Preparation Prevents Problems in Winter

REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- The cold blast sweeping across much of cattle country this week makes management challenging for producers, especially during the beginning of calving season. Warmer weather is forecast to begin over the weekend, which will give relief to the intense management needs.

A high percentage of the U.S. beef herd resides in areas of the country where moderately to extremely cold winter temperatures are common, according to Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute veterinarian Bob Larson. While preparation for such weather should have been done ahead of time, Larson added some reminders to prevent being caught off guard during extreme conditions.

"Situations that are most likely to cause cold stress are cattle with thin fat cover and short hair coats, cattle with wet hides, or high wind speed accompanying cold temperatures," he said. "Wind chill is a better predictor of cold stress than temperatures alone because cold wind draws heat away more quickly than still air at the same temperature."

Cattle with wet or mud-caked hair lose the ability to be insulated by their hair coat. Cold winds combined with a wet hair coat can stress an animal even more.

WINTER IS NOT OVER

DTN Meteorologist Teresa Wells said the temperatures this week across much of the United States and also the Canadian Prairies have been a reminder that winter is still here. Extreme cold warnings have been issued from North Dakota to Oklahoma, with either dangerously low air temperatures or in combination with extreme wind chills. Cold watches have even extended down into central Texas.

"The upper-air trough is extending south contributing to the below-average temperatures, and the fresh snowpack can also help temperatures trend a few degrees lower than forecasted," she said.

While this stretch of cold winter weather and snow is relatively short-lived, moving out by the weekend, DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick said this may not be winter's last cold shot. "We've got a good signal for a shift coming at the beginning of March that could bring some significantly below-normal readings back to a large portion of the middle of the country," he added. "But remember, our average temperatures are rising pretty quickly, so below-normal spells feel different in early March as opposed to mid-February."

CURRENT CATTLE CONCERNS

Until the higher temperatures return, Larson said to be sure cattle have abundant quality forage to eat. "Adult cattle can withstand most winter situations, especially if they have the ability to find protection from the wind and have a thick winter hair coat," he said. As a drop is seen in temperature, cattle increase heat production, meaning they need to consume more calories to take care of their needs. Proper feed is important, as are thawed water supplies.

All cattle should have appropriate bedding, windbreaks or housing during temperature dips and winter weather. Bulls need adequate bedding during low temperature extremes to help prevent frostbite damage to the scrotum and testicles.

Larson said cold weather has the greatest potential to cause serious problems in young calves. Ensuring calves become dry and warm when born is pertinent for survival.

"Calves have thin skin and very little body fat, so they can lose body heat very rapidly if they are not able to become dry, and can quickly become cold stressed," he added.

Calves are born with a body temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit (almost 38 Celsius). Severe cold stress happens with the body temperature drops below 94 degrees F (34 C). That is when the organs are affected, and a calf becomes unable to stand or suckle. Warming a calf is needed immediately to get the core body temperature to increase with the shivering response to save the calf.

"Making sure cows have adequate access to forage and water, even in situations with significant snow cover is necessary to provide proper calories to maintain body fat and heat protection," Larson said.

The good news is even though this week is tough and brutal, Baranick said next week temperatures will be flipping around dramatically. "Temperatures are forecast to go above normal next week throughout most of the country. As much as a 60-degree swing can be expected in the Northern Plains and 40- to 50-degree swings in the Central and Southern Plains and Upper Midwest," he added.

See past DTN coverage on protecting livestock in cold weather at:

"Proper Cattle Management Can Prevent Winter Stress," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

"Livestock Face Risks in Extreme Weather, From Heavy Snow to Polar Vortex Impact Later This Week," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

"Different Windbreaks Designs Protect Livestock, Lower Feed Costs," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

"Bulls Need Proper Nutrition, Protection From Cold During Winter," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

"Scrotal Frostbite Can Affect Bull Fertility," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

"Become More Efficient at Feeding Hay," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

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