Consider using feedstuffs with highly digestible fiber and lower starch content such as distillers grains, wheat middlings, soybean hulls, or corn gluten feed if available. It is typical that beef cows in a confinement or pen-fed setting respond to cold stress by increasing voluntary forage intake. However, beef cows on pasture may spend less time grazing during cold stress events which reduces forage intake and makes it challenging to meet the cow’s additional energy requirement solely through voluntary forage intake. It is critical that cows have access to sufficient water during cold stress events because water restriction will further reduce forage intake and subsequent body heat production.
Important Points to Consider When Managing Cowherds Through Cold Stress
Body condition is key, cows in a BCS ≥ 5.0 are better able to withstand cold stress.
It is very difficult to add body condition after calving, even more so during cold weather.
Thin cows (BCS ≤ 4.0), cows without wind protection, and with wet hides are at greatest risk.
The lower critical temperatures are simply a guide for when cold stress may occur.
When the hair coat is dry, energy needs increase 1% for each °F below the lower critical temperature.
When the hair coat is wet, energy needs increase 2% for each °F below the lower critical temperature.
Start with conservative amounts of grains (0.2% of body weight) and gradually increase.
Feed low starch feedstuffs (distillers grains, wheat middlings…etc.) if available.
Provide bedding to help insulate from cold, frozen ground surfaces.
10. Ensure cows have sufficient access to clean, fresh water.
Source: https://enewsletters.k-state.edu/beeftips/2024/12/31/managing-beef-cows-during-cold-stress/#more-3543