06/10/2026
☀️🌡️ Does hide color impact cattle performance?
Research from Montana State University explored how hide color interacts with extreme weather conditions and its potential effects on cattle temperature, intake behavior, and overall performance. With temperatures ranging from -40°F to 104°F during the study, researchers found that darker-hided cattle absorb more solar radiation and often experience higher surface temperatures in warm conditions, while lighter-colored cattle reflect more sunlight and may have an advantage during heat stress.
As environmental conditions continue to challenge cattle producers, understanding how genetics and physical traits influence performance can help drive better management decisions.
Read the full article here:https://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/beef/mooving-minutes/hidecolor.html
