Managing the Winter “Mud Tax” in Cow-Calf Herds

– Dr. Haley Linder, Assistant Professor of Ruminant Nutrition, OSU Extension

Mud’s more than an inconvenience, it’s costly!

If there is one universal truth about Ohio winters, it’s that they are rarely just cold. They are wet, unpredictable, and dominated by freeze–thaw cycles that turn lots and pastures inevitably muddy. While we often complain about mud because it pulls boots off and makes chores miserable, we sometimes overlook the economic toll it takes on the cow herd. Mud isn’t just an annoyance; it is an energy thief.

The “Mud Tax” on Cattle Energy Efficiency
Research done at the OSU Eastern Agricultural Research Station in Caldwell showed that cows housed in muddy, unbedded pens had an increased energy demand of 3.9 Mcal per day. To put 3.9 Mcal in perspective, that is roughly the energy contained in 4 lbs of corn.

In other words, every cow is burning the equivalent of 4 lbs of corn per day just to deal with mud, rather than using that energy to maintain body condition, support pregnancy, or rebreed. That’s a major “mud tax” on the herd.

Why the Loss Happens
Cattle have two main defenses against cold: their hair coat (insulation) and their metabolism (body heat). Mud compromises both.

1. Loss of Insulation: When mud cakes onto a cow’s hide, it mats the hair down, destroying the air pockets that trap body heat. A wet, muddy cow is effectively naked against the wind, forcing her to burn valuable feed just to maintain body temperature.
2. Increased Physical Effort: We know how tiring it is to trudge across a muddy lot. Walking through mud requires significantly more physical exertion than walking on a firm surface and for cattle, that extra exertion raises maintenance energy requirements.  But mud doesn’t just increase energy needs, it also lowers feed intake. Mud 4-8 inches deep can decrease feed intake by 5-15% because cattle are less willing to walk to water or the feed bunk. Higher energy needs coupled with lower feed intake can cause cow performance to slip and ultimately bring down herd productivity.

Three Strategies for Mitigation
Ohio producers can’t eliminate winter mud, but the goal is to manage it to limit energy losses, protect cow condition, and maintain performance.

1. The Sacrifice Paddock: Designating a “sacrifice” area for winter feeding prevents heavy traffic from damaging the rest of your pastures. A well-chosen sacrifice lot should be elevated, well-draining, and easily accessible. Move feed bunks or hay rings frequently to avoid creating deep mud in one location. While more expensive, the addition of a concrete feeding pad is a long-term solution that greatly improves mud management.
2. Provide Bedding: Bedding gives cattle a dry place to lie down and helps restore insulation to the hair coat. Straw, corn stalks or other absorbent materials work well. Mature cows may need up to 4 lbs of bedding per day per inch of mud. Add bedding frequently to keep the area dry or move bedding around to prevent pathogen buildup. Keep in mind that bedding is a short-term solution as adding more organic material will eventually create more mud as it breaks down.
3. Feed to the Conditions: During muddy, wet winters, cows require more energy just to maintain body temperature and move through the lot. If this increased demand is not met, cows will lose condition quickly. Increasing the energy density of the diet helps ensure cows maintain their condition. Evaluating forage quality is essential to understand what the base of the diet is providing, and from there, you can adjust with a supplement. Monitor cow body condition score throughout the winter and aim for a BCS 5-6 going into calving.
4. Watch for Foot Rot: Prolonged wet, muddy conditions soften the hoof and create the perfect environment for foot rot bacteria. Watch for sudden lameness, swelling between the claws, and reluctance to bear weight. Early treatment improves outcomes. Good mineral nutrition, especially zinc, copper, and selenium, plays a major role in hoof integrity and immune function, reducing susceptibility. Improving footing, reducing standing time and providing dry areas to lie down all help lower incidence.

Bottom Line
Mud will always be a part of an Ohio winter, but with a few strategic management steps, producers can reduce energy losses, protect cow condition, and keep the herd performing through the toughest months.

Reference: Nickles, K. R., Relling, A. E., Garcia-Guerra, A., Fluharty, F. L., Kieffer, J., & Parker, A. J. (2022). Beef cows housed in mud during late gestation have greater net energy requirements compared with cows housed on wood chip bedding. Translational Animal Science, 6(2).

This article has been reposted from the Ohio BEEF Cattle Newsletter. To view the original article, click HERE.