Feeding cattle in winter
There are several challenges to feeding steer during the winter time, particularly for those who live in areas with cold climates or who experience harsh winter weather. Some of the challenges of feeding steer in the wintertime include:
-
Maintaining access to sufficient quantities of feed: Depending on the location, it may be difficult to obtain enough feed for the steers during the winter months, due to factors such as snow and ice making transportation difficult or the ground being frozen and making it difficult to harvest feed crops.
-
Ensuring that the feed is of sufficient quality: The quality of the feed can be compromised during the winter months due to factors such as the feed being stored in damp conditions, which can lead to mold or deterioration.
-
Providing enough warmth and shelter: Steers need to be kept warm and dry during the winter months to ensure their health and well-being. Providing adequate shelter and bedding is important to protect the steers from the elements and help them maintain their body heat.
-
Maintaining the health of the steers: Cold weather and the increased risk of respiratory infections can put added stress on the steers’ immune systems, making it more important to monitor their health and take steps to prevent illness.
Overall, it takes careful planning and management to ensure that steers are properly cared for and fed during the winter months.