A Mild Winter?

Mar 02, 2020


This winter has often been referred to as a mild one since we’ve experienced only a few short periods of below-freezing temperatures.  However, what may seem mild to humans sleeping in a dry, warm home may be taking its toll on cattle forced to deal with long periods of wet, cool weather.

Cattle with a full winter coat can easily tolerate temperatures down into the 30s without issue, but a wet coat loses its insulative capacity causing animals to struggle to maintain body heat in temperatures as high as 59°F.  Shivering, increased heart rate, and increased metabolic rate generate heat, but also consume lots of energy.  A rule of thumb for dry conditions is a 1-percent increase in energy is required to maintain bodyweight for every degree below the critical temperature.  For wet animals, the rule increases to 2 percent.  So, for a cow to maintain bodyweight in 40°F, she needs roughly 40 percent more energy than she would at 60°F.  That’s huge, and they aren’t likely to find it in a roll of hay.  Extra nutrition in the form of low-starch supplements will help prevent loss of body condition and resulting poor reproductive rates.

Mud is another negative factor associated with a mild winter.  Cattle will attempt fewer trips to the hay ring, and each time they do, they expend extra energy just getting there and back.  Also, mud on udders contributes to pathogen exposure of nursing calves, and weak newborn calves can become trapped in mud, resulting in injury or death. 

A mild winter?…think about it from your cattle’s point of view.
 
 

Read More News

Oct 07, 2024
For many horse owners, fall is a favorite season. Lower temperatures and fewer biting insects make it a perfect time to enjoy our horses and the outdoors. Fall is also the time to ensure that you have stocked up on the right quality and quantity of hay to feed your horses confidently through the winter months.
 
Sep 02, 2024
As of the writing of this article, many areas throughout the Southeast had not seen suitable rainfall this summer. While spring was regarded as rather wet, typical summer heat has been predominantly present without desired rain. In late July, some experienced increased precipitation which somewhat helped to restore pasture. However, when grazing pastures have not had adequate rain, meeting the nutritional needs of the animal will be difficult. Many producers react to drought conditions by selling large numbers of cattle. With the currently high market conditions, selling is a viable option. If maintaining the cow herd is the priority, some practices can help.
 
Aug 05, 2024
Rations conveniently packaged to meet the needs of backyard poultry
and rabbit keepers