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December 10, 2025 - Feeding for Forty Below

Practical winter nutrition solutions to maintain herd health and performance.

Alberta winters can be long, cold, and unpredictable, placing added nutritional demands on livestock. As temperatures drop and forage quality declines, producers often need to adjust feeding strategies to maintain herd health, productivity, and physical condition. Ensuring adequate winter nutrition is not just about keeping animals fed – it’s a critical investment in reproductive success, herd immunity, and overall performance once spring arrives.

Increased Energy Needs in Cold Weather

Cold stress is one of the most important nutritional considerations for Alberta livestock. Cattle begin to require extra energy once temperatures fall below their lower critical temperature, typically around -20°C for animals with a heavy winter coat. For every 10°C drop below this point, beef cows may need an additional two to three pounds of grain or three to four pounds of good-quality hay per day just to maintain weight.

Producers should monitor body condition closely throughout the winter, especially in late gestation. Specific signs of cold stress in beef cattle are exhibited through shivering, pale gums, frostbite, fatigue, and lower feed intakes. Cows calving in poor body condition not only have lower milk production but may face calving difficulties and slower breed-back in spring.

Forage Quality and Feeding Strategies

While many Alberta operations rely heavily on baled forage, not all hay is created equal. Mature or weathered hay often has reduced protein and energy content. Feed testing is a critical practice for estimating nutritional needs accurately and building balanced rations. A simple forage analysis can help make the Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN), crude protein, fibre levels, and mineral contents more “digestible”, if you know what we mean!

Feed testing becomes even more important in years with drought or delayed harvest, when forage quality can vary widely. In these situations, supplemental grain, pellets, or high-energy alternative feed solutions may be required. Strategic feeding, like giving higher-quality feed in the morning or before extreme cold spells, can help animals better regulate body temperature and optimize nutrient use.

Protein Requirements and Rumen Function

Protein is key to maintaining rumen function during winter. Without adequate protein, cattle cannot efficiently digest fibre, which reduces their ability to extract energy sources from forage. Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation reports that most mature cows require seven to nine per cent crude protein depending on stage of pregnancy while growing animals and young stock require even more. 

In cases where hay quality is marginal, supplementing with canola meal, alfalfa hay, or commercial protein tubs can support microbial activity in the rumen. In Alberta, where native grasses and late-cut hay often drop in protein during winter storage, these supplements can be valuable tools.

Minerals and Vitamins: Often Overlooked Essentials

Mineral supplementation is another key component of winter feeding. Calcium and phosphorus aid in bone strength, reproduction, and feed efficiency. Other essential minerals that are necessary in smaller amounts such as copper, selenium, and zinc support immune function. This is especially important during periods of stress or fluctuating temperatures.

Vitamin A and vitamin E supplementation is critical during the winter months, as reserved forages naturally lose vitamin potency over time. It is important to explore the idea of mineral tubs or loose mineral mixes formulated for winter diets to avoid deficiencies.

Water Supply in Cold Conditions

Water availability can make or break a winter nutrition program. Feed intake and water intake go hand in hand – when one drops so does the other. As such, this leads to weight loss and less insulation for the animal during harsh weather. Heated water systems or well-insulated trough systems help keep livestock drinking in cold weather.

Cattle typically require 30-40 litres of water per day, even in winter. Lactating cattle can even consume up to 60 litres of water per day. While it is true that snow can supplement hydration, it should never be relied on as the sole water source, especially for pregnant or lactating animals.

Monitoring and Adjusting Throughout the Season

Winter livestock nutrition in Alberta is dynamic. Weather conditions, forage supply, animal age, and reproductive stage all play a role in determining feed requirements. Producers can use a hands-on assessment tool called regular body condition scoring to evaluate their animal’s fat reserves. The key areas to evaluate are the spine, ribs, and hips. It is recommended that producers do this evaluation monthly, if possible, to catch problems before they’re costly. 

By combining good-quality forage, appropriate supplementation, consistent access to water, and ongoing monitoring, producers can ensure their herds stay healthy and resilient through the coldest months. Adequate winter nutrition not only safeguards animal welfare but also sets the stage for successful calving, breeding, and productivity in the seasons ahead.