Options to stop cattle waterers from icing up include using:

• automatic waterers with insulated pipes and/or troughs;
• electric or propane heaters;
• heat tape;
• solar power;
• maintaining a continuous flow of water (continuous-flow tanks); and/or
• creation of windbreaks that shield the waterer from the wind to help reduce freezing.

Adapting nutrition for winter needs

As temperatures drop, cattle’s energy requirements increase as they attempt to maintain body temperature. Cattle typically require 1%-2% more feed for every 1° Celsius the temperature falls below their comfort zone, which is around 15° F (-10° C) for cattle with a dry coat.

Increasing energy-dense feeds, such as grains, helps cattle maintain increased energy demand. Providing extra roughage, which is a good source of fiber, helps the animal generate more body heat through ruminal digestion.

When a winter storm is predicted to last for three or more days, implementation of storm rations becomes critical. Storm ration recommendations vary across feedlot nutritionists, but the general recommendation is to increase roughage in the diet by 7%-10% of diet dry matter. Storm rations are critical when large snowfall events are predicted, which can make it difficult for feedlot personnel to deliver adequate feed to the bunk. The increased roughage in the diet helps to alleviate digestive upset and risk of acidosis.

Create a sheltered environment

While cattle can tolerate cold weather reasonably well, cold stress is exacerbated during wet and cold weather. Windbreaks, such as trees, walls, man-made structures or strategically placed hay bales, reduce wind exposure and prevent snow from drifting into the pen. Windbreaks must be tall enough to block the wind; aim for 7 to 8 feet in height while still allowing for some air flow between breaks. Common products used for construction of windbreaks include wind boards and guardrail with 2- to 2.5-inch openings between the rails. Guardrails require little to no maintenance, making them an excellent option for windbreak structures.

Guardrails require little to no maintenance, making them an excellent option for windbreak structures.

Bedding

Offer bedding as a source of insulation for cattle when temperatures drop. Bedding made from straw, cornstalks or other materials keep cattle off the cold ground, reduce heat loss and provide comfort. Remove or top-dress fresh bedding onto wet or soiled bedding regularly, as moisture increases the risk of cold stress and reduces the efficiency of feedlot cattle.

How much bedding is required during the winter months?

The bedding requirements of feedlot cattle vary based on geographical location, winter precipitation/snowfall, and size of the animal. Feedlots located in areas with colder temperatures and greater snowfall will need to bed more than feedlots located in milder, arid environments. In general, outside of a major snowfall event, feedlots located in heavy snowfall and cold environments are not bedding every pen, every day. On average, yards bed every two to three days during the winter months, offering anywhere from 2 lb. to 4 lb. of bedding per animal per day, depending on the magnitude of the winter conditions. During extreme snowfall events, feedlots may increase the volume of bedding delivered by 10%-15%. Heavier cattle require fresh bedding more often, as they cover a greater surface area and release more body heat compared to lighter cattle.

Monitoring and managing animal health

Foot health and lameness become more challenging during freeze/thaw cycles, particularly if mud is involved, and hairy heel wart can become more challenging to manage. In general, there are more physical injuries during the winter months due to ice/slick conditions, especially if yards are dealing with riding or buller problems in the pen. Hospital pens require extra attention during the winter months, as compromised cattle (railers/chronics) are affected more by the cold. Not only is the care of cattle critical during the winter months, but attention and maintenance of facilities is critical prior to the cold front moving in.

To prepare your yard for the winter months:

• Check that water heaters are in working order.
• Assure heated drug storage rooms aren’t at risk of freezing and destroying product. Once frozen, vaccines must be discarded; they cannot be thawed and used.
• Check the status of your vaccine refrigerator, as household refrigerators can malfunction at low environmental temperatures and do not prevent products from freezing.
• Mark parasite control on your processing calendar. If you see cattle rubbing, you are behind on lice management.
• Vaccinate cattle against common winter pathogens prior to the cold front, as parasites can thrive in bedded packs and wet pens.
• Signs like coughing, nasal discharge and lethargy are indicators of respiratory challenges, which are more likely to spread in crowded or poorly ventilated pens.

Planning ahead is critical during the winter months. By preparing in advance, you can protect your cattle’s health, minimize performance dips and ease management challenges in the yard.

Editor’s note: Jessica Sperber is a Nebraska Extension feedlot specialist. This article was originally produced in Progressive Cattle-Canada.

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 17, No. 3-A