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West Central Iowa | Shelter isn't necessary.....a good windbreak even in the worst storms is usually adequate.
Don't feel bad about giving your cattle some grain if that's what you want to do. There are times it can serve a very useful purpose (when feeding poorer hay or in extreme cold to provide additional energy) in keeping your cattle in good condition. Associating dystocia with grain feeding is a bit of a myth. Excessive feeding of grains and causing extremely fat cows (BCS 8-9) would likely not be the best idea. On the other hand, studies have shown that "starving the birthweight out of a cow" which would probably be a BCS of 3-4, actually creates more calving problems and calf health issues than what a small amount of grain would cause trying to get he cow to a BCS of 5-7. The moderately conditioned cows may have slightly larger calves by 1-2 pounds due to the increased plane of nutrition, but by her being in better condition, her body is better suited to deliver the calf, provide adequate colostrum, and nurse it until weaning. | |
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Expert advice on wintering cattle
