Stock Drench Guide

“As far as I’m aware, any living animal benefits from apple cider vinegar… when the pH is in balance, all of the biological functions work a lot more efficiently.” — Kim Baker

An Introduction to Stock Drenching

What Is Stock Drenching?

Stock drenching is a routine livestock practice focused on maintaining animal condition and preventing common health issues. It involves administering liquid supplements or medications orally.

In almost all cases, drenching is done orally because it’s practical and effective for ensuring animals receive measured amounts.

When done correctly, drenching can support nutrition and day-to-day resilience as part of wider herd management. For a broader overview of animal use, see our companion article: Treating Animals Organically with Apple Cider Vinegar.

Why Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for Livestock? 

Many farmers use organic, unfiltered ACV (with “the mother”) as a preventative, supportive tool. Like people, livestock do best with balanced gut conditions. Farmers report ACV helps maintain this balance, supporting overall well-being.

• SCC & dairy shed advantage: Organic and conventional dairy farmers have used small, regular amounts of ACV to help keep somatic cell counts (SCC) down, particularly around stress points like first calving and dry-off. Milking sheds make dosing easy because you can regulate an exact dose per cow per day.
• Poultry management: In housed systems where water intake is monitored, small additions of ACV to lines are used during stress windows (e.g., heat, crowding). Farmers have reported steadier birds when gut balance is supported.

Choose ACV with living culture: What is “the mother” in ACV?
Shop our ACV: 750 mL bottles • 20 L bulk

This article shares farmer practice and experience. It is not veterinary advice. For background on how we make ACV, see Apple Harvest & Processing (Video) and our Organic Certifications.

Brief History and Growing Adoption

ACV has long been used by people for digestion. On farm, its use has grown in recent years across organic and conventional systems. Farmers often use small daily amounts (e.g., around 10–50 mL per animal; sometimes 100–150 mL short-term for larger stock, then back off). Reports include steadier digestion and calmer stock during feed changes and seasonal stress. This guide focuses on ACV for livestock. For case-style tips (including herbal add-ins), see Recipes for Herbal Stock Drench.

Key Benefits of ACV as a Stock Drench

Supporting Balance and Day-to-Day Resilience

Livestock can struggle when gut balance is off — feed utilisation drops and animals are more sensitive to stress. Farmers use ACV to support gut balance so animals process feed consistently and stay on track. Some also notice cleaner troughs (less algae build-up) when a little ACV is used in water systems.

Digestion and Nutrient Use

The organic acids in ACV are reported by farmers to keep digestion ticking over, supporting better use of feed. Practical takeaway: small, consistent amounts; watch intake, behaviour, and outputs.

Parasite Pressure (Supportive, Not Curative)

Some farmers feel stock in better condition have fewer external parasite flare-ups. Treat ACV as supportive only and keep your standard parasite programme in place. Read more: Apple Cider Vinegar for Animals.

Interested in the preventative framing? See Feeling Great: ACV & Acid–Alkaline Balance.

Dosage Guidelines and Administration

Recommended Dosages by Animal Type

Appropriate amounts depend on species, size, season, and goals. Use these as starting points and adjust to your system.

Where these numbers come from: practical NZ farmer experience and historic usage notes. They’re a starting point, not a prescription.

Dosing notes from farmers:

• Little-and-often works: Some dairy herds saw results with as little as ~10 mL/cow/day when dosing every day via the shed.
  
• Targeted short runs: For a specific issue in large animals, farmers have used 100–150 mL/day for 3 days, then reduced.
  
• Waterline dosing: Effective where intake is monitored; otherwise prefer individual oral dosing to ensure each animal gets its share.

Important: monitor animals and adjust for weight, season, diet, and water intake. If animals are pregnant, lactating, unwell, or on medication, talk to your vet first.

Methods: Direct Drenching vs Mixing with Feed/Water

1) Direct Drenching (Oral)

Administer the measured dose into the cheek pouch with a drench gun. Keep the animal calm with the head slightly elevated and deliver slowly. Offer water afterwards.

2) Mixing with Feed or Water

Add the daily amount to a small feed allocation or fresh drinking water. Stir well for even distribution and refresh water daily.
- Dairy sheds: easy to meter exact per-animal doses.
- Extensive systems: waterline dosing is convenient but intake varies; consider periodic individual drenches.
- Palatability: some farmers blend ACV with molasses or seaweed products to help acceptance in the shed.

For related practices and broader animal care context, explore Treating Animals Organically with ACV.

Safety Precautions and Best Practices

• Measure accurately for species and size.
  
• Introduce gradually (3–7 days) to avoid refusals (especially goats, poultry).
  
• Use organic, unfiltered ACV with “the mother.”
  
• Keep gear clean; don’t contaminate bulk ACV.
  
• Drench when animals are calm to reduce stress.
  
• Oral routes only (drench, feed, water).
• This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.

Need product info or trade quantities? See Apple Cider Vinegar collection, Wholesale/Bulk or Place a Bulk Order. Find us in store in NZ or Australia, or contact us.

Real-Life Applications and Results

Dairy Farmers Lowering Somatic Cell Counts (SCC)

Farmers often attribute SCC improvements to steadier rumen conditions and overall system balance. Track SCC trends alongside any diet change and consider other variables (hygiene, season, stress) before attributing gains to one input.

Poultry Farmers Managing Coccidiosis

In enclosed systems where temperature and water intake are monitored, small ACV additions are used during known stressors. Farmers report steadier flocks; continue to follow your approved coccidiosis programme and seek vet advice for outbreaks.

Looking for broader, human-focused evidence roundups? See Infection Prevention: The Evidence.

Conclusion – Start Small and Observe

ACV can be a practical, low-cost, preventative input alongside good feed, minerals, hygiene, and low-stress handling. Start with small doses, monitor behaviour and performance, and adjust to your system. For more on ACV across species and husbandry styles, read Treating Animals Organically with ACV.

Learn more about us: About Coral Tree