Spring Turnout Preparation Checklist

The transition from winter housing to spring pasture, often referred to as "turnout," requires careful planning to ensure the well-being of the livestock involved. A successful turnout is dependent on thorough preparation.

Providing clean and accessible water is essential for the health of your herd. Water troughs, if not regularly maintained, can become breeding grounds for unwanted bacteria.

Here's what to keep in mind:

• Regular Inspections: Water troughs need regular check-ups. This helps prevent any unwanted debris or vegetation from growing in the water.
• Proper Function: Make sure the water troughs are working correctly. 
• Adequate Supply: When lots of cows want a drink at the same time, it can cause a muddy mess around the water trough, called "poaching." To avoid this, make sure you have enough water troughs for everyone. This way, all the cows can get a drink without making a mess.

Introduce your herd to the grass slowly over a couple of weeks. This will prevent digestive disorders and ensure optimal rumen health. Spring grass is nutritious, but it's a bit different from what has been consumed in the winter months. The introduction of supplements can help with any deficiencies, such as grass staggers.

Post-winter housing, your herd will be vulnerable to worms at turnout. There are several reasons for the increased risk, these include

• Contaimanted pasture from previous infected animals.
• With increased grazing, the risk of consuming larvae is also increased.
• Spring grass offers an ideal environment for worm larvae.

Worms are not the only concern, flies can also bring problems. They can irritate the herd, causing stress and discomfort, potentially leading to decreased feed intake and reduced milk production in dairy cows.

To mitigate these risks, a strategic animal health management plan is essential. We recommend speaking with your local representative or a suitably qualified person (RAMA) at your local Wynnstay store to determine the best approach.

Keep a close eye on your herd as they begin grazing, key areas to be aware of are:

• Cudding
• Muck consistency
• Body condition

Read more in our blog - Prioritising Animal Health During Turnout

Handling equipment will ensure the safety of you but also the animal. Ahead of spring turnout health checks and moving to pasture, we recommend reviewing your current set-up, making sure that everything is working correctly.

Here's why it's so important to use :

• Ensuring safety
• Facilitating movement
• Conducting health assessments
• Administering treatments
• Minimising stress

• Pasture & fencing checked – Remove hazards, repair damage, and ensure proper drainage.
• Water troughs cleaned and working – Maintain fresh, clean water and check for leaks.
• Diet transition managed carefully – Gradually introduce livestock to fresh pasture.
• Ensure Supplements are Available – Provide magnesium and other essential nutrients. 
• Worming Control – Conduct faecal egg counts and administer necessary treatments.
• Animal health checked – Assess body condition, hooves, and administer vaccinations if needed.
• Handling facilities prepared – Ensure pens, gates, and treatment areas are in good condition.