Cow body condition can slip during the winter without appropriate strategies. Changes in body condition during the winter will vary for fall-calving and spring-calving cows. Generally, fall-calving cows go into the winter in excellent condition, and it is OK for them to lose some condition over the winter. In contrast, it is critical to maintain condition of spring-calving cows through the winter to set them up for calving and getting bred back. Regardless of calving season, cows should be in at least a BCS of 5 or better and preferably a BCS of 6 during the winter. A little extra body condition will reduce cold stress and reduce the amount of calories cattle burn trying to stay warm.
If spring-calving cows are thin, now is the time to start supplementing them before winter arrives.
Knowing the energy and protein value of hay, baleage or silage is critical to develop a successful, cost-effective feeding program. Forage testing labs are not created equal and the name of a lab is not an indicator of quality. To make sure money is not wasted, it is important to visit with a nutritionist prior to submitting a sample to get appropriate lab and testing recommendations. Good-quality stored forages may provide enough energy and protein that supplementation is not required. However, lower-quality forages will require supplementation, and knowing nutrient content will allow for the selection of the best supplement options.
Untreated lice infestations can greatly impact cow performance and body condition. Every animal in the herd should be treated at the same time (generally November or December) with an appropriate product to prevent lice problems. If an animal is left untreated, it can reinfest the rest of the herd. Also make sure any new animals entering the herd are treated prior to putting them with the herd.
In higher-rainfall areas, deworming in November or December is important to help cows get through the winter in good shape. Macrocyclic lactone dewormers (active ingredients include moxidectin, eprinomectin and doramectin) can provide both the benefit of deworming and lice control with one application. Even in areas where intestinal worms are not as much of a concern, many producers will use a macrocyclic lactone dewormer to take care of lice and any other external parasites.
Windbreaks, whether natural or man-made, are highly valuable for reducing cold stress and maintaining cow body condition during the winter.
