Winter presents specific welfare challenges for housed and outdoor livestock including cold stress, reduced forage quality, restricted movement, and increased disease risk.
Winter livestock welfare management requires adapting to the specific challenges of cold, wet weather and reduced natural resources. Body condition management before winter ensures cattle and sheep enter the cold period with adequate fat reserves. Housing decisions involve welfare trade-offs: indoor housing removes cold and wet exposure but creates the welfare challenges of confinement. Well-bedded, ventilated housing with appropriate stocking density and feeding space can provide better welfare than outdoor exposure in severe conditions. Regular welfare assessment during winter identifies emerging problems including condition loss, respiratory disease, and lameness before they become severe.