Raising healthy livestock requires adapting to seasonal changes that impact animal health and productivity. From scorching summers to harsh winters, each season brings unique challenges that can weaken immunity, reduce growth, and lower reproduction rates.

The good news? Strategic supplementation can help animals thrive year-round. In this guide, we’ll break down the biggest seasonal health risks for livestock and how the right supplements can make all the difference.

Spring: Parasites, Pasture Transition & Breeding Stress

Key Challenges:

• Internal parasites (worms, flukes) flourish in wet conditions
• Grass tetany (hypomagnesemia) in cattle/sheep on fast-growing spring pasture
• Breeding season stress lowers fertility rates

Supplement Solutions:

✔ Dewormers + copper/mineral boluses – Combat parasites naturally
✔ High-magnesium supplements – Prevent grass tetany (especially for lactating cows)
✔ Vitamin E & selenium – Boost fertility in breeding stock

Summer: Heat Stress, Dehydration & Reduced Feed Intake

Key Challenges:

• Heat stress leads to panting, lethargy, and lower milk/meat production
• Electrolyte imbalances from sweating and dehydration
• Fly & insect pressure causes irritation and disease spread

Supplement Solutions:

✔ Electrolyte mixes – Restore sodium, potassium, and chloride
✔ Vitamin C & B vitamins – Help animals cope with heat stress
✔ Garlic or omega-3 supplements – Naturally repel flies and support skin health

Fall: Weaning Stress, Falling Temperatures & Preparing for Winter

Key Challenges:

• Weaning shock weakens immunity in calves, lambs, and piglets
• Declining pasture quality reduces nutrient intake
• Early cold snaps increase energy demands

Supplement Solutions:

✔ Probiotics & immune boosters – Reduce weaning stress and scours
✔ Protein blocks or energy licks – Compensate for poor pasture
✔ Vitamin A & D – Strengthen immunity before winter

Winter: Cold Stress, Low Immunity & Feed Shortages

Key Challenges:

• Hypothermia & frostbite in extreme cold
• Vitamin D deficiency (from lack of sunlight)
• Lower-quality stored feed lacks essential nutrients

Supplement Solutions:

✔ Extra energy supplements (fats, grains) – Help maintain body heat
✔ Vitamin D3 + calcium – Prevent weak bones and milk fever
✔ Yeast-based probiotics – Improve digestion of dry, fibrous feed

Year-Round Supplementation Tips

✅ Test forage & soil to identify deficiencies
✅ Adjust supplements seasonally based on animal needs
✅ Provide free-choice minerals so animals self-regulate intake
✅ Monitor body condition to catch problems early

Final Thoughts

Seasonal changes shouldn’t mean lower productivity or sick animals. With the right supplements, you can:

• Reduce stress during weather extremes
• Maintain growth & reproduction rates year-round
• Cut veterinary costs by preventing deficiencies

At Allwright Investment Limited, we offer season-specific supplement to keep your livestock thriving in every weather. Explore our products today!