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Ruminants
Winter Care Essentials for your Cattle
keep in mind while caring for your cattle in winter:
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Keep lots of water available:
During winters, especially dry winters, cows need plenty of water. According to veterinarians, cattle need between 1 or 2 gallons of water per 100 pounds of their weight. Ensuring that the herd has access to fresh, clean water will keep them healthy and will also keep infections and health conditions such as colic and impactions at bay. By installing a regular water source in the shed, it is easier for the cattle to consume the required amount of water, keeping it hydrated and healthy.
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Feed them well:
It is important for cattle to maintain their energy reserve in order to endure the cold season. Before the onset of winter, it is important to assess the health condition of each animal and adjust their nutrition requirement accordingly to ensure that can survive the winters with ease. During winters, it is also necessary to maximize their food intake for their body to produce energy. Without adequate energy, the animals will find it difficult to generate heat, due to which their temperatures might drop and it may lead to fatalities.
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Provide proper shelter:
Providing proper shelter to the animals is of utmost importance. It is also important to ensure that the animals get too warm. Placing covered sheds in the grazing areas or pastures, which will allow them to escape the harsh weather while grazing. Also keep the weather forecast in mind while allowing the cattle to graze. Do not let them be out in the open for long hours.
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Avoid muddy areas:
Exposing your cattle to wet mud for prolonged hours can lead to diseases such as foot rot or thrush. It can also be exceedingly difficult for the cattle to generate warmth when they are caked in mud. In order to address this issue, you can add gravel or woodchips to the muddy areas.
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Keep the thin cows separated:
Thinner cows may not get the nutrition they require while they are among the rest of the herd. It is important to separate the thin cows in order to make sure that they are well nourished to maintain their energy. Once the thinner cows have been separated from the herd, ensure that they have plenty of forage along with feed supplements and minerals to boost their immunity.
Aside from the things mentioned above, you can also make your animals comfortable by soothing milking cows with the help of udder creams and ointments, adding lots of straw and hay to rest on and generate warmth, and increasing their resting space. Though the cold season can be quite stressful for your cattle, following these tips will ensure that they are well cared for and happy.
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