Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Today, Kade and Dr. Peterman discuss some techniques to help take care of your cattle in cold weather.
The conversation highlights the paramount importance of adequate shelters and bedding for cattle as winter sets in. Dr. Peterman outlines how structures such as barns, three-sided sheds, and even simple windbreaks from natural or man-made materials can help shield herds from biting winds and cold. Good bedding, particularly straw, not only provides insulation but also helps prevent cold-related injuries like frostbite in vulnerable animals. Bed maintenance is discussed, with frequency largely depending on the number of cattle and how rapidly the bedding gets soiled—sometimes daily or weekly.
Nutrition is emphasized as a crucial aspect not to be compromised. Dr. Peterman stresses that cattle should enter winter with an appropriate body condition score, and as the temperature drops, high-energy feeds become vital. She explains that cold stress increases animals’ energy needs, and gradual dietary adjustments should accommodate these demands. Clean, unfrozen water is another critical need, calling for vigilance with ice and heating devices.
The episode further covers health monitoring, spotlighting signs of cold stress and reinforcing the importance of timely vaccinations, particularly for disease prevention in newborn calves. Listeners’ questions lead to advice on managing breed-specific genetic issues in Wagyu cattle, the careful acclimation required when moving cattle from warm to cold climates, and the comparative merits of dry lot wintering versus winter grazing systems. Dr. Peterman recommends nutritional testing and gradual feed changes for supplements like alfalfa and dried distillers grains. She concludes with tips for managing hazards like frozen ground to safeguard cattle health.
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
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