Real quick! Cows and Ice!

[MaryF]

Hey all,
real quick..its real cold here, we had a water leak in the barn that leaked out into the pasture. Its a frozen sheet of ice. I dont know if I should let the cows out of their pens into the pasture if there is a big sheet of ice. My worry is a broken leg if they slip. Should I be concerned/keep them in till we can get it thawed?
Thanks all,
Mary

[Allan Mistler]

Originally Posted by MaryF

Hey all,
real quick..its real cold here, we had a water leak in the barn that leaked out into the pasture. Its a frozen sheet of ice. I dont know if I should let the cows out of their pens into the pasture if there is a big sheet of ice. My worry is a broken leg if they slip. Should I be concerned/keep them in till we can get it thawed?
Thanks all,
Mary

Keep them in... Permanent damage can result to your cows from ice related slips and spills!

[MaryF]

THANK YOU

Mary

[daytrader]

You could try taking a tractor with a box blade to it. You may not be able to get traction. A light salt could help as well. Not to much. Light salt is fine and will not hurt your pasture area. Most will run off.

[michiganfarmer]

this is interesting. I have never seen this problem. Our holstiens just broke the ice up when they walked across it