By Blake Jackson
Extremely cold weather, snow, and ice are putting Missouri’s cattle at risk as temperatures are expected to drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit this week, with wind chills much lower in many areas.
Producers must take extra precautions to ensure cattle safety in these harsh conditions, according to Eric Bailey, state beef nutritionist at the University of Missouri Extension.
When temperatures fall below the lower critical temperature (LCT), cattle with good body condition and heavy winter coats will use more energy to maintain their body heat. Bailey explained, “When wind chill dips below 19 F, cattle need extra energy to keep warm. They will eat more and need higher-quality feed to compensate for the cold.”
To support cattle during this extreme cold, Bailey recommends supplementing stockpiled tall fescue grazing with 0.5% of their body weight per day in extra energy. “For a 1,200-pound beef cow, that’s 6 pounds of supplement each day.” He also advises feeding higher-quality hay and adding the same supplement if hay is being provided.
Providing proper bedding or a dry area for cattle is also essential, especially for bulls, as they may suffer long-term fertility damage from lying on frozen ground. Creating sheltered spaces from the wind can help cattle stay warmer.
Finally, Bailey stressed the importance of keeping waterers thawed, as mature beef cattle can require up to 30 gallons of water daily.
Following these recommendations will help protect cattle and ensure continued high-quality beef production.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-minchen-liang-eyeem
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Dairy Cattle