New advisory services support heat stress management and calf welfare

Livestock housing solutions specialist, Galebreaker has launched an animal welfare advisory service, to help farmers create and maintain optimum environments that promote animal health.

The new support packages delivered by Galebreaker’s animal welfare team include youngstock housing assessments and heat stress monitoring and reports.

Heat stress monitoring & reports

Since last year’s launch of Galebreaker and Phibro Health’s online Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) tool, THI-Live, a growing number of sensors have been installed at farms across the UK giving an increasingly detailed overview of heat stress risks.

Farmers who sign up to the advisory service will receive a THI sensor, and monthly heat map reports throughout the summer. They will also have access to ongoing live data that allows comparisons with other farms.

The bespoke reports demonstrate how heat stress may be affecting fertility, lameness and milk yields in dairy herds and are ideal for businesses looking to maximise productivity.

For more in-depth analysis, Galebreaker can also provide advanced assessments using vision monitoring cameras, smoke testing, and milk production data which are individually tailored to meet specific needs.

Youngstock housing assessments

Galebreaker’s calf building assessments include an on-site appraisal, smoke bomb testing to evaluate in-shed airflow, a review of key factors such as drainage, lighting, spacing and hygiene. This is followed up with a comprehensive written report of findings and recommendations on how to improve existing facilities.

Other services can provide expert input at the design stage of calf housing through collaboration with agricultural planning consultants or architects.

Galebreaker’s animal welfare team is headed up by Chloe Rodriguez (pictured above). A bioveterinary science graduate who’s received training from University of Wisconsin in Positive Pressure Tube Ventilation (PPTV) design and accredited in CowSignals® behavioural management, she is responsible for overseeing the latest service offering.

“At Galebreaker, we’re committed to helping farmers make more informed decisions through a better understanding of environmental impacts,” says Miss Rodriguez.

“Our advisory services provide comprehensive insight into how housing affects animal physiology and independent advice on ways to make crucial improvements that will enhance health and performance.”

For more information on the new advisory services contact Galebreaker’s animal welfare team or register to attend the free heat stress webinar on 1 May at midday.