Participating farmers feel they can demonstrate their cattle were healthier and happier outside than in, said Brick. But many farmers and researchers believe outwintered cows are more likely to become thin, sick, suffer udder damage, or be more uncomfortable than cows in a barn. The winter of 1996-97 In general, cold rain and wind are the main challenges faced by outwintered animals. Other winter difficulties include icy conditions and deep snow. The farmers said this winter was milder than the last, with more frequent thaws, according to Brick.
Thaws can lead to icy conditions, a potential hazard for outwintered cows.
On one of the farms in Brick s study, a pregnant cow died from injuries sustained from a fall on the ice. One farmer felt strongly that cold rain causes the highest weather-induced stress for animals kept outside, and most others agreed with him, said Brick. Cold rains were infrequent during the winter of 1996-97, but northern Wisconsin had deep snows. Snow tended not to be a problem for the cows, and some depended on it for water. Deep snow did cause problems for farmers rotating animals and feed through paddocks because it limited the mobility of round bale feeders.