How to improve farm animals’ well-being and productivity

On a farm, an animal’s well-being is largely reflected in its production. Whether it’s a dairy cow, a chicken, a calf or a pig, a healthy animal will be much more productive. That’s why it’s important to consider different equipment and practices to make your farm animals more comfortable.

Ventilation

In winter and summer, a well-ventilated building kept at the right temperature will provide a good environment for your animals.

Since heat waves have become increasingly frequent, BMR Group has expanded its range of high-powered fans for effective air circulation to keep your farm buildings cool.

Proper ventilation also flushes out harmful particles, gases and odours, which are more present in the air in winter.

Water

According to Marc Drolet, Technical Advisor at Agrizone (BMR Group), the key words are quantity and quality. First, it’s important to install durable, stainless steel drinking troughs that meet the capacity standards for each type of animal.

At all times, animals must be able to drink enough to quench their thirst, and the water must be clean and fresh. Drolet recommends cleaning the water pipes with disinfectants on a regular basis.

Brushes, pens, mats and hooves

It’s a well-known fact that cows love being brushed. Brushing not only stimulates blood circulation, it also removes debris, dirt and hair (when cows are shedding) and relieves itching. Heavy-duty automatic brushes, newly available from Agrizone, can be easily installed in free-stall barns.

Meet calves’ needs by housing them in spacious, modular pens with slatted floors that encourage water drainage and offer your replacement cows optimal comfort. These highly versatile pens can be installed in all types of buildings, and the height-adjustable dividers prevent drafts. In addition, the pens allow you to put the calves into small groups, thereby letting them socialize gradually and sparing them the harmful shock of being moved from an individual pen to a group pen.

In addition, rubber mats are available to allow animals to sleep more comfortably. These mats have the added advantage of insulating the floors against cold and humidity, which can cause fatigue and rheumatism in animals. Agrizone also sells everything you need for hoof care, including footbath tubs and solutions.

Games and entertainment

“Animals love to play; it’s in their nature,” Drolet notes. “This is why we offer a full selection of toys to keep them entertained: teething rings, balls, etc. Pigs that play and move around are much less likely to engage in aggressive behaviour or savaging.” He adds that horses enjoy play too. In addition to toys, Agrizone offers horse feeders, so that your horse can eat in peace.

Small operations

We haven’t forgotten about small-scale rabbit and backyard poultry operations. “With the pandemic, operations of this kind have become increasingly widespread,” Drolet says. “Since people are concerned about the well-being of these animals, we supply all the equipment required to meet their needs: drinking troughs and feeders with feet that keep water and food clean; solidly constructed henhouses and hutches that protect animals from harsh sunlight and are easy to clean; and heat lamp bulbs to keep them warm when the temperature drops.”

Extra advice

Agrizone doesn’t offer only equipment; you can also get valuable advice. “With our expertise, we’re able to recommend the right products to farmers and provide them with the best practices,” Drolet says. “What’s more, farmers can easily install the products that we carry by themselves. If anyone does require assistance, we provide advice over the phone and in-store. At Agrizone, we carry products that ensure the comfort of all types of animals and that meet the needs of farmers.”

Agrizone offers a full range of products intended for farms. Visit a BMR/Agrizone retailer near you to find all the equipment needed to ensure the well-being of your animals.

Source: This article was originally published in French in the March 2021 issue of Coopérateur magazine.