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Ag Notes: Protect livestock from cold weather

December 26, 2007|JERRY LITTLE

Providing sufficient water, ample high-quality feed and weather protection are the three most important things you can do to protect livestock from cold stresses this winter. Pay special attention to very young and very old animals that are less able to tolerate temperature extremes and have weak immune systems. Also, monitor heifers and cows as calving time approaches. They have a high risk of frostbite because the swelling of the udder and teats causes poor circulation.

Dehydration and hypothermia are the two most life-threatening conditions in cold weather. Animals tend to drink less water in severely cold conditions, increasing the risk of dehydration. Many animals, especially young ones, might not know how or be able to break through ice to reach water.

Be sure your livestock always have plenty of clean water. Water ranging from 40 to 65 degrees is ideal in cold conditions.

Generally, horses will need eight to 12 gallons of water per day; cows, seven to 12 gallons, and sheep and goats, one to four gallons.

It's important to provide extra hay, forage or feed because livestock need up to twice as many calories to maintain normal body heat under extremely cold conditions.

Livestock produce body heat through fiber fermentation, which produces heat while releasing energy. Good quality grass hay or alfalfa are the best source of total digestible nutrients for cold weather. Feeding some concentrates also provides energy to maintain body temperature.

Finally, it's important to provide protection for livestock.

Windbreaks provide protection for livestock, especially young animals. Windbreaks also provide wildlife habitat, protect the working environment of the livestock area and screen noise and odors associated with livestock operations.

Using a three-sided shed opening away from prevailing winds is another way to protect livestock.Allow enough room for livestock to enter and to be protected from the wind. Provide clean, dry bedding for insulation from the cold ground.

If you keep animals in a barn, be sure to reduce drafts inside.

Jerry Little is Boyle County extension agent for agriculture/natural resources.

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