Winter has arrived, and it is time to keep yourself and your livestock warm and safe from the harsh cold. Low temperatures could harm your livestock. Their health may suffer as a result, and they may struggle to produce sufficient milk. Because it is more challenging for them to fulfill their regular responsibilities, cold weather can induce physical and psychological stress in animals. However, your animals can be happy and healthy with the correct winter care methods. Here are some important winter cattle care considerations:
Always keep water on hand.
During the winter, it is often difficult for livestock to obtain sufficient water. Water sources may be obstructed by snow, ice, or muck. According to veterinarians in Columbia, 100 pounds of cattle require one to two liters of water every day. Thus, water is an important resource regardless of the season, including winter. New livestock managers may believe that cattle can consume snow or lick ice to reach their normal weight limit, but this is not the case. It would take hours and redirect precious body heat, leaving little time or energy for feeding and growth.
Because dehydrated calves are more prone to colic and impaction, regulating their water consumption and maintaining their health is essential. Putting tank heaters in their water supplies is the most straightforward method. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent accidental shocks or fires. If you cannot use a heater, ensure unfrozen water is accessible multiple times daily and in multiple areas.
Ensure that the cattle are well-fed.
Do cattle get cold? If they aren’t well-fed, they will! Consequently, it is essential to maximize food delivery during cold weather. Insufficient energy prevents them from producing sufficient body heat. As a result, their core temperature lowers, and they perish.
Numerous strategies to keep your livestock healthy and content over the winter. Changing to a nutrient-dense feed is the simplest but often most costly solution. These premium feeds give guaranteed nutrients, like fat and protein. Check this page to make sure your farm animals dental health is also in check.
Provide adequate shelter.
Generally speaking, life on a farm is pretty enjoyable. When a winter storm strikes, it is more important to seek shelter than to save food and space. Without it, cattle may become anxious and panic.
Providing proper cover for grazing cattle during cold weather is essential and can save feed costs, as chilled animals have higher energy demands. There are a variety of methods for providing shelter. Cattle can avoid adverse weather if sheds with three sides are strategically positioned around your pastures. Hills, gullies, dense woods, and shelterbelts can also function as windbreaks.
Stay away from the mud.
Animals are impacted in two ways by the winter muck. First, mud is an ideal breeding ground for foot rot and thrush. Even if the mud is limited to the calves’ legs, it may be difficult to maintain body heat if they are caked in it.
Spread gravel or wood chips on muddy locations during the winter to combat mud. Rotational grazing may also reduce the probability of an overgrazed pasture becoming muck. Your electric fencing can also facilitate the drying out of muddy regions.
Help pregnant cattle.
Pregnant heifers must be continuously monitored throughout the winter. After a visit to ananimal clinic for goats and cattle, please ask your veterinarian regarding any vaccines your pet may need to remain healthy throughout the winter, such as dietary supplements and deworming.
Separating pregnant cows into separate paddocks for close observation is always advantageous. This lets you provide them with sufficient meals, drink, and shelter. Additionally, it keeps them close as their deadline approaches. This enables you to be present and well-prepared to assist with the delivery.
In conclusion,
In addition to the goods stated above, you may make your animals more comfortable by milking cows with udder creams and ointments, offering sufficient straw and hay to provide warmth, and increasing their resting area. Following these principles will guarantee that your livestock are well-cared for and content throughout the winter months.
