According to Kansas State University veterinarian Larry Hollis, the effects of the severe stress caused to cows and calves by winter storms across  the plains will continue well into the spring.

Mr Hollis expressed concerns about ‘secondary losses’, such as calves that are weak at birth, cows that are in a poorer condition than usual during calving season and lower conception rates due to severe stress.

The severity of the situation will largely depend on the number of days cattle went unfed as those that went without feed for one or more periods will have used up body reserves which could make them even more vulnerable to the cold. Heavy snow and low temperatures have killed thousands of cattle in Colorado and the southern plains over the current winter.