Top tips for managing colder temperatures on intensive farms

As winter grips the UK, intensive farming operations face a unique set of challenges. Lower temperatures can impact animal health, increase the risk of disease, and make biosecurity harder to maintain. Whether you manage poultry, dairy, or swine, proactive measures are essential to keep your farm running smoothly.

Here are some of our top tips:

1. Ensure biosecurity at the farm gate

Vehicles are a major vector for pathogens, especially during wet and cold conditions when mud and slurry cling tosurfaces. Heated water systems like Sanigene HydroSan disinfection gates ensure full 360º coverage, even in freezing temperatures, preventing pathogens from entering your site.

  • How it works: A heating coil runs throughout the system to ensure that it is still fully operational, even when temperatures drop below freezing.
  • Why heated water matters: Cold weather can reduce disinfectant efficacy, but HydroSan’s heated system maintains optimal performance. Learn more about vehicle disinfection solutions.

2. Tighten on-farm biosecurity

Winter weather can disrupt routines, so organisation is critical. Intemax shadow boards are supplied with high-quality tools for maintaining each biosecurity zone with ease.

  • Shadow boards: Keep tools visible and within their designated areas to prevent cross-contamination and improve hygiene compliance.
  • Cold-weather equipment: Sturdy snow shovels and grit help maintain safe, clean pathways and reduce slip hazards for staff.

?Explore our range of biosecurity toolsincluding shadow boards.

3. Optimise gut health for poultry

Cold stress can compromise immunity and gut integrity in birds, making them more vulnerable to diseases, including coccidiosis. A strong gut health programme is vital for maintaining performance over the winter months.

  • Focus on prevention: Coccidiosis remains a moving target, so regular monitoring and tailored interventions are key.
  • Support resilience: Use feed additives that promote gut integrity and reduce pathogen load, ensuring birds can cope with environmental stress.

For a deeper dive into strategies, read our whitepaper – Coccidiosis Maxima: A moving target?

4. Keep rodents at bay

As temperatures drop, rodents seek warmth and food inside sheds, posing a serious biosecurity threat.

• Seal entry points: Inspect buildings regularly and close gaps where rodents can enter.

• Winter baiting strategies: Use effective rodent control programmes to prevent infestations before they start.

Read our full guide on keeping rodents at bay.

Final thoughts

Winter brings challenges, but with proactive management of biosecurity, gut health strategies, and environmental controls, you can safeguard animal welfare and farm productivity.