University of Illinois Extension Expert Explains Cows’ Natural Mechanism for Staying Warm in Cold Weather

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — As conversations abound regarding how people can keep warm in freezing temperatures, one specialist is shedding light on how cows manage to stay comfortable in the cold.

Travis Meteer, a beef cattle expert from the University of Illinois Extension, explained that cows are naturally equipped with a dense coat of hair and a thick layer of insulating fat. When the mercury drops below 19 degrees, Meteer advises that caretakers should become more vigilant about their cattle’s needs. This includes ensuring a sufficient supply of high-quality feed, providing shelter from the wind, and offering ample bedding.