DairyTalk 255: Cold Stress and Calories: Why Winter Calf Care Determines Lifetime Yield - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · Jan 31, 2026 · 14m

Winter-born calves often pay a hidden price long before it shows up in the milk tank. Cold stress forces young animals to burn energy for warmth instead of growth, leading to significant lifetime production losses. This article explains why temperatures below 10 °C already matter, how targeted nutrition, high-quality colostrum, and proper bedding can counteract these effects, and why winter calf management is one of the most powerful levers for long-term herd performance. Small changes now can protect five-figure profits later. With comments on a "The Bullvine"-article (January 27th, 2026) by…