Meet Winter Needs
How to increase nutrients to your cows in winter.
Old man winter has arrived in much of the United States, which means colder days as many producers are preparing for calving season. Just as the temperatures decrease, the cows’ nutrient requirements increase.
“During extreme cold, the cows’ nutrient requirements can increase up to 10%-25%,” said Lindsey Grimes-Hall, BioZyme Inc. nutrition and field sales manager. “The number one nutrient cows need in the winter and as they approach calving is protein.”
Protein is an important nutrient to the cow on many levels. First, it helps maintain proper rumen function, which encourages them to keep eating. When they are eating and their digestive system is functioning, they can better thermoregulate, since heat is being produced internally. Next, if they are in late-term gestation, protein is necessary to help keep cows in more ideal body condition while developing higher-quality colostrum. Cows with a higher body condition score (BCS, on a scale of 1 to 9) will typically give birth to healthier, more vigorous calves that ultimately perform better.
Just like any season, a cow’s requirements are based on her frame size, BCS, age and stage of production. Large-framed cows with lower body condition will always require a higher plane of nutrition. The same is true for females in late gestation or lactation. Finally, when it comes to age, both extremes need more nutritive care; 2- and 3-year-olds have higher requirements because they are still growing and maturing themselves, and older cows have increased requirements since they are not as efficient as they once were.
“After we focus on protein, then we can consider other nutrients like vitamins, minerals, energy and, of course, water,” Grimes-Hall said.
It isn’t just the cold that plays havoc on the cows’ need for increased nutrients. It is the type and availability of forages, as well as the environment, that play a hand in the nutritional needs. Grass is now dormant, not offering the quality of continual nutrients it did throughout the summer. In many parts of the country, forages are covered with snow. In other parts, excessive mud exists requiring more energy than normal to get from one point to another, burning more of the cow’s energy and increasing her energy needs.
Even though your cows might look like they are in good body condition, Grimes-Hall cautions to make sure all vaccinations are up to date, including parasite and lice control.
“Lice always seem to set in in cold weather. Deworm and delice early, before the dead of winter, and that should last cows all the way through to spring to help keep them in better shape,” she said.
Although protein is crucial in the winter months leading up to lactation, water is always a vital element because it promotes intake and aids in digestion and circulation, while helping with the overall temperature control and health of the animal. In the winter a nonlactating cow will require at least 7 gallons of water per day, whereas a lactating cow’s requirements double.
Even though they might not physically drink as much in the winter as they do in the summer, it is still important to provide an outlet to water that is clean and 40° or warmer. If the water is too cold, the cows won’t drink as readily. When they do, it will lower body temperature leading to cold stress.
“Water consumption increases circulation, which helps warm the body. Water intake drives feed intake, which drives electrolyte intake. If they don’t have enough water, the rumen shuts down and leads to compaction and constipation. That’s why I think it’s great to have a heater in your water tank if you can,” Grimes-Hall said.
Although ponds are a popular water source, extra caution needs to be taken when using them as such in the winter. They need to be fenced off or have the ice broken around the edges, so livestock don’t fall into the pond and drown. Because ponds do get muddy, make sure the pond has a fresh water supply available so the cows do benefit from it.
Nutrition is critical in all seasons, so be prepared to supply winter nutrients.
Editor’s note: Shelia Grobosky is a public relations coordinator for BioZyme Inc. Visit www.vitaferm.com to learn more about their vitamin-mineral offerings.
