When the temperature drops outside, calves need to get more nutrients to keep their bodies functioning and warm. If the calf is cold, you can't even hope that it will grow and develop well, because its body will not have the energy to do so, because it will be used simply to maintain life. As a result, the immune system will not work as it should, which means that calves will get sick and will not be able to develop properly. That is why it is so important that they grow up in warmth and comfort.

It's also worth remembering that calves sense ambient temperature somewhat differently than humans, so they start to freeze earlier. For example, calves under three weeks old start spending more energy to stay warm when the air temperature is below 15°C. And those who are over three weeks old need additional energy to stay warm at 6°C and below.  

If babies are in windy and humid conditions, they also need extra energy to maintain their body temperature and stay warm. This means that their internal resources will be consumed, so the need for nutrients that they receive through their diet will also increase. Farmers should prepare for this in advance so that this situation does not come as a surprise. In general, it is necessary to be prepared for the appearance of calves and their care during the cold season.

What should be the care of calves in winter

Winters can be different, so it is not necessary that there will be frosts all months, but there will definitely be a drop in temperature, and calves will feel it. Therefore, you need to take care of the conditions of their keeping and make them as safe and comfortable as possible. 

Meeting the nutrient needs of calves

To provide calves with the necessary nutrients in winter, you can give them more milk, but you need to carefully control its content. The amount of fats and carbohydrates must be balanced to ensure that the calf receives the necessary amount of energy. 

The best solution in such a situation is to consult a nutritionist. He or she will examine all the conditions, make an assessment and determine what the rate of feeding calves with milk or a product that will replace it should be. Depending on the weather conditions of the season, the specialist will correctly formulate a diet for the kids and give recommendations on its composition.

If conditions and circumstances allow, it is better to feed dairy calves three times a day. This will avoid stress for the body from a large amount of nutrients at the same time and ensure uniformity of their consumption.

Water supply

If the air in the room where the calf is kept is dry and cold, the calf can become dehydrated. This is one of the two most common causes of mortality in young animals (the other is malnutrition), as practice shows. Therefore, water intake is vital for calves. The amount of water they need per day varies from 4 to 8 liters per day, depending on their age.

Remember that calves need to be given warm water, not cold, so it must be heated beforehand. This is necessary so that the animal does not have to spend energy on heating it. It is best if the temperature is 38-39°C, and the minimum is 27°C. But if it is not possible to adhere to these limits, you can heat the water more and then wait until it cools down to the desired temperature. At the same time, it should not be allowed to freeze and turn into ice, because no one will give it to calves, which means they will not have water, which will negatively affect their health.

Protection against drafts

Dairy calves do not like drafts. How do you know if they feel them? It's very simple: if you feel a draft somewhere in the calves' house, it means that the youngsters feel it too. Such a breeze cools the calf's small body, so it has to spend energy again to warm up.

Depending on where the calves are kept in the winter, in their houses or in the barn, the conditions of care are determined. In the first case, you will need good bedding, which will create good conditions for rest. 

And if the babies are transferred to the barn, you need to monitor the ventilation there. It is essential, because it prevents pathogenic macroorganisms from accumulating, as well as dust, ammonia and moisture, which negatively affect the health of calves and their development.

Hygiene.

If you still have doubts, we will tell you that straw is the best option for calf bedding for the winter. And all because of its thermal insulation properties. This material works better than any other, including sawdust. It is also very convenient to make a kind of «nest» in straw, which calves build for themselves when they are cold. 

There is even a scale for assessing what kind of bedding should be used to make the calf comfortable. It is measured in points - from 1 to 3. For winter, the best option is a 3-point bedding, in which the calf lies down so that its limbs are no longer visible. 

But even if you use a material other than straw for bedding, it is important that it is dry and clean, otherwise you cannot avoid the development of pathogens that cause diseases. You can also use a disinfectant, which will be more effective after removing the dirt, but be sure to read the instructions for it.

Clothing

Yes, it exists for calves as well. In particular, we are talking about jackets that are dry, clean and in the right size. They keep calves warm in winter. And if the animal is to be outside in such clothing, it must be waterproof.

Calf jackets should be washed if they are to be used for different animals. This will help to avoid pathogens that may remain after the previous animal. 

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Conclusion.

Calves are delicate animals, so they need special care in winter to be healthy, energetic and productive in the future. Create a comfortable and safe environment for them, ensure that they replenish their energy reserves through a proper diet and access to water (but not cold water), protect them from drafts, and keep their bedding clean. Follow these recommendations and raise healthy and vigorous calves.