Reading cow poop…
The appearance and consistency of cattle faeces can provide valuable information about their nutrition and digestive health. ‘Reading your cattle poop can also help you decide when it is time to move your cattle to new pasture. Here are some of the things to look for:
Color: Normal cow faeces should be dark brown. Changes in color, such as gray, yellow, or red, can indicate digestive problems or the consumption of feed or forage that is abnormal in color.
Consistency: Cow pats should be formed and not too liquid or too hard. Shaped and with the consistency of a pie is perfect. Dung that is sloppy or piled up more than 5cm can indicate digestive issues with their current feed or recent changes in the diet.
Odor: Normal faeces should have a pungent but not overly offensive odor. A strong or unusual odor can indicate digestive problems or the presence of disease.
Changes in the appearance and consistency of cow dung can be caused by many factors, including changes in diet, stress, and disease. Or merely the fact that you have recently moved them into a new paddock! If you are concerned, and particularly about diarrhea reach out to a veterinarian or animal nutritionist. Try to learn about the composition of your pasture. Talking to local farmers can be good start.