A farmer recently reminded me how valuable continuous learning is, sharing his interest in animal acclimatisation. His curiosity highlights a costly management issue farmers must understand. Healthy transitions protect investments.

Acclimatisation gives animals time to adjust gradually to unfamiliar weather, housing, feed, handling, and surroundings. Like a person moving countries, animals need patience before normal performance returns. Adjustment requires patience.

Moving animals between regions can create environmental stress, especially when temperatures differ greatly. Farmers should provide suitable housing, shade, ventilation, warmth, and calm handling during their transition. Comfort supports adaptation.

Feed changes should also happen gradually. Where possible, continue the previous diet initially, then introduce new feed slowly while monitoring intake, digestion, behaviour, and body condition. Gradual changes protect health.

Quarantine should accompany acclimatisation to reduce disease introduction and transmission. Giving new animals proper care, observation, nutrition, and time reduces losses and supports successful integration into herd. Care protects investment.

Best regards,

Abdullah Opeyemi Akande
B.Agric. (FUNAAB)
GAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Animal Sci. (UI)
RAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Int’l Business (UU, UK)
Ph.D. in view