Caring for livestock in extremely cold temperatures

 Caring for livestock in extreme cold 

Water

Taking special care of farm animals in extremely cold weather is essential to their health and well-being. Maintaining your herds and flocks with fresh clean water can be a challenge in freezing temperatures. Tank heaters and heated buckets can be a lifesaver in the winter as they keep the water ice-free and at a comfortable temperature for the animals to drink.

If you are planning to use a product that uses electricity like tank and bucket heaters, check them using a voltmeter to ensure there are no electrical currents running through the water. To check with the voltmeter, insert one end of the meter into the water, and the other end into the ground. The meter will give a reading if there is any voltage running through the water. It is a good idea to check the water regularly to ensure it is still in proper working condition throughout the winter. 

How many gallons do they need daily?

• Cattle 7 to 12

• Goats 1 to 4

• Hogs 6 to 8 

• Horses 8 to 12

• Poultry up to 1

• Rabbits up to 1 

• Sheep 1 to 4

Shelter

Some animals have a natural winter coat that allows them to endure cold temperatures, however, most animals need shelter during the winter months. Appropriate housing needs to break the wind and can be accessed easily by the animals. Going overboard with making the shelter too warm is also not advised, it is actually unhealthy for the animals. There are two important factors to consider when planning a shelter for your animals which are adequate ventilation and dry bedding. Ventilation is important to keep down the manure smell and respiratory gasses expelled by the animals which can cause irritation in the animal's lungs and could lead to respiratory infections and even pneumonia. The other factor to consider when planning shelter is the bedding that is to be used to keep the animals warm. Using extra bedding in the winter provides more needed insulation because the animals expend more energy in the winter to stay warm. Dry bedding such as straw, wood shavings, corn stocks, or stovers can be used.

Feed

The same can be said about feed when it comes to winter. Farm animals need more feed in the winter in order to maintain their energy reserves because more energy is needed to stay warm. It is important to take stock of the condition of your animals before winter sets in and adjust the nutrition they are getting to prepare them for the harsh winter weather ahead. During the winter it is also necessary to continue monitoring your herds for signs of cold stress and adjust their nutritional needs as accordingly, you may need to add higher protein hay such as Alpha and additional supplements also. Especially watch your pregnant, young and elderly animals closely because these animals are susceptible to cold stress. Signs of cold stress to watch for are: 

• The animal is shivering or trembling
• Poultry puffing up feathers
• Animals huddling together
• Animals eating their bedding
• discolored skin
• Lethargy
• Fluids stuck to nose or face
• Wet fur or feathers.