Seeking Advice: 18-Month Highland Bull Getting Wet in Winter

[srw96]

I've noticed that despite showing no signs of ill health, the highland bull has been getting wet, especially on his coat, since being turned in for winter. The peculiar thing is that he seems perfectly fine otherwise, with no coughing, sneezing, or any other noticeable issues.

I have a theory, and I'd love to get your thoughts on it. Could the wetness on his coat be caused by the warmth of the bed (straw) meeting the cold air, resulting in condensation? If this is the case, do you think increasing ventilation in the pen could be a solution?

However, I'm open to other possibilities as well. If any of you have experienced similar situations or have alternative explanations for the wetness, I'd greatly appreciate your input. Ensuring the well-being of my Highland bull is a top priority, and your insights could be invaluable in figuring out the best course of action.

 

[Wisconsonian]

Generally, increasing the ventilation is always good for grown cattle, and drying things out.

I'd think the moisture is coming off of him and condensing on the outside of his coat. We humans lose a quart or so of water through our skin per day. I'd guess a highlander could lose a gallon, and if it's cold enough and his coat is thick enough, then he'll get condensation on the outside. Or it could come from his breath. Have you checked to see if he's wet through to the skin, or if it's just surface dampness?

 

[Aspiring Peasants]

I've noticed that despite showing no signs of ill health, the highland bull has been getting wet, especially on his coat, since being turned in for winter. The peculiar thing is that he seems perfectly fine otherwise, with no coughing, sneezing, or any other noticeable issues.

I have a theory, and I'd love to get your thoughts on it. Could the wetness on his coat be caused by the warmth of the bed (straw) meeting the cold air, resulting in condensation? If this is the case, do you think increasing ventilation in the pen could be a solution?

However, I'm open to other possibilities as well. If any of you have experienced similar situations or have alternative explanations for the wetness, I'd greatly appreciate your input. Ensuring the well-being of my Highland bull is a top priority, and your insights could be invaluable in figuring out the best course of action.

I’ve never had highlands but with any other cattle we clip them along the back and shoulders which helps

 

[Dry Rot]

Why does a Highland bull need to be housed? Where does the OP farm? Highland ponies (similar metabolism without as much hair) here, living without rugs, have the option of two man made field shelters but prefer to sleep outside in anything but gale driven horizontal freezing sleet -- and I actual live in the Highlands 80 miles short of the end of the Mainland! It will be interesting to hear from Highland cattle breeders in Scotland as I've never bred them. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Aspiring Peasants]

Why does a Highland bull need to be housed? Where does the OP farm? Highland ponies (similar metabolism without as much hair) here, living without rugs, have the option of two man made field shelters but prefer to sleep outside in anything but gale driven horizontal freezing sleet -- and I actual live in the Highlands 80 miles short of the end of the Mainland! It will be interesting to hear from Highland cattle breeders in Scotland as I've never bred them. Maybe I'm wrong.

I would think if you are having to house cattle then Highland is probably the wrong breed to keep

 

[cheviot53]

Have put and seen highlands inside to finish , sheds as open as you can make them and clipping back and tail

 

[Highland Mule]

I have a theory, and I'd love to get your thoughts on it. Could the wetness on his coat be caused by the warmth of the bed (straw) meeting the cold air, resulting in condensation? If this is the case, do you think increasing ventilation in the pen could be a solution?

No, it’s likely sweat from him not being outside.

Unless the snow level is above his horns when he’s standing, let him live where he naturally should.

 

[Mad For Muck]

Why is he inside? Ours stays outside all year round but can wander in & out of a shed if he wants.

 

[Cowgirl]

I would agree a combination of condensation and sweat. Happens to ours in certain weather conditions especially if freezing and no wind. Of course he’d be better outside but it’s likely there are reasons why the OP can’t keep him outdoors eg he’s a bull and doesn’t want him with cows, or the land is too wet. Even Highlands can’t survive bogged down up to their elbows in mud, as someone round where we live found out to their cost a few years ago.

 

[betweenthelines]

Need's Carrie Anne from This Farming Life to advise?

 

[Raider112]

A thread on here about clipping cattle at housing.

 

[west coast angus]

You know when your in a Highland cattle breeders shed by the amount of fans they have hanging every where, set up a few fans pointing at the bull pen it should help stop him sweating up!

 

[choochter]

One group of my cattle (normal ordinary non shaggy cattle) that can come in and out as they please will be out all day unless it's raining hard, and come in at night. That's their free choice.

 

[Dry Rot]

You know when your in a Highland cattle breeders shed by the amount of fans they have hanging every where, set up a few fans pointing at the bull pen it should help stop him sweating up!

Also promotes shaggy hair growth desired by the shows?

 

[Sharpy]

Iirc a Highlander has two types of hair, an undercoat for insulation and a much longer overcoat for waterproofing. It's very efficient, which is why they can thrive in 10ft rainfall areas. I suspect the waterproofing works both ways and the wetness is sweat condensing on the outer, cooler coat.