How does the cold weather affect a lactating cow’s energy requirements?
During lactation, cows require 40 to 60% more energy compared to the gestation period. If lactation occurs during cold weather, the cow’s ability to maintain condition and continue to provide milk will be seriously compromised if energy levels are not sufficient in the ration. A general rule to use, is for every 10 degrees the temperature is below –20 C at mid-day, beef cows require an additional 4 to 6 Mcals of digestible energy (DE).
