Good news: Maybe newborn calves in North Dakota will be able to shiver enough to avoid being killed by cold weather this "spring"

Cold weather affecting spring-born calves in region

The recent below-normal temperatures in eastern North Dakota could have negative impacts on this spring’s calf crop into the fall weaning season, North Dakota State University Extension Service livestock specialists warn.

This year, producers who calve in large pasture settings are having newborn calves born in conditions that are 10 to 20 degrees colder than normal.

Neonatal calves have two internal mechanisms to help them cope with cold weather. First, calves are able to shiver, which is the involuntary muscle movements designed to increase warmth by expending energy.