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Dry bedding is a highly effective management practice for reducing cold stress in cattle. Maintaining dry bedding helps mitigate the effects of cold weather by providing a warmer and more comfortable environment for the animals. Moisture can significantly increase heat loss in cattle, as wet bedding conducts heat away from the cattle's bodies, making them colder. By using dry bedding, you create an insulating layer that traps heat and ensures that the cattle can maintain their body temperature more efficiently. This practice contributes to the overall health and well-being of the animals, enabling them to conserve energy that would otherwise be spent on generating body heat to compensate for the cold conditions.

The other options do not address the specific needs for minimizing cold stress as effectively as dry bedding. Increased feeding could help provide extra energy for maintaining body heat, but it does not directly reduce cold stress. Outdoor access can expose cattle to harsh weather conditions rather than protect them from the cold. Reduced shelter would conversely increase the risk of cold stress, as it allows animals to be more exposed to the elements.