The recent cold snap is causing a few issues with calf health, mainly pneumonia. In many cases, the problem seems to be worse in sheds with poor airflow.

Cattle produce a lot of heat and as heat rises, it usually escapes through an opening along the roof ridge.

However, not all sheds have an adequate air outlet at the highest point of the shed roof. In such cases, the warm air rises before condensing on the tin sheeting on the roof.

As the hot air condenses, water is dripping back down on to cattle below, leaving them with a damp coat.

Regulate

With temperatures dropping below zero, young animals with a damp coat are struggling to regulate core body temperature.

Regular herding of cattle is necessary. Pay attention to cattle with a damp coat or animals with visible steam rising above them. Treat suspect animals as early as possible.

Temperatures are expected to become milder by the weekend. But, again, a sudden change in conditions will pose a health risk, so continue to check on animals frequently.

Extra bedding

Other respiratory problems are being seen in autumn-born calves where calf creeps are not being bedded regularly.

A wet bed will lower the calf’s body temperature and this becomes a bigger problem in freezing conditions.

Make sure to apply extra straw to calf creeps to keep animals warm. Putting a calf jacket on young and newborn calves will also help raise body temperature.

Offering additional feed such as concentrate will get more energy into the calf during a freezing spell. It will also make it easier to see calves that are dull and reluctant to eat.

Read more

Cold weather tips and Pneumonia treatments

The importance of sufficient feed space this winter