Animal feed plays a critical role in protecting your cattle during the winter months. Even though temperatures rarely reach freezing in Florida, the cool temperatures that occur during winter mean cattle need more sustenance to maintain their optimum body temperature. Here are a few tips for keeping your cattle well-nourished this winter.

Order Plenty of Animal Feed

In general, the nutritional needs of cattle increase as temperatures decrease. In cold weather, it's not uncommon for a cow to eat 20% more than what it eats during warm weather. A byproduct of additional feed in the rumen is heat, helping the animal to stay warm from the inside out. Keep this number in mind as you order animal feed and hay to ensure you have enough for the weeks ahead.

Install Windbreaks

Cooler weather increases cold stress in cattle. Cold stress raises a cow's energy requirements, which in turn increases its food intake and affects its body condition. Installing windbreaks will protect your cattle against cold winds and help them maintain their condition. Bales of hay, trees, shrubs, and permanent windscreens are all effective windbreak options.

Anticipate Weather Changes

Keep tabs on the weather report and make certain your cattle have proper nutrition when temperatures are expected to drop. If the weather is predicted to bring cooler temperatures or winds, increase the amount of feed you put out 24 hours in advance of the anticipated changes. This will help the cattle stave off the cold and preserve body condition. After major weather events like storms, restock the food available to your cattle so they can replenish their energy stores after the stressful event.

When you're in the market for animal feed, visit Farmers Cooperative Inc. in Live Oak, FL. Since 1946, they have provided a comprehensive selection of agricultural products to farmers and gardeners across Suwannee and Madison counties. Call (386) 362-1459 to speak with a team member, or visit them online to explore their products.