Farmer Kitty
True BYH Addict
Some of us are about to go into some real deep freezer weather. We will be lucky to see 0 for highs and lows are being called as low as -30 here in WI. I'm sure some of you may see lower.
Things to remember,
1. Bed up well. Wood shavings do good for keeping dry but, in this fridged weather I would recommend straw or hay especially, for the calves to snuggle down in.
2. Make sure plenty of water is available. Cattle drink more in the really cold temps.
3. Keep food in front of them at all times. Hay, hayledge, or corn silage in for them at all times. If you normally grain once a day split it into two feedings. One in the morning and one at night. This helps spread that energy for keeping warm throughout the day and night. If you can swing it adding a little more grain can help too.
4. I would recomend feeding calves milk/milk replacer 3 times a day instead of twice a day. Yes, it costs more but, unless you have a warm barn to house them in they will need the extra feedings. Keep grain in front of them at all times, even for day old calves. Any that they may nibble on will help keep them warm.
5. Keep yourself bundled and dry. If you get wet go change clothes immediately! With these fridged temps it won't take long for exposed skin to freeze. Please bundle up and keep yourself warm and dry.
Things to remember,
1. Bed up well. Wood shavings do good for keeping dry but, in this fridged weather I would recommend straw or hay especially, for the calves to snuggle down in.
2. Make sure plenty of water is available. Cattle drink more in the really cold temps.
3. Keep food in front of them at all times. Hay, hayledge, or corn silage in for them at all times. If you normally grain once a day split it into two feedings. One in the morning and one at night. This helps spread that energy for keeping warm throughout the day and night. If you can swing it adding a little more grain can help too.
4. I would recomend feeding calves milk/milk replacer 3 times a day instead of twice a day. Yes, it costs more but, unless you have a warm barn to house them in they will need the extra feedings. Keep grain in front of them at all times, even for day old calves. Any that they may nibble on will help keep them warm.
5. Keep yourself bundled and dry. If you get wet go change clothes immediately! With these fridged temps it won't take long for exposed skin to freeze. Please bundle up and keep yourself warm and dry.
You mean lower not higher! But, yes, they need more grain to stay warm when it gets that cold. I have been doing this long enough I just automatically add what is needed and don't calculate it.
