By Haley Shoemaker
While I’m not sure the “if you’re cold, they’re cold – bring your animals inside” concept originated with cattle in mind, cold snaps like we’re experiencing now tend to bring out the misconception that keeping cattle sheltered is synonymous with keeping cattle warm. In reality, cattle are designed with the capability to endure the winter’s cold, as long as we as producers provide them with the necessary means to keep their metabolic processes running and keep cold stress at bay.
Give Your Cattle the Tools They Need
Out of the Wind
You’ve probably caught yourself before stating that “if it weren’t for the wind, it wouldn’t feel so cold”, and the same goes for cattle. In bouts of extreme weather, access to a windbreak can determine whether cattle use up their energy searching for shelter or instead direct that energy toward consuming feed, water, or stored forage. Windbreaks can come in many shapes and sizes – varying from more permanent 3-sided structures or barns to strategically placed stacks of round or large square bales.
The key to an effective windbreak is ensuring enough space filled with clean, dry bedding for all cattle to utilize the shelter. According to studies from Dr. Kevin Janni with the University of Minnesota, wet ground or damp bedding works against a cow trying to conserve energy, pulling heat away from the body through the process of conduction.
Feed and Forage
During periods of extreme cold, producers can expect cattle to increase feed consumption in an effort to boost energy and maintain body temperature. Just how much additional energy is needed depends on the lower critical temperature, or LCT. The LCT is often referred to as the temperature at which cattle’s maintenance needs bypass “normal” requirements – affecting overall performance without an increase in feed or forage consumption.
Generally speaking, multiple sources suggest increasing the amount of digestible energy (TDN) by 1% for each degree the temperature falls below the LCT. That said, LCT can vary widely depending on condition and hair coat – for cattle in good condition, with heavy and dry winter coats, the LCT can be as low as 18 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, however cattle in poor condition or with fall hair coats can experience lower critical temperatures between 32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Increasing energy intake can come through the provision of high-quality, high-energy forage. That said, with many across the state putting up less nutrient dense forages this year because of environmental conditions, supplementation of grain may be necessary to keep up with metabolic needs. Depending solely upon lower quality forages during extreme cold can be a bit like walking a tight rope – filling the gut is part of the goal, but the rumen microbes still need “fed” as well. North Dakota State University Livestock Extension Specialist Janna Block notes that even though a cow may appear full, if her protein and energy needs are not being met, feed fermentation can slow, ultimately impacting nutrient absorption.
Ventilation
When faced with harsh winds and falling temperatures, it can be tempting to shut all the barn doors, pull curtains, and batten down the figurative hatches. And while this may make us as the producer feel better about our cattle’s living conditions, without properly accounting for ventilation, we may actually be creating the perfect environment for respiratory diseases such as pneumonia. On their own, cattle create condensation and moisture through respiration and the escape of body heat. Especially in periods of fluctuating temperatures, extended time without fresh air flow can allow this moisture to build, providing an environment for disease production, increased humidity, and negative impacts on both the herd and barn structure.
Calving Considerations
With many producers on the verge or in the heart of calving season, ventilation is particularly crucial for new calves and mommas waiting their turn in the calving pens. Protection from extreme cold is important, however the manner in which we protect calves is perhaps even more so. For new or very young calves, calf coats may be a tool in your toolbox. These can be effective, as long as the coat is only used when the temperature is not high enough to cause the calf to sweat underneath. Sweat during the day will turn to a cold, wet hair coat when temperatures drop overnight, causing bodily heat loss and a drop below the calf’s LCT. Calf boxes, or small areas with heat lamps may also be an option, but exercise common sense – allowing heat to build too rapidly or too close to straw bedding doesn’t end well. Overall, keeping young calves on dry, thick bedding and out of drafty areas is often the most straightforward “chill” protection.
Overall, beef cattle are a hardy bunch. If we provide the necessities, their bodies will take care of the rest.
Source : osu.edu