Can cows get sick from eating snow?
Cows will not get sick from eating snow. Cattle do well when snow is their only water source, as long as there is adequate snow present, and it is not hard or crusted over. It is important to monitor cow and snow condition on a daily or second day basis. A lack of water reduces feed intake, and cows can loose condition fairly rapidly when water is deficient. Studies in Canada have shown some cows have gone 50 to 60 days with snow as the sole water source without any adverse effects. Will the intake of snow affect the birth weights of calves? Snow intake during pregnancy will not have any noticeable affect on birth weight of calves. Proper nutrition, protein and energy levels, are important factors in affecting the birth weights of calves. Can cows in early lactation obtain adequate amounts of water from consuming snow? No. Cows in early lactation require a water source. Animals will not be able to consume adequate amounts of feed. Body condtion will be reduced and milk production impai
