With further cold winter weather forecast for the state, Agriculture Victoria is reminding cattle owners that it is important to prepare for and reduce the impacts of cold weather on their animals.
Agriculture Victoria said reducing cold weather impacts is essential to both animal production and welfare.
It reported that during cold weather, the energy requirements of a cow can increase by up to 20 per cent, with lighter cows being most affected.
Agriculture Victoria livestock industry development officer Nick Linden said the impacts of cold weather and low pasture availability can pose a threat to lighter cows.
“It is important to keep an eye on the forecast weather conditions and if possible, move cattle into sheltered paddocks or those with windbreaks. This will reduce the impacts of chill by keeping animals out of the wind and give a better return on supplementary feeding,” Mr Linden said.
Mr Linden said separating the lighter condition cows from the rest will enable producers to effectively manage those at heightened risk by providing them with catered care and reducing competition.
“Lighter cows will suffer more from cold stress than fatter cows – fat is an excellent source of insulation as well as being an important energy reserve. We really need to look out for the lighter cows,” he said.
Mr Linden said it is also important for producers to ensure adequate protein in their cow’s diet, which feeds the rumen bacteria that allows them to generate heat from consuming roughages.
