Farm Animals

Livestock Welfare in Extreme Cold

Cold stress in livestock causes suffering and production losses. Providing appropriate shelter, nutrition, and care during cold weather prevents preventable animal suffering.

Key Facts

Neonatal hypothermia is a leading cause of livestock mortality during cold weather especially in outdoor lambing and calving
High-energy feeds during cold periods compensate for the increased metabolic demands of thermoregulation
Newborn livestock lose body heat rapidly and require dry shelter and colostrum within the first hour after birth
Beef cattle with appropriate winter coats and body condition can tolerate much lower temperatures than dairy cattle in milk

Welfare Considerations

Cold stress welfare in livestock is primarily a management challenge preventable with appropriate preparation. Neonatal cold mortality is the most significant welfare impact and is preventable with prompt attention to newborn shelter, drying, and feeding. Adult livestock welfare in cold depends on access to shelter when needed, adequate nutrition to support heat generation, and monitoring for early signs of cold stress.

What You Can Do

Prepare appropriate shelter and bedding for livestock before cold weather events occur
Ensure newborn livestock receive immediate drying, shelter, and colostrum within the first hour of birth
Increase dietary energy provision during sustained cold periods to support livestock thermoregulation
Monitor livestock for signs of cold stress including hunching, shivering, and seeking shelter