Housing and infrastructure
Understanding Livestock Housing and Infrastructure
- Grasp the fundamental purpose of providing housing for livestock, which can include protection from predators and harsh weather, containment for safety and ease of management, and separation from wild animals to prevent disease transmission.
- Recognise the importance of ventilation in livestock buildings in maintaining air quality, controlling temperature and humidity levels, and preventing the build-up of harmful gases.
- Understand the role of lighting, both natural and artificial, in livestock housing. It can affect behaviours such as eating and resting, and in some species, it can impact reproduction and growth.
- Acknowledge that the design and layout of livestock housing can affect animal behaviour and well-being. This can include considerations like space per animal, grouping strategies, and facilities for feeding and drinking.
- Learn about different types of livestock housing such as stables, barns, pens, and free-range systems, and how they can be suited to different species and production systems.
Key Factors in Infrastructure Management
- Understand the crucial role of cleaning and disinfection practices in keeping livestock housing healthy and disease-free.
- Learn about the benefits and challenges of pasture management, including rotational grazing, manure management, and dealing with weather variations.
- Recognise the importance of water and feeding systems in maintaining animal health and productivity: a reliable, clean water supply and appropriate feeding facilities are critical.
- Understand the need for housing adaptations for different species (such as perches for poultry or wallowing areas for pigs) and at different life stages (like creep areas for young animals).
- Learn how to manage waste products from livestock housing in a way that protects both environmental health and animal welfare.
Health and Welfare Implications of Housing and Infrastructure
- Grasp the link between poor housing conditions and animal health problems such as lameness, respiratory disease or parasites.
- Realise that inappropriate housing can cause stress in livestock, which can manifest in altered behaviour, reduced growth or reproduction, and increased susceptibility to disease.
- Understand the ethical implications of ensuring comfort in livestock housing. This can include providing suitable bedding, managing noise levels, and offering environmental enrichment.
- Learn about the biosecurity measures that need to be implemented when designing housing and infrastructure, from vermin control to visitor protocols.
- Appreciate the physical wear and tear that housing and infrastructure can endure, and understand the importance of regular checks and maintenance to keep everything in top condition.