As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, it’s important to adjust your livestock care routine to ensure your animals remain healthy, comfortable, and safe. Cold weather can be tough on both livestock and pets, but with a little preparation, you can help them thrive through the winter months. 

Here are some essential tips for winter livestock care, with helpful products to make the season easier for both you and your animals.

Provide Proper Nutrition and Supplements

During the winter months, it’s essential to ensure your livestock are getting the right nutrition to maintain their energy and body condition. With cold weather affecting their metabolism, animals need extra nutrients to stay strong.

For cattle, consider supplementing their diet with high-quality tubs and blocks that provide extra protein and minerals. This helps ensure they get the nutrients they need when pasture forage is scarce or less nutritious during the winter months. Look for convenient supplement tubs and blocks like the Co-op Feeds Sensible-Lyx Forage Supplement and the Co-op Feeds Beef Cattle Pasture Block, which make it easy for your cattle to get the extra nutrition they require.

Keep Pets Warm and Comfortable

Just like livestock, your pets need extra care in the winter. Ensure they have a warm, comfortable place to rest indoors. Pet beds with extra padding and insulation can make a big difference in helping them stay cozy during cold nights. The Midwest Reversible Pet Bed is a great option for keeping small pets warm and comfortable. 

Make sure to keep your pets indoors when possible, and if they do need to go outside, consider protective clothing to shield them from the cold. Also, make sure they have access to fresh water that isn't frozen, as staying hydrated is just as important in winter.

Prevent Frozen Water Sources

One of the biggest challenges in winter livestock care is ensuring your animals have access to water. Frozen tanks and troughs can quickly become a problem, especially in extreme cold. Invest in reliable water de-icers to keep your animals’ water supply accessible.

The Floating Plastic Tank De-icer is an effective solution for keeping water from freezing. De-icers like this one maintain the temperature of the water just above freezing, ensuring that your livestock always have fresh water to drink. This can be especially important for larger herds or when you have several animals to care for during the winter months.

Provide Shelter from the Elements

Animals need protection from the wind, snow, and freezing temperatures. Ensure that your livestock have access to adequate shelter, whether it’s a barn, a shed, or windbreaks created from natural barriers or temporary structures. Shelter helps animals conserve energy and avoid stress from the cold.

For pets, make sure they have a safe, warm area inside, especially during colder nights or storms. If they must be outside, ensure they have access to a dry, draft-free shelter to keep them safe from harsh weather.

Monitor for Illness and Frostbite

Cold weather increases the risk of frostbite and illness in animals. Be vigilant for signs of distress, such as reduced feeding, lethargy, or frostbite on hooves, ears, or tails. Regularly check your animals for these symptoms, especially after exposure to harsh weather.

Maintaining a proper feeding schedule and providing the right nutritional supplements can help strengthen your animals’ immune systems, making them more resilient to the cold. Additionally, be sure to monitor their behavior, as they may need extra care when dealing with colder conditions.

Winter can be a tough season, but with the right care and products, your livestock and pets can stay healthy, comfortable, and thriving. Stockdale’s carries everything you need for winter livestock care, from nutritional supplements to water de-icers and cozy pet beds. Prepare now to keep your animals safe and happy through the cold months ahead!

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