A number of factors must be considered when moving dairy heifers or beef cattle inside for the winter after being outside for part or all of the summer season. The type of housing needed will depend on the enterprise and purpose of the animal. Most farms have facilities or systems already in place. Cattle may stay outside in cold weather, or need minimal shelter, except when calving. Trees may not be enough. A three-sided shelter open to the south may suffice.
In the November 2015 Wisconsin Agriculturist article Transition cattle inside for winter, UW-Extension Burnett, Washburn and Sawyer Counties Agriculture Agent Otto Wiegand shares the criteria for ideal winter housing.