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Beef cattle needs during winter

Beef Cattle Needs During Winter

There are things you can do to protect your beef cattle during the long, cold winter months. Let’s explore some important factors that will help your herd perform at its best throughout the winter season.

What Happens to Beef Cattle During Winter?

Your beef cattle needs will change during cold weather. Your cattle will expend more energy when necessary to maintain a proper internal body temperature, which is especially important to consider when the temperature drops drastically. To help your cattle maintain a healthy body condition, you can expect to feed it 30% more than you would feed it when the temperature is above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.  

You should also feed your cattle mineral during the winter season. Purina’s Wind and Rain ® All Season Minerals are a great option available for bulk delivery or pickup at The Country Store. Feeding your cattle all-season mineral will ensure your herd is receiving adequate nutrients throughout winter and into spring. As spring approaches, consider Purina® Wind and Rain® mineral with Fly Control. 

How Can You Help Your Beef Cattle Perform at Its Best? 

There are other things you can do to support your beef cattle needs during winter including:

  • Creating a safe, tall space such as building structures, thick trees or stacked bales of hay for windbreaks
  • Maintaining a deep bedded pack behind your windbreak(s) to keep cattle dry and checking it daily
  • Placing your feed behind a windbreak to promote congregation when extreme weather is expected
  • Checking water daily to ensure it’s not frozen and to ensure it’s full, clean and easily accessible

 

Need Some Advice?

If you would like to learn more about feeding and caring for your beef cattle during the winter, please contact a Munson Lakes Sales Representative at (320) 543-2561. Visit The Country Store to pick up your feed and mineral or place an order online.