Hillary Pope, Area Livestock & Forages Agent
With the incoming of cold weather, it is important to be prepared on caring for your livestock. Below is list of ways to prepare your livestock for the cold weather:
- Windbreaks and/or shelters provide protection for the animals in the elements and will help reduce cold stress. Also offer lots of clean and dry bedding in sheltered areas. This will help provide insulation between the livestock and frozen ground
- Nutrition is important to maintain animal health and body conditioning. Make sure you have adequate stockpiles of forages and energy sources for your livestock. A lack of energy and protein sources can lead to loss of body conditioning and sick livestock
- Water is critical even during the cold. Adequate water is necessary to for livestock to mobilize proper amount of nutrients. Floating something in the water like a rubber ball, soccer ball or basketball can keep the water from freezing as quickly since it is constantly moving in the water
- Pay special attention to your very young and old animals. They may have trouble tolerating the colder temperatures
- Have the contact information for your veterinarian incase emergencies arise
References:
Brooks, Weston. “Tips on Preparing Livestock for the Winter Season.” TTU, Texas Tech University of Veterinary Medicine , 8 Dec. 2023.
“Cold Weather Precautions for Pets and Livestock.” Cold Weather Precautions for Pets and Livestock | Public | Clemson University, South Carolina, 5 Dec. 2024.
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