While some people seem to prefer their fun in the sun, many cows tend to prefer the cold, with Western Kentucky University Department of Agriculture and Food Science Veterinarian Debra Shoulders saying they even thrive in it.
“They’ve got a thick hair coat, they’ve got pretty thick skin and they’ve got, hopefully, a pretty good fat layer underneath the skin. So, if the weather is cool, cold, sunny, not raining hard where they’re getting wet and in the wind, they’re really well protected. Especially if they go into winter in good condition.”
One of the best ways to prepare cows for the colder months is ensure they’re well fed and watered, which can help in avoiding illnesses like cold stress.
Cold stress can lead to frostbite, hypothermia and a compromised immune system in even the healthiest cows.
“During these really cold spells, I like to keep the cows moving, keep their energy up,” said Tesla Trammell, a Livestock Technician with Western Kentucky University’s Department of Agriculture and Food Science. “They’re constantly making heat, but also making sure that they have enough hay out there that they can create more energy in their stomachs to raise their temperatures.”
Shoulders added it’s also important to provide adequate shelter and protection for cattle to help keep them healthy as temperatures drop.
“We do worry about really young animals, and we worry about sick or older animals, or animals that aren’t in good condition. As long as they’ve got a windbreak or something to keep the wind off of them; an area to go, even if they get wet, they can dry out pretty good. Keeping the wind chill off is the real problem we have.”
While many farmers are encouraged to be prepared, it’s also recommended to be flexible with your planning as Kentucky weather isn’t prone to stay the same for long.
“I actually took care of cows in Western New York for several years before I came here, and Western New York winters are very predictable,” said Dore Hunt, Herd Manager with Chaney’s Dairy Barn. “Because you know it’s going to be cold and you know it’s going to snow, and down here you just, you never know.”
Both Trammell and Hunt agreed the cold temperatures don’t have an effect on the beef or dairy the cows produce.
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