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Feeding pregnant cows this way is safe for winter
Autumn is the peak season for estrus and breeding in lactating cows, while the cold and long winter is a crucial period for most cows to become pregnant. It's essential to ensure that cows maintain their own nutritional needs, as well as provide adequate nutrition for fetal development. If their nutritional requirements are not met, their health and milk production will decline rapidly, making it difficult to protect both the mother and the calf through the harsh winter. Therefore, properly managing pregnant cows during this time is a critical factor in improving the efficiency of dairy farming and should not be overlooked.
Storing hay and feeding cows during winter
During winter, green fodder becomes scarce, and many dairy cows rely only on crop straw, which is low in quality and nutrition. This not only fails to meet the nutritional needs for milk production but also hinders fetal development, which is a major reason why milk yields drop in lactating cows. Therefore, it's important to store enough high-quality hay before winter. Hay is an essential feed for dairy cows in winter because its main purpose is to preserve the nutrients of forage grass. Rich in carbohydrates, protein, carotene, calcium, and organic acids, hay far surpasses other roughages in nutritional value. Its protein has a biological value of 70% to 80%, and carotene levels can be 15 to 200 times higher than other feeds. The best quality hay is obtained when it is cut at the heading and flowering stage, as delaying the harvest reduces its nutritional content. As the saying goes, "Hay is the treasure of livestock in winter," and this is well-justified. Combining hay with straw in winter provides a nutritious diet that significantly improves milk production.
Taking advantage of autumn to build up body reserves
After autumn, the weather becomes mild, with fewer insects and more lush grass. Cows eat well and gain weight quickly, making it the ideal time to improve their condition. Feeding cows well in autumn allows them to consume more grass and store excess nutrients as fat, acting like a reserve for the winter. During the cold months, when forage is dry and less nutritious, cows can use stored fat for energy and insulation, helping to maintain body temperature. This is why well-fed cows perform better in winter compared to thin ones. Proper management during this season is key to preparing cows for the challenges of winter.
Improving shelter insulation to keep cows warm
Before winter, one of the most effective ways to reduce calorie loss in cows is to build sturdy shelters that protect them from wind and snow. To ensure normal milk production and the safety of pregnant cows, the barn should maintain a comfortable temperature between 8°C and 16°C. This requires repairing the structure, thickening the walls and ceiling, and using materials that prevent heat loss. South-facing windows should be larger to allow more sunlight in, and plastic doors and windows or curtains can be used to seal gaps and block cold winds. Increasing stocking density and reducing space per cow helps retain warmth. The barn must remain clean, dry, and free from moisture and freezing. Proper bedding is essential to prevent contamination from urine, which can cause cows to lose body heat and become chilled. Regular cleaning and good hygiene practices are vital for maintaining cow health.
Proper feeding for pregnant cows
Once cows are pregnant, they should not be fed low-quality feed. Thin cows with poor health cannot meet the nutritional demands of both themselves and the fetus, leading to developmental issues, weight loss, and reduced resistance to cold. This is a sign of poor management. Therefore, pregnant cows entering winter should be fed high-quality feed, with an increase of 10% to 20% or more, to help them maintain a healthy condition. This lowers their lower critical temperature limit and enhances their ability to withstand cold, ensuring better overall health and resilience.
Preventing abortion and ensuring safety
During the cold winter, forage is dry and nutrient-deficient. Poor feeding and management can lead to miscarriages. Pregnant cows should be kept in a controlled environment to avoid overcrowding, kicking, or falling, which can trigger early labor. Any signs such as vaginal discharge, abdominal discomfort, restlessness, or swelling of the udder should be taken seriously. In the late stages of pregnancy, if a cow shows signs of bending over, arching its back, or frequent urination, it may be a sign of impending abortion. Prompt action, such as administering 0.5 to 1.0 grams of progesterone intramuscularly once daily, can help prevent this. Timely intervention is crucial for successful fetal protection.
Encouraging exercise to prevent dystocia
To prevent excessive fat accumulation and ensure strong, healthy cows, pregnant cows should engage in regular, moderate exercise. Daily walks of 2 to 3 hours promote digestion, circulation, and appetite, benefiting both the cow and the fetus. However, care must be taken during exercise—avoiding cold whips, sharp turns, or fast movements, especially on icy winter roads. Grazing is ideal, as it combines nutrition with sun exposure and strengthens the cow’s physical condition. For weak or thin cows, small doses of oxytocin can help stimulate contractions during calving, aiding in a smoother birth process.