As the colder months approach and daylight hours shorten, many farmers are turning their attention to winter housing after keeping their stock out for longer than usual due to the milder start to autumn. While it might seem straightforward to bring cattle in from the fields, successful housing requires careful planning and preparation. A few proactive steps now can prevent costly health issues later and ensure your herd thrives through the winter.
Why Winter Housing Preparation Matters
Housing cattle isn’t just about moving them indoors—it’s about creating an environment that supports growth, health, and productivity. Poor ventilation, overcrowding, and inadequate parasite control can lead to disease outbreaks, stress, and reduced performance. By addressing these factors before housing begins, you’ll set your herd up for success.
Pneumonia Prevention
Pneumonia is one of the most common and expensive diseases in housed cattle, particularly young stock. Prevention starts before cattle enter the sheds. Keep in mind the three Vs:
- Vaccination: Check that pneumonia vaccinations are up to date, ask one of the team at Cheshire if you are unsure. If not, administer them at least 2–3 weeks before housing to allow immunity to develop. We can advise on the most suitable vaccine for your herd and timing for administration.
- Ventilation: Good airflow is critical. Poor ventilation leads to damp conditions and increased pathogen survival. Inspect sheds thoroughly—repair leaks, clear blockages, and ensure air can circulate freely without creating draughts. Aim for a balance between fresh air and warmth.
- Volume: Avoid overcrowding. High stocking density raises humidity, stress levels, and disease transmission. Calculate space requirements carefully and, if necessary, adjust group sizes to maintain a healthy environment.
Parasite Control
Autumn is a hotspot for parasites, and housing untreated cattle can accelerate infestations. Address these issues before bringing animals indoors:
- Worming: Determine whether worming is needed. We offer faecal egg counts (£18.91+VAT/test) for pooled or individual samples to guide treatment decisions.
- Fluke: Liver fluke remains a concern even after a dry summer. We provide fluke testing (£23.10+VAT) and can recommend effective treatment options. Read our recent article HERE on the risks of liver fluke.
- Lice & Mites: Warm sheds create ideal conditions for external parasites. Spot-on or pour-on treatments are widely available—ask us which product best suits your system.
Bedding & Hygiene
Clean, dry bedding is essential for preventing lameness, mastitis, and respiratory problems. Regular mucking out and topping up bedding should be part of your routine. Equally important is drainage—standing water and dampness increase disease risk. Check drains and run-offs now, especially after heavy rainfall, to ensure they’re clear and functioning properly.
Nutrition
Housing often means a change in diet, which can stress the rumen and immune system. Reduce this risk with careful planning:
- Transition Feeding: Introduce silage or winter forage while cattle are still at grass to ease the shift.
- Mineral Supplementation: Deficiencies in key minerals can impact fertility, growth, and immunity. Boluses or other supplements help maintain optimal levels. If you didn’t attend our on-farm meeting with Agrimin talking about the importance of bolusing at housing you can catch up HERE.
- Water Supply: Frozen pipes and troughs are common in winter. Inspect water systems daily and insulate where necessary to guarantee access to fresh, unfrozen water.
Stress Management
Stress is a major contributor to poor growth, disease, and even pregnancy loss. Avoid mixing unfamiliar groups where possible, and monitor cattle closely during the first few weeks indoors. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Have you heard about the new ‘it’ product on the market? FerAppease is a maternal bovine appeasing substance taking the market by storm when it comes to stress reduction. A simple application can reduce stress in cattle for up to 14 days, resulting in better growth, less disease spread and reduced chance of pregnancy loss. Chat to the team or read our recent article HERE to learn more.
Final Thoughts
Winter housing is a demanding time, but preparation pays off. By focusing on health, nutrition, and environment, you’ll create conditions that support strong growth and productivity throughout the season.
If you’d like help reviewing your housing plan, vaccination schedule, or parasite control strategy, call us on 01270 310010 or pop into practice. We’re here to support you and your stock every step of the way.
