wind and water out.  A higher denier indicates a higher level of protection and durability.  How much insulation do you want, 200 grams, 400 grams?  Do you want a cut-back neck line or regular?  The cut-back neck line works well for some horses and may actually help the blanket fit better. 

To provide the greatest comfort and to avoid slippage, a blanket should fit the horse properly.  Measure the horse from the center of the chest to the point-of-the-buttock (as viewed from the side) to determine proper blanket size.  Blankets may be sold according to the length in inches or as Small (60”-66”), Medium (69”-72”) or Large (>74”).  If you will turn horses out in a blanket during cold weather, it should be a heavy duty blanket with double stitching and reinforced stress points.

For extreme cases, you may also include a hood.  Hoods give extra protection and are made having most of the same properties as blankets.  Hoods should have large eye holes, so the horse can see effectively and usually attach to the blanket by means of one or more elastic straps so the horse may extend its head to the ground for feeding purposes.  Also, for horses turned out in a blanket, be sure the blanket and hood are waterproof.  During extended rain your horse will likely get at least partially wet anyway, but water proof materials will extend the protection and extend the life of the blanket. Higher quality blankets may include materials that actually wick-heat and moisture away from the horses skin if the horse gets too hot.  This is particularly helpful for young horses that may run and play while blanketed and when temperatures vary throughout the day. 

A couple of points to remember: 1.  We blanket the horse to protect it from the elements.  Some horses will actually sweat from being blanketed, especially if a hood is used in combination.  If your horse sweats while wearing a blanket, cool the horse and re-evaluate the need for a blanket at that temperature.  2.  When purchasing blankets for turnout, it is recommended that materials of greater than 1200 denier be used because of their strength and durability.  3.  In cold weather, feeding additional hay to horses will actually help generate more body heat than feeding an equal amount of additional grain; a practical way to keep your horse comfortable during cold weather. 

Multi-Species Grazing

Excerpt from the research paper “The Advantages and Challenges of Multi-Species Grazing” by Margaret B. Ross

            Looking for a better way to manage parasites on your farm? Have you ever considered multi-species grazing? Below you will find an except from a research paper I wrote on the topic. But, first, what is multi-species grazing? Multi-species grazing is just that – allowing more than one species (for example beef cattle with goats or sheep) to graze together. There are many benefits to this type of grazing. One main advantage is reduced parasite loads. For example, cattle and goats (if grazed together) will both eat parasites that affect the other species. This helps reduce parasite loads in pasture because some of the parasites that affect cattle do not affect goats and vice versa. On the other hand, there are disadvantages, or challenges, when grazing multiple species together. One major challenge is fencing. Usually fencing is somewhat put up based on which species will be in the pasture. When you put more than one species together, you must consider if your fencing is adequate (do you have enough strands? is it hot enough if it’s an electric fence? is it sturdy enough?) Read on to learn more about multi-species grazing.

Multi-species grazing has numerous benefits environmentally and economically. By incorporating multi-species grazing into your pasture management routine, you can achieve a better pasture management routine. Although there are many advantages, there are challenges such as fencing and providing trace minerals. In this paper, we will discuss both the many advantages as well as disadvantages to this type of intensive grazing management. Multi-species grazing has many benefits including parasite control, increased carrying capacity of land, and increased manure distribution in pastures.

One point to consider when discussing reducing parasite loads is the height of the plant the animal will be grazing. Once parasite eggs are deposited in the manure, larvae travel only a short distance up the grass blade. Animals that graze well above ground level are not ingesting these parasite larvae; however, animals that do graze lower to the ground will be ingesting a much greater amount of these larvae. This is why it is so important to graze the correct species together as well as provide a sufficient amount of browse for goats and grass for cattle.

In summary, it has been noted time and time again that there are many benefits to multi-species grazing. Individual animal performance will increase as well as the carrying capacity of the land. Furthermore, the parasite load of the species grazing will decrease, making for a healthier herd. This is not to say there are not challenges with multi-species grazing. Those challenges include increased fencing and predator control, as well as a common lack of husbandry knowledge. Many of these challenges can be overcome to ensure you are utilizing your pastures and your livestock efficiently. By preparing, planning, and doing your research, you can successfully multi-species graze your land. 

Need Last Minute AWO / Pesticide Credit Hours?

            Did you know that animal waste operators are required by law to attend at least 6 hours of continuing education credit every three years? Do you have all your pesticide credits for this year as well? Are you one of those farmers who need a couple more hours for 2013? If so, Cooperative Extension has a local opportunity for you!

            Jacob Morgan, Jones County Field Crops Agent, and I are putting together a 6-hour class for local farmers who need animal waste operator credits and/or pesticide credits. The class will take place on Thursday, January 23, 2014 and WILL count towards your hours for 2013 if you are an animal waste operator.  The Pesticide credit year starts every October 1.  This class gives you the opportunity to enjoy the holidays and still be able to get your AWO hours later. The class will be held from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Craven County Cooperative Extension auditorium. Please call there to sign up at (252) 633.1477. The class will be free of charge and lunch will be on your own. Don’t forget to pay the annual $10 fee to keep your license active. Letters have already gone out in the mail from the Division of Water Quality (DWQ). We can also help you find a local class to get initially certified for AWO or pesticide credits.

            In addition, Jacob will host a corn and soybean production meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at the Craven County Cooperative Extension Office. In addition, he will host an area cotton production meeting on Thursday, February 6, 2013 at the Jones County Cotton Gin. Pesticide credits will be available for both classes. Call Jacob Morgan at the Jones County Cooperative Extension Office at (252) 448.9621 to sign up for these meetings.

            We would also like to invite you to call us with your suggestions on classes. What topics would you like to hear more about? For example: weed and pasture management, irrigating sprayfields, calibrating sprayers, lagoon management, field crop management, etc. We are here to provide educational resources to you and would like your input.

            If you would like more information on credit hours or would like to check your AWO hours, please contact the Craven County Cooperative Extension office at (252) 633.1477 and speak with Extension Livestock Agent Margaret A. Bell. If you would like to check your pesticide credit hours, please contact the Jones County Cooperative Extension Office at (252) 448.9621 and speak with Extension Field Crops Agent Jacob Morgan.

            North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.  In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.  North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

By: Margaret A. Bell, Livestock – Craven and Jones Counties

Fall Into Some Great Upcoming Events

          

        There are so many educational opportunities coming up in Cooperative Extension, I could not just pick one to write about. I wanted to share a lot of them with you! Below, please find information about upcoming events I know you’ll enjoy (and receive credit hours!).

            Coastal Carolina Agricultural Fair. Counties include Craven, Jones, Pamlico, and Carteret. October 17 – October 27, 2013 at the Craven County Jaycees Fairgrounds located in between New Bern and Havelock on Hwy. 70. Come out and visit the livestock barn! We will have educational exhibits available for you and your family.

Farm-City Day, November 2, 2013 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the New Bern Farmer’s Market, Tryon Palace, and the North Carolina History Center. This event is a way to bridge the gap between the farm and the city. We will have educational booths as well as vendors from all over nearby areas. You will find farm equipment, livestock, local FFAs, and vendors from downtown New Bern.

            Southeast Bull Expo & Sale, November 16, 2013 at the Sampson County Livestock Barn behind the Extension Office in Clinton. This will be a great sale for producers looking for high quality bulls and a select group of heifers. Come out and join us!

            Craven / Jones Livestock Association Meeting, November 18, 2013 at 6:30 PM at Core Creek FWB Church in Cove City. Pot Luck dinner. Even if you have not been able to join us for a meeting so far, we would love to have you and your family join us now! It is a great way to network with other livestock producers and those interested in bettering the livestock industry in our area.

            Looking for CEC hours? Come out to the Southeast Regional Pork Conference where you can get all (6) hours in one place. This year’s conference will be held at the Onslow County Cooperative Extension Office on November 21, 2013 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Contact the Onslow County Cooperative Extension Office to register at (910) 455.5873.

            Eastern Carolina Cattlemen’s Conference, December 3, 2013 at the Sampson County Agri-Expo Center in Clinton. This is a great opportunity for cattle producers and those producers interested in raising cattle to come out and network with other producers as well as hear world-renowned speakers from the cattle industry and visit with vendors at the trade show.

            Are you a Certified Crop Advisor? Come to our CCA Training to receive your hours. This year’s training will be held December 10 – 12, 2013 at the Onslow County Cooperative Extension Office. Contact the Onslow County Cooperative Extension Office to register at (910) 455.5873.

More questions? Contact Margaret A. Bell, Livestock Agent in Craven and Jones Counties at Craven County Cooperative Extension at (252) 633.1477. Hope to see you at some of our upcoming educational events!

Broodmare Feeding Management

Adapted and shortened from “MARE AND FOAL NUTRITION. Feeding Management of the Broodmare” by Dr. Bob Mowrey, North Carolina State University.

One of the most important parts of managing a mare so she can produce a foal is nutrition. Mares can be broken down into three management groups: 1- open mares pre-breeding 2- pregnant / gestating mares and 3-lactating mares. In this article, we will discuss several different nutritional points on how to properly feed your broodmare.

Open and Maiden Mares

An open mare is a mare that has foaled in years past but did not conceive during the current season. A maiden mare is a mare that has never been bred. Horse owners should not feed open and maiden mares together; their nutrient requirements are totally different. For example, the maiden mare’s requirements are much higher (than an open mare) because she is still growing. An incorrect feeding program for either open or maiden mares can cause decreased growth, decreased pregnancy rates, and decreased fertility in maiden mares. Make sure you have a way to separate the two groups of mares in your pastures.

Open Mares – Horse owners can feed maiden mares the same diet they would feed a mature horse at a maintenance level. Good quality pastures need to be present and will likely meet the nutrient requirements for a mature open mare’s nutrient requirements.

Maiden Mares – They require a more nutrient-dense diet based on their body weight. Their diets must be supplemented with concentrates to meet protein, vitamin, mineral and energy requirements. Since maiden mares are still growing, calcium and phosphorus (minerals) are very important. Typically, good-quality pastures and high-quality hays are not enough to satisfy their nutrient requirements.

Body Condition

Mares that are a moderate to fleshy body condition score have been found to have reproductive efficiency similar to those in thrifty condition and actually rebreed more efficiently. Mares that have a higher body condition score do not need as much feed during lactation. This reduces feed costs as well as colic and founder. It is less of a health problem for maiden and open mares to have excessive fat deposition than it is for them to have a nutrient deficiency. Thin mares will supply their own nutrient requirements before their body will meet the needs of their foal. If there is a severe nutrient deficiency, the mare could possibly abort and have breeding problems in the future. 

Preparing Open mares for Breeding

Mares that have an adequate body condition are able to have better conception rates. Body condition of a mare can be altered by changing their energy intake. For an excessively obese mare you can exercise the mare, reduce grain intake, increase levels of protein, vitamins and minerals in grain, or try a dry lot.

Feeding the Pregnant Mare

These mares are typically grouped into two categories: 1- mares in their first two trimesters and 2- mares in their last trimester of pregnancy. The foal does not grow rapidly during the first eight months. However, during the last trimester, the foal is rapidly growing and needs additional nutrients from the mare. Be careful with the amount of copper found in the mare’s diet in late pregnancy. Research has shown mares in late pregnancy whose diet contains copper may have an affect on foal bone development.

Fescue Toxicosis

During the mare’s last semester, they should be removed from areas that contain fungus-infected fescue hay and pasture. When mares are in their last trimester and are allowed to graze this type of pasture, they will likely have severe complications during foaling. If you are concerned your fescue pasture contains endophyte-infected fescue, you can sample your forage and send it to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture to be sampled. There is a small fee for this.

Nutritionally Managing a Lactating Mare

Their nutrient requirements are already elevated and will increase during lactation. The mare must consume additional nutrients to make up for this increase. Also, during the first 30 days of lactation, the foal’s nutrient requirements drastically increase. It is important to reduce as much stress on the mare as possible during this time, as they are experiencing nutritional stress as well as psychological stress. Make sure to take equally as good of care with your foal’s nutrient requirements and health once it’s born!

For more information on feeding management of broodmares, contact Margaret A. Bell at the Craven or Jones Counties Cooperative Extension Office at (252) 633.1477.

Come join us at the Craven / Jones Livestock Association!

By: Margaret A. Bell – Extension Agent, Livestock – Craven & Jones Counties

Did you know there is now a Livestock Association in Craven and Jones counties? There have been Associations in the past, particularly a Cattlemen’s Association, but none were active when I became the Livestock Agent in 2010. With lots of interested producers in the counties who wanted to see an Association again, we set out to do just that. Hence, the Craven-Jones Livestock Association was formed.

Who can join? Anyone who has an interest in livestock. You do not have to own livestock to join the Association and be a participating member.

What have I missed? Not much! We had an interest meeting earlier in the year and have only had a couple of meetings since then. It is not too late (and never will be) to join the Association or just come learn more about what we do and who we are.

What DO you do? As an Association, we are deciding our specific direction now. However, our general direction has several purposes: to give members a networking opportunity with a group of livestock producers who can be of assistance to one another; to give purchasing power to the group to buy or sell in bulk (for example, if you and your two neighbors want to go in on buying a truckload of hay or if you and your fellow Livestock Association member want to sell your cattle together to make it more worthwhile); to educate Association members on any and all things livestock (vaccination protocol, reproduction, forages, hay, etc.), and more.

When does the Association meet and what do you do at meetings? Our next meeting will be held Thursday, July 25, 2013 at Core Creek FWB Church at 7:00 PM. The physical address is 210 Trenton Road, Cove City, NC 28523. We typically have a supper first and follow with a business meeting. Most meetings will consist of a speaker presenting a relevant livestock topic to the group.

Can I still be a part of the Association if I don’t have a lot of livestock experience? Yes! We want you to come even if you don’t own any livestock. Our main goal is to build a strong Association across Craven and Jones counties (and we accept outside county membership as well) so we can better the livestock industry here. Livestock is such an important entity of agriculture and as you all know – we can’t live without it!

How much does it cost? We are still working on that. Most Associations have annual membership dues and at our next meeting, I feel sure we will set that cost.

Can my children come? Absolutely. Our agricultural future is in their hands. We want nothing more than for them to be included, be able to learn and ask questions, and know what is going on and why agriculture is so important.

More questions? Contact Margaret A. Bell, Livestock Agent in Craven and Jones counties at Craven County Cooperative Extension at (252) 633.1477. She will get you in contact with the current Livestock Association Board: Adam G. Ross - President, Charlie McCoy - Vice-President, Candice Morgan - Secretary / Treasurer. Look forward to seeing you on July 25^th!

            North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.  In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.  North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

Upcoming Event!

Attention LIVESTOCK INTERESTED YOUTH: Showmanship Clinic / Mock Skill-A-Thon Competition held on Friday, June 28, 2013 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM in Trenton. $5 includes lunch and homemade ice cream! We will also need volunteers and halter-broke animals! For more information email Margaret_Bell@nsu.edu.