Research proves producers should prepare for cold stress in calves

Spring is just around the corner, marking the beginning of calving season for many beef producers. 

While the change in seasons often brings warmer weather, Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and calving season is not the time for reactive measures. 

Being prepared to protect newborn calves with blankets, jackets or coats can provide significant benefits for the long-term health of calves. 

A cold calf will need to use energy to try to maintain its body temperature – energy which would normally be devoted to growth and maintaining a healthy immune system. 

Instead of using its calories to grow, a cold-stressed calf will use its energy to simply try to stay warm, making it more susceptible to illness or even death.

Researchers have explored what temperatures can be dangerous for calves and the advantages of investing in blankets for the newest herd members, and they provide tips for selecting the right products.

Covering newborns

According to a Feb. 2 PBS Animal Health article, most calves are used to a body temperature around 102 degrees Fahrenheit. 

“Naturally, temperatures can drop quickly during outdoor calving since calves lack the insulating layer of fat and the long-haired, heavy coat of their elder herd mates,” reads the article.  “Cold, wet and muddy conditions create cold stress for newborns and can definitely make them slow to stand and nurse when it matters most.”

Cows with a thick winter coat can endure temperatures in the teens and, depending on their body condition, even single digits. 

“However, calves can begin to experience cold stress when temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and when it drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, calves should have a blanket on them for at least the first three weeks of their life,” the article reports.

Some research studies show blanketing calves increases their body temperature by four-tenths of a degree, and using a blanket increases daily weight gain nearly seven pounds over two weeks compared to a calf not covered.

If possible, it’s best to bring cows indoors to clean, bedded pens to provide a warmer environment for their calves, but if this isn’t an option, try to avoid leaving pairs in muddy areas and locations without shelter from the wind.

Using a calf jacket

When using calf jackets as an additional layer of protection for calves, a common rule of thumb is to put jackets on calves when the ground is frozen. 

Days with significant temperature swings in which temperatures spike during the day may require jackets to be removed to prevent calves from getting too warm and sweating. 

If a calf sweats during the day, dampness can lead to chilling when temperatures drop again at night. This cycle of sweating and chilling can defeat the purpose of the jacket.

In addition to monitoring temperature changes, it is essential to check the jacket at least once a week to ensure the straps are adjusted properly as the calf grows. 

Leg straps can become too tight over time and may dig into the back legs of the calves, potentially creating open sores. 

It’s important to note, putting a jacket on a newborn calf is not a one-time action, it requires ongoing monitoring as the calf grows and as weather conditions change.

Investing in calf blankets

Calf blankets are easy-to-use tools which provide low-cost protection from the cold for the most vulnerable animals. 

Benefits of a calf cover include aiding animals in using energy for health and growth rather than burning it to maintain core body temperature during cold weather.

Studies show fewer calves are treated for cold stress when they are covered with a blanket during their first 21 days of life.

Additionally, blankets are easy to put on and take off, and they don’t require any special training.

Calf blankets and other forms of cover are reusable for every calving season by simply machine washing and drying them, which is an important step in avoiding the spread of bacteria between animals.

Selecting the right cover

There are several calf blanket options made with durable materials which can withstand regular use and machine washing. 

“Choose a blanket that fits your animal’s size and shape but ensures comfort and ease of movement, while also keeping the fit snug enough for optimal warmth,” the article notes.

It is important to remember a calf’s body isn’t the only area susceptible to the cold. 

Protecting the calf’s ears and head with ear muffs or a calf hood made of stretchable fabric accommodates most sizes and breeds.

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.