Matthew Leaf
Temperatures have been pleasantly warm so far this winter, but cattle that may have prepared for cooler temperatures may struggle with winter heat stress as a result of the mild temperatures.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension beef specialist Terry Mader says cattle are most comfortable in a 15-to-20 degree daily fluctuation. (play audio RT :30 OC: “…eating more feed.”)
Mader says heat stress may be hard to detect in winter months. (play audio RT :15 OC: “…higher feed intake.”)
Mader says both heat and cold stress are being seen in cattle this winter. (play audio RT: 30 OC: “…causes those problems.”)
If temperatures stay warm through February, cattle may start to shed hair, which will have an impact on health if temperatures are cool and wet in the spring.
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