February 27, 2009
Winters Cold Grip Still on North Dakota Cattle
Sunshine makes a cold day seem warmer to black cattle.
The solar collecting ability of dark colored cattle aids in warming
cattle on cold days. However, wind
chill affects cattle substantially by reducing weight gain, increasing
maintenance energy requirements and preventing cattle from strolling up to the
feedbunk for good meal. Research
conducted at the Carrington Research Extension Center shows that weight gain is
improved 0.25 pound per head daily in fed cattle when windbreaks are provided as
compared to no wind break. Also
bedding will increase average daily weight gain in feeder steers by 0.40 pound
per day when bedding is used at 200 pounds per head over 141 days of winter
feeding.
Extended cold weather affects cows by increasing feed intake.
Cows usually consume hay at 3-4 % of body weight; with extended cold and
sub zero weather cows may have intakes of 4-7% of body weight.
More feed consumed means more total energy for the cow.
The cow responds to higher intakes by increasing the rate of passage in
the digestive tract. With
increasing rate of passage, the feed is not digested as well as with lower
intakes. Consequently, while an extra pound of feed creates more energy for the
cow, it isnt utilized as well.
This year, cattle producers are observing poorer body condition of cows, poorer
weight gains by fed calves, and feed reserves disappearing faster than expected.
Poorer weight gains in calves result in less weight to sell and more feed
cost with the weight. Cows in
poorer body condition obviously weigh less.
Pregnant cows with poorer body condition have associated problems of
lower calf birth weights, more calving problems (dystocia), poorer colostrum
quality, less colostrum quantity, and more health problems in new born calves.
Cows in poorer body condition also take longer to rebreed unless post
partum nutrition is improved and the cow is gaining weight (positive energy
balance).
Snow drifts will melt upon arrival of spring.
This can create mud in feedyards, especially those that do not remove
snow from feed pens. Mud
drastically affects cattle performance.
Cattle standing in 4 inches of mud will have intake depressed 5 to 15
percent of normal. Mud at 8 or more
inches deep can depress intake by 15-30 percent in fed cattle.
Difficulty in movement by pregnant cows can be observed.
New born calves have more sickness due to the chilling effect of wet cold
mud. Nursing calves have an
increased likelihood of ingesting bacteria from muddy udders.
Calves that exhibit intestinal scours can have poorer long term
performance.
Winters cold grip may have lasting effects with reduced reproductive rates
(late bred and/or open cows) and poorer calf weaning weights (sickness and
reduced milk).
Best solutions for helping cows and calves withstand winter is:
adequate nutrition feed, water, minerals, vitamins; shelter from wind;
a bedded location for resting; dry areas, and a vigilant owner watching for
signs of sickness and providing immediate medical attention.
