Gattis Livestock

08/12/2026

We are 30 days out from LAI!! Last chance to get on our list! Message me for more info. Sheep & Goats are welcome, no minimum head count!

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

07/23/2026

This heat is no joke! Keep an eye on your livestock and maybe check in with your livestock friends. 😉

☀️ BE HEAT AWARE ☀️

With several days of triple-digit temperatures and extremely high heat indexes in the forecast, now is the time to prepare and take a few extra precautions for your livestock and other animals.

💧 Water is one of the most important tools we have during extreme heat. We recommend changing water buckets at least three times a day and replacing them with fresh, cool water. Check tanks, buckets and automatic waterers throughout the day to make sure they are clean, full and working properly.

Adequate water is essential for digestion, feed intake and an animal’s ability to properly utilize nutrients. Without enough water, sheep cannot effectively process and convert their feed, and their overall condition can decline quickly in extreme temperatures.

🌳 Provide plenty of shade and good airflow. Avoid overcrowding shaded areas or enclosed barns where heat can build quickly. Make sure every animal has access to both shade and water, especially in group pens where smaller or more timid animals may be pushed away.

🌬️Make sure your fans are ready and running. Check them before the heat of the day, clean off excess dust and make sure they are positioned to provide adequate airflow. A Portacool or other evaporative cooler can also be beneficial.

However, be careful not to create a hot, humid barn. Fans and Portacools work best when there is adequate air exchange. Using evaporative cooling in a closed or poorly ventilated area can increase humidity and reduce the cooling benefit.

⏰ Adjust feeding and working times. Feed during the early morning or later evening rather than during the hottest part of the day. Rumen digestion creates additional body heat, so feeding during cooler hours can help reduce heat buildup and encourage normal intake.

Whenever possible, also exercise, handle and transport animals during the cooler morning or evening hours.

🐑 Pay close attention to vulnerable animals. Young animals, older animals and those that are sick, thin or otherwise compromised may struggle with the heat more quickly.

Watch for signs of heat stress, including rapid breathing, open-mouth panting, decreased appetite, weakness, excessive drooling, reluctance to move or difficulty standing.

Heat stress can happen quickly. Take a few extra minutes throughout the day to check your animals, refresh their water and make sure your cooling equipment is working properly. Those extra checks could make all the difference.

Stay safe and keep those animals cool!

07/21/2026

07/09/2026

Things are looking a little different around here. After months of looking we finally added a couple of medium wools to the flock. We are very happy to have these ladies from Diamond J Club Lambs!

These girls are gonna make a huge impact!

06/02/2026

04/23/2026

Our motto around here? They are ruminants first!

Gary was very excited this morning to be part of this hay discussion!

{{ Before we dive in, please recognize that this platform is designed to be an inclusive learning and sharing and connecting environment. If that does not align with your own personal objectives, please respectfully exit stage left. }}

Understanding that many show families are not from livestock production backgrounds, I think this is a valuable discussion….

When we first receive an animal in, they are on full “free choice” hay for at least a week or so until they’ve settled in and acclimated to their surroundings. Age pending, this new structure for them can be quite different and very stressful.

This large “dodgeball size” handful of good clean grass hay is what we provide per sheep per feeding (twice a day). We give it to them once they finish their grain. On Sundays, we probably increase this amount by 2-3 times at least to fill them up when we skip the evening grain feeding. (We personally do not raise goats, but I understand this amount is probably double what they require.)

Some people will feed less.
Some people will feed more.
It’s only one piece to the puzzle and your goal is to find what works for you. 🧩

One thing to remember…. If your sheep have a hay belly at home, it. is. okay. That typically means their rumen is doing its job and they’re healthy and happy!

By the time you haul to a show, start your show feeding / drenching and pull back the hay (if applicable), they will have the rib shape they need to have for the ring.

Why hay? 👉🏻 Sheep & their other ruminant counterparts have 4 compartments in their stomach. When they eat long stem forges, it stimulates cud chewing, promotes saliva production (buffering ph in the rumen) and maintains a healthy gut microbiome.

What’s more… the actual texture and length of the forage “scratches” or stimulates the walls of the rumen. This step is essential for nutrient absorption. Fiber supplements help, but the actual length and texture of hay is important.

Added bonus ➡️ it actually helps prevent bloat by action as an anti-foaming agent in the digestive tract!

Things to be careful of…. Too much energy in your hay. I’ve had some people say to find the lowest quality but still clean grass hay they will eat. Alfalfa can be a little risky from a frothy bloat standpoint and also providing excess nutrients since we’re relying on their grain / concentrate diet for that.

If you have other tips or food for thought on the hay front, drop them in ⤵️

Always willing to help guide you in the right direction if you prefer sending a private message!

(Disclaimer… I am NOT an animal nutritionist! I do have a degree in Animal Sciences from a LONG time ago 😉 and worked in the nutrition field for several years but most of my thoughts and advice are derived from trial and error of raising livestock!)

01/26/2026

Our top employee and his ladies are staying warm and fed. We wish the best for all our livestock friends out there, but especially those that are lambing!