Does windchill effect cattle?

[Anonymous]

I was told by a guy at work that windchill only effects humans, it didn't sound right to me, so if someone knows please respond. In NE Oklahoma we have a foot of snow on the ground and up to 6 more inches tonight. Windchill is supposed to be around -5 , I have recent calves in the pasture too many to put in the barn with the ones due right now, should I worry?

 

[Anonymous]

Windchill does affect cattle. A newborn in -5 weather has little chance of surviving. A dry, day or 2 day old calf nursing well, with a shelter of trees or a fence and a little straw will cope fine.

Jason Trowbridge Southern Angus Farms Alberta Canada

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[Anonymous]

> I was told by a guy at work that
> windchill only effects humans, it
> didn't sound right to me, so if
> someone knows please respond. In
> NE Oklahoma we have a foot of snow
> on the ground and up to 6 more
> inches tonight. Windchill is
> supposed to be around -5 , I have
> recent calves in the pasture too
> many to put in the barn with the
> ones due right now, should I
> worry?

I feel for you! trying to calve is no fun in the cold

are you talking -5 c or f there is quite a difference etc. this morning it was -22c in the barns, the light snow from last night was not melting off their backs

but I near froze out in the wind -38c wind chill

If anyone is unlucky enough to be born give them a deep layer of straw a foot or more If the cow does'nt lick It off give It a good rubdown with straw and bury It in the straw

good luck Art

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