Adverse winter weather can increase maintenance energy requirements of cattle, resulting in reduced performance. There are several strategies producers can use to help reduce the negative effects of winter weather on cattle and help ensure feed resources are used efficiently.
Fat provides insulation for cattle and helps protect them against cold temperatures. Cows in a body condition score of 6 burn fewer calories per day to stay warm during cold weather than cows in a condition score of 4.
Making sure cattle can access either natural or man-made windbreaks is critical during adverse winter weather. Woods, hills or gullies can all serve as natural windbreaks. Barns make great shelters for cattle to get into and out of the wind or rain, but they are not practical for most operations. However, stacking hay next to a fence or allowing cattle access to the area behind an equipment shed can provide man-made windbreaks in many situations.
Cattle infected with external or internal parasites are less able to deal with the impacts of winter weather. Treating cattle for lice in late fall or early winter is critical for getting cattle through the winter in good shape. Depending on the geographic location of the operation, deworming before winter can also be highly valuable.
A physiological adaption cattle have is the ability to increase hay or forage intake some during cold weather. This is beneficial for two reasons– it allows cattle to consume more calories and more heat is produced from digestion.
When hay, forage or other feedstuffs are digested, heat is produced. During the summer, this heat is a negative; however, during the winter the heat produced from the digestion process helps keep cattle warm. More heat is produced from the digestion of hay or forages than from grain. To take advantage of this adaption, make sure to feed more hay during cold weather.
Breaking ice when temperatures are below freezing to allow cattle to get a good drink of water each day is critical. Without adequate water intake, cattle will eat less hay.
Sudden large increases in the amount of grain fed during cold weather are not desirable and can be detrimental.
Unrolling hay to provide bedding for cattle helps to keep them warm by providing a layer of insulation between the animal and the cold ground. This is especially beneficial for young calves.
