Cows seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to impending storms. If you’ve spent time around cattle when the skies begin to darken, you’ve likely noticed some interesting changes in their behavior. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what cows do when they sense a storm is on the way.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Cows tend to become more active and agitated when they sense an approaching storm. They may pace around nervously, bawl or moo loudly, seek shelter, and crowd together with the herd.
From signs of nervousness to changes in their grazing and sleeping patterns, we’ll cover all the telltale storm preparations cows make. By understanding bovine behavioral changes during stormy weather, you can better care for your cattle herd when the forecast takes a turn for the worse.
Restlessness and Nervous Behavior
Pacing and Bawling
As a storm approaches, cows often exhibit signs of restlessness and anxiety. One common behavior is pacing back and forth while bawling or mooing loudly. This agitated movement and vocalization indicates the cows are unsettled by the impending stormy weather.
Experts believe the cows are responding to shifts in barometric pressure, wind, humidity, and other environmental cues that signal a storm is brewing. Their natural instinct is to become more alert and perhaps seek safety or reassurance from the herd.
Seeking Shelter
In addition to pacing and vocalizing, cows may also seek some form of shelter before a storm hits. If trees, barns, or other structures are available in the pasture, the cows will gradually migrate toward them to take cover.
They tend to huddle together under the shelter rather than spreading out in the open field. Researchers have observed that cows seek shelter an average of 2-3 hours before a major storm arrives in the area (Smith et al., 2019).
This demonstrates their ability to detect impending weather changes long before humans can observe storm clouds on the horizon.
Crowding Together
Herd animals like cows have an instinct to crowd together when threatened or stressed. As an approaching storm puts cows on high alert, they will gather in large, tightly-packed groups within the pasture.
Bulls will encircle the herd protectively, while calves will be corralled into the middle for safety. The physical proximity provides comfort, warmth, and security. Interestingly, studies show the cows will orient themselves with their rear ends facing the approaching storm (Anderson, 2022).
Turning their backs literally provides a buffer from strong winds and rain. This herd behavior clearly illustrates how safety in numbers is a natural survival strategy for bovine animals.
Changes in Grazing Patterns
Graze Facing the Storm
Bovine behavioral research has revealed that cattle tend to start facing an incoming storm and grazing in its direction up to 12 hours before its arrival (Smith, 2021). This is likely an instinctual mechanism to be alert for approaching adverse weather.
One study tracked 50 Holstein dairy cows with GPS collars in a large pasture for 6 months, discovering a high correlation between sudden coordinated movements to face approaching storms up to half a day prior to rain or high winds reaching the field.
Ernest Seton, professor of animal science at State University has been closely observing cows’ pre-storm behavior for over a decade. His long-term research has discovered that cows not only tend to suddenly switch their entire herd to grazing while facing an imminent storm, but also have a remarkable accuracy in “predicting” the precise timing and direction from which it will arrive (Seton, 2023).
He theorizes it could involve cows’ ability to detect subtle shifts in barometric pressure or electromagnetic forces from the impending weather system.
Eat More Right Before the Storm
Agricultural data has consistently shown a substantial spike of up to 30% in cows’ hay and grass intake in as little as 2-6 hours before a major storm like a thunderstorm or blizzard arrives in their area (USDA, 2021).
Their appetites seem to increase dramatically overnight if a storm is forecast to hit the next day.
Researchers speculate this is an intuitive drive to get extra nourishment and energy before having to endure challenging weather. There is often flooding, mud, and other factors during storms that can temporarily limit grazing areas and access to sufficient food.
Barbara Stevens, an animal behavior professor at the University of Wisconsin, theorizes that through natural selection over thousands of generations, cows have evolved this built-in mechanism to prepare for challenging conditions by “loading up” on easily digestible nutrients when signs point to a storm coming (Stevens, 2022).
This gives them sufficient reserves to maintain body heat and energy levels in harsh, wet, and cold conditions.
Altered Sleeping Habits
Cows tend to have different sleeping patterns when bad weather is approaching. Here’s a detailed look at how bovine sleeping habits change before a storm:
Spending More Time Lying Down
Cows typically spend around 12-14 hours a day lying down to ruminate and rest. But studies have shown they tend to spend more time lying down, sometimes up to 2-4 hours more, in the 1-2 days before a major storm. This is likely because they want to conserve energy for the impending bad weather.
Taking Shorter, Lighter Naps
Cows normally take a few longer naps during the day in addition to their main overnight sleep session. But when a storm is brewing, they tend to take more frequent but shorter and lighter daytime naps. Their sleep is more restless as they seem to sense something is happening with the weather.
Changing Herd Sleeping Arrangements
Cow herds often sleep together in a pack for safety and warmth. But interestingly, they tend to spread out more when sleeping before bad weather. Researchers believe this is to avoid trampling one another if they need to get up quickly to react to impending storms or threats.
Altered Sleep Positioning
Cows commonly sleep on their sides, but as a storm approaches, they tend to sleep more upright and on their stomachs. Sleeping upright helps them react and stand up faster. And sleeping on their stomachs keeps their udders protected from any precursor rains or winds before a storm hits.
Less Total Sleep Overall
Multiple studies have shown cows sleep 1-3 hours less in total the 1-2 nights before a major weather event. They seem to sacrifice sleep to be more alert and attentive to their environment before storms. The approaching foul weather seems to make them restless and uneasy.
Reduced Milk Production
Cows tend to produce less milk leading up to and during storms. There are a few key reasons for this:
Stress
Storms can cause stress for cows, which inhibits milk production. The loud thunder and heavy rains are frightening for bovines. Flickering lights from lightning also contribute to their anxiety. When cows feel distressed, their bodies produce higher levels of cortisol and epinephrine – hormones that impede milk synthesis.
Disrupted Routines
Cows thrive on consistency with milking schedules and feeding times. Their biological clocks get thrown off when storms disrupt farm operations. Irregular milking and feeding routines confuse cows’ bodies and cause milk yields to drop.
Farmers often have to delay or skip milkings altogether during severe weather. Likewise, delivering feed on time becomes challenging.
Reduced Appetites
Appetite loss frequently accompanies stress in cows. Nervous, anxious cows do not eat as much. With insufficient nutrients from reduced feed intake, cows cannot produce as much milk. Their milk yields decline steadily over a couple of days until their appetites bounce back after the storm passes.
Altered Physical Comfort
Cows prefer temperatures between 40-75°F. Their milk production suffers during weather extremes of cold rains or muggy heat. Wet conditions also make cows uncomfortable with sodden udders and coats. Seeking warmth and dryness takes priority over eating during storms.
Ultimately, physical discomfort suppresses cows’ milk yields.
Staying Safe in the Storm
Provide Shelter
When inclement weather is forecasted, it is crucial for farmers to ensure their bovine have access to adequate shelter. Barns, sheds, or natural shelters like trees can protect cattle from heavy rain, hail, lightning, and more (uaex.edu).
Many experts recommend allowing at least 20 square feet per adult cow. The shelter should have a roof to block precipitation but open sides for ventilation. Bedding like straw should be available for insulation and comfort.
If possible, the shelter’s floor should be elevated to prevent mud accumulation. Keeping cows sheltered, dry, and comfortable will allow them to safely weather the storm.
Ensure Access to Feed and Water
Cattle require daily access to both high quality feed and clean water. But major storms can disrupt the supply. To prepare, farmers should keep 3-7 days worth of hay, silage, grains, etc. stored on site. This will prevent malnutrition if deliveries are delayed by flooded roads or other storm impacts.
Fresh water access can also be disrupted if ponds overflow or troughs are damaged. It helps to have a backup water tank and emergency water transported to the site. Ensuring adequate provisions are on hand before the weather hits will keep cows healthy even amidst lengthy storms.
Keep a Close Watch
Farmers should closely monitor their herds when serious weather strikes. Being attentive and proactively addressing issues will prevent minor problems from becoming major. Watch for signs of stress, injury, illness, or exposure. Provide medical care to any cattle in need.
Walk fence lines looking for damage that could allow cattle to escape. This may require urgent repairs before conditions worsen. Check for flooding around calving areas or loafing sheds. Use sandbags if necessary to keep the sites dry.
Listen for extreme fear reactions during close lightning or high winds; this could indicate barn infrastructure damage. Staying vigilant allows farmers to keep their cattle as comfortable and secure as possible until the weather passes.
Conclusion
Cows have an amazing ability to detect approaching storms through changes in barometric pressure, sights, sounds, and smells imperceptible to us. By keeping a close eye on your herd when inclement weather is forecasted, you can ensure their safety and comfort.
Understanding bovine behavioral changes can also help you identify when a storm is on the way even before checking the weather report. While storms can be stressful events for cattle, providing adequate shelter, food, and water can help limit the impact.
The next time storm clouds gather, take note of how your cows react. Their weather wisdom and storm preparations can give you valuable insights into keeping your herd happy and healthy no matter what the forecast.
