On top of the cold, feed can be difficult to exhume when it' s buried beneath the ice. Cattle are also more prone to disease in cold, wet weather. They stay healthier in drier climes. Many ranchers try to pen the animals for warmth when cold weather hits, but that too can be difficult, depending on the size and location of the herd. Cows need at least 18-20 pounds of hay per day in this type of weather.
Many ranchers also use protein supplements.
Of course, cattlemen are accustomed to weather extremes in West Texas, Gary said. Cattle are outdoor creatures and can withstand pretty much anything if they're taken care of. The freeze is beneficial in some respects, killing off unwanted insect pests by the masses. Flies, fleas, ticks and wasps were particularly bad this year because of the previously mild winter season. But it all depends on how much moisture is received and how long it takes to warm back up again, Bomar said.