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Protecting Livestock During Severe Winter Weather

Information for commercial producers and youth with animal projects to prepare for severe cold and snowy conditions.

Environment

  • Windbreaks- to help reduce wind chill
  • Cleanliness-caked mud and dirt reduces the animals ability to insulate their bodies
  • Acclimation-animals that are acclimated to the winter weather conditions will have sufficient coats to tolerate lower temperatures
  • Bedding-important that livestock have clean bedding to keep them dry and warm
  • Foot traction-keep pathways used by you and animals free from ice buildup to prevent injuries
  • Drifting Snow-avoid creek bottoms, swales and other low areas as the snow accumulates
  • Handling- avoid moving livestock or any other activity that requires unnecessary use of energy
  • Barn raised animals-proper heating and ventilation and air flow of barn or shed

Daily Observation

  • Look for signs of cold stress (shivering, blue membranes)
  • Look for signs respiratory and digestive disorders (heavy breathing, diarrhea, nasal discharge)
  • Have an emergency action plan for severe winter weather
  • Have a current veterinarian client patient relationship (VCPR) to assist with emergency health problems associated with severe weather

Water

  • The most important nutrient
  • Animals cannot get enough water from eating snow
  • A continues supply of clean water, free of ice, is essential
  • Without adequate water, efficient utilization of other nutrients cannot be achieved

Feed

  • In severe winter conditions the nutrient requirements can increase by 40% or more, providing adequate energy and protein is essential to keeping your animals healthy and giving them the ability to tolerate extreme cold
  • Additional feeding times may be required during extreme cold weather
  • Separate thin animals from the herd to allow for increased nutrition
    In stressful conditions rapid changes in feeds and diets can cause digestive upsets

Become a registered user of the Washington State University AgWeatherNet and have access to the new Cattle Comfort Index to assist in preparation for severe weather events.