Caring for cattle in cold temperatures

As I look outside today and think about the last couple of days of below zero temperatures, I am reminded that sometimes it is not so bad to have a job where I can work indoors with the heat on. It also makes me think of all our livestock and hardworking agricultural producers that are out in the weather all the time, and what they need to be able to thrive in these conditions.

When winter comes our livestock should have a nice thick winter coat to keep them warm, but that does not mean they can’t get cold. The breaking point where cattle needs will change from what may be considered the normal wintertime needs to another level of nutritional needs is 18 degrees F. When temperatures fall below 18 degrees F., we should remember that cattle will require 1% more energy per degree it is below 18 degrees F. if they are going to be able to maintain their body condition. That is roughly a 10% increase in energy needs for 10 degrees drop in temperature. During these times when cattle needs are higher than normal, they will typically increase the amount of feed that they eat each day to satisfy their needs for more energy in their daily diet.

If temperatures fall below 18 degrees F. and last for an extended period of time just increasing how much the livestock have available to eat will not be able to make up for the increase in energy needed for them to stay warm and not lose body condition. In those situations, it is recommended that the energy level in the feed is increased to help our livestock stay warm. This can be done by feeding supplements like cake/cube, grains, or better-quality hay. If the higher feed requirements are not met the livestock will start to use the body fat stores that they have available. When that happens the likelihood of calving problems and breeding problems increase. It is typically always worth the extra cost in feed to make sure that your livestock can meet their daily nutritional needs. You should see that money come back to you in the number of cows that breed back, the survivability rate of newborn calves, and the weaning weights in your calf crop.

Other things that can help are providing bedding and shelter in the form of windbreaks or a lean-to. These could be permanent structures or temporary ones that can be moved when needed. Another great way of providing shelter for your cattle is to give them access to or move them to areas where they will be naturally protected by the landscape. Making sure that your cattle are in good shape going into the winter and having an appropriate calving date are also important things that can make a big difference in the health of your cattle through the winter months and going into spring.