We have had a taste of winter weather recently and it’s a good time to remind livestock owners that winter weather conditions have an impact on an animal’s nutritional requirement.  Cold temperatures, cold rains, snow, and muddy conditions can all significantly increase the energy requirement of livestock.   All animals have a thermo neutral zone, that is, a range in temperature over which the animal is most comfortable and is not under any temperature stress.  This is the temperature range that is considered optimum for body maintenance, animal performance and health.   The lower boundary