A Designer Cow and Calf Barn Just in Time for the Big Snow

Reader Contribution by Faith Schlabach
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DOES A COW NEED WINTER SHELTER?

Some farmers tell us that cows do not need shelter.  Yes, they would probably “survive”. However, it is hard on them. It takes much more feed to keep them warm. (By the way, it is imperative that you never let them run out of hay if you do not have at least overhead shelter for sun and cold icy rains and in addition, a wind break for winter weather.)  Hay helps them to regulate their body temperature.  They will fluctuate in their milk supply more when the weather is extreme. We like to have happy, healthy, fertile cows. Jersey cow care is a little more important as they are thinner skinned than your beef breeds. So, will they survive?  Yes. Is it ideal?  No.

In addition, one can use a waterproof horse blanket in the winter in a pinch. You will have to play with the sizing and deal with some poo on the straps as cow poo is much looser than horse!  Jefferspet.com is a good place to start. Get one with an under the belly crisscross strap and leg straps and maybe you could not use the back leg straps if the front and underbelly are a good fit. I have heard that there is some trouble fitting the chest area so you may need to order a size larger. You will have to experiment of course. I have not used one myself but have heard of using horse blankets for cows. It must be waterproof or if it rains, the cows will freeze!  You do not need the thick insulation, just a moderately insulated one.  Keep in mind that once they are used to the protection, you will have to keep them in it during cool weather until it warms up outside. Get the better quality as a cow is hard on things and you want it to last for a season or two.

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