Livestock shelter from trees - a review

Abstract

New Zealand is a windy country with extremes of temperate climate. Cold southerly and warm sub-tropical winds ensure a varied existence for farmed livestock. There are good examples of livestock shelter throughout the country, yet few farmers actively manage their animal enterprises to include shelter. Research results indicate there are production responses in milk production, liveweight gain and lamb survival to the provision of shelter. However, welfare and animal stress benefits have been difficult to substantiate. Caring for livestock should be the top priority, with an added bonus of satisfying marketing requirements. Strategically planted shelter will enhance our countryside, our image and our economy. Keywords: animal welfare, livestock, shelterbelts, trees