Edmonds Judd

Summer

As the summer sun blazes, it’s a timely reminder to step up and meet our animal welfare responsibilities, whether you’re a dedicated farmer or a devoted pet owner. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Codes of Welfare provide the essential roadmap, setting minimum standards for animal care and offering best practices to help you go above and beyond.

Summer brings unique challenges for animals, and heat stress is a major concern. For pets, never leave them in cars, even for a short time—internal temperatures skyrocket, creating a life-threatening situation. Adequate ventilation and shade are equally crucial indoors to keep your furry friends comfortable.

For farmers, the stakes are high, especially for dairy cows. According to DairyNZ, cows thrive in temperatures between 4-20°C. Above this, they begin to experience heat stress, exacerbated by the energy-intensive process of digesting food and producing milk. As temperatures rise, they absorb more heat from their surroundings, making it harder to maintain their body weight and productivity.

Combatting heat stress means getting strategic. Ensure your grazing plan allows cows access to shade, such as tree cover, during the hottest parts of the day. Keep plenty of fresh, clean water available and adjust feeding practices to help them stay cool and maintain their condition.

This summer, let’s prioritise our animals’ comfort and well-being. To ensure you are on the right track, dive into the Codes of Welfare on MPI’s website. And if you are after expert advice tailored to your needs, our friendly team at Edmonds Judd is just a call away. Let’s make this summer safe and stress-free for all!

 

Fiona Jack