01/09/2026
🚨 SAVE THIS: When temps crash from the 60s to the 20s 🚨
Fast weather changes stress cattle more than steady cold.
Watch these 5 things first:
❄️ Feed
Cold cattle need more calories. If they don’t eat, they lose condition fast.
➡️ Make sure feed is available and they’re coming to the bunk.
💨 Lungs
Cold wind + moisture hits the lungs hard.
➡️ Watch for coughing, runny noses, or labored breathing.
🧊 Teats & Extremities
Sudden cold raises frostbite risk.
➡️ Wind protection matters more than temperature alone.
🐄 Body Condition
Thin and late-gestation cows struggle first.
➡️ Keep an eye on older and thinner cows.
🚰 Water
Frozen or low water = less eating.
➡️ Check tanks daily during cold snaps.
Rapid cold drops don’t always cause problems right away — they set them up. Small adjustments early can prevent bigger issues later.
📞 Questions about nutrition, shelter, or sick cattle? We’re here.