Livestock: Winter Care

Feed at Sunset: The "heat of fermentation" peaks 4–6 hours after eating. Feeding in the evening ensures the animal's internal heater is cranked up during the coldest part of the night. Water is the Igniter: Livestock will stop eating if they can't drink. Keep water between 40°F–65°F to encourage maximum forage intake. Fiber is Better than Grain for Heat: Digesting fiber (hay) produces significantly more internal body heat than digesting starch (corn). In extreme cold, prioritize extra hay. If you need assistance/guidance with your livestock this winter contact our Livestock Agent, Bailee Sheffield 336-694-4158 This is a practical guide for livestock owners on managing animal nutrition during winter. It focuses on the Lower Critical Temperature (LCT)—the threshold at which animals must burn extra calories just to maintain their body heat. When temperatures drop below this point, the flyer emphasizes that forage (fuel) must be increased to prevent weight loss, reduced milk production, and weakened immunity.

Feed at Sunset: The "heat of fermentation" peaks 4–6 hours after eating. Feeding in the evening ensures the animal's internal heater is cranked up during the coldest part of the night.
Water is the Igniter: Livestock will stop eating if they can't drink. Keep water between 40°F–65°F to encourage maximum forage intake.
Fiber is Better than Grain for Heat: Digesting fiber (hay) produces significantly more internal body heat than digesting starch (corn). In extreme cold, prioritize extra hay.

If you need assistance/guidance with your livestock this winter contact our Livestock Agent, Bailee Sheffield 336-694-4158

This is a practical guide for livestock owners on managing animal nutrition during winter. It focuses on the Lower Critical Temperature (LCT)—the threshold at which animals must burn extra calories just to maintain their body heat. When temperatures drop below this point, the flyer emphasizes that forage (fuel) must be increased to prevent weight loss, reduced milk production, and weakened immunity.

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