Winter Herd Health Tips: 4 Key Areas to Focus On

1. Prioritize Respiratory Health for Your Cows

Cold and wet conditions increase the likelihood of respiratory issues in cows, especially when they’re stressed or exposed to fluctuating temperatures. Here’s how to keep their lungs in top shape this winter:

• Ventilate your barn well: Fresh air helps reduce harmful bacteria and viruses (but avoid direct drafts on the cows).
• Minimize stress: Provide a comfortable, calm environment to keep them healthy and keep stress levels as low as possible.
• Nutritional support: Winter conditions can deplete important nutrients. Use Diary ‘R’ Caps to provide an additional source of nutrients essential for immune function.

For added support, products like Dr. Paul’s OLS-M tincture contain oregano, which has natural antimicrobial properties to support respiratory health. If you’re dealing with more severe cases, this tincture can make a big difference.

AHV, a product formulated in the Netherlands, combines concentrated essential oil ingredients into a series of easy-to-use pills that act as a potent antibacterial agent that works in synergy with the immune system. This exceptional concentrated treatment breaks the sticky bonds called biofilms that bacteria create to hide in plain sight in cows' bodies. It leaves these biofilms exposed in the bloodstream, where they can be destroyed more easily by the cow's immune system and/or herbal or antimicrobial treatments.

There is a protocol for respiratory, chronic mastitis, active mastitis, and even for common conditions that affect calves. AHV is used nationwide on both organic and conventional farms alike. The use of the AHV product line saves farmers money and time in treating these infections that can easily become chronic issues with conventional treatment alone.

2. Give Extra Attention to Your Calves

Calves are particularly vulnerable to respiratory and digestive issues in their first months. Here’s how to help them stay strong in winter:

• Ensure proper nutrition: Calves need good-quality colostrum right after birth to boost their immunity. It’s important to make sure they get enough to develop a proper immune response.
• Keep them warm: Calves struggle to regulate their body temperature, so make sure they have access to a warm, dry environment.
• Hydration is key: Always provide fresh water and consider adding electrolytes like O’Pecti-Lyte if your calves show signs of dehydration.

For respiratory health, Amplimune is a great option. This single-dose immunotherapeutic boosts the calf’s natural defenses and helps protect them from E. coli-induced diarrhea.

3. Address Digestive Health Issues

Winter stress can stress the digestive system. Here’s how to help keep your herd’s digestion running smoothly:

• Stick to a consistent diet: Sudden diet changes can upset the stomach. Keep feeding schedules consistent.
• Probiotics & digestive aids: O’ Pecti-Lyte and Lacto Paste help maintain gut health and replenish electrolyte balance when calves experience fluid loss from diarrhea, especially during stressful times.

Monitor hydration & manure: Loose stools or dehydration are early signs of digestive issues. Pay close attention to calves to prevent scours – a great product to use if you suspect cryptosporidium is Dr. Paul’s Calf Start, which can be used to restore microbial balance.

O' RumenAider is a great nutritional and microbial product to use during stressful times like calving or transport. It helps restore rumen balance and provides nutritional support to get them back on track with unmatched levels of bioavailable vitamins, chelated trace minerals, live strains of beneficial microbes and yeast, and digestive enzymes.

4. Help Calves Build Resilience During Stressful Times

Calves are most vulnerable during times of high stress, like weaning or illness. Support their immune systems to keep them healthy by:

• Creating a calm environment: Reduce overcrowding, keep gathering spaces clean, and provide a warm, quiet resting place.

Offer immune support: Products like Barnyard Boost offer an extra immune system boost, helping calves recover quickly during stressful periods like weaning, illness, or disease treatment cycles.