Winter is upon us; are your cows prepared? Cold temperatures increase your cow’s energy requirements in an effort to produce heat for body temperature maintenance. In addition to cold weather increasing energy requirements, many cows are nursing a calf during the winter months and preparing themselves to become pregnant with another calf. Both increase a cow’s energy requirement. Ideally, cows need to be gaining weight when they calve (we call this a positive energy balance). Studies show that cows that are gaining weight when they calve are more likely to breed back within an acceptable amount of time and have calves at side that perform better than cows that are losing weight when they calve. First calf heifers and old cows are more prone to be affected by cold temperatures. Closely monitor your cow’s body condition through the winter, provide supplemental protein and energy if your cows begin losing weight or need to gain weight. A deworming program is essential to maintaining optimal body weight and herd health. Preventing down cow syndrome is more economical than treating down cow syndrome. Contact your local veterinarian or extension agent for more information about your cows’ body condition.