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Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D. has advised farmers and horse owners  to take extra care of farm animals and horses during spells of cold weather.

“Farmers and horse owners take exceptional care of their stock all year around however there are greater threats to animal welfare at times of extreme cold like we are experiencing at present. It is important that owners take steps to protect stock from extreme weather conditions that may arise over the coming days.”

Livestock, including younger stock, can cope with low temperatures provided they have plenty of feed and shelter. However, water supply can be a problem for both outwintered and housed livestock and horses during freezing conditions.

As a starting point, it is important that all animals have free access to water. Supplies of drinking water should be checked daily, and surface ice broken on troughs twice per day

Additional steps include:

• Regular inspection of animals, especially more vulnerable animals such as young lambs, other young animals, and sick or pregnant stock.
• During very cold and wet weather, and depending on how much grass is available, additional forage, such as hay, should be provided for horses, ponies and any other stock outside.
• Avoid severe poaching of pasture, as poaching impacts on grass availability. 
• Ensure that stock have access to shelter, either natural shelter such as trees and hedgerows, or a man-made shelter.
• If an equine rug is used for a horse, ensure the rug fits correctly and inspect regularly.
• Not all horses need rugs during cold weather. Horses develop a thicker coat of hair for the winter to provide natural insulation. Where a horse has a thick coat and is provided with shelter, rugs may not be required.

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