Winter Storms and Your Livestock

Winter storms can be stressful to livestock, especially those kept outdoors. Wind chills and prolonged cold increases their need for shelter, food and water. Dehydration can be a great hazard during winter storms. Prepare now to protect your livestock during winter storms.

Before a Winter Storm

• Develop an emergency plan of action.
  • How will you get feed supplies in the case of road closures?
  • How will you supply water with freezing temperatures?
  • Plan ahead for emergency or alternative heat sources (e.g., for poultry facilities).
  • How will a power outage or fuel shortage impact the care and well-being of my livestock? What back up plan would you use?
  • Have well maintained backup generators for livestock production operations.
  • How will needed services (e.g., milk pickup) be provided? Or what will you do if needed services are not provided due to road closures?
• Maintain an inventory.
  • Keep a current list of all animals on your farm.
  • Include their location and any records of vaccinations, testing and ownership.
  • Make sure animals have some form of permanent identification (e.g., ear tags, tattoos).
  • Establish a list of suppliers, truckers, and people that can help with the animals, if needed.
• Set up shelter or windbreak areas for animals kept outdoors.
  • Shallow open front sheds
  • Windbreaks or timber-covered lowlands
  • Solid sided feed wagons can serve as temporary wind protection; place plywood or bales of straw under wagon to block the wind.
• Winterize any building that may provide shelter for your livestock.
  • Check roof structure and stability to hold the heavy weight of accumulated snow and ice.
  • Repair any roof leaks.
  • Install storm shutters, doors, and windows.

During a Winter Storm

• Provide food.
  • Haul extra feed to feeding areas.
  • Check mechanized feeders in case of power outages; provide for emergency feeding procedures.
  • Provide enough space for all animals to get to the feed.
• Provide water.
  • Remove ice buildup around waterers.
  • Use heaters in water tanks.
  • If pipes freeze or power is out you may need to haul water to animals.
• Provide shelter.
  • If possible, move animals to an indoor shelter or building, especially the young.
  • Provide additional bedding to keep animals insulated from the ground and keep them dry.
  • Place sand or other non-toxic gritty material on icy feedlots to provide good footing.
  • Ensure heaters are working properly and are located in an area with adequate ventilation.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in the building.
  • If mechanically ventilated facilities are not functioning properly, animals could suffocate from lack of oxygen.
  • Open vents to facilitate natural air flow.
  • Clear ice and snow from vents.

After a Winter Storm

• Animal disposal.
  • Record any animal deaths.
  • Check with your state or local authorities for proper disposal methods for animal carcasses.
• Check fences and buildings for damage from downed tree branches, contact with downed power lines, or inoperable electric fencing.
• Monitor animals daily for signs of illness dehydration, frostbite or hypothermia.
  • If any of these conditions are suspected, SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY!

Cold-Related Illnesses

• Frostbite
  • Extremities (ears, tail) are particularly subject to frostbite. Male reproductive organs may be affected and impair animal fertility. Frozen or chapped teats will impact milk production.
  • Signs may not be immediately obvious or show for several days and may include white, waxy or pale appearance to affected area, sloughing of freeze-damaged tissue.
• Hypothermia
  • Signs:
    • extreme shivering
    • increased respiration
    • confused, erratic or clumsy behavior; especially young animals.