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Feeding animals in extreme cold conditions

For animals housed outside, proper nutrition becomes key to ensuring their survival and productivity during harsh winters…

Extreme cold conditions significantly affect livestock health and performance, as animals need more energy to maintain body heat. This is especially true for animals such as ruminants, that are often housed outside with minimal protection. In this case, proper nutrition becomes key to ensuring their survival and productivity during harsh winters. Here’s how to adapt feeding strategies, including specific energy adjustments based on temperature drops.

  • Increase energy intake: Cold weather raises energy requirements dramatically. For every 1 C (1.8 F) drop below the critical temperature threshold (varies by species and coat condition), energy needs can increase by 1-2%. For example, at -10 C (14 F), an animal might require up to 20% more energy than at moderate temperatures. Provide high-energy feeds like grains (corn, barley or oats) to meet these demands. Monitor animal condition and adjust rations as needed. Extra hay for ruminants is a must under extreme weather conditions, especially with high winds.
  • Focus on forage quality: For ruminants, forage fermentation generates heat in the rumen, helping them stay warm. Offer high-quality hay or silage with sufficient protein and energy content. Low-quality or overly mature forage may fall short in meeting increased energy demands. Low-quality silage should be avoided at all costs.
  • Ensure adequate protein: Protein supports metabolic processes and helps animals efficiently utilize the extra energy. Supplement diets with protein-rich feeds such as soybean meal, cottonseed meal or alfalfa, especially when forage quality is average.
  • Include minerals and vitamins: Cold stress weakens immunity, making minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, along with vitamins A, D and E, essential. These nutrients help maintain health and resilience. Adding vitamins of the B complex may further boost the immune system under demanding conditions.
  • Frequent feeding: Feed animals more often to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day. This approach helps them generate continuous body heat and reduces the risk of cold stress.

Source: https://www.feedstrategy.com/blogs/animal-nutrition-views/blog/15711959/feeding-animals-in-extreme-cold-conditions?utm_source=Omeda&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=NL-Feed+Strategy+eNews&utm_campaign=NL-Feed+Strategy+eNews_20250114_1600&oly_enc_id=1127F3659290G3V