Do you know?

Flu season is upon us, but as humans we are not the only ones who get sick. Our livestock pals can get sick too, from colds to stomach viruses. What can you do to help prevent a sickness spreading through your herd? Do you know your animal’s healthy internal temperature? These questions being answered may help you and your herd this season. Luckily, we are here to help.

Obviously, all animals are different. Here is a nifty chart to help you:

Normal Rectal Temperature Ranges Species °C °F Cattle Beef cow 36.7–39.1 98.0–102.4 Dairy cow 38.0–39.3 100.4–102.8 Cat 38.1–39.2 100.5–102.5 Chicken (daylight) 40.6–43.0 105.0–109.4 Dog 37.9–39.9 100.2–103.8 Goat 38.5–39.7 101.3–103.5 Horse Mare 37.3–38.2 99.1–100.8 Stallion 37.2–38.1 99.0–100.6 Pig 38.7–39.8 101.6–103.6 Rabbit 38.6–40.1 101.5–104.2 Sheep 38.3–39.9 100.9–103.8 Adapted from Robertshaw D. Temperature Regulation and Thermal Environment, in Dukes’ Physiology of Domestic Animals, 12th ed., Reece WO, Ed. Copyright 2004 by Cornell University.

Now, these are all rectal temperatures. If you so happen to take the temperature at a different area on the animal and do not get a “safe range” reading, don’t fret. Simply clean the thermometer and try to take another reading, this time in the rectum.

To help keep your animals from getting sick here are a few things you can do:

-Feed BioMos as a supplement. This helps boost the immune system of the animal.

-Give your animals the proper supplements throughout the year.

-Make sure to have plenty of shelter so your animals can escape harsh weather.

These are just a few things that you can do to ensure your animals stay happy and healthy.