With winter now starting to bite, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is reminding pastoral livestock farmers of their animal welfare responsibilities, whether animals are kept at home or sent off-farm to graze.
"This time of year can be challenging for farmers, with wet and muddy conditions increasing risks to
the welfare of their livestock," said Kate Littin, manager animal welfare.
"Many farmers, particularly in Southland and Otago, choose to break feed stock on crops over the winter months. It's a great way to provide food for animals and protect pastures but does require careful planning and good stockmanship to avoid welfare risks that wet weather can bring.
"New Zealand's codes of animal welfare require livestock to have access to areas free of surface water and mud, and appropriate shelter from adverse weather.
"Animals will refuse to lie down on wet ground and can then become stressed, stop eating, and are more susceptible to lameness."
