Animal Husbandry & Agromatic
This term gets thrown around a lot in the livestock industry, but simply put, animal husbandry is how farmers breed and care for animals.
Merriam Webster writes the animal husbandry definition as:
a branch of agriculture concerned with the production and care of domestic animals.
Learn more about this practice and examples of animal husbandry here.
Dairy farming is one of the four major types of animal husbandry, and as any farmer knows, requires many responsibilities. Cow comfort and care is a main part of the dairy farmer’s daily work. Studies have shown that cows who are safe, comfortable, and not stressed produce more milk and live longer.
Agromatic offers a variety of products to help farmers around the country raise healthy, happy dairy cows! With more than 125 years in business, Agromatic continues to partner with dairy farmers around the country, working together to develop sustainable and profitable operations.
Increase Profitability With KRAIBURG Rubber
Thick rubber mats are a must when it comes to ideal comfort and KRAIBURG is proven to be the best in the industry!
Agromatic customers agree that KRAIBURG is top of the line when it comes to cow stall mats or interlocking floor mats. The high-quality rubber from KRAIBURG is soft, gives a strong grip, is made of pure materials (no fillers), and extremely strong.
The company’s sustainable engineering process has been noticed in Europe and proven durable in the most frigid as well as the most heat-intensive environments.
Cool, Calm Cows
An important aspect of animal husbandry is providing quality housing facilities for livestock. Temperature control is one part of this equation, and if not checked, extreme temperature stress can develop into major issues for cattle herds.
Proper ventilation is key. Poor air quality leads to a range of health problems, but also is shown to decrease milk production in dairy herds.
Agro Air Dynamics offers a full range of ventilation products (exhaust fans, panel fans, roof vents, cyclone fans) for any size herd of- animal. Our in-house experts come alongside customers to help them make the best decisions for their farm project.
Keep Them Clean… And Entertained
EasySwing brushes may be a lot of fun for livestock to use, but also serve a greater purpose: saving those important barn corners and fence posts! And, it doesn’t hurt that these popular brushes keep animals cleaner and aid them in shedding winter growth!
Cow brushes truly help improve cow comfort and welfare. Cows enjoy being groomed and scratched, and the brushes can help to reduce stress and anxiety. The brushes also help to stimulate blood flow and improve skin health, which can reduce the risk of skin irritations and other health problems.
Promote A More Natural Environment
Natural movement is an essential component of good animal husbandry for cows and other livestock. Providing cows with the opportunity to move around freely and engage in natural behaviors helps ensure their health and well-being, as well as contribute to the sustainable production of high-quality milk and meat.
The Agromatic FreeFEED and RELAX Freestalls are ideal options for farmers who want to provide less confined options for their herds.
Customers say that cows are less stressed, less agitated, and less anxious when using these innovative products. They are able to move around easier, and have increased lying times with less injuries getting up and down.
So, you may be wondering: What is the success rate of animal husbandry practices? Does any of this actually work?
Studies and farmers’ testimonials have proven that it does. Animal husbandry can be successful in providing a sustainable source of food and other resources, but also a safe, calm environment for a family farm to thrive.
It is up to you, the farmer, to decide which practices are best for your farm! Proper nutrition and living environments, disease prevention, good genetics, and adapting to changes are just a few of the challenges a farmer faces.
So, let’s talk. The Agromatic team is here to partner with you, meeting these challenges head on, and make sure that the dairy industry continues to grow and provide high-quality products to the global economy.
FAQ’s
Q: What is animal husbandry?
A: Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture that involves the breeding, care, and management of livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, and poultry. It encompasses various activities related to the production of animal products such as meat, milk, eggs, wool, and hides, as well as other uses such as transportation, recreation, and research.
Q: What are some examples of animal husbandry?
A: Animal husbandry encompasses a wide range of practices related to the breeding, care, and management of livestock. Here are some examples of animal husbandry:
- Breeding and genetic selection: Farmers and ranchers select animals with desirable traits, such as high milk production or meat yield, and breed them to improve the quality of the herd or flock.
- Feeding and nutrition management: Livestock require a balanced diet to maintain their health and productivity. Farmers and ranchers use various feeds, such as hay, silage, and grains, to provide the necessary nutrients.
- Housing and facilities: Livestock require appropriate housing and facilities to protect them from the elements and provide a comfortable living environment. These may include barns, sheds, fencing, and waterers.
- Health management: Farmers and ranchers use a variety of practices to prevent and treat diseases in livestock, including vaccinations, deworming, and antibiotic treatments.
- Handling and transportation: Livestock must be handled and transported with care to prevent injury or stress. Farmers and ranchers may use equipment such as chutes, corrals, and trailers to move animals safely and efficiently.
- Marketing and sales: Livestock products such as meat, milk, and wool are sold to processors, retailers, or consumers. Farmers and ranchers may use various marketing strategies to sell their products, such as direct sales, auctions, or contracts with processors.
Q. Can I receive an animal husbandry degree?
A. Yes, it’s possible to learn more about this important branch of agriculture! Several programs in colleges and universities focus on animal husbandry and related areas. Some of the common degrees addressing this topic include: Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science; Associate’s Degree in Animal Husbandry; Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture with concentration in Animal Science; Master’s Degree in Animal Science; and Doctoral Degree in Animal Science.
Professional certifications are also available in specific areas such as crop management, dairy management, beef production, or swine production. Mixed crop and livestock farming go hand in hand when it comes to learning about ways to better care for our land and animals! Many farmers choose to continue their education to stay up to date on disease prevention, environmental impacts, industry trends, and more.