has anyone heard a saying that when cows lie down to expect rain?

Question

and does anyone know if it's true and why or is it as my mate say's a load of tosh

Answer 1

Yes I have. Yes it's true. Yes it's to keep the grass dry beneath them to some extent. Yes I've seen it. My Dad was a farmer for about 11 years and they had dairy cattle that used to do that.

Answer 2

Yea I've heard it expect it was when cows lie down together under the tree it is expected to rain. I don't think it is true but there has been several time when it has rained.

Answer 3

It's quite a common old wives tale, but I'm afraid it's not true.
Cows tend to 'do' things together. They like to feed at the same time and they like to lie down together.

However, Cows are much more likely to lie down when it is warm and sunny, so I wonder with the UK climate if it was a joke way of saying it's not raining now, so it soon will be!!!!!

Answer 4

my bf actually taught me that and in Arkansas USA it is true because it has been proven so many times. When the humidity in the atmosphere hits a certain level the cows will lay down on the ground because its moist and cool keeps them cool too. The rain however may come in our area or may not but its said that there is a likelier chance if you see the cows layin down.

Answer 5

Cows graze before long rains, but seek shelter before showers.

Cattle graze in low lands for a storm and on high ground for clear weather.

When cows refuse the pasture in the morning, expect rain before night.

If cows lie down in early morning, expect rain at night

Answer 6

this can be an outstanding question and advantages a severe answer.....for once in my life. in case you seem at a cow's legs, to the bare eye they seem very like yours, or mine in that they seem a flesh lined bone encased in pores and skin. below the microscope notwithstanding, the state-of-the-paintings yet all important differences are made sparkling. The cow's leg is somewhat a micro-porous structure. It has the skill to absorb large parts of moisture very straight away. at the same time as rain is impending, the relative humidity stages strengthen, for this reason the air is holding a lot extra moisture. subsequently, the cows legs take in this moisture and, as with maximum substances at the same time as soaked in water, initiate to soften. ultimately, sufficient moisture will be absorbed to soften the cow's legs previous the point the position they could be able to nevertheless help the burden of the cow, and it would want to do not have any determination yet to lie down previous to this element, or provide way. presently after this time, relative humidity stages will attain the point the position rain will initiate to fall. 'dangle on' I listen you say, 'i have seen cows crossing streams, or status in boggy floor. clarify that away Mr smart-clogs!' properly, my buddy, the reason lies in the nature of micro-porous substances. at the same time as the cow's legs are somewhat absorbent of moisture at a microscopic element, macroscopic parts of water will be washed instantly over the legs in a lot a similar way that dry baked floor, at the same time as being absorbent, will enable a heavy downpour to run off the exterior particularly than soaking in.

Answer 7

Ive heard it,they are supposed to lie down so they have a dry piece of grass to lie on when the rain comes.

Answer 8

Yes I have heard that as well. It seems quite true for most cows. But all weather forcasters can be wrong sometimes - I do not know the scientific reason for it.

Answer 9

apparently its true, but to be honest, even they don't know in todays climate!

I've seen a field with some cows lieing down some still on their feet! they were expecting sunny spells with a little rain I think. : )

Answer 10

It is true ! If u ever pass a cow field and a few are lying down i bet you will get rain ...its a fact .