Cattle ranchers complete work in all types of weather. One month might involve fixing fences under scorching sun, while another will be feeding cows in 2 feet of snow with the temperature below freezing. As the cold-weather months approach, there are a few things we can do to prepare our operation for those cold snaps.
Our cattle need water at all hours of the day. While they can get some water intake from eating snow, a running water source should still be provided, seeing as water is the most important nutrient. If you’ve been around cattle watering troughs for any period during the winter, you know that fixing broken pipes or troughs is never a fun activity when your hands are numb and you have a sheet of ice around you. Now is the time to inspect all of your watering troughs to ensure that your pipes are properly insulated and/or that the heating elements for those units are properly working. Perhaps having a few extra sections of pipe, water valves and some heaters or heat tape would be valuable to have in case of an emergency.
Ensuring you have proper facilities to reduce cold exposure to your cattle is also something to check on. These may include artificial or natural windbreaks and maybe even a barn or some calf hutches in which to place calves that need to warm up this winter. Be sure to also check the lighting in buildings or that you have adequate flashlights/spotlights for when the working hours happen after dark. These preparations are best to do now before it gets cold and snow piles up, when it’s harder to inspect and or access some of those facilities.
Cattle have a built-in heater with their rumen, which processes forage to keep the animal warm. Take an inventory of your feed, including hay, silage or any other feedstuffs you may be using this winter. After taking that inventory, you will then be able to calculate if you have enough to get you through your winter feeding.
Finally, check on the equipment you will be using to feed the cattle this winter and ensure that they are in running order. Now is the time for those tune-ups, not when cattle are waiting at the gate for their feed. Complete any winterization on equipment that will not be running during the winter months. Completing the above checklist will provide you with peace of mind that you are prepared for the upcoming winter months.
