When the weather is freezing outside, you may wonder what it might mean for your cattle. Although it is impossible to control the weather, you can take steps to protect your animals by doing a few basic tasks around your ranch, such as stocking up on the right livestock feed. Here are a few tips to help cows through cold weather stress.

How to Keep Cold Weather From Harming Your Cattle

1. Provide Additional Food & Water 

During the cold season, you will need to provide more livestock feed for the cows. For instance, when the weather is -12 degrees Celcius or 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit, your cattle will exert 20% more energy. As a result, your cow will need an extra 1.6 to 1.8 kilograms of hay and between 0.9 and one extra kilogram of grain per day. Always keep ample amounts of additional livestock feed on hand, and plan to put out extra anytime the weather forecast is grim. 

2. Create a Windbreak 

Consider creating a windbreak around your cow’s roaming area to give them some shelter from the wind. Windbreaks can be made from either fences, other buildings, or even planted trees, shrubs, or other foliage that will offer some protection from the wind. If you need a windbreak now, consider putting up a fence, and planting a line of trees in the spring. 

3. Keep Cows Clean & Dry

If a cow is dirty and wet, they are less capable of protecting themselves from cold temperatures. Since water conducts heat, always keep your cows clean and dry. Remove mud from their coats and hooves, and focus on creating a cleaning routine that helps to keep your animals at their best, so they can protect themselves from inclement weather. 

If you are facing winter weather and you need to help your animals get through the season, turn to Clifton Feed and Service Center. Along with carrying an incredible array of livestock feed, this trusted center also offers farm and ranch products, including gates, water troughs, oil, and welding supplies. To find out more about how they can help, visit their website or give their office a call at (254) 675-3416.