Now that winter has arrived, it is important to ensure that you and your cattle are safe from the bitter weather. If it becomes too cold, your livestock could suffer. Because of this, they could become ill and have trouble producing enough milk. For animals, the inability to go about their normal routines during cold spells can be a source of both physical and mental strain. Nonetheless, with the right measures taken, your animals can thrive during the colder months. Here are a few things to bare in mind regarding cow care throughout the winter:
Always keep water on hand.
Cattle often have trouble getting enough water throughout the winter. Water sources may be obstructed by snow, ice, or muck. Depending on their weight, each cow requires between one and two liters of water each day, according to vets on this link. Consequently, water is a precious commodity no matter the season. Cattle can’t just eat snow or lick ice to get fat; this is a common misconception among new livestock managers. It would take a long time and divert precious body heat, leaving you with little energy for eating and growing.
It is crucial to monitor water intake and maintain calves healthy since dehydrated calves are more prone to colic and impaction. The simplest solution is installing tank heaters at each water source. Never deviate from the instructions provided by the manufacturer to prevent accidental shocks or fires. If you don’t have access to a water heater, ensure that unfrozen water is readily available several times a day in different areas.
Ensure that the cattle are well-fed.
Do cows get the chill? Especially if they aren’t getting enough to eat! That’s why it’s important to ensure food gets delivered efficiently even when the temperature drops and a pet dental examination is also crucial. If they are under-energized, their bodies will not be able to produce adequate heat. As a result, they lose body heat and perish.
Cattle can be fed and kept content in several different ways throughout the colder months. Changing to a feed higher in nutrients is the simplest but sometimes most expensive solution. Premium feeds have guaranteed fat and protein content, but they might be extremely costly for your business.
Provide adequate shelter.
There’s generally a lot of magic in daily farm life. When a winter storm hits, getting to safety is more important than worrying about food or space. Lacking this might cause anxiety and fear in cattle.
Protecting grazing cattle from the cold is crucial, and it can help you save money on feed by preventing the greater energy needs of chilled livestock. It can be done in a variety of ways. You may strategically protect your cattle from bad weather by strategically placing sheds with three sides strategically around your pastures. In addition to buildings, hills, gullies, dense woods, and shelterbelts can act as windbreaks.
Stay away from the mud.
Two ways in which the winter mud impacts animals. First, filth is a great place for foot rot and thrush to flourish. Furthermore, calves may have trouble keeping warm if covered in muck, even if it is only on their legs.
Spreading gravel or wood chips over muddy areas will help you through the winter. Additionally, rotational grazing may help prevent an overgrazed pasture from degenerating into the muck. You may also help muddy areas dry out with your electric fencing.
Help pregnant cattle.
It’s important to keep an eye on pregnant heifers during the year’s colder months. If you have any questions regarding the immunizations your pet may need this winter, including whether or not they need any special food or worm preventatives, you should talk to your large animal care specialist.
Keeping pregnant cows in separate paddocks allows for easier monitoring. You can ensure they have food, water, and a safe living place. As the due date draws near, it also helps them bond. You’ll be able to attend the birth and help out however you can.
To Conclude
In addition to the measures mentioned above, you can ease your animals’ discomfort by giving them udder lotions and ointments to help relax milking cows, supplying sufficient straw and hay to lie on and generate heat, and increasing the size of their resting space. Your cattle may have a tough time throughout the winter, but if you take good upkeep of them, they will be well.
