Winter Livestock Management Guide for the Drakensberg Foothills

Winter in the Drakensberg Foothills presents unique challenges for livestock farmers. Low temperatures, frost, and reduced pasture growth can affect animal health, productivity, and farm profitability. Proper planning, nutrition, and shelter are critical to maintaining herd performance during the colder months.

1. Assess and Improve Feed Availability
Pasture growth slows in winter, making supplemental feed essential.

• Hay and Silage: Ensure sufficient hay and silage stocks before the first frost. Grass hay is ideal for cattle, while lucerne hay provides higher protein for sheep and goats.
• Concentrates: Grain or protein supplements may be needed for pregnant, lactating, or high-producing animals.
• Mineral Blocks: Winter can limit forage mineral content. Provide free-access mineral blocks to prevent deficiencies.

2. Monitor Body Condition
Cold weather increases energy requirements. Regularly check body condition scores of all livestock.

• Thin or underweight animals are more susceptible to disease and cold stress.
• Adjust feed rations to maintain or improve condition before calving or lambing.

3. Shelter and Protection
Wind, frost, and rain can stress animals and reduce immunity.

• Natural Shelter: Use existing trees, shrubs, or veld features to protect livestock from wind.
• Constructed Shelter: Build simple shelters or windbreaks for small herds, especially for lambing or calving areas.
• Bedding: Provide dry bedding to prevent hypothermia, especially for young or sick animals.

4. Water Supply Management
Frozen water sources can restrict intake, leading to dehydration and digestive issues.

• Use insulated or heated water troughs where possible.
• Check and refill water supplies regularly.
• Ensure clean water access, as muddy or frozen sources increase disease risk.

5. Health Monitoring and Disease Prevention
Winter conditions can increase susceptibility to respiratory diseases and parasites.

• Vaccinations: Maintain a vaccination schedule, including clostridial vaccines for cattle and sheep.
• Parasite Control: Continue monitoring and managing internal and external parasites. Frost reduces pasture-borne parasites, but animals with high worm burdens remain at risk.
• Regular Checks: Monitor for signs of pneumonia, bloat, or foot problems, especially in wet or muddy areas.

6. Breeding and Reproductive Management
Winter is often a critical period for reproductive planning.

• Ensure pregnant ewes and cows receive adequate nutrition to prevent low birth weights and complications.
• Plan lambing and calving paddocks with shelter and access to supplemental feed.

7. Grazing and Pasture Management
Rotational grazing can help preserve limited winter pastures.

• Avoid overgrazing, which reduces spring pasture growth.
• Provide supplementary feed in low-lying or frost-prone areas to prevent pasture damage.
• Identify and restock paddocks early to prepare for spring growth.

Effective winter livestock management in the Drakensberg Foothills requires careful planning, attention to nutrition, and protection against environmental stress. Farmers who provide adequate feed, shelter, water, and health care can maintain herd condition, prevent losses, and prepare livestock for the spring season. By implementing these strategies, livestock owners can reduce winter-related risks, improve productivity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of their farming operations in the Drakensberg region.