Putting on a winter coat

In South Louisiana our falls and winters are normally pretty mild - actually very mild.  According to currentresults.com, the average winter temperature (Dec - Feb) is 50.9 degrees Fahrenheit in Louisiana.  It does dip below freezing and it is on those days that I feel sorry for the cows.  One of the best things to do is to give them plenty to eat on in the Fall so that they can have some fat stores saved up to act as a "liner" on their "winter coat". 

I was discussing this with Tricia last night and I think we are going to roll out one of the first bales of hay this weekend and put a hay ring around it and let them start snacking on it.  There is still some good grass out on the pasture for them to eat and I have a little spot behind the pasture that I have stockpiled for them to eat on as well.  We just want to ensure that they are in good condition going into the winter to keep them comfortable and warm. 

Just yesterday I was noticing that Magnolia (Maggie May) is preparing for the winter by growing her winter coat.  Jersey cow's coats are normally pretty short and slick, except in the winter where they put on a nice thick coat to protect them against the cold and wind.  If animals get too cold, especially if it is raining and windy, they expend energy and burn up fat stores to keep warm.  We don't want them depleting their fat stores to stay warm as both Daisy and Maggie are pregnant.  We want their energy directed toward growing healthy calves - heifers, we hope.  That's where their winter coat comes in handy.  God takes care of his Creation.


Maggie's fur coat

Here is a close-up shot of her coat:
 

Maggie will be warm and furry for the winter months ahead

Daisy and Rosie have started growing theirs as well, although they aren't as far along on their growth as Maggie is.  The sad thing is that the Livestock Shows are in January and Dairy Cows must be clipped for the shows so that the judges can see the lines of the animal.  This is a big job for us that we dread almost as much as the animals.  It takes a while to completely give a 1000 pound animal a haircut - and we have 3 to do!  We have some special clippers for the job.  I'll be sure and post some pictures of this process when that time comes.

Just as we take off our coats when it warms up, the cows do as well.  As soon as it starts to warm up in the Spring, they'll begin shedding their winter growth, so that they will be cool and comfortable for the summer months.  How's that for a thermostat?