Cold stress - Articles

How to prevent winter freeze with ventilation

Using a combination of inlet, circulation and exhaust fans can provide and circulate fresh air while removing moisture and helping to prevent freezing in the barn.

November 27, 2024

Abby Healy

To an extent, cows can handle cold environments if they are kept dry and if air speeds are not too strong. However, if barns begin to freeze, it can have a serious impact on the herd’s health and productivity. While freeze-related issues can be difficult to manage, ventilation can help alleviate them.

6 considerations to maximize cow comfort this winter

Maintaining dry, draft-free housing with ample bedding, proper ventilation, access to fresh water and a high-quality ration will set cows up for success as temperatures drop.

November 19, 2024

Dan Veeneman

Cold weather can have a significant impact on dairy herds, and failing to address these challenges can lead to decreased milk production, increased health issues and lower overall farm profitability. This article explores practical, research-backed strategies for improving cow comfort during the winter months.

5 strategies to implement for winter feeding and cow comfort

Maintaining energy intake, considering the impact of cooler temperatures on feed, providing adequate water supply and keeping animals dry and comfortable will help maintain production levels during winter months.

October 1, 2024

Tamilee Nennich Adolph

An adjusted feeding program for winter that provides adequate nutrients to sustain increased energy demands at all life stages, coupled with practical farm management strategies, will help keep calves, heifers and lactating cows productive throughout the cold season.

Getting cozy: Pair-housing calves as a potential solution to cold stress

Pair-housing calves may help reduce cold stress during winter in outdoor hutches while also improving calf welfare with social contact.

September 11, 2024

Kim Reuscher and Jennifer Van Os

A less-studied strategy to help calves cope with cold stress could be through having a companion. Pair or group housing of calves has become a popular topic of discussion over the past few decades. We conducted a study to measure if pair-housing calves in a dual hutch system could help reduce the effects of cold stress during winter. Read about the study's results.

The weather forecast for today is hot and cold: Tips for nurturing calves in fluctuating weather

While pretty much no one likes it when the weather turns bipolar, calves find it especially challenging. Whether the calf is facing heat or cold, minimizing stressors is essential to maximizing calf performance.

September 2, 2024

Sarah Eck

Have you ever found yourself begging Mother Nature to give you a break? For example, this past winter, Wisconsin experienced several 50-degree temperature swings in one day. It was nice and sunny one day, and then 12 hours later, chilly and damp. Those fluctuations can make calves more vulnerable to scours and respiratory illnesses.

Building dairy facilities to withstand the cold Montana winters

December 12, 2023

Kimmi Devaney

What is it like to dairy in Montana? Three Montana dairymen describe their processes for preparing for harsh winter conditions.

Evaluate feeding strategies for the winter

Providing increased energy and adequate access to water, and protection from environmental conditions during cold weather is crucial to help maintain animal health and cow performance.

September 22, 2023

Jon Pretz

As winter approaches in the U.S., there are measures dairy producers can take to prepare for the cold days and nights ahead. Categories to consider as the colder months get closer include housing, management and nutrition.

Cow comfort and sustainability: Striving for harmony in dairy farming

Cow comfort boosts productivity, which leads to more sustainable dairy farming.

August 3, 2023

Dan Veeneman

Cow comfort and sustainability are probably two of the biggest buzz words right now in the dairy industry.

The role of zinc during times of stress

Most producers know the value of micronutrients like zinc. But in times of stress, it’s important for that zinc to be delivered in a form most bioavailable and beneficial for the animal.

January 31, 2023

Jeff Heldt

Cattle, like humans, incur stress daily. They can run short on feed, develop ruminal acidosis, get moved to a new pasture or location, be exposed to coyotes on the prowl or deal with extreme cold and heat events.