Cattle needs rise as temperatures drop

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Cattle producers need to follow recommended livestock-care checklists to mitigate significant dangers that arctic blasts bring to animal health and production, said Oklahoma State University experts.  Ranchers might not typically think about frozen water sources during a mild winter, for example.  So it’s important to remember that cattle in southern Great Plains states are relatively naïve when it comes to the presence of ice in the field,…

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Horse owners need to be watchful for signs of colic

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Horse owners need to take steps to ensure colic does not become a problem for their animals as temperatures drop, said Oklahoma State University experts.  “Horses need more feed to replace energy loss brought about by harsher wintertime weather conditions,” said Kris Hiney, OSU Extension equine specialist with the university’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences. “A good first step is to maximize forage intake. Give them as…

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