As winter approaches, cattle owners face the challenge of keeping their herds healthy and productive despite harsh weather conditions. From freezing temperatures to snow and wind, winter can take a toll on cattle performance. At H&S Feed Stores, we’re here to help you prepare your herd for the cold months ahead with practical winter cattle care tips and nutritional solutions.

Optimal Winter Body Condition

Before winter sets in, it’s crucial to ensure your cattle are in good body condition. A Body Condition Score (BCS) of 6 is ideal, as it provides insulation and helps cattle maintain their body heat. If your cows aren’t collecting snow on their backs, it could indicate they’re losing heat and need additional care.

Supporting Under-Conditioned Cows

Some cows may struggle to maintain their body condition. Sorting these cows into separate pens and providing extra nutrition can make a significant difference. Check for underlying issues like dental problems or parasites, as these can hinder weight gain. Deworming and proper forage management are key winter cattle care tips for addressing these challenges.

Recognizing Cold Stress

Cattle experiencing cold stress often huddle together with their heads down and backs to the wind. While cows with heavy winter coats can adapt to cold temperatures, providing windbreaks, shelter, and bedding is essential to keep them dry and comfortable. Mud and wet coats increase energy demands, so keeping your herd dry is critical.

Feeding Strategies for Winter

Nutrition plays a vital role in winter cattle care. Here’s how to adjust feeding based on forage quality and weather conditions:

• High-Quality Forage: If your forage has at least 10% protein, supplementation may not be necessary beyond providing a quality mineral program like Purina® Wind and Rain® mineral.
• Low-Quality Forage: For forage below 10% protein, consider supplements like Purina® RangeLand® protein tubs or Purina® Accuration® Hi-Fat blocks to boost protein and energy levels.
• Limited Forage: When forage is scarce, energy-dense feeds like distillers grains, corn silage, or gluten feed can help maintain cattle performance.
• Extreme Cold: During severe cold snaps, additional forage and energy-dense ingredients are essential. A mix of Purina® Accuration® Range Supplement 33 with corn and forage can provide the extra nutrients your herd needs.

Prepare Your Herd with H&S Feed Stores

At H&S Feed Stores, we understand the importance of keeping your cattle healthy and productive during winter. We offer a range of high-quality Purina® products to meet your herd’s nutritional needs. From protein tubs to mineral supplements, we have everything you need to ensure your cattle thrive, no matter the weather. These are some of our most important winter cattle care tips.

Stop by H&S Feed Stores today in Oskaloosa and Indianaola, IA to stock up on essentials for your herd. Let’s work together to keep your herd in top condition all season long with the best winter cattle care tips.