Spring is right around the corner, but for many you are still dealing with cold and snow. Caring for a dairy cow during the winter can be a challenge, but it doesn’t need to be insurmountable!
Teats chap and freeze when wind-chills are at zero and below. You may choose not to post dip at all, which is fine. You can also use products like Winterset, or Revive (from IBA.)
Treat chapped teats with Udder Balm or similar, and be careful to not over milk your cow.
Providing plenty of hay and water, plus a bedded shelter or tree line for wind protection is all she needs otherwise! She heats up from the inside out, with rumination serving as her furnace. She is very likely much more comfortable than you are in this weather!
Juliette is a monthly contributor to the Irish Dexter Cattlemen Newsletter and the author behind many of the articles on the FB group The Science of Owning. Dairy Cow.
Here is a link to other suggestions for dealing with it.
https://www.agproud.com/articles/19093-tips-for-dealing-with-frostbite-and-other-teat-health-issues
