Routine Checks To Prevent Problems

In order to prevent any of the above problems, certain routine checks should be in place. For example:

Actual feed intake should be calculated regularly.

• Automatic feeders should be checked daily for correct functioning.
• Feed bunkers should be cleaned at least once or twice a week - depending on how wet and perishable the feed is and how the feed bins are shaped.
• Feed bunkers should be checked twice daily for contamination and spoilt feed removed.
• Remove any foreign matter such as wire, string, plastic etc.
• In an intensive feeding system, water troughs should be checked twice daily to ensure that fresh clean water is always available.
• Animals should be fed according to a regular routine.
• The availability of feed in a grazing situation should be monitored daily.
• Salt licks should be limited, to prevent animals from over-intake if it is only irregularly supplied. This can lead to diarrhoea.
• Animal health should be monitored and any of the following symptoms immediately recorded and reported:
  • Diarrhoea
  • Lameness accompanied by swollen cornets (laminitis)
  • Bloat
  • The sweet smell on the breath of a ruminant (ketosis)
  • Sour smelling, yellowish dung in a ruminant (acidosis)
  • Swollen muzzle/muzzle
  • Drooling from the mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive weight loss or gain
• Metal feeders should be checked for stray voltage from time to time.