With the winter months and colder weather just over the horizon, it’s important to ensure that livestock and other outdoor animals are prepared for the season ahead.

Most livestock typically do well in colder temperatures, but there are still steps that can be taken ahead of time to prepare for the adjustment. Dr. Cody Branstad with the Keota Veterinary Clinic says keeping access to water and feed is important. Dr. Branstad says, “They’re going to burn a lot more calories just to stay warm. Having food supply, whether it’s hay, grain, silage or whatever it may be, those things would be a huge addition where they could build up some energy reserves, but also help use it to keep warm.”

Not all livestock animals require the same care. Animals that are kept outside need to be bedded very deep and have access to plenty of food and water. Indoor areas should be kept well ventilated, where heaters and fans may need to be run more to keep a good air supply. Once winter weather has begun, water should be checked to make sure that it hasn’t frozen. Feed, such as hay, silage and grain, should be checked multiple times a day to make sure there is still a good supply.

After things heat back up again, Branstad says it is most important to make sure everything is well-stocked and in good shape for the next time that winter weather rolls around. 

According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, temperatures in the area are expected to remain above freezing through the end of the week. Listen to KCII for weather updates.