Do cows stay indoors in winter?

Answer 1

Cattle have the ability to adjust to the climatic temperatures, in the winter they will grow more hair for insulation. In the spring they will begin to shed out the winter coat so that they will remain cooler. Cattle will usually eat more in the winter than in the summer, eating more will give them energy to keep themselves warm. If there is a pond or source of deep water in the hot summer months they will stand in the water to cool themselves off.

Answer 2

The cows grow a thick winter coat that will protect them from all but the coldest of temperatures. If there are enough food resources, they will also lay down a thick layer of subcutaneous fat to help insulate them. Cows are temperate zone creatures and have evolved to handle much colder temperatures than humans can tolerate without protection. The only times a cow will have problems with cold weather are if it gets extremely cold (below zero before the wind chill), gets wet and then is exposed to cold weather or doesn't have the body fat and winter coat to handle the weather.

Another answer:

A cow's digestive processes creates a substantial amount of heat, so feeding them extra helps them during a cold spell (even if the feed is low quality hay). Dairy cows often get frostbite on their teats, which makes milking difficult. Young calves without shelter often get sick or die in cold and wet weather. Adequate feed, windbreak, and dry bedding to lie down on are the most important things cows need to survive severe cold.

Answer 3

Cows don't go *inside*. They are outdoor animals. The ruminant (four-chambered) stomach of a cow actually generates heat through digestion. Cows have no problem staying warm in cold temperatures. It's best if they have shelter from the wind and freezing rain, but for the most part they prefer to be outside eating hay.

Answer 4

Most beef cattle don't. Some dairy cows don't.

Answer 5

They eat grass and lay in the sunshine.