
Cold winter temperatures present extra challenges for raising calves.
Newborn calf’s have a thermal neutral zone between 60 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermal neutral zone is the temperature at which an animal is the most comfortable and extra energy is not required to maintain normal body temperature. When outside temperatures are below a calf’s thermal neutral zone, the calf uses energy just to maintain its body temperature.
We take additional measures during the winter to help our calves stay warm, healthy and continue to grow in the cold. So, in the barn with warming blankets, and clean, dry bedding it is!!