With frozen pipes hampering supply, getting water to sheds will be the number one priority in the coming days.
Animals on a high-concentrate diet or those being ad-lib fed will have a high water requirement and it is very important that these animals have a continuous supply of water throughout the current cold spell.
Bulls on ad-lib meal consuming 10kg of dry matter daily will need 60 litres of water daily to meet their requirements.
If animals have been left without water for a long period, introduce it gradually as gorging a high volume of cold water quickly can result in the animal going into cold shock, which can be fatal in some instances.
Try to provide water a number of times during the day as shy feeders won't come to a trough and may not get enough water if only being offered twice daily.
Suckler cows
Dry suckler cows on wet silage will have a lower daily requirement for water. However, if left without water for longer than 24 hours, some dehydration may occur, so it's important to offer water if at all possible. Suckler cows suckling calves will have a higher requirement for water and should be treated as priority after those animals on high-concentrate diets.
Weanlings
Weanlings can be taken off meal and fed silage only during the cold spell. This should help reduce water requirements and will not have a major impact on performance.
Stock outdoors
Stock outdoors will have a higher maintenance requirement for heat during the very cold weather. This means they will need to eat extra feed to keep warm. Increase meal feeding levels and silage feeding over the coming days.
Don’t forget about water outdoors. With many field drinkers frozen, stock will need access to water outdoors as well. Make sure young calves have adequate shelter. Moving a trailer into field can sometimes provide a quick-fix shelter for young calves. Putting straw bales along a hedge can also help.
Safety
Take care working in the yard in the coming days. Compacted snow on top of ice has lead to very slippery conditions. The snow has also covered up items in yards which are usually visible, so take care walking around. Stay warm and always carry a mobile phone in case you get into trouble and need help.