What Are the Best Feeding Practices for Livestock in Texas Winters? Texas winters are unpredictable. One day brings sunshine, and the next brings freezing rain. These rapid changes stress your animals. You must adjust your feeding strategy to keep your herd healthy and productive through the cold months.
Increase Forage Intake
Animals burn more calories to stay warm. Their bodies act like furnaces. Fuel that furnace with high-quality hay. Digestion creates internal body heat, which helps them withstand freezing temperatures. Ensure your cattle, horses, and goats have constant access to forage. If the temperature drops significantly, increase their hay ration immediately.
Supplement Missing Nutrients
Winter pastures in Texas often lack nutrition. Dormant brown grass provides fiber but very little protein or energy. You must fill this gap. Use protein tubs, liquid feed, or high-fat cattle cubes. At Pasturas Los Alazanes, we carry trusted brands like Purina to supplement your herd’s diet. These products help maintain body condition scores even when grazing is poor.
Prioritize Water Consumption
Water is just as important in January as it is in July. Livestock will not eat enough if they are thirsty. Unfortunately, animals often drink less when water is near freezing. This leads to dehydration and impaction colic in horses. Check troughs daily. Break any ice that forms. If possible, use tank heaters to keep water at a palatable temperature.
Visit Pasturas Los Alazanes
Don’t let the cold catch you unprepared. Monitor your animals closely for weight loss or signs of cold stress. Visit us at Pasturas Los Alazanes for the best hay, supplements, and winter supplies in the Dallas area. We help you keep your livestock thriving all year long.