Wintertime is a challenge for livestock and producers. The multiple days of freezing temperatures, brisk wind and freezing and thawing mud take a toll on everything. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you go about your daily chores.
Nutrition: The harsh winter conditions that constantly fluctuate can take a toll on your livestock. By making sure your animals have the proper nutrition, they will be able to maintain optimal body condition whether they are nursing or preparing to give birth.
Supplemental feed with the proper balance of protein and energy, becomes essential to meet the increased calorie demands during the colder months. Protein tubs, liquid feed and hand feeding are a few ways to help livestock maintain proper body condition. Sometimes hay is not enough when the temperatures drop and stay below freezing for multiple days/weeks.
Water: Having water available for livestock at all times is extremely important to maintain proper hydration which aids in digestion, metabolism and overall well-being. Keeping ponds open, insulated water systems and tank heaters are a few ways to keep water available. Daily checking of water sources is important to keep your livestock properly hydrated.
Shelter: Providing some sort of windbreak or shelter is important for livestock to protect them from the elements. Having a pasture with a tree line helps break the wind and provides some cover from ice and snow. Rolling out hay or providing straw or cornstalks to lay on when the ground is snow or ice covered gives livestock some insulation from the cold ground and minimizes the risk of respiratory issues.
Health management: Monitor your livestock daily for any that seem listless or slow to come for feed and take appropriate action to assess the symptoms and treat as necessary. Making sure your livestock are current on vaccine schedules and watch for any livestock that seem to be losing body condition or showing signs of parasites or lice.
Body condition: Really taking a look at your livestock to make sure they are in proper body condition. Producers can be fooled by a thick hair coat which hides livestock that may be losing weight and muscle. Getting your hands on your livestock if possible and feel along the spine to see how much condition they have. Animals that are nursing are susceptible to losing a lot of body condition when the weather stays at freezing or below for extended periods. Energy reserves are quickly depleted, and it is important to increase the energy and protein levels of those animals to keep them in optimum condition thru the winter months.
