To produce more heat, the animal must either receive an increase in energy from the cattle feed ration or draw on body stores. To compensate for the energy deficit created by the cold stress, follow this rule of thumb: Increase the amount of feed 1% for each degree of cold stress. If you have the wind-chill temperature, use that temperature.

There are many different options to consider in a winter feeding program. Cost of purchased grains or hay, nutritional value of feedstuffs, the equipment needed to feed, stockpiled forages, the types of cattle being fed. All of these considerations will weigh on determining what direction to go with feeding cattle in the winter.