Feb 11 2025 33 mins 2
How do extreme temperature swings impact cattle health, and what can producers do to manage these challenges?
In this episode Kara Mastel sits down with Dr. Brittany Smith, a consulting ruminant nutritionist, to discuss the effects of rapid temperature fluctuations on cattle well-being, feed intake, and immune function.
They break down practical strategies to mitigate stress, from adjusting feeding plans and providing windbreaks to monitoring body condition scores and ensuring water availability.
Dr. Smith also shares insights on how these fluctuations influence calf health, milk production, and long-term herd performance.
Listen For:
2:08 | The physiological impact of cold stress on cattle
4:11 | How cold weather changes cattle behaviour and feeding
14:24 | A simple snow trick to assess body condition
26:16 | Innovating producer strategies for dealing with extreme cold
CONNECT WITH GUEST: Dr Brittany Smith, Beef Smart Consulting
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CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL
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