Waterers should provide four inches of linear space per animal. Protection from the Environment Temperature fluctuations greater than 30 degrees per day are very stressful to cattle. Loss of hair coat insulation through dampness magnifies the effect. If possible, provide protection to newly weaned cattle from both dampness and severe temperature fluctuations. Windbreaks provide relief from cold winter winds but can prevent air movement when the weather is warm.
Design windbreaks to meet both conditions.
If overhead shelter is provided it should be designed to allow air movement, protection from radiant heat, and allow for drying under the shelter by permitting sunlight to contact all of the covered surface during the day. Overhead shelters should be at least 10 feet high, provide 189 square feet of covered area per animal, and be oriented north to south to allow sunlight to shine on all areas under the shelter. The second rule is to pull for treatment any newly weaned calf that is slow to come to the bunk to eat. Sick cattle are generally slow to come to feed. All cattlemen know this, but few use this observation to their advantage.