Livestock Emergency Cold Weather Management

Extreme cold weather events create acute welfare emergencies for livestock, requiring advance planning and rapid response to prevent hypothermia, starvation and shelter failures.

Key Facts

Hypothermia is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in lambs and calves born in cold weather
Newborn lambs can die from exposure within hours if not dried and warmed
Snowdrifts can trap and suffocate sheep, particularly in upland areas
Water supply freezing prevents livestock from drinking, causing dehydration within hours
Emergency shelter from strong winds is critical for wet or newborn animals
The 2010 and 2018 Beast from the East events caused significant livestock welfare emergencies in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Livestock welfare in cold weather emergencies requires advance preparation that cannot be improvised during the event. Stocking up on emergency feed, ensuring backup water supply, having warming equipment for neonates and knowing when to bring animals inside are all pre-season preparations. Farmers in upland areas with sheep are particularly vulnerable as weather can deteriorate rapidly. The welfare cost of inadequate preparation falls entirely on the animals. Emergency response plans that include liaison with neighbours, vets and emergency services ensure rapid mobilisation when conditions deteriorate unexpectedly.

What You Can Do

Prepare a farm emergency plan including cold weather protocols before winter seasons
Ensure adequate emergency feed and water storage before forecast severe weather
Have hypothermia kits ready for newborn lambs and calves during cold season births
Check livestock frequently during periods of severe weather - at least twice daily
Support farm advisory services helping farmers develop and test emergency preparedness plans