The Cooperative Extension Service   
of Henry County, Kentucky

AGRICULTURE ARCHIVES

LIVESTOCK WATER EXTREMELY IMPORTANT

Winter can be a rough weather time for Kentuckians. Fortunately, most of us can stay inside where it's warm and not have to worry about having food and water. Livestock, on the other hand, don't have it so easy.

The biggest thing for producers to remember is that livestock need water, or they won't eat. After the need for water is realized, producers have to remember that livestock require more energy to make it through the winter months. More energy means additional high-quality forages and grains. It's a common myth that grain rations are hotter rations. High-quality forage rations actually provide more heat for livestock. Producers should take advantage of forage testing to better understand what they actually have.

In general, it's a good idea to have a supply of feed available to get livestock through times when the roads may be closed due to snow, ice, etc. Livestock in isolated areas, away from the center of the operation, need to have at least a week's supply of feed available.

Don't forget the importance of good, dry bedding. Animals who are kept dry have a better chance of staying comfortable and alive than those who stay wet during cold spells. Extra attentions should be given to protecting 'newborns' from drafts.

When caring for livestock in times of weather stress, remember that animals have a much better tolerance for cold than humans do. For example, the comfort range for cattle is somewhere between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Horses have a wider range, from about 10 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Confining the animals completely is not the answer to very cold weather, however. If you have a 20-degree day and the wind is not blowing and the sun is shining, most animals ought to be outside. There are fewer problems with ventilation and associated barn humidity. The rule of thumb is if you open the door, and they want to go outside, they ought to be outside; if they take one look and go back inside, they should stay inside.

Livestock Management in the winter months can be successful by simply having water readily available, a good source of feed, and shelter that protects from wind and moisture.