By the time you read this, you have already turned bulls out to breed your fall herd and your spring calves are either already sold or waiting early 2017 markets. But there are several things that livestock owners have to consider to maintain animal health during this time of year, and good nutrition should be one of the first things on that list.
Nutrition has to be a main focus when the weather is cold. The comfort zone for cattle will drop to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but when you add wind or moisture, this temperature may have to be much higher or the calorie requirements can change substantially. It is important that hay be tested so livestock are fed the appropriate amount of digestible energy. Pounds of hay don’t automatically equal pounds of usable feed. Hay that may “look” good may have less than adequate nutrition. If your hay is not great quality, consider supplementation with grain or byproduct feeds. If you are not sure about the quality, have a sample of your hay tested to more accurately evaluate the nutrient content.
In addition to feed, animals need plenty of water during the winter months. Check automatic waterers and repair them as needed. If ponds are used, ice needs to be cut. Don’t forget the farm dogs and cats; make sure that they have a protected water supply that is checked regularly.
Another thing to consider is shelter. Make sure buildings used for shelter are bedded adequately to make a warm, dry place to stay. If cows are on pasture with wooded areas, make sure fallen trees and brush are removed to provide adequate space to lie down. In pastures where there is no natural or man-made shelter, remember to put down extra hay or straw so your cattle have something in which to bed down. Good shelter reduces feed and hay needs because cattle are not as cold and require less to eat. Shelter also protects udders from damage to teat ends, leading to mastitis, and protects calves.
For those of you who have herds that started calving, make sure your cows are ready. Cows need to be in excellent body condition (body condition scores of 6-7 out of 9) to calve this time of year as they need energy reserves to not only feed a calf, but also to maintain themselves. Supplemental feeding with high-quality legume or legume mix hay, and feed may be necessary for cows to perform at peak performance.
Those who are feeding calves on bottle or buckets this time of year need to make sure they are feeding adequate amounts of milk replacer. A calf must be eating at least 3 percent of its body weight in solids; so a 100-pound calf needs a minimum of 3 pounds of solids. If milk replacer is the primary feed source and calves are not eating starter yet, that means approximately 3 pounds of powder before mixing. Calves that do not get enough calories are more prone to disease, do not gain weight and have been scientifically shown to not be as productive later in life, either as milk and/or calf producers. Warm, dry shelter with good ventilation, as always is a must.
