Keep ‘Em Fed, Sheltered & Ready for Winter!

Winter in North Texas can be unpredictable. We might have a stretch of mild afternoons, then a cold front blows through and suddenly we’re dealing with freezing temperatures, strong winds and icy conditions.

Cattle are pretty tough animals, but that doesn’t mean winter weather won’t put extra demands on your herd. When pastures go dormant and temperatures drop, a little preparation can make a big difference.

Here’s what to keep in mind as we head into the colder months.

Don’t Wait Until the Hay Runs Low

Once warm-season grasses go dormant, your cattle may not be getting the nutrition they need from pasture alone.

Good-quality hay is the foundation of most winter feeding programs, so now’s the time to check your supply and think about how long it’ll last.

And remember, not all hay is created equal. Its nutritional value depends on the type of forage, growing conditions and when it was harvested.

A forage test can tell you what you’re actually feeding. That makes it easier to determine whether your cattle need additional protein or energy instead of guessing.

Our tip: Check your hay supply early and make sure your feeders are in good shape before the weather turns.

Cold Weather Means Higher Energy Needs

When temperatures drop, cattle use more energy to maintain their body temperature. Wind, rain and wet hair coats can make things even harder. That means cattle may need more feed during extended cold spells, especially when they’re exposed to wet, windy conditions.

Pay attention to body condition as winter progresses. Cows that enter winter thin have less room to handle nutritional setbacks, and those nursing calves or approaching calving may have additional demands.

Don’t wait until cattle have noticeably lost weight to adjust your feeding program.

Give Them a Break From the Wind

Cattle can handle cold temperatures surprisingly well when they’re healthy, well-fed and dry. But add a strong north wind and freezing rain, and it’s a different story.

A good windbreak can help cattle conserve energy and stay more comfortable. Depending on your place, that might mean a tree line, natural terrain, a constructed windbreak or access to a sheltered pasture.

Make sure cattle also have somewhere reasonably dry to rest. Muddy conditions make feeding and moving around harder on both the herd and the people caring for them.

You don’t necessarily need a fancy barn. Sometimes a well-placed windbreak and a dry spot to bed down are exactly what your cattle need.

Make Every Bite Count

When hay or dormant pasture isn’t meeting your herd’s nutritional needs, supplements can help fill the gaps.

Depending on forage quality and your cattle’s condition, options may include:

• Protein cubes: Useful when cattle need additional protein to make better use of lower-quality forage.
• Protein tubs: A convenient way to provide supplemental protein, depending on the product and feeding program.
• Energy supplements: May be needed when cold stress increases energy requirements or forage intake is limited.
• Loose minerals: Help supply essential minerals that may be lacking in forage.

The right choice depends on what your cattle are already eating. More protein isn’t always the answer, especially if energy is the bigger shortfall. That’s another good reason to start with a forage test and look at the whole ration.

Don’t Overlook Winter Wheat

Winter wheat can be a valuable grazing option for North Texas cattle producers when conditions and pasture management allow. It can provide high-quality forage during the cooler months and help take some pressure off your hay supply.

But lush winter wheat needs to be managed carefully. Rapid changes in diet and certain forage conditions can create health concerns, including bloat or grass tetany in susceptible cattle.

Introduce cattle gradually, provide appropriate mineral supplementation and talk with your veterinarian or Extension agent about managing those risks.

Keep Pregnant Cows in Mind

If you’ve got pregnant cows, winter nutrition deserves some extra attention.

Cows in late gestation need enough nutrients to maintain their own body condition while supporting a growing calf. And if they’re going into calving season thin, it can be harder for them to bounce back.

This is where a good cattle cube can come in handy! When winter hay and dormant pasture aren’t providing enough nutrition, supplemental feed like Bryant Grain 20% Breeder Cubes can help fill nutritional gaps. They provide protein, energy and added vitamins and minerals to support your breeding herd.

Keep an eye on body condition throughout winter, not just when calving gets close.

A consistent feeding program, access to clean water and protection from severe weather can help you avoid problems down the road.

Check Water Every Day

This one’s easy to overlook when you’re focused on hay and feed.

Cattle still need plenty of clean water in cold weather.

Check troughs regularly when temperatures are below freezing, break ice as needed and make sure water systems are working properly.

If cattle can’t drink enough, it can affect how much feed they consume, too.

Get Ahead of the Next Cold Front!

We all know how quickly the weather can change around here. Getting your hay, feed, minerals and water systems squared away now is a whole lot easier than scrambling when a hard freeze is in the forecast.

Take stock of your herd’s body condition, check your forage quality and make sure you’ve got a plan for those cold, wet and windy days.

Need help choosing a winter cattle supplement? Come see us at Johnson Feed in Lewisville! We’ll be glad to talk through the feed and mineral options for your herd.

Winter Cattle Feed Products to Ask About at Johnson Feed

Here are the cattle feeds mentioned in our November lineup:

• Bryant Grain 20% Breeder Cubes: Protein, energy and added vitamins and minerals to help supplement hay and pasture for breeding cattle.
• Bryant Grain 20% Cattle Cubes: A protein supplement option for cattle on pasture or hay.
• MFM 20% Range Cubes: Another option to discuss when your herd needs supplemental protein.
• MFM 25% Hi Energy Cubes: A higher-protein cube option to evaluate based on your forage and energy needs.

We can also help you explore protein tubs and loose cattle minerals as part of your winter feeding program.

Always follow the feeding directions on the product label. Your herd’s nutritional needs will vary with forage quality, age, production stage and body condition.

Texas A&M AgriLife Resources

These publications support the recommendations in the blog and are useful references to link for readers:

• Factors and Feeds for Supplementing Beef Cows. Explains why forage quantity and quality should guide supplement choices.

  

  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

• Body Condition, Nutrition and Reproduction of Beef Cows. Covers how body condition affects winter feeding needs and reproductive performance.

  

  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

• Mineral Supplementation of Beef Cows in Texas. Provides guidance on balancing mineral supplements with forage.

  

  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

• Fall and Winter Health Problems in Cow-Calf Herds. Discusses risks from inadequate nutrition, abrupt feed changes and poor conditions.