Justin Weller, operations manager for Maple Lane Cattle Company, 3438 E. State Route 29, Urbana, said with temperatures this cold, he will have to feed each steer about $10 worth of food more a week.
“They’re going to spend more energy, their bodies are, generating heat in the winter, so we have to up their feed to compensate for their energy loss,” Weller said.
He said the steers he plans to take to market in March will get up to 25 percent more food when temperatures get colder.
Weller said he’s happy about this milder winter so far. Last winter, the company spent about $1,000 more than its average on feed costs due to the extreme cold.
The piping system that gives cows water also froze.
“(Warmer temperatures) make things not just easier on the cattle, but the people,” Weller said. “Obviously we have to get out twice a day to feed the cattle and other chores.”
Weller said the cows do some things naturally to help keep warm during the winter months, like growing a thicker coat.
When temperatures get really cold, Weller said the cows are excellent at conserving body heat. He said when temperatures dip below 10 degrees, the cows will not come out of the barn more than two or three times a day for food and water.
“One of the things they are going to do is lay together for heat,” Weller explained. “They are also going to take turns to go out and eat hay to maximize their energy consumption. People think cows are stupid and really they do some things that are pretty smart. That is one of them.”
Weller said its important to keep the cows well fed and hydrated during these cold spells so they do not miss their processing date.
Maple Lane’s meat is sold at the farm and a local Urbana restaurant, Cafe Paradiso.
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