As the air becomes crisp and cool, we are reminded that cold and wet winter weather is around the corner. Are you prepared? Is your livestock prepared? Below is a suggested checklist for a winter livestock emergency kit. This kit is designed to be utilized in the event of a livestock emergency. The items in the kit should pertain to the particular species of livestock in your operation. Items suggested below can be utilized by a wide variety of livestock. Specialized items will be specified as to which animal they are intended for. This kit should be stored in a safe but easily accessible location near your barn or feeding area. The contents suggested below will need to be in a temperature-regulated environment to avoid spoilage or damage.
CHECKLIST
- Medium/large clear plastic container with locking lid (for holding all supplies)
- Small plastic container with locking lid (for small items i.e., needles and syringes)
- Towels
- Wash clothes
- Clean non-used bucket
- Milk jug (filled with clean drinkable water)
- Pedialyte (clear, non-flavored)
- Hot hands (large and small)
- Heating pad or blanket (used only under supervision)
- Small /medium tarp
- Gloves (insulated waterproof and rubber)
- Large oral syringe
- Various sized syringes and needles
- Oral-gastric feeding tubes (size and type depend on the animal)
- Nutri-Drench or other nutrient-rich oral liquid (goats & sheep)
- Fortified B-complex (goats, sheep, and cattle)
- Electrolytes (species-specific)
- Milk replacer (species-specific)
- Bottle and nipple (size depending on the animal)
- Change of clothes
Please contact Michelle South, Area Extension Agent, Agriculture-Livestock, North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Avery County Extension Center at 828-733-8270 for more information.
The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services does not imply endorsements by North Carolina State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.
