Cold Weather Care
AccelCoat
Provides additional protection to calves during cold weather. Made with 3M Thinsulate
insulation providing superior thermal capabilities. The outer shell is made of Cordura
nylon with a urethane back that makes the coat water resistant. A smooth inner lining,
adjustable elastic leg straps and three sizes allow for a better fit. Quick release
leg straps and adjustable Velcro brisket strap makes dressing any calf a one-person
job. Machine washable.Dimensions: Length from brisket strap to tailend. Width from center of back to belly.
30839 Small (31.5"L x 12"W for small calves)
30840 Large (34"L x 15"W for most calves)
30842 Jumbo (39"L x 16.5"W for larger calves)
Accel Energy
An energy supplement that contains 60% fat and 7% protein with added vitamins and
minerals. Add to milk replacer
or whole milk during cold weather stress. 30980 25 lbs
Help Calves in Cold Weather
- Make sure clean water is available to stimulate starter intake.
- Provide plenty of dry bedding.
- Acts as a moisture barrier, keeps calves dry.
- Insulates the calf from the cold earth or concrete below.
- Encourages the calf to lie down, decreasing body heat losses.
- Provides a draft-free place for the calf to lie down.
- Consider using AccelCoats to help insulate young calves.
Energy is a Limiting Nutrient in Winter
In cold weather, energy can be a limiting factor to growth and leaves calves susceptible to sickness. Feeding a high quality milk replacer to pre-weaned calves makes economic sense and also helps prevent weight loss in cold weather environments. The chart below estimates daily gain expected at varying feeding rates and temperatures when feeding Accelerated Genetics milk replacer.| Effect of Temperature on Calf Daily Growth Using an Accelerated Genetics Calf Milk Replacer (20% Protein-20%Fat) | |||||||
| Amount of Powder per Calf per Day | 60 F | 50 F | 40 F | 30 F | 20 F | 10 F | 0 F |
| 1.00 | 0.38 | Weight Loss | Weight Loss | Weight Loss | Weight Loss | Weight Loss | Weight Loss |
| 1.25 | 0.72 | 0.43 | -0.24 | Weight Loss | Weight Loss | Weight Loss | Weight Loss |
| 1.50 | 0.91 | 0.82 | 0.66 | 0.48 | 0.28 | Weight Loss | Weight Loss |
| 1.75 | 1.11 | 1.11 | 1.03 | 0.86 | 0.69 | 0.46 | 0.35 |
| 2.00 | 1.30 | 1.30 | 1.30 | 1.21 | 1.06 | 0.85 | 0.75 |
| The growth rates shown are considered estimates using the 2001 Dairy NRC as a guideline. Actual calf performance can vary greatly based on management, genetics and actual feed intake. | |||||||
Cold Weather Management
By paying attention to calf health, environment, and feed intake you can keep calves growing during periods of stress.Feeding changes that provide more nutrients during cold weather include:
- Feed additional milk replacer solution. (From 2 quarts per feeding to 3 quarts per feeding for example.)
- Feed more milk replacer powder per calf. (From 10oz. per 2 quarts to 12oz. per 2 quarts.)
- Feed an additional feeding during the middle of the day.
- Feed an additional 1-2 quarts per calf daily.
- Feed Accel Energy Fat Supplement to add extra energy to your milk replacer solution or whole milk.
AccelEnergy Adds Extra Calories Calves Need
| Gain Projections at Variable Temperatures and Feeding Rates Using a 20-20 All-Milk Protein Milk Replacer | |||
| Ounces of Milk Replacer or Ounces of Milk Replacer with Accel Energy per Day | 50 F | 30 F | 10 F |
| 20 oz. Milk Replacer | 0.44 | 0.01 | Weight Loss |
| 20 oz. Milk Replacer + 2 oz. Accel Energy | 0.73 | 0.37 | Weight Loss |
| 20 oz. Milk Replacer + 4 oz. Accel Energy | 0.78 | 0.66 | 0.11 |


