Transition Cattle Inside For Winter

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.

 

 

Video: Special Considerations for Grazing Sheep

Presented by Christine O'Reilly

Many Canadian grazing recommendations were developed using beef cattle in the prairies. While we have adapted these the forage species and climate in Ontario, other livestock have different needs. Public enemy number one for grazing sheep are gastrointestinal parasites.

The purpose of the Profitable Pasture conference is to bring fresh ideas and new research results to Ontario grazing managers across the ruminant livestock sectors. These conferences have a major focus on pasture management.