Small Town News

Cold weather precautions for cows, dairy calves

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Dairy producers should be prepared for cold weather conditions that can affect young stock and lactating cows, a South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service specialist said.

Extension dairy specialist Alvaro Garcia said producers should protect young calves from inclement weather and air drafts and should provide plenty of clean, dry bedding.

"If using milk replacer, choose those that contain 20 percent fat, as they provide additional energy," Garcia said. "Although usual recommendations are to feed milk at 10 percent of body weight, during extremely cold weather it will be necessary to increase this amount."

Producers can encourage starter intake by making drinking water available at all times.

"Make sure the water does not freeze in the pails and offer lukewarm water two to three times a day to encourage feed consumption," Garcia said. "This also counteracts the effects of cold stress, and it's important to keep the coats of calves as clean and dry as possible."

Lactating cows that are adequately fed should withstand cold conditions provided they are kept dry and not exposed directly to winds. Keep the housing area dry and free of manure and provide ample supply of dry clean bedding daily.

Garcia noted that teat skin chapping (frostbite) can become a problem in lactating cows during cold, windy weather. Chapping makes the teat more susceptible to bacterial infections, particularly Staphylococcus.

"Mastitis is a possible outcome, and the cows affected will have to be monitored closely," Garcia said. "If injury has already occurred, skin chapping and loss of at least the teat end is likely. When the teat end is damaged, the sphincter that closes the teat canal is also non-functional, predisposing the quarter to bacterial invasion."

Recent research indicates teat dipping should be continued during cold windy days. Pre-and post-milking teat dips should include skin conditioners like glycerin and lanolin. Producers should dry teats and udders effectively. Cows should not be turned outside on cold and windy days until the teat dip has dried for 1 minute.

Garcia also pointed out the cold weather guidelines from the National Mastitis Council. They include:

In very cold weather it may be advisable to dip just the teat end.

When teats are dipped, dip only the end and blot off any excess with a single-use paper towel.

Teats should be dry before turning cows out of the barn.

Warming the teat dip reduces drying time.

Windbreaks in outside holding areas provide some protection.

Fresh cows with swollen udders are more susceptible to chapping.

"Always remember that prevention is the key," Garcia said. "This includes the use of plenty of clean, dry bedding and avoiding drafts as much as possible. Maintain the cows, and particularly keep the udders clean, dry, and out of the wind."



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© 2010 Freeman Courier Freeman, South Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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