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Given that the beef cattle industry utilizes a diverse range of nutritional inputs and animal phenotypes across various geographies and climates, it is crucial to understand how cattle interact with their environments. Furthering our understanding of how cattle adapt to unique environments can enhance the economic viability of livestock production systems. As cattle are exposed to both hot and cold environmental extremes, there can be significant impacts on cattle health, welfare, and productivity.
Cold weather can cause an increase in energy expenditure to maintain a stable internal body temperature. This can result in decreased body weight and gain, which can lead to significant impacts on metabolic processes, including reduced digestive efficiency. Although it is estimated that there is roughly a 1% rise in energy requirements for cattle for every degree below 32°F, diet digestibility in ruminants decrease by 0.2% for every degree below 68°F. This has been reflected in work done in Saskatchewan, Canada that reported that feedlot cattle increase intake during severe winter conditions, however, average daily gain decreased by 30%.
In warm temperatures, cattle employ various strategies to mitigate heat stress, which can negatively impact gain and carcass quality. In the United States, the beef cattle industry experiences significant economic losses due to heat stress, with estimates ranging around $370 million annually. Given the substantial economic losses weather can cause, addressing thermal stress in livestock production is crucial to mitigate economic impacts and ensure sustainability of the industry.
While our understanding of cattle thermoregulation mechanisms is advancing, there is limited research on how hide coloration influences cattle acclimation under varying weather conditions. Cattle surface temperature initiates physiological responses that often indicate a thermal stress response. The amount of heat absorbed by cattle depends on factors such as the color of their hide, with darker hides absorbing more solar radiation than lighter ones. Several studies have shown that cattle with darker coats have higher surface temperatures when exposed to the sun, indicating an increase in heat stress. In contrast, lighter coats reflect more solar radiation, reducing heat stress. While this indicates that darker surfaces have a disadvantage in warmer environments, this may play in their favor in colder environments. While there has been positive progress in understanding how hide color interacts with the environment, research on its effects on cattle intake behavior and performance remains limited.
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Published on 10/16/2025 (18 days ago) Ranch News