07/11/2026
It's a lot like Spa day around here, but when heat indexes hit 99° before 9 am, what a hairy coo to do?
Today will mark our 23rd day of over 100° heat index in Oklahoma. People often ask me how they do in the Oklahoma heat.
-They shed that famous long outer coat during summer months.
-Blood circulates through their horns which dissipates heat and helps them regulate a healthy body temperature.
-Fresh water and a pond to stand in like it's spa day.
-Shade. While shade trees around the pond are years from being effective, the cattle have access to a few shade trees and a shaded shallow natural pool also.
-Minerals: salt block, sea salt block w/ minerals
-Garlic and capsaicin as well as lavender all help keep blood circulating. You can supplement garlic powder and cayenne pepper to help your animals through hot days.
-Not cost effective to mix for cattle, but Vitaferm One Heat is specifically designed for cattle to help keep them grazing during hot days. This loose mineral has been our biggest summer heat secret with raising our highlands.
The combined efforts above keep these hairy coos comfortable during the hot summer months.
