A powerful winter storm is forecasted to sweep across much of the U.S. this week, and livestock producers are being urged to take immediate action to protect newborn calves from hypothermia, a leading cause of early calf mortality. According to Mark Johnson, beef cattle breeding specialist with Oklahoma State University Extension, hypothermia risks spike when wet, cold conditions below 50°F combine with wind-conditions expected in several key calving regions.

"Newborn calves are particularly vulnerable if the calving process is prolonged or the dam's nutritional status is poor," Johnson explains. That makes cold stress prevention a critical part of any producer's winter calving strategy.

4 Immediate Steps to Prevent Hypothermia

Johnson outlines four key practices to reduce hypothermia risk:

• Dry calves immediately: Use clean towels or blow dryers to remove all moisture from the calf after birth.

• Apply external heat: Heat lamps, vehicle floorboards, "hot boxes," or a warm water bath (~100°F) can be used to raise body temperature. Stop external heat when calf reaches 99°F and monitor.

• Keep calves off the ground: Positioning on blankets, straw, or pallets helps prevent conductive heat loss.

• Shelter calves promptly: Move calves to a dry, wind-protected space, such as a barn or enclosed shop.

Why Pre-Calving Nutrition Matters

Calves born to cows with adequate late-gestation nutrition are more resilient, Johnson notes. Good maternal nutrition leads to higher colostrum quality, better milk supply, and crucially, the development of brown fat-an energy source that helps calves thermoregulate.

"Thin cows, or those in poor condition (BCS below 5.5), produce calves with less energy and reduced vigor," he says. Dystocia (difficult calving) also delays nursing, further elevating hypothermia risks.

To boost internal heat, calves must consume colostrum quickly and in adequate volume. Johnson recommends feeding 5-6% of the calf's body weight within the first 4 hours, and again at 12 hours. For an 80-lb. calf, that's about 2 quarts per feeding.

If natural nursing is in doubt, use a bottle or tube feeder with warm, high-fat (up to 10%) colostrum.

A calf's normal rectal temperature is 101.5-102.5°F. Intervention is advised when temps fall below 101°F. Use a thermometer and check for the suckling reflex-a cold, dry mouth or weak suck response indicates serious cold stress.

Signs of hypothermia include:

• Shivering or jerky muscle movements

• Clumsiness or disorientation

• Lack of energy or response

Mild hypothermia: Below 100°F
Severe hypothermia: Below 94°F

Treatment must address both internal and external warming. Warm colostrum or milk replacer is vital internally. Externally, continue gentle warming while ensuring the calf can maintain its body temperature.

Kassi Werning of Jared Werning Cattle, Parkston, S.D., offers added advice for ear and tail protection:

• Always dry calves with a blower, especially around neck, ears, and tail

• Avoid tagging calves in subzero conditions

• Use a sharp tag cutter for safe tag removal later

As extreme cold bears down on livestock-producing regions, preparedness can mean the difference between survival and loss. By combining sound nutrition, early intervention, and practical cold-weather management, U.S. beef producers can safeguard their herds and maintain calf productivity through winter's harshest weeks.