Providing protection from the wind reduces the effective temperature on the animal and greatly improves cattle comfort. Providing a windbreak 80 percent solid and 20 percent open is more effective in slowing down wind speed behind the break.
If you are providing shelter, give the animal enough space (greater than 25 square feet per head) and make sure the building is well ventilated. Poor ventilation increases stress on the respiratory system and traps moisture in the building.
That moisture accelerates heat losses. Cattle can dissipate heat when lying down by direct conduction. Thus, in conditions where moisture may build up in the areas where cattle bed down, bedding can provide a layer of insulation between the animal and the ground.
Fall-calving herds
Breeding season is in full swing, and it’s time to start thinking about preg-checking cows and weaning calves. Open fall-calving cows have an advantage with the cull market because the historical market highs for utility cows have occurred in January to March.
For breeding stock, be sure to provide windbreaks and bedding, especially on cold days, to avoid frostbite and infertility in bulls, and to provide cattle comfort to cows and calves.
Spring-calving herds
If you haven’t already done so, now is a critical time to re-evaluate body condition score. If cows are a bit behind, the longer you wait to regain condition, the harder it will be. Keep in mind: Once they have hit third trimester of gestation, a much greater proportion of nutrient intake is directed toward fetal growth.
Entering the third trimester is also a good time to consider boostering pregnant females for lepto, especially if late-term abortions have been a problem in the past. Operations that incorporate some degree of confinement during the winter months should seriously consider a lepto booster.
Scour vaccinations should also be on our minds as we gear up for calving season. Most scour vaccines offer the best protection when given two to 10 weeks prior to calving. As with all vaccines, consult with your veterinarian, read the label, and administer accordingly for best results. 
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Erika Lundy
- Extension Beef Program Specialist
- Iowa Beef Center - Iowa State University
- Email Erika Lundy
