Do windbreaks minimize stress on cattle grazing foothill winter range?
B. E. Olson, R. T. Wallander, and J. A. Paterson Department of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O. Box 172900, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717, USA Can. J. Anim. Sci. 80: 265272 Cattle often graze foothill rangelands in northern latitudes as a cost-effective alternative to being fed hay. In a 2-yr study, we determined whether exposure to winter wind elicits a stress response in pregnant cows (57 yr old) grazing a foothill rangeland. We measured several indicators of stress-response of cows which had (windbreak) or did not have (non-windbreak) access to windbreaks. In Winter 1 (19661997), backfat thickness increased on windbreak and non-windbreak cattle. Body condition scores of both groups were lower at the end of the trial. In Winter 2 (19971998), backfat thickness decreased for windbreak and non-windbreak cattle. Body condition scores did not change. Weight changes were minor both winters. Changes in backfat thickness indicated that cattle in Winter 1 were catabolizing m
