Why do cows lay down before and when it rains?

Answer 1

Falling pressure is thought to affect the digestive system of cows, making them less willing to go to pasture, causing them to lie down. Since a coming rainstorm has those varying low pressures, cows will often be seen lying down to ease thier stomachs.

Answer 2

Do Cows Lay Down

Answer 3

Cows Lying Down

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why do cows lay down before and when it rains?

Answer 5

" The cows are trying to reserve a nice dry spot to wait out the rain. I think if they really want to keep dry they would go stand under a tree or something. Or maybe they are trying to present a smaller target for any lightning that might accompany the rain. I doubt it. I don't think cows are that smart.

Here's the only idea that makes any sense to me: Rain is generally preceded by a drop in the barometric pressure, right? That's why your old scars or bad knees or whatever ache when rain is coming. Your body is adjusting to the drop in pressure.

So the idea is that maybe the lower pressure affects a cow's digestive system - all those gasses and juices and stuff in all those stomachs.

So this kind of puts the cow off its feed, and it doesn't feel like grazing.

Being a cow and all, it can't think of anything else to do so it lies down. "

Answer 6

I've been raised in the country and this is an odd myth. Cows only lay down once in awhile, and when it begins to rain they lay down to maintain their warmth from the ground. Not from lightining striking them. Rain cools their bodies quickly, so laying down preserves their heat. Whereas Bulls in general will remain standing to watch the herd.

Answer 7

Sorry, the cows in the field across from my house usually remain standing before during and after it rains... the only time I have seen them lie down is in the shade on a hot day. Usually when it rains they head for the barn (if there is one) or they just stand there.

Answer 8

I don't know why no-one states the obvious answer. Cows lie down before it rains for the same reason they lie down before it doesn't rain. Cows sometimes lie down.

Answer 9

I had always been told as a child by the farmers and ranchers in the family that they do this to absorb the warmth from the earth. Could be just what they thought, but it does make some sense.

Answer 10

Their first stomach is full so they lie down to chow the cud and past it to the next stomach and so it goes.