Practical methods to prevent cattle from losing weight in winter
Winter temperatures are relatively low, and for cattle farming this is the most feared period, because food is scarce in winter and feeding generally relies on feed stored before winter. Cattle usually lose weight at this time, so how can you keep them from losing weight when raising cattle in winter? Let's take a look.
1. Pay attention to cold protection and warmth
Research shows that when the temperature of the cattle shed is below 5 degrees, all the heat converted from the feed the cattle eat will be used to resist the severe cold. Therefore, in winter, to keep cattle from losing weight, the temperature of the cattle shed needs to be kept above 5 degrees, so as to maintain good economic benefits. Ensuring the temperature of the cattle shed is the foundation of raising cattle in winter.
2. Appropriately increase concentrated feed
Pasture grass in winter is generally stored in autumn, and by winter it is usually dry, with extremely low vitamin content, especially type A vitamins, which is extremely unfavorable to the growth and development of cattle. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately add corn-based concentrated feed and vitamins, etc., to increase the feed intake of cattle, so that cattle can also gain weight in winter. However, note that concentrated feed must not be excessive, because cattle are ruminants. Due to its high density and strong fluidity, concentrated feed tends to settle at the bottom of the rumen, causing rumen impaction.
3. Provide water at fixed times and in fixed amounts
Clean drinking water is also extremely important for the growth and development of cattle. In winter, drinking water needs to be supplied to cattle at fixed times and in fixed amounts, but attention must be paid to the water temperature. Giving cattle cold water and cold feed will affect weight gain and may even cause weight loss, because cold water and cold feed absorb heat after entering the cattle's body until they balance with body temperature, which also consumes unnecessary heat. Therefore, in winter, in addition to ensuring the temperature of the cattle shed, it is also necessary to keep drinking water and feed at a certain temperature as much as possible, so as to reduce unnecessary energy consumption by the cattle's body.
The above is an introduction to how to prevent cattle from losing weight in winter. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.