Livestock Can Handle Colder Temps, But Precautions Are Still Needed
LOVELAND, Colo. (CBS4) - Farmers and ranchers across the Front Range have been prepping for the coming stretch of freezing weather as they have to work a little harder to keep their animals safe in the bitter cold temperatures.
For the most part, livestock are much better prepared to handle severe cold than people are, but the freezing weather does have farmers taking extra precautions.
At Ewe Bet Ranch in Loveland, owner Teresa Beemer and her family work all year preparing for the worst winter conditions.
"We have the hay in, it's ready to go, it's ready to give to them," Beemer said. "We have the shelter ready, prepared; the waters are in good condition."
The sheep she raises have a thick wool coat that protects them from the deepest freeze. Snow piling up on their backs is a good sign that shows their bodies' natural insulation is working.
"They love it, that's just how they're created, and it's a miracle to me," Beemer said.
Dr. Frank Gary at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital says it's not the cold alone, but the wind and precipitation that comes with frigid temperatures that can be dangerous for livestock.
"A healthy animal can withstand fairly high amounts of cold if they have good nutrition, good water and a good hair coat; because they generate a lot of heat," Gary said. "But sick animals -- really baby, small animals, or old animals, infirm animals, are susceptible to freezing."
Beemer will spend the next few days keeping an extra eye on her youngest animals.
"They don't care, 'Just feed us any time, if you're warm or cold, just feed us, we're happy,' " she said.
Gary said horses with blankets over them are probably show horses with shorter hair that need extra help staying warm. The same is true of dogs and other pets with short hair -- putting a jacket on them is a good idea.
LINK: CSU - Severe Cold Weather Rangeland and Livestock Considerations
