Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for if you need to evacuate. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.
Here are some items you may want to include in an emergency kit for your livestock:
-
Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
-
Water. Store a water bucket and several days’ supply of water.
-
Medicine. Keep an extra supply of any medicine your animal takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
-
First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your livestock's emergency medical needs.
-
Handling equipment. Include a backup leash and halter as well as other species-specific handling equipment such as nose leads or hog boards.
-
Identification & Registration. Have copies of your livestock's registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.
-
Sanitation needs. Include tools and supplies for sanitation such as shovels, pitch forks, and a wheelbarrow.
-
A picture of your livestock. If you become separated from your animals during an emergency, a picture of you and your animals together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your animal.
-
Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your animals.
Livestock Daily Feed and Water Requirements
|
Dairy Cattle |
In Production
| 9 gallons (summer), 7 gallons (winter)
| 20 pounds hay
|
Dry Cows
| 9 gallons (summer), 7 gallons (winter)
| 20 pounds hay
|
Weaning Cows
| 6 gallons (summer), 3 gallons (winter)
| 8-12 pounds hay
|
Pregnant
| 7 gallons (summer), 6 gallons (winter)
| 10-15 pounds legume hay
|
Cow with Calf
| 9 gallons (summer), 8 gallons (winter)
| 12-18 pounds legume hay
|
Calf (400 pounds)
| 6 gallons (summer), 4 gallons (winter)
| 8-12 pounds legume hay
|
|
Swine |
Brood Sow with Litter
| 4 gallons (summer), 3 gallons (winter)
| 8 pounds grain
|
Brood Sow (Pregnant)
| 1-2 gallons (summer), 1 gallons (winter)
| 2 pounds grain
|
150 Pound Gilt or Boar
| 1 gallon
| 3 pounds grain
|
Sheep
|
Ewe with Lamb
| 1 gallon
| 5 pounds hay
|
Ewe, Dry
| 3 quarts
| 3 pounds hay
|
Weaning Lamb
| 2 quarts
| 3 pounds hay
|
Poultry
|
Layers
| 5 gallons/ 100 birds
| 17 pounds/ 100 birds
|
Broilers
| 5 gallons/ 100 birds
| 10 pounds/ 100 birds
|
Turkeys
| 12 gallons/ 100 birds
| 40 pounds/ 100 birds
|
Horses
|
Source: Livestock Emergency Preparedness Plan. https://www.prep4agthreats.org/Assets/Factsheets/livestock-emergency-preparedness-plan.pdf
Resources
Other Resources